Order a Sawfly U.S. Military Eyewear System before December 25th and receive this cool ball cap. The Sawfly system includes a frame with adjustable arms, clear & smoke lenses, head strap, microfiber pouch, case with belt clip, reusable anti-fog cloth. And don’t forget, the lenses meet mil-spec for ballistic protection. Revision is also offering a generous 30% off all of their products for SSD readers from now until Christmas. Be sure to enter code SolSys at checkout.
WETA workshop is no stranger to props based on popular videogames, and this level 1 sentry gun from the class-based multiplayer game Team Fortress 2 continues this trend. Featuring a motion sensor and full audio, it now stands guard at Valve’s lobby, tracking every visitor with its deadly (non-functional) cannon. I’ll admit it’s a very cool prop, but it doesn’t satisfy the ultimate Valve-based question: ‘When the hell’s the next Half-Life game coming out?’
-Tactical FanBoy
It’s no secret that physical fitness is an important aspect of being a member of the Untied States Armed forces, especially for our front line troops. The ability of our people to perform well physically in tough adverse combat conditions is a large part of mission success. Many hours of training and personal time is devoted to obtaining and maintaining this high level of fitness. However one important area is often overlooked; that being hand-strength. Not just actual gripping power, but in your ability to hold fast. Think of all the important tasks that rely on a strong grip. Carrying heavy gear, fast roping, climbing over obstacles and pulling wounded comrades to safety are just a few examples. Plus there may come a time when your ability to just hold on could save your life. Shit happens when your working off the ground. The bottom line is you need to train to improve your gripping strength and endurance like any other part of your body. In my book Corps Strength I outline several ways to condition your grip with weights. However I think one of the best and easiest ways to keep your hand strength at a high level is by using a portable gripper. There are many types; spring types, bags filled with rice, rubber balls, etc. I have tried all of these at one time or the other. They all work but I think that the “doughnut shaped†grippers made by ProGrip Trainer are the best out there. Portable, simple and durable they can be used to develop not just your overall grip but you can work individual fingers. You can also work your reverse grip by sticking them in the hole and pushing outward. These grippers are lightweight and easy to carry. As they are rubber you can carry them with you on planes with no problem. They come in different strengths and don’t cost squat. I still have the one I carried with me in Iraq. I highly recommend them, Try it.
PJ Rourke
MGySgt
USMC (Ret)
MARCORSYSCOM has issued a Sources Sought Notice for companies capable of “designing, developing, and procuring an Improved Armor Carrier Suite (IACS) that may be incorporated within the Full Spectrum Battle Equipment (FSBE).” The RFI goes on to state that, “The notional suite would consist of the following: one (1) Releasable Tactical Vest (RTV), one (1) Releasable Plate Carrier (RPC), one (1) Low-Visibility Tactical Vest (LVTV) and one (1) Low-Visibility Plate Carrier (LVPC) that support/integrate the respective armor cuts, identified hard armor inserts/ancillary armor additions and load carriage systems.” So basically, not only are they looking to update the armor carrier but also add some additional capability.
Descriptions of each component from the RFI:
The RTV will support SPEAR profile soft armor. The RTV must integrate with the SPEAR MSAP soft armor/pouches (Groin and Deltoid), SPEAR Releasable Ballistic Armored Vest (RBAV) Collar Armor System (CAS) and Improved Modular Tactical Vest (IMTV) lower back protector.
The carrier will posses PALS webbing for the mounting of modular pouches, have a single pull release located on the center of the vest below the neckline and integrate with the USMC Chest Rig without impeding the quick release of the carrier. The RTV must integrate with the USMC IMTV cummerbund and incorporate it into the release of the system without additional hardware or procedures. The RTV will incorporate an optional internal cummerbund to mitigate load. When used, the internal cummerbund will not interfere with the release of the system. The RTV will provide for an optional cummerbund that must support the carriage of the SPEAR MSAP 6×6 plate and allow for adjustment.
The RPC will support USMC PC profile soft armor. The RPC must integrate with the SPEAR MSAP soft armor/pouches (Groin and Deltoid) and IMTV lower back protector. The RPC will posses PALS webbing for the mounting of modular pouches. The RPC will have a single pull release that is identical in location, function and assembly to that of the RTV. The RPC must have the option to be worn without a cummerbund while still maintaining single pull release capability. When worn with a cummerbund, the RPC must integrate with the USMC Chest Rig without impeding the quick release of the carrier. The RPC must integrate with the USMC IMTV cummerbund and incorporate it into the release of the system without additional hardware or procedures. The RPC will provide for an optional cummerbund that must support the carriage of the SPEAR MSAP 6×6 plate and allow for adjustment.
The LVTV will support SPEAR profile soft armor. The LVTV must integrate with the SPEAR MSAP soft armor/pouches (Groin and Deltoid), SPEAR RBAV CAS and IMTV lower back protector. The carrier will integrate with the USMC Chest Rig. The LVTV must support the carriage of the SSAPI with soft armor backing and/or the SPEAR MSAP 6×6 plate and allow for adjustment.
The LVPC will support USMC PC profile soft armor. The LVPC must integrate with the SPEAR MSAP soft armor/pouches (Groin and Deltoid) and IMTV lower back protector. The LVPC must have an option to be worn without a cummerbund. When worn with a cummerbund, the LVPC must integrate with the USMC Chest Rig. The cummerbund of LVPC must support the carriage of the SSAPI with soft armor backing and/or the MSAP 6Âx6Â plate and allow for adjustment.
First off, it’s important to note that this program is for FSBE which is not a general issue program. FSBE fielded the first cut-away armor carrier (Amphibious Assault Vest, Quick-Release) after a catastrophic helo accident in December, 1999 that resulted in the death of seven Marines who could not ditch their equipment. FSBE is designed for use by the Force Reconnaissance community, Fleet AntiTerrorism Security Teams (FAST), and MEU (SOC) Helicopter Assault Companies. Since the user community is relatively modest, the numbers aren’t really big for this program (current FSBE is around 7500 individual kits). Also, this RFI isn’t looking to replace all of FSBE’s components, but rather to revamp the armor components. In fact, the RFI states that it must be compatible with current issue pockets which we take to mean FSBE pouches and Family of Pouches as well as the Marine Corps Chest Rig.
Because the original FSBE AAV was developed before SOCOM’s SPEAR cut armor, it had a proprietary cut. Several years ago, the Marines adopted the Eagle Industries Combat Integrated Releasable Armor System (CIRAS) vest as FSBE II which uses a SPEAR cut. Moving to the SPEAR standard allowed the Marines to use soft and hard armor that is more readily available and well understood by industry as well as leverage larger purchases by other groups. The same goes for the IMTV components and PC armor already in the Marine Corps inventory.
Based on the desire to integrate with current Marine issue load carrying equipment as well as more common armor components shows that they are taking a very pragmatic approach to modernizing FSBE.
We would be remiss of we did not point out that this is still only an RFI and that the Marines are using this to find out what is in the realm of the possible so that they can develop the full requirements package. Having said that, the RFI opens the possibility of a “user evaluation”.
“A limited quantity (i.e. up to 30) of evaluation systems may be requested under a bailment agreement to support user evaluation activities based on market research results. No user evaluations are planned prior to March 2011.”
On a final note, it’s best that we leave with you with the submission cutoff. Responses should be received not later than January 13, 2011. Additionally, the USMC will have representatives attending the 2011 Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show and will be available on January 20th and 21st for 15 minute visits in a respondent’s booth.
Make sure you read the entire RFI at www.fbo.gov.
Do you wish to relive your childhood of playing with little green army men, but you don’t appreciate the ‘little’ aspect anymore? Then you need the Frank Kozik Big Army Man. A stunning 18 inches tall, this Red army man features interchangeable hands that include a grenade, Thompson machine gun, open hand, or a… rubber chicken. Huh?
At $200, it’s definitely more expensive than your average platoon of miniatures, but how can you justify not getting such an ode to childhood nostalgia? Plus, if the color doesn’t quite do it for you, you can always paint it army green and complete the look. Get it at 3dretro.com.
Find these and other great gift ideas at www.Tactical Distributors.com. Go ahead, it’s safe for work.
Well played Sir, well played…
Designed by legendary flashlight designer Paul Kim (PK), Icon lights are at once elegant in design, yet tough enough to take a beating. For those of you unfamiliar with PK, he is the design genius behind SureFire’s success. In fact, he has a cult-like following in his home of Korea. Having spent some time speaking with him, we can definitely see Icon as the perfect creative outlet for him.
No, Icon Lights aren’t tactical but they are performance products, and are a great option for Every Day Carry. In fact, they are perfect for the crowd that demands performance but doesn’t want to look like a mall ninja. Plus, they make great gifts for the folks in your life who want to abscond with your duty lights. With Icon, they will get the performance in a package that fits in a bit more with the suburban lifestyle. Regardless of model, Icon Lights share a couple of common features: Innovative design elements and the use of LEDs combined with the latest lens technology (TIR) to maximize performance.
While there is an entire line up of handheld lights and headlamps now available, our favorite is the Link. It’s aluminum body features an integrated carabiner clip so it will always be handy whether carrying your keys or attached to a day pack. Powered by a single AA battery, it will produce 50 lumens for 3 hours or 6 lumens for 70 hours. Power settings are determined by the “clickie” tailcap switch. We picked one up and it proved so popular here at the home office that it was claimed for use the first day and we can’t get it back!
Icon Lights caught on early with the candle power crowd and continue to grow in popularity as they increase in availability. In fact, they are beginning to show up places you would have never expected such as Radio Shack and regional test marketing in a couple of big box outlets.
Let’s start out by revisiting the baseline requirement. The Army’s Phase IV of its camouflage project is seeking a Family of (camo) Patterns (FOP) consisting of woodland, desert and, transitional (sometime called universal) color schemes. Additionally, a pattern for personal equipment (such as body armor, ammo pouches and rucksacks) may be required to work effectively with the other camouflage patterns. The FoP must provide camouflage in the visual, NIR, and SWIR spectrums in each of the respective environments. Each of the individual patterns will not only be evaluated in the environment it was designed for but will also be assessed for its capability into the transitional environment.
Now that we have established that the Army is fully committed to this thing I have to say that they have come up with an excellent plan to determine the best pattern. The Army has developed a plan of action that allows them to look at a rather large number of candidate FoPs and down select to the most promising three commercial and two government FOP quickly. Then, the majority of time dedicated to this undertaking can be used to assess the candidates under more realistic conditions.
It is very important for you to know that the Army is conducting an unprecedented analysis of the Global Military Operating Environment (more on this later). All of the FoPs will be assessed against terrain, climate, and seasonal factors on a global scale rather than isolated environments. This has never happened before. Not by the US. Not by anyone.
