PEO-Soldier has placed a concise one page description of Gen III ECWCS in order to inform a wider audience about its properties. We highly recommend that Soldiers give a copy to leaders who may not be as in tune with innovations in Soldier Systems items.
You can read the article at Infantry magazine.
We got a sneak peak of FiveTen’s new tactical footwear at OR in August. Grey Group Training shared some photos with us of the production models. They will be available around SHOT. Contact Grey Group to order.
For years unit life support shops have been modifying skate board helmets for use as bump helmets during activities such as CQB, maritime, and airborne operations. Modifications can be costly as well as have varying degrees of success. PT Helmets does the work for you with the Alpha helmet which they manufacture specifically for special DOD customers. The shell has the same tensile strength as a hard hat and the impact liner is designed for airborne operations. The crown pad is also removable as the helmet is designed to accommodate communications systems. In fact, excess material over the ears is removable in order to custom fit large ear cups.
The Alpha helmet comes standard with an integral goggle retention strap at the back of the helmet. Additionally, the helmet has a four point suspension with a nape pad that is similar to the MICH. This makes the helmet not only a more effective platform for NVGs but also safer for activities such as airborne operations. You can utilize the chin cup for a more secure fit or attach the strap under the chin when wearing protective masks. The chin strap is mounted using non-corrosive Black zinc Phillips head bolts.
The helmet is available with optional velcro panels as well as removable MIL-STD 1913 rails. Also, the helmets are pre-drilled for both the Navy three hole pattern or Army one hole pattern NVG mount.
They are available on OD, Desert Tan, and Black non-reflective matte finishes. However, they are ready for paint right out of the box. To order contact PT Helmets. They are a very cost effective alternative to doing in house mods.
Photos courtesy of PT Helmets.
Unveiled at SHOT 08 in Las Vegas, the HPFU consists of four components: Jacket, Shirt, Pants, and Vest. The system was developed by Brian Abrams of Adventure Tech as they were brought into Blackhawk’s stable of outdoor and tactical companies. With the exception of the vest which is designed to be worn in conjunction with the shirt, all of the clothing features Blackhawk’s proprietary Integrated Tourniquet System (ITS). It was this feature that helped persuade the Navy to purchase the uniforms for some of its ground combatants.
Jacket
Shirt
Pants
Vest
Available in Black, OD and Desert Digital with Multicam available in the future, all of the HPFU items are available here.
Photos from Blackhawk Products Group.
The Navy has announced the fielding plan for the NWU. Exchanges in the Northeast Region started selling the new uniform in July and currently sales are underway in the National Capital Region as well as issue to new recruits. Next up is the Tidewater Region and they will be available for sales everywhere by October 2010.
The NWU consists of a blue based digital camo working uniform, eight-point cover, dark blue t-shirts, Gore-tex jacket, and black boots. The blouse and trousers are similar in cut to the Marine Camouflage Combat Utility Uniform except that the blouse’s chest pockets are parallel to the deck instead of slanted. Additionally, an Anchor, USS Constitution, and Eagle (ACE) device is embroidered on the left chest pocket. In addition to the dark blue t-shirts, each Sailor will be required to own a mock turtleneck. The APECS style Gore-tex jacket comes with a zip-in fleece liner similar to the Coast Guard jacket. The fleece liner may not be worn as an outer garment. Currently, smooth leather safety toe boots much be worn aboard ship but an optional black suede boot may be worn ashore.
There are still several admin decisions that need to be made such as whether Masters at Arms and Sailors assigned to the Naval Expeditionary Combat Command will wear the NWU.
You can download a Navy poster describing the NWU here.
Photos courtesy of Department of the Navy.
CarbonX®, the FR fabric will be demonstrated on the Outdoor Channel’s “MOTOR MANIA” tonight at Monday, November 3rd at 4:30pm or 9:00pm EST (see local listings). They will demonstrate CarbonX® versus their leading competitor on a mannequin in a full gas fire.
A mannequin, outfitted in a 50/50 split garment – one half CarbonX®, the other half a well-know material in the racing market – will be set alight. Spectators will watch as the mannequin is doused with racing fuel, ignited and allowed to burn until the fuel has burned off.
CarbonX® fabric does not ignite, burn, char, shrink or significantly decompose when exposed to intense heat or flame, molten metal, or arc flash. CarbonX® is quite popular in the motor sports community but has not found favor in the Soldier Systems industry as it is not Berry compliant. For more information on CarbonX® go to Chapman Innovations.
We are beginning to see a lot more products on the market tailored specifically for working canines. Tactical Assault Gear has just released a new canine vest which is already in use by DOD canine teams, and various SRT as well as Border Patrol canine units.
The vest is constructed from 1000D Cordura and mesh panels. It also features rigger belt style adjustment straps with metal buckles for durability, a drag/carry handle, PALS webbing, as well as an adjustable camera mount. Due to the construction details, the vest can be used to secure the canine while rappelling and fast roping.
Additionally, the vest is designed for freedom of movement by the canine yet maintain durability for prolonged operations. The canine vests are manufactured in the USA and can be custom fitted and adapted for specialty requirements.
Available in Coyote, Black, Ranger Green, UCP, and Multicam. Contact TAG to order.
Photos courtesy of TAG.
Gerber considers the Artifactâ„¢ a key chain tool due to its compact size. It features an removable #11 hobby blade, cross driver, small and medium flat drivers, wire stripper, pry bar/paint can opener and a key chain attachment hole. It also includes 3 replacement blades and blade holder. As it utilizes hobby blades one user has suggested that you could dispose of the blade and replace it later in case you run into issues at the airport but the other features may give reason for pause.
The stainless-steel Artifactâ„¢ features a Titanium Nitrade coating. The Artifactâ„¢ is available from a variety of sources that offer it below the $13.76 MSRP.
Photo from Gerber.
