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Massif Non-FR Line Fully Available

October 27th, 2011

Massif is well known as a provider of FR clothing solutions to military personnel, LE, and wildland firefighters. However, you don’t always require FR protection, depending on the mission. Massif realized this and has developed a dedicated non-FR line. In addition to the Integrated Tactical Jacket we premiered here on SSD back in May, Massif has introduced two additional pieces that we mentioned during our NBOW coverage in September. Here’s a quick rundown to remind you about each of the pieces.

I’ve worn the Integrated Tactical Jacket quite a bit. It’s a very functional, lightweight piece that’s designed to compliment armor in much the same way as a combat shirt. The difference is obviously the softshell fabric which will serve you well in inclement weather but the ITJ also has an interesting pocket setup. In addition to traditional inset bicep pockets it has two mesh lined pockets on the upper chest. Accessible through the arm holes of an armor vest, they can be opened to aid in ventilation. Die cut, Velcro adjustable cuff tabs set this one off. Available in Black and OD. Size Small – XXLarge.

Next, is the Diamond Peak Field Pant. It definitely has a home in that new class of non-tactical, tactical pants. The Diamond Peak is something more than an outdoor pant but not quite a full cargo pant. It’s sleek looks integrate an interesting pocket arrangement we discussed in our NBOW coverage. Made from a stretch-woven nylon canvas fabric, they will move with you. Currently only available in Black, I am told we will see additional colors soon. Sized 30 – 42 in Regular and Long lengths.

Finally, is the Lightweight Tactical Shirt. This shirt is made for hot climates and incorporates a heavier fabric on the arms and shoulders that features a DWR finish to shed light rain. Available in OD and a two-tone Black and Gray, the Lightweight Tactical Shirt comes in sizes Small – XXLarge.

Available for order now from www.Massif.com as well as their various retailers. Look for more Non-FR clothing at SHOT Show.

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Posted in Clothing | 1 Comment »

MiliPol – TR Equipement

October 27th, 2011

French company TR Equipement was at MiliPol in a big way. Let’s take a tour of their stand.

www.tr-equipement.com

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Posted in Foreign | 1 Comment »

Beyond Clothing’s Roughrider Pant Is Backpacker Magazine’s Editor’s Choice Snow For Pants

October 27th, 2011

Backpacker magazine selected Beyond Clothing’s RoughRider Pant under the Editor’s Choice Snow Category for custom fit pants. Editor-in-chief Jonathan Dorn boasts a 36″ inseam and liked the Schoeller Dynamic fabric’s ability to cut the wind. Specifically, he said that with a layer underneath, he stayed warm below zero in 20 mile-per-hour wind conditions. We haven’t seen the article mentioned in the online edition yet, but it is featured prominently on page 79 of the current issue.

Originally designed for military use, the new RoughRider Pant is now available in Nextec’s silicone encapsulated Glacier fabric used for PCU Level 5 and comes in a MultiCam print.
The RoughRider Pant features:
-Open or Zippered hand pockets
-Angled Thigh Cargo Pockets
-Front Thigh Pockets
-Left Ankle Pocket
-Gusseted Ankle
-Expansion for ski boots
-Reduction for bare ankle
-Velcro and snaps for ice and snow precaution
-Knee Pad pocket with back of leg tightening
-Choice of D3O pad or Crye pad configuration
-Inner Thigh vent zipper with mesh inner
-Zippered fly with Velcro waist band
-Shaped waist band

You can also now get the Glacier Shock Jacket in MultiCam. Similar in design to the PCU level 5 jacket it incorporates Raglan sleeves a stand up collar and generous chest pockets.

post.beyondclothing.com

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Posted in Clothing, Multicam, Off-Duty, Outdooralamode | 1 Comment »

PPE Purchases Paraclete

October 26th, 2011

Protective Products Enterprises, Inc. (PPE) has completed the purchase of Paraclete from Mine Safety Appliances (MSA). MSA purchased the company from Tim D’Anunzio in 2006. D’Anunzio himself has recently come back to the industry, launching XPX Armor & Equipment last month.

“This sale of our ballistic vest business is something we have seriously considered for some time,” said Joseph A. Bigler, President of MSA North America in a press release. “The decision to move in this direction came down to two factors: alignment with MSA’s long-term business strategy to focus on those products that provide us with the greatest growth opportunities; and pursuing a course of action that we believe provides Paraclete Armor with the best opportunity for future success.”

It is important to note that the sale does not include MSA’s lucrative helmet business purchased from CGF Gallet in 2001.

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USAF SF Updates DF-LCS

October 26th, 2011

We’ve written about the Defensor Fortis Load Carrying System (DF-LCS) in the past. Love it or hate it, it was designed specifically for USAF Security Forces (AF SF). But, like other equipment, it has evolved to better suit the needs of the careerfield.

Beginning in late November, AF SF will begin receiving an improved version of their gear harness commonly referred to as (HGEAR) as part of the 5-Year Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with Garrett Container Systems (GCS).

Over a year ago, the AF Security Forces Center (AFSFC), surveyed the careerfield for suggested improvements to DF-LCS. The majority of the recommendations from users included: a better fit to size, improved padding, and web management.

The latest version, dubbed GEN 3 will incorporate those major recommendations. For example, padding was added to the shoulder area and the neck yoke was altered to improve wear comfort. Remember, this is the same system being worn by our Defenders both deployed as well as at home station. When working the gate, AF SF rarely wear heavy armor, rather relying on concealable, soft armor. Consequently, the harness can chafe the neck. Additionally, Velcro straps and additional management buckles were added to the design to help police loose straps. They also changed the front height adjuster to allow the user to pull down to adjust rather than pull up. It’s a more natural movement and mimics strap adjustments on packs.

Finally, each harness in the rifleman kit will now include a tear/water resistant guide on adjustment, wear and care of the DF-LCS as well as an instructions on how to use PALS. Odd as it seems in this day and age, there are some folks that don’t know how to weave. But, better safe than sorry.

For those not allowed to buy from AFSFC’s IDIQ (and that’s a lot of folks), the GEN3 in both Air Force Digital Tigerstripe as well as Operation Enduring Freedom Camouflage Pattern (OCP) or, more popularly known as MultiCam, will soon be available at www.GCSwarrior.com or through one of their sales reps.

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Posted in Air Force, Load Carrying, Multicam | 42 Comments »

Canadian Innovation Commercialization Program

October 26th, 2011

Sponsored by the Department of Public Works, the Canadian Innovation Commercialization Program is designed to allow companies to present new technologies to the Government without a requirement. While the program is open to solutions for use by all of Government, there are areas that can also find defense applications. Take for example the company Inversa. They have developed a system using the Deep Backscatter Tomography (DBT) technique that scans culverts and tunnels for maintenance problems so that waste water personnel won’t have to excavate pipes. It’s basically non-destructive inspection for sewers. Now, imagine using such technology to inspect culverts for IEDs.

Innovation often comes from small companies. Unfortunately, they often lack the expertise or staff to present their capabilities to the Government. Oftentimes, they are preyed upon by those who take their money, promising to open doors and grant Government access. In most cases, such access is readily accessible without the cost of a “consultant.” Another issue is that the Government’s procurement system is requirements based. If those writing requirements don’t know a capability exists, they can’t ask for it and may continue to do things the same old way.

It’s good to see the Canadian Government cut some of the red tape so that they can see the latest in technology and open opportunities to small business. It can be a win-win situation.

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Aramark Sells Galls

October 26th, 2011

Recently Aramark sold Galls to CI Capital Partners, a North American private investment firm. Galls is a major player in outfitting LE and First Responders featuring an online presence, a great catalog and six retail outlets.

In a press release, Joseph Neubauer, Chairman and CEO of ARAMARK had this to say about the deal, “Galls has earned its excellent reputation of providing public safety and emergency medical personnel with quality equipment and apparel and outstanding service. It has succeeded by continually anticipating the needs of customers and clients and by being dedicated to their success. This opportunity with CI Capital Partners enables Galls to pursue accelerated expansion and better positioning on which to grow and build its brand.”

Additionally, Galls President Larry Dismukes commented, “We are very thrilled to complete a transaction that will provide Galls with the ability to continue its internal growth as well as pursue attractive acquisition opportunities. CI Capital has a long track record of growing distribution businesses and we are excited to build significant value at Galls.”

Galls has been outfitting LE and First Responders for 40 years. Congratulations to CI Capital Partners. You’ve picked a great company.

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Remember Today – 2002 Nord-Ost Siege

October 26th, 2011

The average man on the street won’t remember today, but I want our readers to. Today marks the date of the culmination of the 2002 Nord-Ost Siege. A splinter group of Chechen separatists attacked and held around 800 members of the audience and theater troupe for two-and-a-half days. Around 90 of the hostages were able to take advantage of the chaos surrounding initial stages of the siege to escape. Another 150 – 200 hostages were released by the terrorists hours after taking the theater. Over the next two days more groups of hostages were released including children.

Just miles from the Kremlin, the attack to retake the theater consisted of decisive action by Russian SOF. While they were successful in defeating the 50 terrorists, unfortunately, part of the course of action was to pump an unknown chemical agent into the theater which contributed to the ultimate hostage death toll of 170. Unfortunately, the fate and whereabouts of 12 terrorists is still unknown.

Interestingly, many of the explosives brandished by the terrorists were in fact training dummies and the detonators for the actual devices contained drained batteries sabotaged in the terrorist logistics network by undercover agents Additionally, hostages retained their cell phones and were able to pass information on the siege to authorities.

US military, Law Enforcement and First Responders should study the Nord-Ost Siege in greater detail to consider the possibility of similar situations and how they can effectively be dealt with. Many already consider the September, 2004 tragedy at Beslan where Chechen terrorists held a school on opening day, killing 334. However, the conflict is much larger in scope and provides further insight into how terrorists may operate in a homeland. These incidents as well as the 1995 deployment of a radiological dispersion device by Chechens in Moscow’s Izmaylovsky Park bear close study.

Please remember the innocent hostages lost in 2002’s Nord-Ost Siege and those Russian troops killed in the raid to retake the theater. They all died in this international war on terrorism.

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