Fans of the G4TV show “Bomb Patrol Afghanistan” may find a new article on PopSci interesting. It covers the tools and equipment used by our EOD forces.
PopSci Article on EOD Technology
January 3rd, 2012USMC Rugged All Terrain Combat Boot
January 2nd, 2012
Currently, the US Marine Corps issues the Rugged All Terrain (RAT) Combat Boot in both Hot and Temperate Weather variants produced by several manufacturers including Wellco. AFMO currently has a smoking deal on the Hot Weather version of these boots which have become very popular due to their “shark skin” capped toe and heel. They feature a lace to toe upper with nylon sides to help combat the heat paired with a Vibram sole.
Get yours from www.afmo.com.
TASC Performance Clothing
January 2nd, 2012TASC clothing was formed to produce performance apparel using natural fibers. I had read a couple of reviews and the other day I ran across their boxer briefs at a local outdoor store. So, I picked a pair up. TASC claims that the material will remain odor free. While I haven’t worn them for a week straight like some testers, I can say that they are very comfortable, featuring flat seams and a fabric made from 55% Organic Cotton, 40% Viscose from Bamboo, and 5% Elastane. Additionally, there is a knit fly which helps keep the air flowing. Although my experience is still new, I haven’t noticed any stretching out of shape. Based on this product, I’m looking forward to finding some of their t-shirts as well.
Currently available in Black with a couple of acid green stitches that are barely noticeable. Having said that, the guys at USN should go crazy for these.
President Obama Signs NDAA
January 2nd, 2012On Saturday, President Obama signed the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act into law during his vacation in Hawaii. As we have seen already here on SSD, there has been some controversy over certain provisions concerning detainment of terrorist suspects that were contained in earlier versions of the legislation before it was signed into law.
How an idea becomes a bill and then a law is pretty straight forward on the surface but the more complex the legislation and the more encompassing the issue, such as defense funding, the more amendments are tacked on meaning the bill can evolve and include issues that have nothing to do with the overarching intent. And then, there is that pesky issue of the House and Senate passing differing versions of the same bill. If the differences can’t be rectified via amendments then the bills go into conference committee with representatives from both chambers. While conventional wisdom says that there is gridlock in Washington, Congress sure can work out their differences in conference. The legislation that President Obama signed into law last week was the latest version of the bill, agreed upon by both houses of Congress.
Prior to its passage there were some rather disconcerting items in the proposed law that dealt with the indefinite detention of US citizens accused of being terrorists by the US military. Fortunately, they were removed in the wash. The House Armed Services Committee posted Highlights from the Conference report. Please visit and read:
http://armedservices.house.gov/index.cfm/files/serve?File_id=6bbafd38-7aae-46f9-b856-31652b920f1f and http://armedservices.house.gov/index.cfm/files/serve?File_id=23d194d7-78c9-4c57-b2d9-31bc3bb7daeb.
“The Conferees balance this approach with the conviction that the erosion of citizens’ civil liberties in the pursuit of security constitutes a victory by the enemy. To that end, these provisions do not extend any new authorities to detain U.S. citizens and explicitly exempt U.S. citizens from provisions related to military custody of terrorists.”
In addition to these statements from the HASC, President Obama made a signing statement, specifically addressing these issues. A signing statement is made by the President when he signs legislation into law and uses it to show how he intends to enforce the measures.
“My administration will not authorize the indefinite military detention without trial of American citizens. Indeed, I believe that doing so would break with our most important traditions and values as a nation.”
Unfortunately, there is an internet meme loose on the web that continues to misinform readers that the law now requires the indefinite detention of American citizens by the US military. Furthermore, fearmongers are using this misinformation to captivate and mislead the uninformed.
We urge you to research the actual law and to spread the word. There are a lot of tidbits in the Act that are more likely to impact international affairs and our economic recovery.
Skedco Comes Off The Debarred List
January 2nd, 2012Skedco is no longer on the Excluded Parties List System and is no longer debarred from doing business with the US Government. No further details are available.
The Mayflower Research & Consulting Low-Vis Messenger Bag
January 2nd, 2012Mayflower Research & Consulting has been making these Low-Vis Messenger Bags by special order for some time. One of their clients sent in these photos of a bag set up for operational use and Mayflower shared them on their Facebook page.
Mayflower is trying to determine if there is enough interest to add them to their production catalog. If you’ve got some real interest in getting one, let them know in the comments section below
Free Copy of ‘Self Reliance Illustrated’ Magazine
January 2nd, 2012
Get a free softcopy of ‘Self Reliance Illustrated’ magazine. I first ran across it at Blade Show 2011 in Habilis BushTools‘ booth. I picked up a few copies and due to my interest in wilderness survival topics I found it worth my money. ‘Self Reliance Illustrated’ is a product of The Pathfinder School and Blind Horse Knives. As you may know, The Pathfinder School is run by Dave Canterbury of the Discovery Channel show “Dual Survival.” The magazine is written for hands-on wilderness use and the articles are from those associated with The Pathfinder School in one way or another. One of the interesting facets of this publication is the inclusion of a section for youth.
Get your free download at www.selfrelianceillustrated.com/free.
FYI
January 1st, 2012We don’t make or sell anything. We can’t give you a quote for a procurement, we can’t facilitate your return, we can’t answer questions about your order or various products that we don’t sell.
All we do is news. 24/7…365
