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SKD Tactical PIG Brigandine SYSTEMA

December 14th, 2012

I see loads of armor carriers. If anything, I’m jaded. But, every once in awhile, something different comes along. SKD came to me a few weeks ago and showed me this video and I have to say that it impressed me. Watch this video and tell me what YOU think.

Obviously, it looks different, but it is also scalable. You can go from a simple 11 oz chest rig all the way up to a full blown Plate Carrier with cummerbund and integrated pouches.

The modularity is thanks to the multiple component options. In addition to front and rear plate pockets (you can mix and match sizes), shoulder straps, cummerbunds, and rear storage systems, the PIG BRIG offers multiple chest rig systems (seen below).

Weight is mitigated by the “shoehorn” fit for the plates. It is a very tight fit but means that there is no slop and consequently, there is less fabric and less weight. Each PIG BRIG model is designed around a specific plate contour. Currently, the BRIG is available for ESAPI (4 sizes), the 10″ x 12″ Tap Gamma and the Velocity Systems/LTC ICW 10″ x 12″ Plate. Other plate shapes will be offered in the future.

Additionally, the PIG BRIG is designed with the straps attaching at a lower point than the top of the plate (like the PIG PC), allowing for a higher plate placement. Considering how many new pieces SKD had to introduce all at once, the SYSTEMA is impressive. But, to be honest, you’ve got to head over to SKD Tactical and read up on all of the options.

www.skdtac.com

Tags: SKD Tactical
Posted in Armor | 4 Comments »

5th SFG(A) Wins USASOC Sniper Comp

December 13th, 2012

Lest we forget to tell you, a team from the 5th SFG(A) won last week’s US Army Special Operations Command Sniper Competition at Ft Bragg, NC. They beat out a field of international teams to claim the title.

A sniper prepares to lay down suppressive fire while his teammate moves to cover behind the next vehicle during the U.S. Army Special Operations Command Sniper Competition at Fort Bragg, NC, Dec 6. (Photo – SPC Jeffrey Moore)

Posted in Morale | 11 Comments »

Take Note

December 13th, 2012

Kyle Defoor shooting his GLOCK from the prone supported position.

Tags: Alias Training and Security Services, Kyle Defoor
Posted in Training | 1 Comment »

B5 Systems SOPMOD Bravo Stock in AOR

December 13th, 2012

Here we see one of B5 Systems’ new SOPMOD Bravo stocks in dipped in AOR 1 (bottom). There is also a SOPMOD stock in AOR 2 (top). They tell us that production models will feature dipped adjustment levers as well. The SOPMOD Bravo is featured on The Jack carbine, just unveiled by HSP and Bravo Company USA.

Tags: B5 Systems
Posted in Camo, weapons | 3 Comments »

First Ascent Mountain OPs Jacket

December 13th, 2012

The Mountain OPs Jacket from Eddie Bauer’s First Ascent line caught my eye during a recent Christmas shopping excursion to the local mall. It’s as if someone had taken a mechanic’s garage jacket and modernized it…really modernized it.

With a 500D Cordura nylon shell, the Mountain OPs jacket integrates 700 fill goose down insulation and an updated look. It boasts 7 pockets including an angled, flapped chest pocket pocket on the left as well as an inset bicep pocket on the left arm and angled pen pocket on the right sleeve. In addition to slash hand warmer pockets, it also features a single pocket on the interior.

The little details really make this jacket. It includes knit collar and inset knit cuffs as well as a fleece chin cup for comfort in the cold.

It is generously cut and designed to layer. Order your correct size unless you want a slim fit, then go down one size. Offered in regular and tall lengths sizes Small – XXLarge. Smoke Grey with Red accents. Remember, Grey is the new Black.

www.eddiebauer.com

Tags: Cordura, Eddie Bauer, First Ascent
Posted in Clothing, Off-Duty, Outdooralamode | Comments Off on First Ascent Mountain OPs Jacket

A Merry Christmas, Indeed

December 13th, 2012

A big “thank you” to our friends at Daniel Defense

Tags: Daniel Defense
Posted in Admin | 2 Comments »

US Army Begins Fielding of Female IOTV Variant

December 13th, 2012

PFC Cheryl Rogers grins as 2LT Chelsea Adams helps her into the new Generation III Female Improved Outer Tactical Vest. The Soldiers, who are part of the 1st ABCT Female Engagement Team, Third Infantry Division, are preparing to deploy to Afghanistan and will be only the second group in the US Army to test this new body armor. Photo – US Army

The female fit variant of the US Army issue Gen III Improved Outer Tactical Best began in 2009 after the 101st identified fit issues with the Gen II IOTV for their female Soldiers.

“When I was with the 101st in Afghanistan, I raised the issue there that we had female Soldiers going outside the wire on a routine basis and their equipment was just too large for them to operate and correctly pocket their weapon in,” said MSG Jeff Fenlason. “Because the problems were directly affecting the ability of these women to operate efficiently in combat, the Army began looking for ways to improve the vests.”

During the initial push for a better vest, the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center initiated multiple surveys and found that about 85 percent of women in the Army were wearing a vest one size too large and about 52 percent were wearing a vest about two sizes too large.

“Over the course of a couple years, NSRDEC worked through a couple design changes, and what we put the 1st ABCT FET team in is the result of all that work,” explained MSG Fenlason, who is now operating as a plans noncommissioned officer for 1st ABCT.

According to an Army press release, this version of the IOTV is designed to curve with the female anatomy, and the parts come in multiple sizes to custom fit to each woman, unlike the one-size-fits-all Gen II model.

The Army plans to field 3,000 of these models by the summer of 2013.

Posted in Armor, PEO-Soldier | 20 Comments »