Sidewinder Compact III

TOPS Knives Survival Neck Wallet

November 23rd, 2008

We live in an increasingly dangerous world. Travelers face the danger of detainment or isolation from safety. Even at home, it’s wise to have a handy survival kit for the unforeseen. TOPS Knives has developed an new line of survival products and assembled them in a survival kit based on the popular neck wallet.

TOPS Knives Survival Neck Wallet

The Survival Neck Wallet has a see through ID window, two interior pouches, one zippered money/credit card pouch and rear slot.

It contains a variety of tools including:

1. TOPS Survival Whistle independently tested at 126 decibels.

2. TOPS Pocket size Survival Saw.

3. A liquid filled compass.

4. The TOPS Firestarter with Ferrocium Rod and magnesium. Will start fires even when wet.

5. Traditional P-38 military can opener/Firestarter striker.

6. Offset Phillips/flat head screwdriver.

7. TOPS Dog Tag Signal Mirror.

8. LED Flashlight.

9. Lansky Quick Fix Sharpener.

Several of the items are exclusive TOPS products including the Survival Mirror which is designed to be worn on a neck chain. It is hard chrome and includes a sighting hole.

TOPS Knives Survival Mirror

What really differentiates TOPS’ pouch from others is that the back features a 3M highly reflective backing which is ideal for signalling.

TOPS Knives Survival Neck Wallet

To order visit www.TOPSKnives.com.

Photos from TOPS Knives.

The Art of the Tactical Carbine DVD

November 21st, 2008

Magpul Dynamics

Hosted by Magpul Dynamics’ Travis Haley and Chris Costa the “Art of the Tactical Carbine” is an excellent training resource. Obviously, a video is no substitution for hands on training but it is a great refresher and may introduce you to some new techniques. The pace is brisk but they take the time to demonstrate, explain what is going on and why and often provide further instruction with a student. The three disc set covers respectively; Fundamentals, Advanced Skills, and Drills.

The video is a great example of the quality of the DVDs and the production value is fantastic. The method of filming makes you feel as if you are a member of the class. I have only have one slight complaint overall and that is with the sound. At times the voices are booming and at other times I had to increase the volume but this by no means distracted from the content. I highly recommend it as an addition to any tactical library.

The DVD is available for order from Magpul.com.

WARNING: This item cannot be exported from the United States of America without a valid permit due to U.S. State Dept. ITAR restrictions. Unfortunately this also includes military APO addresses.

Video courtesy of Magpul Dynamics.

James Bond’s Weird World of Inventions (Jan, 1966)

November 21st, 2008

From the January 1966 issue of Popular Science via the blog Modern Mechanix comes a fantastic look at 1960s next tech.

Popular Science’s “James Bond’s Weird World of Inventions”

My favorite has always been the jet pack.

To read the entire article go to blog.modernmechanix.com.

EOTAC Seeking National Sales Director

November 21st, 2008

As a service to our readers we provide this announcement:

EOTAC – A supplier of Military, Law Enforcement, and Private Sector Tactical and Discreet clothing, announced today that it has begun a search for National Sales Director (NSD). The NSD’s responsibilities will include strategic and sales planning and implementation, coordination of Manufacturers Rep. groups, Management of large retail and catalog house accounts as well as, Representing EOTAC at trade shows, shoots and events.

The NSD will also participate in the development of competitive analysis and marketing strategies. The position is preferred will report to EOTAC’s President and will be located in West Columbia, SC – This may be subject to negotiation for the right person, so relocation may not be required.

Minimum qualifications include a college degree, experience in a sales management role, preferably in the tactical market place. A self starter and the ability to work effectively in a dynamic, team-oriented environment are critical. Prior experience in the law enforcement / security industry is desirable, but not required. Tactical clothing / soft goods market experience a plus. Travel would be required approximately 30-40% of the time.

Compensation includes an attractive base salary, generous bonus incentives. Benefits are excellent.

Qualified candidates should submit their resumes to EOTAC care of Fernando Coelho at Fernando@eotac.com

Tru-Spec Combat Shirt

November 20th, 2008

US Cavalry

Thanks to US Cav, we can now take the question mark (?) off of our previous article on a possible combat shirt from Tru-Spec. US Cavalry has just announced pre-orders for the Tru-Spec combat shirt with deliveries commencing mid-December.

Tru-Spec Combat Shirt

The prices are phenomenal for a combat shirt with an FR body. As we reported before the body is made from Cordura® Baselayer fabric which won’t drip or melt.

Tru-Spec Combat Shirt, Side View

Available in sizes from Small – 2XL in a veritable plethora of color schemes including (arms/body) UCP/Foliage, Black/Black, Khaki/Khaki, MULTICAM®/Sand and Olive Drab/Olive Drab.

To pre-order visit WWW.USCAV.COM.

Photos from US Cav.

MSM Loop Panels

November 19th, 2008

MilSpecMonkey

A myriad of low-profile tactical clothing and packs are currently on the market that rely on a velcro-based attachment system consisting of a grid of pile to secure holsters, pouches, and other accessories. Unfortunately, many of the pouches intended for these systems are very specialized and do not support a wide enough variety of equipment. Other models don’t offer internal organizers at all. Quite frankly, since the advent of PALS, velcro based systems have taken a back seat.

MSM Loop Panel

With this in mind, MilSpecMonkey developed the new Loop Panel as a low-cost alternative to what’s currently on the market.

MSM Loop Panel

The Loop Panels accommodate a wide variety of items from pistol and rifle magazines to flashlights due to the ingenious, yet simple design that utilizes two rows of different widths of elastic. There are two, 2″ slots on the inner elastic and a 4″ slot on the outer elastic. The loops are sewn down about .5″ from the ends to help prevent the panel from curling and the ends of the elastic are great for holding pens and markers.

MSM Loop Panel

They are sold in pairs and measure about 5″ x 2″.

To order go to Mil Spec Monkey.

Photos courtesy of MilSpecMonkey.

New Boots for French Army

November 18th, 2008

New French Combat Boots

The French Army has placed an order for 100 000 pairs of Meindl boots with deliveries commencing Second Quarter of 2009. The new boots will replace the long-issued “Rangers” or Brodequins de Marche à Jambière Attenante (BMJA), French for High Laced Boots, with a commercial boot more suited to arduous terrain. BMJAs have not been procured since 2007. The new boot is intended specifically for combat arms Soldiers and an additional new model of boots for general issue will begin development in 2009.

Meindl can be found on the web at www.meindl.de

PECOC Update

November 17th, 2008

The British military continues development of its Personal Equipment and Common Operational Clothing (PECOC) program to serve as a bridge between Soldier 95 kit and the planned Future Integrated Soldier Technology (FIST). Press reporting continues and in addition to the previous piece on the BBC, on 3 November 2008, The Times published an article on PECOC.

Personal Equipment and Common Operational Clothing

In the photo you can see an example of the new Hybrid Cam Day Sack.

Examples of trials clothing that have been seen feature Napoleon pockets to maintain a low profile under armor, stand up collars and full bicep pockets with velcro. The Smock is expected to under go some changes from the current SF smock and a second insulated, waterproof jacket is planned. Interestingly, every time the UK issues a new Smock it is based on the current issue SF Smock, which naturally changes as well. Additionally, it looks as though Britain will adopt the MOLLE standard for attachment systems as they move closer and closer to purchasing new equipment.

Finally, amid concerns of third party kit of dubious quality, there are indications that the UK military may follow a plan similar to the “Certified Team Soldier Gear” initiative proposed by the US Army’s PEO-Soldier for distinctive markings or tags on issue equipment. This will be to educate Soldiers and leaders on whether equipment has been vetted for issue by MOD.

Photo from UK MOD via The Times.