Magpul has introduced their Rail Vertical Grip. The Mil Std 1913 rail compatible grip is of a shorter design than many others on the market which makes it great for those wishing to use it to index their thumb over grip. Its ergonomic design is also comfortable for those shooters who broomstick their grips.
Arc’teryx has just updated their website with an excellent page detailing all of the features of their new Armor Compatible clothing system. This should help persuade the last couple of you guys still on the fence.
One thing that many don’t know about Under Armour is how much they support our troops. In addition to sponsoring military and veteran hospital visits by sport celebrities, they are also big supporters of the Wounded Warrior Project. And you can be too with UA’s new line of signature WWP products. The selections include a Polo as well as Long and Short Sleeve Tees emblazoned with the WWP logo.
Additionally, you can directly support a Wounded Warrior by ordering an ultra cool Backpack gift that comes stuffed with the following products:
UA Zone Backpack
UA Flex Jacket
UA Flex Short
UA Techâ„¢ T
4-Pack of UA Socks
UA Boxer Jock (Men’s)
UA Hipster Underwear (Women’s)
UA won’t forget your generosity. They’ll send you a numbered, limited-edition token of their appreciation.
Late last month the Army issued ALARACT 189/2010 which provides guidance on the fielding of the Operation Enduring Freedom Camouflage Pattern (OCP) uniform. This is the third name it has had and they haven’t even fielded any yet. First it was referred to as as the Afghanistan MultiCam Uniform (AMU), then the OEF FRACU, and now this. But to be honest, this is probably the best name yet as it is a bit more all encompassing.
The ALARACT goes on to describe which equipment and uniform items will be available in OCP. The Basis of issue will remain the same as for UCP but the new pattern will be phased in over time meaning there will be a period where Soldiers will wear a mixture of patterns. However, having spoken with PEO-Soldier’s SPIE we know that they are working to minimize this. While the basics will be available soon such as FRACUs, MOLLE, etc some items like Fire Resistant Environmental Ensemble (FREE) won’t be ready until after the new year. No word on when the Army Aircrew Combat Uniform or Improved Combat Vehicle Crewman uniforms will be ready but they are on the list as well.
So what are the takeaways?
-Fielding will commence no later than Aug 2010 for forces deploying from CONUS and by Nov 2010 for units with 120 days retainability in theater
-The uniforms and equipment can only be worn enroute (to or from) or in Afghanistan
-No commercial sales including Military Clothing Sales Store of Insignia by authorized producers
First the Israelis are criticized for being too heavy handed in their enforcement of the embargo on the Gaza Strip. Now, a squad of Israeli Soldiers on patrol in Hebron decided to cut loose and entertain the locals. Unfortunately for them, the stunt raised the ire of their superiors. With the recent rash of military prank videos one thing is for sure, they aren’t going away.
Yeah, it’s a mouthful but the armor compatible clothing line is starting to show up in the webstore and will be loaded on to the website by next week. Naturally, this means that you will need an account to see and purchase these products.
SureFire has introduced two new CombatLights. The LED AZ2 and the Z2-S which is their first strobing flashlight. Due to its unique nature we will concentrate on the Z2-S.
The Z2-S’s LED generates 160 lumens of light, eight times the light output of a standard two-D-cell flashlight. Additionally, it also features a strobe mode programmed to blink at a specific frequency to effectively disorient an attacker, a feature that has been continuously requested by SureFire customers.
CombatLights feature tactical-level output (enough to overwhelm night-adapted vision), ergonomic tailcap switching, and SureFire’s patented CombatGrip—a stepped-down body and rubber grip ring that makes pairing the light with a firearm easier, as well as providing a secure hold in wet or cold conditions or while wearing gloves.
At five inches long and under five ounces in weight (with batteries), the Z2-S is designed to be portable and powerful. Press the tactical tailcap switch for momentary-on, press three times rapidly to activate the strobe, or twisting it for constant-on in either mode.
Awhile back two active duty Navy types came up with a great idea but they didn’t really know how to turn the concept into a marketable product. So they set about figuring it out and the result is Phokus Research Group, LLC. In addition to their subject matter expertise, they have an excellent mentor/partner who has been very successful in the business world. Additionally, they have partnered with a manufacturer responsible for numerous successful products in the outdoor and water sports market. Now that they’ve worked the kinks out of the administrative side of things, two new technologies are hitting the market; the CBR (RaDD Pak) backpack and their original product the Phokus Aid.
The Phokus Aid is brilliant and everyone will be using it because it allows the user to maintain “infinity†focus with the AN/PVS-14, while providing clarity at critical distances of 10 feet and closer without requiring re-focus. You just flip the Phokus Aid up or down in order to use.
From the beginning they based the business on the concept of “By the Operator for the Operator” so what you see here is just the beginning. If you are still serving but have come up with a better mousetrap, we highly recommend that you speak with Phokus Research Group. They understand where are you are coming from and if your idea makes the cut, can help you navigate the numerous issues you will encounter including protecting your intellectual property. We are very impressed with their products as well as their staff and will be keeping a watch on what they cook up.
