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Sneak Peek – Centurion Light Fighter Parka

July 1st, 2013

This is a sneak peak of Domari Nolo Defense Consulting’s prototype Centurion Light Fighter Parka. I was fortunate enough to spend some time with these guys at the Shot Heard ‘Round The World earlier this year in New Hampshire after being introduced by Lawrence from Hyde Definition. The Domari Nolo guys love the Pencott patterns and have incorporated them into their line of products that are starting to come out.

They want their gear to be functional, affordable, and American made. Normally you get two of the three but so far, these guys seem to be making it work by managing design and finding great manufacturing partners.

The Centurion Light Fighter Parka is an anorak design and made from ~~50/50 ripstop NYCO~~ water resistant, quick-drying, lightweight polyester fabric that Hyde Definition also used for their SnowDrift camo overwhites (which is being evaluated by SOCOM) but in the PenCott Greenzone pattern. It’s the same fabric used by the USMC for their snow camo overwhites and the USAF for their PT suits.

www.domari-nolo.com

Tags: Domari Nolo Defense Consulting, Hyde Definition, PenCott
Posted in Camo, Clothing | 1 Comment »

It Costs A$27,700 to Outfit a Digger

July 1st, 2013

The War on Terror has resulted in a revolution in Soldier Systems here in the US as well as for our Allies. Prior to the war, the Australian Soldier was outfitted in an ensemble that, other than the 1980s-era DPCU camouflage, very much resembled what his forebears would have worn in Viet Nam.

But, as you can see from this excellent graphic prepared by The Australian, the replacement of the old gear that cost taxpayers just A$3700 is striking. I would even venture to say, that the Australian Soldier is better equipped than his US counterpart with certain items. I’d say, the A$27,700 investment is money well spent.

Tags: Australia
Posted in International | 41 Comments »

Field Gourmet – Box Nasties

June 30th, 2013

Earlier today I was watching the old Jimmy Stewart flick, “Strategic Air Command.” In one scene he’s flying the then new B-47 and eating from a white cardboard box. That’s right, a Box Nasty. That movie is from 1955 and that box hasn’t changed, except for some graphics added to the lid as seen here on this fine example from al Udeid AB, Qatar. Let’s face it, it’s the meal we love to hate.

In the end, it doesn’t really matter that the wrapping is the same, because the contents, no matter where they come from, almost always lead to digestive issues. Doing a little research, (Here’s a free tip. Do NOT google ‘box nasty’ as an image search. Trust me on this one.) I found the coolest website about arcane subjects ever; the Box Nasty Hall of Shame. Unfortunately, it hasn’t been updated since 2009 but there are some awesome examples in this virtual museum.

www.choxnpinz.com/141starlifter/boxnasties/box

Tell us your box nasty stories.

Posted in Field Gourmet | 14 Comments »

Remember This?

June 30th, 2013

A friend of mine named Dave, who happens to be a Retired Navy SEAL, sent this photo to me of an old magazine he had lying around the house. It was his as a kid and he told me that he remembers reading about the exploits of the Viet Nam era SEALs and then having the privilege to serve with them.

Have any of you had similar experiences?

Tags: Combat Illustrated
Posted in History | 8 Comments »

The USMC M45A1 In Use

June 30th, 2013

In this USMC photo taken by LCpl Caleb McDonald, Marines with the Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response ground combat element transition from the standing to kneeling position during a live fire exercise aboard Moron Air Base, June 24, 2013. You can check out their kit which includes the M45A1 CQB Pistol produced by Colt.

Thanks Kinkenchen for the heads up!

Tags: Colt
Posted in weapons | 16 Comments »

Liberty Week

June 30th, 2013

This week will mark the 237th year since our Founding Fathers declared our Independence from mother England. The reason? Why, liberty, of course. So why not use it as a theme over the course of the week?

So I leave it to you. If we are going to discuss Liberty, let’s choose a few topics and take them on, one per day. What say you? Got any ideas?

Posted in Concepts | 8 Comments »