Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Adams Industries Launches Helmet Mounted Binocular

August 1st, 2014

At Warrior West, Adams Industries showed me a prototype concept of a Steiner Binocular that had been modified with an adapter to fit on to a Night Vision Goggle Mount. The idea was that some folks in the reconnaissance and Call For Fire business wanted a means to mount a bino directly to the helmet and pulled down for use during daylight hours for magnified optics. After a few tweaks, the final result is the HELM-BINO-ST which includes the adapter and a STEINER 8×24 TACTICAL Binocular. This particular model was chosen as a balance between size, weight, performance and cost. When you need the magnified binocular vision, you pull them down into place and when they are not needed, you flip them up, just like NVGs. No more binos flopping around on your chest. No more wondering where they are, because they are handy. When it becomes too dark to use the binos, swap them out for NVGs.

-High Definition multi-coated lenses w/ Fast Close Focus from 6′ to infinity. Field of view at 1,000 yards: 375 feet
-Military Grade Rubber Armoring and Waterproofing, Eye cups, submersion to 6 feet
-Mounting systems available for dovetail (PVS-15 style) mounts. Bayonet (PVS-7B style) mounts coming soon!

Currently in production, these are available for order now with EOY funds. KillFlash and Laser Filters available separately.

www.adamsindustries.com

Tags: Adams Industries, Steiner
Posted in Optics, Recce | 29 Comments »

FirstSpear Friday Focus – Partner Series – Battleware Jump Out Vest

August 1st, 2014

For a second time, the FirstSpear Friday Focus will concentrate its efforts on educating you about one of their OEM partners; Virginia-based Battleware. We’ll also show you the Jump Out Vest built exclusively for Battleware by FirstSpear.

Why Battleware Started

We created Battleware because of our desire to design and build products that reach beyond the incremental improvements of the status quo. We saw an opportunity to create dramatically new approaches to solving end-user problems. The feedback we’ve gotten from our customers tells us we’re clearly on that course.

Why American Production

The choice to have our products manufactured in the United States was easy. We are absolutely committed to not only defending Americans as they do their jobs down-range, but also to providing opportunity for as many Americans to participate in that process as we can. For us, it’s a matter of pride in our country as well as a duty.

Why FirstSpear

Choosing to partner with FirstSpear was among the easiest of all our decisions as we ramped up Battleware. We’re completely focused on revolutionary change in design and FirstSpear is the clear leader in our market. Game-changing technologies, combined with truly insightful designs born from direct contact with end-users keeps First Spear extremely relevant. Combine all that with a long pedigree of excellence in manufacturing tactical equipment and a shared focus on going beyond the normal incremental improvements most often found in this market and the choice to team with FirstSpear becomes obvious.

Jump Out Vest

The Jump Out vest is designed for quick on and off operations common to street crimes teams and counter drug surveillance units. Light weight and fully adjustable, the Jump Out can be worn comfortably in a vehicle, or kept close to be thrown on quickly as the officer exits.

Features
-6/12™ or MOLLE pocket attachment system
-Front to back wrap-around protection
-Four-point adjustment
-Can be worn with or without Tubes cummerbund
-Bottom-loading armor pockets with rifle plate suspension system back and front
-Available in small, medium, large, and extra large sizes

www.battleware.com

www.First-Spear.com

Tags: Battleware, FirstSpear
Posted in Armor | 1 Comment »

S.O. Tech Dealer Catalog Now Available

August 1st, 2014

Click to view .pdf

S.O. Tech’s dealer catalog has just been released. It’s full of the latest and greatest S.O. Tech gear, including newly upgraded belts, packs, and bags.

You can view the catalog by clicking the above image, or download it here: www.scribd.com/doc/228850585/S-O-TECH-Dealership-Program

sotechtactical.com

Tags: S.O. Tech
Posted in Industry | Comments Off on S.O. Tech Dealer Catalog Now Available

US Army Issues ALARACT for New Army Physical Fitness Uniform and Black Microfleece Cap

August 1st, 2014

One more time. This time, it’s not a draft and has actually been published. The only additional info we have on this new ensemble is a year old.
soldiersystems.net/2013/07/26/more-on-the-new-army-physical-fitness-uniform

FOR SITUATIONAL AWARENESS

PLEASE DISSEMINATE TO ALL MILITARY PERSONNEL.

SUBJECT: THE NEW ARMY PHYSICAL FITNESS UNIFORM (APFU) AND THE NEW BLACK MICROFLEECE CAP

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, REQUEST THE WIDEST POSSIBLE DISSEMINATION

1. (U) REFERENCES:

A. (U) OPERATIONAL FORCES INTERFACE GROUP REPORT, DATED 3 MAY 12, SUBJECT: TOTAL ARMY SURVEY OF THE IMPROVED PHYSICAL FITNESS UNIFORM (IPFU) TO ALL 50 STATES AND VARIOUS WORLDWIDE LOCATIONS.

B. (U) OPERATIONAL FORCES INTERFACE GROUP REPORT, DATED 7 JAN 13, SUBJECT: IMPROVED PHYSICAL FITNESS UNIFORM (IPFU) PHASE II.

C. (U) OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF G-4, MEMORANDUM DATED 26 AUG 13, SUBJECT: IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF OF THE ARMY (CSA) APPROVAL OF THE 144TH ARMY UNIFORM BOARD (AUB) RECOMMENDATIONS.

2. (U) THE PURPOSE OF THIS MESSAGE IS TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ON THE INTRODUCTION OF THE NEW ARMY PHYSICAL FITNESS UNIFORM (APFU).

3. (U) SOLDIERS’ FEEDBACK PROMPTED THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW APFU. TO GAUGE ACCURATELY THE SOLDIERS’ OPINIONS, THE ARMY CONDUCTED AN ONLINE SURVEY FROM 6 FEB TO 7 MAR 12. THE SURVEY GENERATED MORE THAN 76,000 SOLDIER RESPONSES. THE SOLDIERS’ RECOMMENDATIONS INCLUDE MODIFICATIONS TO THE APPEARANCE, THE ADDITION OF HIGH PERFORMANCE FABRICS, AND MEASURES TO INCREASE COMFORTAND FIT. FROM 9-29 OCT 12, A SECOND SURVEY CONDUCTED TO DETERMINE SOLDIER PREFERENCE FOR COLOR AND DESIGN OF THE FITNESS UNIFORM. MORE THAN 190,000 SOLDIERS VOTED ON 64 DESIGN AND COLOR COMBINATIONS. SOLDIERS ULTIMATELY RECOMMENDED THE BLACK AND GOLD ENSEMBLE.

4. (U) THE PROGRAM EXECUTIVE OFFICE SOLDIER WORKED WITH NATICK SOLDIER RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT AND ENGINEERING CENTER TO REDESIGN THE CURRENT IPFU. THE GOAL WAS TO USE HIGH PERFORMANCE FABRICS WITHOUT INCREASING THE COST OF THE NEW APFU. THE NEW APFU FEATURES 34 IMPROVEMENTS: IMPROVED ID/KEY POCKETS, A REDESIGNED STRETCHABLE LINING IN THE TRUNKS, HEAT MITIGATION, AND FEMALE SIZING (PANTS/JACKET). ALL OF THESE CHANGES WERE INCORPORATED BASED ON SOLDIERS’ INPUT. THE ARMY CONDUCTED EXTENSIVE TECHNICAL TESTING AS WELL AS USER ASSESSMENTS IN VARIOUS CLIMATIC REGIONS TO OBTAIN SOLDIER’S FEEDBACK AND TO VALIDATE THE APFU FORM, FIT, AND FUNCTION.

5. (U) THE NEW APFU ENSEMBLE CONSISTS OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:

A. (U) APFU JACKET: BLACK W/GOLD ARMY LOGO

B. (U) APFU PANTS: BLACK W/GOLD ARMY LOGO

C. (U) APFU LONG SLEEVE SHIRT: BLACK W/GOLD “ARMY” LETTERING

D. (U) APFU SHORT SLEEVE SHIRT: BLACK W/GOLD “ARMY” LETTERING

E. (U) APFU TRUNKS: BLACK W/GOLD “ARMY” LETTERING

6. (U) THE NEW APFU EMSEMBLE IS QUICK DRYING, MOISTURE WICKING, AND USES LIGHT-WEIGHT FABRICS. THE APFU ENSEMBLE IS NOT REFLECTIVE. THE T-SHIRTS AND TRUNK LINERS WILL NOT HAVE ANTIMICROBIAL CAPABILITIES AT THIS TIME. AFTER FURTHER RESEARCH, THE ARMY WILL CONSIDER ADDING ANTIMICROBIAL CAPABILITIES.

7. (U) THE ARMY PLANS TO INTRODUCE THE NEW ISSUED APFU OVER SEVERAL YEARS. THE NEW APFU WILL BE AVAILABLE:

A. (U) FOR ARMY MILITARY CLOTHING STORES (AMCS) IN 1QFY15. DURING THE APFU INTRODUCTION, DRILL AND ADVANCED INDIVIDUAL TRAINING (AIT) PLATOON SERGEANTS AT CLOTHING INITIAL ISSUE POINT (CIIP) LOCATIONS ARE AUTHORIZED TO OBTAIN THEIR SUPPLEMENTAL ISSUE OF APFU ITEMS FROM THEIR LOCAL AMCS IN 2QFY15.

B. (U) FOR CIIP FOR INITIAL ENTRY TRAINING (IET) SOLDIERS IN 3QFY15,

C. (U) FOR THE ARMY NATIONAL GUARD, ARMY RESERVE, AND SENIOR RESERVE OFFICER TRAINING CORPS SOLDIERS IN 4QFY15.

D. (U) THE WEAR OUT DATE FOR THE IPFU IS 30 SEP 17. THE MANDATORY POSSESSION DATE FOR THE APFU IS 1 OCT 17 (1QFY18).

8. (U) THE ARMY IS INTRODUCING AN OPTIONAL COMMERCIAL APFU ENSEMBLE, WHICH WILL BE AVAILABLE IN AMCS’ STARTING 1QFY15 (DEC 14). THIS WILL ALLOW SOLDIERS AN OPTION TO PROCURE AN APFU IN ANOTHER FABRIC WITH THEIR PERSONAL FUNDS. THE OPTIONAL APFU WILL BE IDENTICAL IN APPEARANCE TO THE NEW ISSUED APFU, BUT WILL BE MADE WITH HIGHER PERFORMANCE FABRICS AT AN INCREASED COST TO THE SOLDIER. SOLDIERS MUST PROCURE THE OPTIONAL ITEMS WITH THEIR PERSONAL FUNDS. IN ADDITION, THE OPTIONAL PURCHASE APFU INCLUDE THE JACKET AND PANTS IN UNISEX AND FEMALE SIZES.

9. (U) SOLDIERS ARE AUTHORIZED TO WEAR A MIXTURE OF ISSUED AND OPTIONAL APFU COMPONENTS. SOLDIERS ARE UNAUTHORIZED TO MIX THE WEAR OF NEW APFU COMPONENTS WITH THE IPFU COMPONENTS.
APFUS ARE AUTHORIZED FOR WEAR ON AND OFF DUTY, ON AND OFF THE INSTALLATION, AND WHEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMMANDER.

10. THE ARMY IS CHANGING THE COLOR OF THE MICROFLEECE CAP FROM GREEN TO BLACK FOR WEAR WITH THE NEW APFU AND THE NEW ARMY COMBAT UNIFORM. THE NEW BLACK MICROFLEECE CAP WILL BE AVAILABLE:

A. (U) AT ARMY MILITARY CLOTHING STORES (AMCS) IN 1QFY15. DURING THE BLACK MICROFLEECE CAP INTRODUCTION, DRILL AND AIT PLATOON SERGEANTS AT CIIP LOCATIONS ARE AUTHORIZED TO OBTAIN THEIR SUPPLEMENTAL ISSUE OF THE BLACK MICROFLEECE CAP FROM THEIR LOCAL AMCS IN 2QFY15.

B. (U) AT CLOTHING INITIAL ISSUE POINTS FOR IET SOLDIERS IN 3QFY15,

C. (U) AT THE ARMY NATIONAL GUARD, ARMY RESERVE, AND RESERVE OFFICER TRAINING CORPS SOLDIERS IN 4QFY15.

D. (U) THE WEAR OUT DATE FOR THE GREEN MICROFLEECE CAP IS 30 SEP 18. THE MANDATORY POSSESSION DATE FOR THE BLACK MICROFLEECE CAP IS 1 OCT 17 (1QFY18).

11. (U) HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY (HQDA) POINT OF CONTACT IS MAJ DANNY PADELLO, OR MS. BRYANT-HARPER.

12. (U) THIS MESSAGE WILL EXPIRE IN MARCH 2024 UNLESS SUPERSEDED BY OFFICIAL GUIDANCE FROM HQDA.

CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED
CAVEATS: NONE

Posted in Clothing | 57 Comments »

SureFire 2211 Luminox WristLight Boasts 300 Lumens With Integral Swiss Timepiece

August 1st, 2014

Fountain Valley, CA — SureFire has expanded its revolutionary line of 2211 WristLights—a whole new category of hands-free illumination tools—with the release of its new SureFire 2211 Luminox whose output maxes out at 300 lumens! This new rechargeable WristLight features a high-performance LED focused by a special refractive optic as the original 2211 WristLight, but it also sports a high-quality timepiece from legendary Swiss watchmaker Luminox.

Created with input from law enforcement professionals, the 2211 Luminox’s light output is designed to automatically align downrange from a pistol held in a standard two-handed grip. This broad, powerful beam is ideal for identifying threats and blinding an aggressor’s night-adapted vision. The LED’s output can be set to 300 lumens with a simple press of either of its ambidextrous switches. There are also two useful lower-output settings of 60 and 15 lumens for tasks where less light and more runtime are called for, such as navigating outdoor trails or loading/unloading gear. These lower levels can be easily accessed by pressing both buttons simultaneously.

The classic Luminox watch of this new WristLight features a Swiss quartz movement, a unidirectional rotating bezel with timer markings, and self-illuminating tritium gas hands and markers that glow bright for easy reading in low-light conditions. Fully integrated into a lightweight but rugged aluminum body, the watch has a hardened, scratch-resistant mineral crystal that protects its face, and gasket sealing for waterproofing. The hard-anodized, gasket-sealed body—which also houses the LED, optic, pushbutton switching, USB charge port, and fuel gauge—is the size of a large sports watch, and it straps securely to the wrist via a comfortable rubber wristband with a stainless steel buckle.

The LED is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, while the Luminox watch is powered by a separate non-rechargeable lithium disk battery for continuous timekeeping even if the rechargeable battery is fully depleted. A built-in LED fuel gauge let’s you know when it’s time to charge the battery, which is easily accomplished via an included USB charging cable.

Features & Benefits

• Straps to support-hand wrist for instant access to 300 lumens and automatic alignment with pistol

• High-performance LED focused by proprietary refractive optic into a broad beam capable of overwhelming an aggressor’s vision

• Ambidextrous switching activates three levels of useful light: 300, 60, and 15 lumens

• Rugged Luminox watch features date, rotating bezel, and self illuminating tritium dial for low-light situations

• Fuel gauge indicates remaining battery power

• Precision machined from aerospace aluminum and hard anodized for durability

www.surefire.com/2211-luminox-wristlight

Tags: Surefire
Posted in Lights, Watches | 12 Comments »

Breaking – US Army Makes Officical Announcement Regarding Adoption of Scorpion W2 aka Operational Camouflage Pattern

July 31st, 2014

Finally! To little fanfare, the US Army has just released an official statement attributed to an anonymous Senior Army Spokesperson (yes, I’m not kidding, no one put their name on this) that they’ve adopted the Scorpion W2 camouflage pattern for use as the Operational Camouflage Pattern. This means that Scorpion W2 will supplant the MultiCam pattern which was adopted as OCP into 2010. In addition, it will also replace the Universal Camouflage Pattern adopted in 2004 as the primary Camo pattern. The printers are rolling Scorpion off the line like so many $100 bills at the US Treasury.

There are no new details in the statement that have not already been disclosed by Soldier Systems Daily. The timing for sale of the items in the new pattern in Summer 2015 is in line with the May 2015 goal stated to industry last month.

Despite this announcement, which occurred after duty hours on a Thursday evening, the Army has still not released any photographs of the Scorpion W2 variant which was modified from the baseline Scorpion circa 2010. So far, everything you see online that is labeled Scorpion is not the W2 variant adopted by the Army. As both the commercial MultiCam and Scorpion W2 are variants of the original Scorpion they all have very similar shapes and colorations but are distinguishable when laid out side-by-side. In fact, both the Scorpion and MultiCam patterns were developed by Crye Associates while the Scorpion W2 modification of the pattern was conducted at the US Army’s Natick Soldier Systems Center in Massachusetts. See our article soldiersystems.net/2014/05/23/little-scorpion-camo-history for additional background.

ARLINGTON, Va. (July 31, 2014) — The Army has selected a pattern as its base combat uniform camouflage pattern. The Army has confirmed through testing that the pattern would offer exceptional concealment, which directly enhances force protection and survivability for Soldiers.

The Army is naming the pattern the Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) to emphasize that the pattern’s use extends beyond Afghanistan to all Combatant Commands. The Army’s adoption of OCP will be fiscally responsible by transitioning over time and simply replacing current uniforms and equipment as they wear out.

The Army anticipates the Army Combat Uniform with the OCP will be available for purchase by Soldiers at Military Clothing Sales Stores (MCSS) in the summer of 2015.

For the most comprehensive coverage on the path forward for the adoption of Scorpion W2 as the Operational Camouflage Pattern, read our story soldiersystems.net/2014/06/30/latest-info-us-army-transition-scorpion-camouflage-including-accessory-colors-schedules

This article was updated to add details on the history of the a Scorpion camouflage pattern.

Tags: US Army
Posted in Camo | 129 Comments »

Bill Geissele Demonstrates the New Super Sabra Trigger for the Tavor

July 31st, 2014

Geissele Automatics’ own Bill Geissele demonstrates the new Super Sabra trigger for the Israeli Tavor. It is a derivative of the popular SSA trigger, and will have a similar pull and feel around 4.5 lbs.

Post by Geissele Automatics, LLC.

That mark on Bill’s face is the exhaust from the use of the SilencerCo Saker556 suppressor. Geissele has stated that the ambidextrous ejection port was not completely seated allowing some gas to escape.

geissele.com/super-tavor

Tags: Geissele Automatics
Posted in weapons | 9 Comments »

Check Out the New Camo Eyepro Models from Smith Elite at OR

July 31st, 2014

After reading this press release from Smith Elite, I can’t wait to check these babies out during next week’s Outdoor Retailer Summer Market in Salt Lake City, Utah. They’re offering four frame styles in three camouflage patterns; Realtree, Kryptek and Multicam

SMITH Launches New Camo Collection

KETCHUM, ID (July 29, 2014) – Whether you’re hunting big game, posted up in a duck blind or stealthily entering enemy territory, SMITH Elite has your vision protected with MilSpec level impact resistance wrapped in the most effective camouflage patterns used today. Featuring designs from Realtree®, Kryptek and Multicam® across four frame styles, SMITH Elite offers a variety of tactical protection solutions to dissuade and disguise visual detection.

Debuting this summer, the new Drop Tactical sunglasses (MSRP $199) provide maximum frame coverage in impact-resistant materials, including polarized brown high impact lenses to keep fast moving debris and light out of your eyes. For the avid huntsmen, SMITH features frames in Realtree A/P® camo – a neutral, open, realistic, versatile and effective pattern. For bird hunters, the frame is also offered in Realtree MAX-4® wetlands camo, providing maximum effectiveness as waterfowl camo in any open terrain and without geographical limitations. Additional styles featuring Realtree A/P and Max-4 patterning include the Hideout Tactical (MSRP $95-140) and Hudson Tactical (MSRP $95-140) frames, with 3 lens options available.

Specially designed for varied geographical regions and elevations, SMITH is also utilizing Kryptek Highlander™ patterns to increase stealth when pursuing a wide range of quarry in mixed terrain. For use by military and hunters alike, Kryptek Highlander is available with gray MilSpec rated lenses in the Hideout Tactical, Hudson Tactical and Prospect Tactical frame styles (MSRP $179 each).

For military and law enforcement personnel, SMITH offers Kryptek Typhon™ and Multicam® patterning. Ideal for night missions and featuring a black and gray snakeskin design, Kryptek Typhon serves those who operate when and where others will not venture. The MultiCam® pattern was developed to effectively limit the visual signature of a person operating across a very wide range of physical environments and seasons. The official issued pattern of the US Army for all Afghanistan operations in 2010, MultiCam blends a variety of neutral hues to allow the overall appearance to change from green to brown tones in different areas of the fabric, while having smaller blotches to break up the bigger background areas. Kryptek Typhon is available in the Hideout Tactical, Hudson Tactical and Prospect Tactical frame styles with MilSpec impact resistant gray lenses (MSRP $179 each), and the MultiCam is offered in the Prospect Tactical frame (MSRP $179).

All styles feature 8 base lens curvature for full eye protection, impact resistant lens and frame materials (meets ANSI Z87.1 and MIL-PRF-31013 Clause 3.5.1.1) and have hydrophilic Megol temple and nose pads that gently adhere to the skin when reacting to perspiration and moisture.

To purchase, visit www.smithoptics.com/elite.

Tags: Smith Elite
Posted in Camo, Eyepro, Outdoor Retailer | 7 Comments »