Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

TacApps – Theodolite

August 20th, 2012

A Theodolite is an instrument used by surveyors to measure angles in the horizontal and vertical plane. Hunter Research and Technology has developed an app that brings the functionality of the theodolite to the iPhone. It is an augmented reality nav app works as a compass, GPS, map, zoom camera, rangefinder, and two-axis inclinometer. It’s AR overlays real-time information about position, altitude, bearing, range, and horizontal/vertical inclination on the live camera image of an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

In our community, Theodolite is frequently used for forward observation and advanced tactical navigation. Recently, they released version 3.0, adding geo-stamped movies and additional military rangefinder scopes.

HR Apps provides some in-depth info on Theodolite’s capabilities –

Theodolite lets users take geo-tagged camera images, screenshots, movies, and screen movies directly from the app, with 2X and 4X digital zoom options and fast buffered saves. Users can choose to stamp geographical data and custom notes directly on photos and movies for later reference.

Theodolite includes features for serious users like a zero reference angle mode, an A-B calculator for height, distance, heading, position, triangulation, and relative angles, data logging, e-mail export with KML data, system-wide clipboard integration, percent grade display, mil compass readout, optical rangefinders (including a mil-based reticle and sniper-style stadiametric graphs), colored lens filters to improve use in dark conditions and preserve night vision, military grid reference system (MGRS) coordinates, universal transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinates, and six latitude/longitude formats.

Theodolite lets users manage custom markers on the built in map with standard, satellite, and hybrid modes, compass rose, and bearings. Users can share map markers and A-B points with other users of Theodolite via SMS text messages and e-mail. This powerful capability opens up a wide range of collaborative uses which include team land surveying, accident investigations, spotting of wild fires, triangulation of landmarks, and advanced tactical observation and targeting operations.

Theodolite 3.0 introduces a new movie recording feature, with optional screen/watermark overlays and multiple video quality settings. Version 3.0 also includes three large-format sniper-style stadiametric rangefinders showing distance multipliers, yards, or meters, revised position formats with a new decimal minutes option, and color options for photo/movie data stamp watermarks.

hrtapps.com/theodolite or to purchase on iTunes.

Tags: Theodolite
Posted in Tac Apps | 4 Comments »

Corps Strength – Olympic Dreaming

August 20th, 2012

Over the past couple of weeks I’ve spent a bunch of time watching the London Olympics. I’m sure most people would agree with me when I say the unreal athletic ability displayed by the men and women competing there is sometimes hard to comprehend as its so far above what the average person can do. Yes, it would have been great to have the talent get to the Olympics, let alone win a medal, but in reality that’s just a dream for the vast majority of us.

That being said, we need to remember that we have people who must be ready to operate at a world class physical level everyday, and these people aren’t blessed with superhuman genetics, unlimited time, and funds for training. They’re our First Responders; Military, Fire-Fighters and law enforcement. Out there in harms way 24/7 protecting lives at home, and overseas in combat zones. Now these everyday hero’s will never be able to run the 100 with Usain Bolt, but I wonder how Bolt would fare humping a 60+lb pack up a rocky hill in Afghanistan, fueled by cold MRE’s, warm water, on only a few hours sleep (not to mention being shot at in the process)? The point is that the physical requirements of First Responders are fundamentally different than Olympic or professional athletes. In addition, they need to preform at their best not just every four years, but everyday, and sometimes, for days on end. To maintain this high level of conditioning over a long career requires a specifically focused system and training mindset. This has always been the goal of my fitness book Corps Strength. Not to get you ready for the decathlon, soccer or water polo, but well prepared to handle the difficult tasks that you may have to deal with everyday. Like hiking with heavy gear, running with equipment or weapons, climbing and lifting (yours and others) body weight over obstacles, just to name a few. My system was designed and tested in the real world, by real people from all different types of working occupations, and it’s been proven an effective and sustainable program. The bottom line is it works and doesn’t require excessive amounts of training time or special equipment. In any case my exercise system probably won’t get you an Olympic medal, but it can help you accomplish the mission and help keep you healthy on the job for years to come. Try it.

Be safe and Semper Fi
MGunz

Tags: Corps Strength
Posted in Corps Strength, Training | 1 Comment »

MMI Introduces DEPSOC 360 Pre-Orders

August 19th, 2012

MMI Tactical has introduced Pre-orders for clothing in their DEPSOC360 patterns. Developed by HDI and marketed by MMI, DEPSOC was originally conceived for use by US Army snipers. Since then the family of patterns was expanded for the US Army Camouflage Improvement Effort and further expanded for commercial use.

In addition to the Pursuit Button Down seen here, they are also offering the Pursuit Cargo Pant as well as Stealth Performance Ts in short and long sleeves. These look great for Fall hunting.

www.mmitactical.com

Tags: DEPSOC 360, MMI Tactical
Posted in Camo, Clothing | 2 Comments »

Exclusive Offer for SSD Readers from OverstockTactical

August 19th, 2012

Now through 25 August 2012 SSD readers can take advantage of several special discounts on OverstockTactical.com.

Arc’teryx: 30% off Coupon Code is SLDSYSARCTERYX
Crye Precision: 10 % off Coupon Code is SLDSYSCRYE
Everything Else on the site additional 10% off: SLDSYSSALE

Tags: Arc'teryx, Crye Precision, Overstocktactical.com
Posted in Arc'teryx, Deal of the Week | 1 Comment »

HyperStealth’s CUEPAT to be Featured on Upcoming TV Series “Primeval New World”

August 19th, 2012

Hyperstealth originally developed The camouflage under contract for the Canadian Department of National Defence, Defence Research and Development Canada Suffield, (DRDC-S) to devise a Canadian Urban Environment Pattern (CUEPAT) based on the unique requirements of Canada’ss three major metropolitan areas, Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal.

Now, CUEPAT – 1 has found its way onto the upcoming TV series, “Primeval New World” filmed near Hyperstealth’s headquarters in Vancouver, BC. It’s a North American spin-off of the hit U.K. television series “Primeval” featuring a Special Forces Canadian Military unit. Naturally, they need something high tech looking, so the producers turned to HyperStealth. As it is a restricted pattern, HyperStealth had to receive permission from the DND for its use. Once the red tape was sorted through, permission was granted and HyperStealth used their relationship with ICE Tactical to produce the uniforms. This also served as a dry run for future production of the upcoming DECEPTEX uniforms.

www.hyperstealth.com/Primeval-New-World

Tags: Hyperstealth Biotechnology Corp
Posted in Camo, Foreign, Media | 2 Comments »

Canipe Correspondence – Helmets: State of the Art Then and Now

August 18th, 2012

Some readers are undoubtedly familiar with the PASGT helmet of old. The “Dome of Obedience”, “K-Pot”, “Clay Beret”, “Brain Wave Deflector” or any other number of unflattering names might come to mind depending on when and where you had to wear one. It was hot in the summer, cold in the winter, didn’t sit still on your head leaving blisters, or if it did sit still you were getting a migraine. There was nothing good about the K-Pot that I can remember now. Maybe it’s because it’s been over a decade since I wore one, and I’m spoiled by newer, better helmets. Maybe it’s because that helmet truly sucked. Fortunately, we’ll never have to put much thought into it, because helmet design and technology has come so far that most professional users don’t have to dread the call to put their helmets on any longer.

Around 2000, SOF Special Projects at Natick Labs developed the MICH (Modular Integrated Communications Helmet) as a replacement for the PASGT and other helmets in use by Special Operations units. It was of a French design (Gallet) and after being purchased by MSA, Berry compliant production began in the US in 2001 in a factory in VT, forever changing the way users looked at wearing a ballistic helmet. The MICH was a huge improvement over the PASGT, so much better in fact I have a hard time putting it into words because there’s not a metric to describe it. The MICH allowed users to finally stabilize night vision systems efficiently and conduct free-fall operations with its improved harness, remain comfortable and control perspiration with its 7-piece user configurable pad set, as well as fire from the prone and use integrated communications headsets (such as the Peltor or Sordin products) because of its interior and exterior profile. It’s around half a pound lighter than the PASGT. In addition, Soldier survivability was greatly increased due to a combination of the shell performance and the suspension system. The MICH allowed much less energy to be transferred to the wearer’s head in the event of a serious collision, be it with a bullet or a blunt impact from a fall or debris. Shortly after SOF adopted the MICH, it was adopted by the entire US Army as the ACH (Advanced Combat Helmet) program and still in use today. Safe to say, the MICH was an overwhelming success. Based on user driven requirements, the MICH design was further modified into the popular TC-2001 High Cut and TC-2002 Gunfighter Cut designs from MSA which are still widely in use around the world as well.

12 years after the arrival of the MICH/ACH and its variants, a few newer designs have gained a lot of attention. The Crye Precision AirFrame and Ops-Core FAST are the two we see primarily, both gaining lots of popularity in Special Operations and Law Enforcement communities. USSOCOM has begun fielding of the FAST helmet and can regularly be seen in media released by USASOC on the heads of Rangers and Special Forces Soldiers. Crye’s design is also in limited military use. Of note, Crye and Ops-Core seem to be the other’s stiffest competition but cooperate on numerous parts of their helmet systems. Both helmets are commonly seen shipped from the factory with Ops-Core’s excellent Head-Loc strap system, VAS Shroud, and ARC rails. In fact, the Ops-Core chinstrap system is the standard for the SOCOM issue MICH. Additionally, both helmets can be ‘up armored’ with additional armor pieces to increase the helmet’s ballistic coverage.

The FAST helmet uses Ops-Core’s OCC Dial technology, which is also available as a retrofit kit for MICH style helmets. The system uses a headband that is tightened to the wearer’s head with a dial on the rear for custom fit, in addition to dual-density foam pads on top of the head. The system is extremely stable with night vision systems, especially heavier dual tube I2 goggles or Fusion systems. Ops-Core also boasts a 20% reduction in weight over traditional helmet materials due to their carbon/polyethylene blend shell composition. The helmet has strategically placed loop tape panels for IFF marking and battery pack placement, and usually is seen with Ops-Core’s popular VAS Shroud for NVG integration. They also include the proprietary ARC Rail for attachment of lights, goggles, MFF 02 masks and communications systems. Excellent covers in a variety of colors and camouflage patterns are available through FirstSpear, and should be a must-have for any end-user, reducing the slight shine found on uncovered helmets and offering increased camouflage in a wider variety of environments. In addition to widespread fielding by US SOF, the FAST is the issued helmet for the entire Norwegian Army. Something that may appeal to buyers is the availability of non-ballistic FAST (Bump) helmets as well, replacing cobbled together skateboard helmets with a purpose designed impact protection helmet.

Crye’s AirFrame uses a similar carbon-backed shell technology, a special version of the Ops-Core ARC rail system designed specifically for the AirFrame and Head-Loc chinstrap. Depending on the user, it may be fitted with an Ops-Core VAS Shroud or a Wilcox mount. Crye opted to use the MICH style pad set as opposed to a dial system of some sort, but the big thing you’ll notice about the Airframe is it’s unique shell shape…most prominently the huge vent in the top. The rear half of the two-piece shell rests under the front piece with some overlap, creating a rear-facing vent in the top of the helmet. The vent allows heat and moisture to escape out the top of the helmet, and also allows the rear on the helmet to fit closer to the wearer’s head for improved mobility, protection and fit. Crye offers a mesh helmet cover that is custom fit for the Airframe, maintaining its unique passive cooling properties. The Crye AirFrame can be ordered full assembled with NVG mounts in various hole patterns, ARC rails, and a cover, or stripped with only the shell and suspension system. One word of advice, make sure you can try one on. Some people have found they need a size larger in the AirFrame.

Onwards to the subjective stuff. I wore a MICH for a long time, and I’m lucky enough to have an AirFrame now. If I had to wear my MICH again I would gladly do it but the AirFrame is a huge improvement in comfort for me. What’s a fact is the tremendous weight savings over a helmet of the same capability a few years ago. The reduction in fatigue and potential injury due to the AirFrame’s greatly decreased weight is worth the price of admission. Check it out:

State of the Art, 2008

MSA TC2000 helmet, medium
Ops-Core H-Nape
Ops-Core ARC rail
ITT ANVIS mount and low-pro battery pack with ground adapter plate
Norotos NVG plate
Oakley A-Frame assault goggles
MS2000 strobe
Peltor Comtac I
Crye Precision 1000D helmet cover

Total Weight: 6lb 4.6oz

State of the Art Today

Crye AirFrame, size Large
Ops-Core H-Nape
Ops Core Airframe ARC rail
Ops-Core VAS Shroud
Wilcox FO4949 mount
Smith Elite Boogie goggle
S&S V-Lite
Peltor Comtac IV in ARC adapter kit
Crye Airframe mesh cover

Total Weight: 4lb 2.0oz

The numbers don’t lie. Removing 2lb 2.6oz off of the wearer’s neck during extended combat operations, while improving fit, function, and protection is a huge gain. Both helmets above share the exact same capabilities, it’s just that one does it 68% of the weight of the other while offering better protection. While the raw weights are closer of the two helmets alone, the improvements on the things we mount on them have also played a huge part in load reduction as well and should be factored in. If you still use a MICH/ACH you can save weight and improve function by upgrading mounting systems, eye protection, and IFF marking products.

If you’re due up for an upgrade on your ballistic head protection, take a look at Crye or Ops-Core. At least find ways to make you current setup lighter and more functional, as the head is one of the best places to try and reduce your load.

www.cryeprecision.com
www.ops-core.com

Jon Canipe served on Active Duty with the US Army as a Special Forces Weapons Sergeant at 5th SFG(A) and was a Senior Instructor at the JFKSWCS, training SFQC students in planning, unconventional warfare, small unit tactics, CQB, and advanced marksmanship. He is a veteran of multiple combat tours, and still serves in the Army National Guard’s 20th SFG(A) in addition to working as an industry consultant and small arms instructor.

Tags: Canipe, Crye Precision, Ops-Core
Posted in Helmets | 17 Comments »

Gunfighter Moment – Pat McNamara

August 18th, 2012

“Though there is no instant solution to shooting well, I truly believe that the illusive shortcut is in competition. How does one compartmentalize the pressures of a gunfight? Well, you won’t learn to do it during the gunfight. Competition forces pressure on the shooter and it is mostly self-induced. We experience anxiety because of self defeating beliefs. The more one trains under pressure, the more he learns to compartmentalize those pressures.

There are many who believe that competing in the likes of an IPSC match has no tactical relevancy, and it is all just a game.

OK, it’s a game where you are shooting your gun at targets, under time, and with people watching you. You must handle your weapon properly, and follow all rules or be DQed (disqualified). You must discriminate between “shoot” and “no-shoot” targets. You have got to move and make use of cover. You will have to fire from awkward positions. You must find a solution to an ambiguous situation within your skill level.”

Patrick McNamara
SGM, US Army (Ret)

Patrick McNamara spent twenty-two years in the United States Army in a myriad of special operations units. When he worked in the premier special missions unit, he became an impeccable marksman, shooting with accurate, lethal results and tactical effectiveness. McNamara has trained tactical applications of shooting to people of all levels of marksmanship, from varsity level soldiers, and police officers who work the streets to civilians with little to no time behind the trigger.

His military experience quickly taught him that there is more to tactical marksmanship than merely squeezing the trigger. Utilizing his years of experience, McNamara developed a training methodology that is safe, effective and combat relevant and encourages a continuous thought process. This methodology teaches how to maintain safety at all times and choose targets that force accountability, as well as provides courses covering several categories, including individual, collective, on line and standards.

While serving as his Unit’s Marksmanship NCO, he developed his own marksmanship club with NRA, CMP, and USPSA affiliations. Mac ran monthly IPSC matches and ran semi annual military marksmanship championships to encourage marksmanship fundamentals and competitiveness throughout the Army.

He retired from the Army’s premier hostage rescue unit as a Sergeant Major and is the author of T.A.P.S. (Tactical Application of Practical Shooting).

tmacsinc.com/

Gunfighter Moment is a weekly feature brought to you by Alias Training & Security Services. Each week Alias brings us a different Trainer and in turn they offer some words of wisdom.

Tags: Alias Training and Security Services, Pat McNamara, TMACS Inc
Posted in Training | 2 Comments »

Blast From The Past – You Can’t Run From The Internet

August 18th, 2012

We first published this article last December but it was so good, we thought we’d share it again.

Industry Professionals, please go to the link below and read the whole story of a “PR Professional” in the computer gaming industry who went full retard in a series of emails that garnered him the attention of several websites. End result, bad for said “PR Professional.” Once he realized how screwed he was, and begged for it to stop, he was informed that it was too late; the internet had the story.

kotaku.com/5871235/controller-company-berates-customers-penny-arcade-bring-popcorn

This is the age we live in. Think about what you say. I learned this lesson in the military. Once you send that email, it’s in the wild and there’s no calling it back.

Post something really dumb on a forum? Well, you might be able to go back and cover your tracks and get away with it once in awhile. But if you’re a REAL toolbag, you’ve made yourself some enemies and they lie in wait for you to show your ass and then copy it before your brain kicks in. Then, they’ve got you twice. Once for being a jerk and the second time for being a sneaky jerk and deleting it.

I know people who have whole email archives of email from others in industry implicating them in all manner of evils. They sit in wait for when alliances shift.

So, don’t do it. Smile at your detractors. Laugh behind their backs, in person if possible. Backhanded compliments are your friend. Offer them liberally. Tell your off-color jokes on-on-one. But don’t send an email telling a customer that they are a chump for buying your product. You just never know where it will end up and who will pay attention.

Posted in Admin | 3 Comments »