The FLUX is a carbon fiber bump helmet from MTEK Weapon Systems.
Sneak Peek – MTEK FLUX Helmet
October 9th, 2014Magpul – MOE TPS 1911 Grip Panels
October 9th, 2014
The MOE TSP (Trapezoidal Surface Projections) 1911 Grip Panels are an evolution of the original MOE 1911 Grip Panels. Constructed of reinforced polymer, the grips feature a unique diamond-shaped cross-section which prevents twisting in the hand. Also featured on the MOE TSP Grip Panels is an aggressive magazine release cut-out, aggressive TSP texture for positive control, and compatibility with ambidextrous safeties. The grips are designed to fit full sized framed 1911s with standard grip screw bushings.
Colors: Black, FDE, OD Green, Stealth Gray
store.magpul.com/product/MAG544/grips
GreenVetsLA – Veterans Call To Action- Make This World Better One “Selfie” At A Time
October 9th, 2014Carson, California: A group of formerly homeless Veterans issue a challenge to make our world a better place using teddy bears sewn in therapy.
GreenVetsLA, a non-profit organization started in 2010 by Jim Cragg a service disabled veteran, employs formerly homeless veterans as part of a work therapy program. The bases of this program is to teach sewing skills to struggling veterans and give them tools that will allow them to rejoin the society that they once served. All the projects that are taken on have a socially relevant component such as assembling first aid kits for the military or sewing environmentally friendly reusable cloth shopping bags.
For years the veterans have sewn the “Battle Bear”, a stuffed toy, made of camouflage material that matched the uniform of the deployed soldier. The soldier would take a picture with the bear, put a unit patch on it and send it back to the loved one to serve as a connector and companion during their absence.
This concept has morphed into the “Challenge Bear”, an inspirational bear made of durable military cloth scrap that comes with a challenge card from the veterans who created it to take on a social action project. Whether volunteering in a soup kitchen or doing a park or beach cleanup, this bear, strapped to the persons belt or backpack becomes a buddy on a journey to improving community. A Veteran in the program had the idea of taking a “selfie” with the bear while doing a “selfless” act and then posting that photo on social media to inspire others to engage in bettering our environment and our world.
As a nod to the formative years they spent in the military, the Veterans designed a special military / law enforcement Challenge Bear. Their hope is that teams, squads, and platoons would attach their unit patch and adopt a Bear for unit runs, road marches and other physical challenges.
For a recovering Veteran to have a person purchase and value a product they made is a victory. Our goal is to see viral demand for a Made in America, Veteran crafted bear that inspires and motivates others to do their part for community and country.
Challenge Bear is currently a Kickstarter campaign seeking support: www.kickstarter.com/projects/1507757642/challenge-bear.
To learn more about the program, see www.GreenVetsLA.org or www.VetCorpsUSA.org.
Hill People Gear – Heavy Recon Kit Bag
October 9th, 2014
Hill People Gear’s Heavy Recon Kit Bag is constructed from 500D nylon, and features FirstSpear’s 6/12 Pocket Attachment System externally and internally, which allows for full MOLLE/PALS and 6/12 pouch compatibility throughout the HRKB with a reduction in overall weight. The main compartment has dual slot pockets with dummy cord loops, and Velcro loop 6/12 fabric. The pistol compartment is fully lined with Velcro loop if the user wishes to set up the compartment for something other than pistol carriage. Both the pistol and main compartments have buttonhole style drain holes at the bottom.
Available in Coyote Brown, Foliage Grey/Green, and Ranger Green.
hillpeoplegear.com/Products/tabid/762/CategoryID/1/ProductID/37/Default.aspx
Tactical Impulse LE-1 Indiegogo Campaign
October 9th, 2014Tactical Impulse is an Arlington, Texas-based flashlight manufacturer. Their flagship product is the LE-1, an LED flashlight system originally developed as a primary duty light for patrol officers. They are currently holding an Indiegogo campaign to increase awareness for their brand, as well as secure additional funding to develop their next round of LE-1 flashlights and accessories, and develop new products.
The LE-1 is constructed from aluminum, with a stainless steel bezel. It features a 3100 mAh rechargeable li-ion battery with a run time of up to 12 hours on low, which can be extended to up to 22 hours with the use of the optional Size & Life Extension Pack accessory; run time on medium is 4.5 hours, and 2 hours on high, extended to 8.4 and 3.4 hours, respectively, when the Extension Pack is used. The LE-1 is water resistant to IPX8 standard, and has an impact rating of 2m. Max output is 595 lumens.
As previously mentioned, the LE-1 has a line of accessories that either support or add functionality to the light.
The Traffic Baton integrates with the LE-1 and transforms it into an electronic traffic wand, while still allowing the main light to be simultaneously used. It has its own ON/OFF switch, and draws power from the LE-1 battery to operate its internal array of red LEDs.
The LE-1 Cradle Charger locks the flashlight firmly in place to avoid accidental dislodging. It also comes with a spare battery charging bay.
The Smart Holster integrates with the LE-1 thanks to Tactical Impulse Smart Light Control Technology, or SLC. SLC was developed to eliminate potential unintended light activations when the light is holstered on a belt, which can prove dangerous for the user. The Smart Holster insures that the LE-1 will not turn on when holstered even if the power switch is pressed, and will also turn off the LE-1 if it is on when holstered.
www.indiegogo.com/projects/le-1-multi-purpose-flashlight-system
US Army Conducts Bookend Camo Tests at Ft Polk
October 9th, 2014In addition to the new Operational Camouflage Pattern, the US Army has long envisioned a family of camouflage patterns with OCP serving as a general issue, transitional pattern, and special Woodland and Arid variants, color tuned for use in those environments, to support contingency operations via limited issue.
When we originally mentioned the planned bookend camouflage test in late May, we framed it as “analog vs digital” and it appears that our information was correct. SSD has obtained photos of testing being conducted at Fort Polk, Louisiana.
The testing at Ft Polk, comprised of OCP (Scorpion W2), M81 Woodland and MARPAT Woodland, is naturally geared toward the woodland environment.
While these photos only depict the MARPAT Woodland uniforms and the Soldiers are carrying UCP MOLLE and helmets, we do know that TA-50 has also been provided in the range of test patterns. You may also notice that the Soldiers in these photos are mixing it up, wearing Sand T-shirts and USMC issue Coyote (Olive Mojave) boots complete with Eagle Globe & Anchor marking. Interestingly, one Soldier has rolled his sleeves. At first it struck us odd that he had rolled his sleeves like a Marine until it dawned on us that currently serving Soldiers wouldn’t know how they would had done it in BDUs, as the Army no longer rolls its sleeves.
While we don’t have any photos of the M81 Woodland or OCP uniforms, we did score a photo of an example of the Green PALS webbing that has been paired with the OCP MOLLE. We are still unsure what this might indicate.
So far, we do no have any information on the Desert Bookend test which is said to feature OCP, 3-color Desert and MARPAT Desert.
Unit Leaders Purchased OCP Uniforms For 2/75 Rangers
October 9th, 2014We recently reported that Tactical Tailor and Tru-Spec worked together to provide new OCP ACUs for 2nd Bn, 75th Ranger Regiment’s uniform change on 3 October. After a little more investigation, we have found out that no government funds were used to procure the OCP uniforms worn by members of 2/75. Instead, they were purchased with private funds by leaders in the unit to ensure that their Rangers were standing tall and looking good for the Battalion’s 40th Anniversary.
It wasn’t that the Rangers didn’t have issue uniforms at their disposal. It was that they were field uniforms and 2/75 wanted to honor their and the Regiment’s anniversary in squared away ACUs.
If that isn’t awesome enough, we found out something else when we started looking into this. Turns out, Tactical Tailor sold the uniforms at cost and ate the shipping charges. How about that?
What a great story. You’ve got industry stepping up to the plate to support a unit and the leadership spending their own money to make sure that their men were properly equipped.
12,000 Posts Alternate Banner
October 9th, 2014
As you likely know, we recently hit 12,000 posts on SSD. We posted a brief announcement, and with the announcement a simple banner image. However, we originally planned to put this much more festive banner up instead.
So, go ahead and tell us: was the simple static white background banner enough, or would you have preferred the more festive option?
