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Army Updating Anthropometric Data

September 28th, 2010

Officially known as the U.S. Army Anthropometric Models to Optimize the Human Systems Interface (ANSUR II), the Army is taking steps to update its Anthropometric Data. First off, we need to explain the term “Anthropometric Data”. Anthropometry is the study of physical dimensions in people, including the measurement of human body characteristics such as heights, breadths, girths, and reaches. In all, Natick’s ANSUR II program will measure 13,000 Soldiers to determine this information and update its models of human sizing.

The data currently used by the Army to size clothing and individual equipment as well as in workstation such as cockpit design is from 1988 and it’s about time it was updated. Nowadays, the Total Army force includes not only Active Duty but also Guard and Reserve troops, not to mention that the American is larger than 20-odd years ago. Consequently, current sizing tariffs are incorrect causing the Army to experience shortages of select sizes of CIE. Size tariffs are predictive tables that guide the Army when they purchase, stock and issue clothing and other sized equipment. For example, for every 1000 Soldiers, a size tariff might tell a Program Manager to purchase 5 X-Small Short trousers, 5 X-Small Reg, 3 X-Small Long, etc. until each size had been specified. The information is based on the anthropometric data of the force and is critical to procuring the correct amount of gear in the proper sizes.

One of the biggest changes to how the information will be collected and used is that it is now 3D in nature. In addition to the 95 traditional body measurements taken, 3D whole body, head/face and foot scans will be collected. When data on an entire body is collected, it can be correlated in new ways to further show how the entire body is shaped and how clothing and equipment interact with a Soldier’s body. This improved shape data will result in improved designs for body armor and other close fitting protective equipment such as headgear, footwear, and handwear.

For more information visit http://nsrdec.natick.army.mil/ANSURII/.

Tags: Natick Soldier Systems Center
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Countdown to End of the Fiscal Year

September 28th, 2010

ADS has included a countdown clock for the impending end of the fiscal year. This is a great reminder to get your ducks in order and figure out what you want to obligate your end of year funds for. Don’t waste it all on 10,000 rolls of toilet paper, or 500 paddle locks because that is all they have left at SSSC. Many vendors are open late and will help make sure you get what you need instead of what is left on the shelf.

In fact, Tactical Tailor will have staff on hand to fill phone orders until Midnight on 30 September. Don’t think that they are only accepting military orders either. Federal agencies as well as state and local folks finish the year on the 30th. Individuals are welcome to order as well. Just call them at (253) 984-7854.

Last but not least, if you are in the market for quality MultiCam (or Coyote and OD for that matter) clothing systems as well as shelters and poncho liners then make sure you contact our friends at Wild Things. They are open late this week to accommodate your last minute shopping requirements.

Tags: ADS, Wild Things Tactical
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CM901 Patent?

September 28th, 2010

Dating from November 2006, this Colt Defense LLC patent for a “Modular Firearm” covers an M4 rifle with a magazine well that “may be replaceable and removable such that magazine well may be replaced with a different magazine well to change caliber.” There are a couple of other gems in there as well so go take a look.

Thanks to a sharp reader for the heads up!

Tags: CM901, Colt Defense LLC
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Win an Arc’teryx Strato Hoody Jacket

September 28th, 2010

According to Arc’teryx, Polartec is giving away a Strato Hoody Jacket. Just visit their Facebook page and leave a comment. Ok, so it’s not a LEAF product, but Arc’teryx makes some cool civy stuff too.

Tags: Arc'teryx, Polartec
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And You Thought It Could Only Be Done in Hollywood

September 27th, 2010

At the recent Infantry Warfighting Conference at Fort Benning, Georgia we caught up with Tyr Tactical and one item at their booth had tongues wagging; the MICO Machine Gunner Assault Pack. Designed to carry 500 rounds of belted 7.62 ammo in the pack body with another 75 rounds in the feed chute, it looks like something straight out of Hollywood. But, unlike some movie creation, this is real and actually works. Thanks to Scottsdale Gun Club, Tyr was able to demonstrate the MICO in action. It is a very specialized piece of equipment and we don’t see guys wearing this one a multi-day patrol, but it does put a lot of rounds with the weapon. The photo above features an armor vest we didn’t see at IWC and isn’t on their website. Could it be their SPD 8 entry?

According the Tyr’s Facebook page, a variant for 5.56 ammo is in the works. The 7.62 MICO Pack is available in MultiCam, Coyote, and Ranger Green.

www.TyrTactical.com

Tags: Tyr Tactical
Posted in Load Carrying, Multicam, weapons | Comments Off on And You Thought It Could Only Be Done in Hollywood

Modern Day Marine

September 27th, 2010

Soldier Systems Daily will be on hand for Modern Day Marine’s 30th anniversary show, 28 – 30 September at Quantico, Virginia. Modern Day Marine is one of our favorite trade shows each year due to its concentration on warfighting solutions and excellent attendance by Marines as well as those in the DC area. If you are in the area, be sure to check it out. Hope to see you there!

Marine Military Expos

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Canada Goose MOLLE Vest

September 27th, 2010

Insulated clothing manufacturer Canada Goose has produced an insulated vest that features MOLLE webbing. Although you can tell it is intended primarily for the Law Enforcement market, it could also be used by those who require ready access to ammunition, first-aid, radio or other pouches during cold weather. This down filled vest accommodates Police badges and patches both front and back. Additionally, you can attach microphones to the shoulder or upper chest on either side. Available in generous sizing from Small to 5XLarge, it can be worn over any number of layers of clothing.

www.canada-goose.com

Tags: Canada Goose
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Norgon Ambi-Catch

September 27th, 2010

The Norgon Ambi-Catch is a Commercial Off The Shelf, ambidextrous magazine release. Installation is simple and can be accomplished at the operator level, quickly replacing the issue mag catch.

Ever wonder why your M4/M16 doesn’t have an ambidextrous magazine catch? Well if you are in the Marine Corps it probably does, because in 2007 the USMC issued the Ambi-Catch, NSN 1005-01-537-6498 and authorized units to install it on their M4 and M16 rifles. Likewise if you are a Coalition Soldier. The Canadian C7/C8 rifles have long incorporated the Ambi-Catch and the new Danish M/10 also includes the device. Additionally, select units of the US Army have used the Ambi-Catch to further increase the flexibility of the M16 family of weapons.

One note of caution. The Ambi-Catch works well with military issue Multiple Magazine Holders but is not compatible with the Redi-Mag or Redi-Mod being used by many of you.

www.norgon.com

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