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AUSA Presents: The Birth of the U.S. Army: Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of America’s First National Institution

June 14th, 2025

The Association of the United States Army is proud to announce the release of a new graphic novel in honor of the Army’s 250th birthday celebration: The Birth of the U.S. Army.

The Birth of the U.S. Army

Celebrate the 250th anniversary of America’s first national institution

The U.S. Army was established on June 14, 1775—more than a year before the Declaration of Independence. Under civil authority, militia from separate colonies unified under a new commander to form a national force to fight for independence. The history of the Army is intertwined with the history of America itself.

Script: Chuck Dixon (Batman, The Punisher, The ’Nam) 

Artwork and Cover: Wayne Vansant (The ’Nam, Savage Tales, All Quiet on the Western Front)

Lettering: Troy Peteri (Spider-Man, Iron Man, X-Men)

The Association of the United States Army celebrates this milestone of American history with its latest graphic novel. This full-color digital book was created by a talented team of professionals drawn from the comic book industry, and the details were vetted by professional historians.

Information on the AUSA Book Program can be found at www.ausa.org/books.

To read The Birth of the U.S. Army or to download a free copy, please visit www.ausa.org/the-birth-of-the-us-army

Happy 250th Birthday US Army!

June 14th, 2025

Even before we were a nation, we had an army…

OPEX 25 – Gray Fox Strategic

June 13th, 2025

Gray Fox Strategic formally debuted their Nexus AIWB Connector, a flexible, yet strong Tegris bridge to connect holster and accessory pouch like handcuff or spare mag for inside the waist and carry.

grayfoxstrategic.ca

OPEX 25 – Sparrows Lockpicks

June 13th, 2025

Sparrows has expanded way beyond lockpicks to add other forms of access devices. Take for instance this fence step displayed last month at Operator Expo in Ottawa.

www.sparrowslockpicks.com

OPEX 25 – Salomon Forces Genesis GTX Mid

June 13th, 2025

This is the upcoming Genesis Forces GTX Mid which is based on the popular trail running shoe, the Salomon Genesis.

www.salomon.com

OPEX 25 – Sneak Peek from Tomahawk Performance

June 13th, 2025

Tomahawk Performance gave us a sneak peek of their upcoming Cold Weather Combat Shirt. It combines an insulated upper with a Polartec fleece body.

OPEX 25 – TYR Tactical’s Duty Belt Selected by RCMP

June 13th, 2025

At Operator Expo I got a chance to check out the Tactical Duty Belt Kit from TYR, selected by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Turns out, more and more agencies in Canada are turning to TYR to provide this important piece of LE kit.

I spoke with the TYR Team and they gave told me, “TYR Tactical, renowned for its innovative body armour and ballistic carriers, has brought this same high-performance design and engineering to its line of belts. With an emphasis on durability, modularity, and comfort, these products are built to meet the demanding needs of tactical professionals.”

TYR Tactical Canada, after successfully becoming the provider of belts for the Vancouver Police Department, the Modular Assault Belt (MAB), and keeping with TYR’s tactical Motto, “Innovate or Die,” designed the Padded Duty Belt with extensive feedback and trials with local law enforcement personnel. Initially developed for officers with back and hip issues, the belt became the standard issue amongst local agencies.

To add to their success, TYR Canada was awarded the RCMP Padded Duty belt after an extensive user trial in August 2024 (5 Years 9500 Belts). After a redesign of TYR Tactical’ s TBB belt and following a user trial, it was awarded the RCMP Ergonomic Duty Belt (5 years, $ 14,000 belts), becoming the provider of all duty belts for the RCMP.

Most recently, TYR Canada was awarded the City of Winnipeg Police Duty Belts Contract.

They also provided this image which breaks down the kit.

COMPONENTS

1- INNER BELT

-External hook and loop to attach to the

Outer Duty Belt to prevent shifting

-2 Metal D-Rings for adjustable closure

2- SPACER MESH PAD

-Internal and Removable – .125”Thick

-Antimicrobial / FR Treated

-Attaches via hook and loop

3- OUTER DUTY BELT

-Single PALS webbing for MOLLE attachment

-Internal Poly insert improves belt structure

-Internal hook and loop

-Engineered using TYR Tactical’s

revolutionary Patented PV® material

-Dimensions: 3” Height

4- HOLSTER ADAPTER

-Available for 2” and 2.25”Holsters

-Slide on Attachment

5- TYR TACTICAL® BASE BELT-D

– Constructed from High Strength type 13 webbing

– Closure is through a 2” COBRA® Buckle

– Independently tested:

Vertical pull test 3084.4 kg (6,800lbs.) +/-5%

6- KEEPERS

– 1” mil spec webbing

– 4 per Duty Belt Kit

– Fastened via hook and loop

AVAILABLE SIZES

26″ – 54″

FirstSpear Friday Focus: FirstSpear Logo T-Shirt in New Colorways

June 13th, 2025

The FIRSTSPEAR LOGO T-SHIRT is a comfortable and high-quality option for those who appreciate both performance and style in casual wear. Made from a super soft 60/40 blend of combed ring-spun cotton and polyester, this shirt offers a lightweight, breathable feel that’s perfect for everyday use and is now offered in two new colorways: Teal, and Storm.

Side seaming enhances the fit and structure of the shirt, giving it a more tailored look and preventing the twisting that can occur with tubular shirts. This construction detail also adds to its overall durability and helps maintain its shape wash after wash. The shirt proudly features the FirstSpear logo, making it a great way to represent the brand whether you’re at the range, in the gym, or relaxing.

Designed and screen printed in the USA, the shirt reflects FirstSpear’s commitment to American craftsmanship and quality control. Whether you’re a tactical professional, a FirstSpear enthusiast, or just looking for a solid everyday tee, this shirt delivers on comfort and style. It’s available in multiple sizes to ensure a proper fit for a wide range of body types. Perfect for layering or wearing on its own, the FirstSpear Logo T-Shirt is a reliable addition to any wardrobe.

FirstSpear is the premier source for cutting edge-tactical gear for military, law enforcement and those who train.

For more information visit First-Spear.com.