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GALLS Named to Newsweek’s “America’s Greatest Workplaces 2023”

November 15th, 2023

This award recognizes GALLS® impact and commitment to promoting equality and diversity, offering competitive compensation and benefits, fostering a culture open to new ideas, encouraging career development, and enabling work-life balance.

Lexington, Ken. (November 2023) – GALLS®, the nation’s leading supplier serving America’s public safety and military professionals, has been recognized as one of “America’s Greatest Workplaces 2023” by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group. This honor emphasizes the company’s commitment to promoting equality and diversity, offering competitive compensation and benefits, fostering a culture open to new ideas, encouraging career development, and enabling work-life balance.

Newsweek partnered with Plant-A Insights, a provider of market research, to complete an independent study at companies with 1,000 or more employees in the United States. Respondents were asked about a broad range of key drivers of employee satisfaction, including company image, corporate culture, working environment, work-life balance, training and career progression, compensation and benefits, sustainability awareness, and proactive management of the diverse workforce.

“In such a competitive job market, it can be tough for employers to stand out to attract top talent, so this recognition is a true testament to the value GALLS places on employee satisfaction. Our company culture is at the core of GALLS’ success, and we continue strengthening our efforts to create a healthier and happier workplace. Earning a 5-star score in ‘America’s Greatest Workplaces for 2023’ survey, we are well on our way,” Mike Fadden, CEO at GALLS, said.

“How do you find a great workplace—one that treats employees respectfully, pays them fairly, provides training and advancement opportunities, and supports a healthy work-life balance? Newsweek and market-data research firm Plant-A Insights are proud to introduce ‘America’s Greatest Workplaces 2023,’ highlighting companies that are committed to offering a positive working environment,” remarked Nancy Cooper, Global Editor in Chief, at Newsweek.

Visit the website for more information at www.galls.com and on Facebook.

Tear Down Systems – Garmin Anti-Reflection Cover

November 15th, 2023

In a similar vein to their Watch Cap, the Tear Down Systems Garmin ARC is a low pro cover completely eliminating any reflecting surface on the Garmin Foretrex 601. However, unlike with the Watch Cap, you’ll have to slide the cover out of the way to view the screen of your device.

Simple to use and works with most if not all straps for your Garmin 601 Foretrex.

Offered in several colors and patterns. Anti-Reflection Coverage for other Garmin models in the way.

www.teardownsystems.com

AXL Advanced Releases MPU5 CommSled

November 15th, 2023

The CommSled mounts the PTT offset to the carrier and flexibly allows clearance of ATAK and similar systems, lower profile mounting, and improved access to PTT controls. Using shockcord, the CommSled pulls the PTT’s outer edge into the plate carrier’s intercostal space and keeps it spaced so that EUD devices can be used without interference by larger PTTs. 

www.AXLadvanced.com

SIGHTRON Announces the New S-TAC 1-6×24 AR1 Riflescope

November 15th, 2023

Youngsville, NC- (November 14, 2023) – SIGHTRON, a global precision riflescope company, announces the launch of the new S-TAC 1-6×24 AR1 LPVO riflescope, an excellent choice for modern sporting rifles chambered in .223 / 5.56mm.

“We are laser-focused on developing best-in-class riflescopes at excellent prices,” says John Long, National Sales Manager, SIGHTRON. “The S-TAC 1-6×24 AR1 employs Japanese optical glass and camera-grade multi-coatings to provide the best possible viewing experience in the sub-$500 price point.”

At the core of the design are 13 meticulously crafted Japanese optical glass lenses. Combined with SIGHTRON’s exclusive MC-333 multi-coating technology, each lens gets 3 layers of camera grade multi-coatings applied to both sides for a combined 6 layers on each lens. That is a total of 78 layers throughout the optical design for the best possible light transmission, contrast, and clarity. This means you can locate and stay on target in the harshest lighting conditions.

The NEW throw lever design lets you reposition the “Fin” to one of 16 positions on the magnification dial; set the position of the fin at 1x, 6x or any position in between. This makes it easy for right or left-handed users to customize this scope to work best for their style.

The S-TAC AR1 reticle is purpose-built for modern sporting rifles chambered in .223 and 5.56mm. The illuminated halo helps with fast target acquisition at close range while the illuminated center dot ensures accurate mid-range target placement. The non-illuminated, easy-to-see drop bars indicate holdovers between 300-600 yards with additional indicators for 5 and 10mph crosswinds. 

Never experience reticle drift again. SIGHTRON utilizes their exclusive ExacTrack erector tube system to deliver consistent, reliable, and repeatable adjustments, even at the extreme edges of the scope’s adjustments.  This means 1/4 MOA click values are the same at 50 MOA as they are at zero. 

The scope is crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum, weighs only 22.4 oz and is shock-rated to 1,000G’s for more than 10k cycles. It can handle large caliber rounds and is Airgun rated. Of course, it meets IPX7 waterproof standards and is nitrogen-charged to prevent fogging of the interior glass elements, even when moving from a warm car to sub-zero temps.*

The new S-TAC and all SIGHTRON riflescopes are backed by a Lifetime Performance Guarantee.

Exclusive Features:

• New Japanese Optical Design

• MC-333 Camera Grade Multi-Coatings

• ExacTrack Windage & Elevation System

• 16-Position Magnification Fin Lever

• Retail: $499.99

* Fogging of the exterior lens surface is still possible

For more information on the new S-TAC 1-6×24 AR1 riflescope and the complete product line from SIGHTRON, please visit sightron.com and

MKU Limited Launches Kavro Doma 360, a 5 Zone Rifle Protective Helmet at Milipol

November 15th, 2023

MKU Limited just unveiled the Kavro Doma 360 at Milipol Paris, the first rifle protective helmet with five zone protection (top and four side quadrants).

Seen here is Manesh Khandelwal, Director of R&D at MKU Limited.
Designed to protect against AK-47 MSC, M80 NATO BALL, and M193 bullets at muzzle velocity and has been tested to defeat five rounds in the five zones of the head (front, back, left, right, crown) without the need of add-on armour.

It is also a boltless design, avoiding the compromise of holes cut in the helmet. The back face deformation for 7.62 x 39mm MSC at 710 +15m/s from 10 meters is just 20mm and the Kavro Doma 360 integrates a new Advanced Harness System with Dynamic Impact Technology to deal with the energy form impacts as well as daily comfort. And not just straight impacts, but also rotational/angular impacts which are known to cause concussions or brain injuries. In addition, it comes with a top-to-chin (longitudinal) and side-to-side (lateral) harness adjustment functionality for highest stability and a snug fit.

The helmet is offered in full, mid and high cuts to accommodate the needs of all users and the integration of communications headsets. The weight starts at 1.45 kg for a full cut helmet in small. While not the lightest helmet on the market, you have to consider the five zone protection in your calculation which was added based on lessons learned from the Ukrainian conflict.

Finally, the Kavro Doma 360 features the Modular Accessory Connector System or MACS. This rail system accepts mounted accessories all as a counterweight at the rear in addition to the night vision shroud at the front. Due to its modular nature, MKU engineers are working to add power and data to MACS.

In a press release from MKU, Managing Director, Mr. Neeraj Gupta says, “Our commitment to our heroes has been unwavering since we first got into soldier protection. The Doma 360 is the culmination of 5 years of relentless R&D and the uncompromising resolve to develop this for forces globally. All of us at MKU are filled with emotion, because we have finally been able to take it to the world.”

Although headquartered in India MKU Limited also has operations in Germany and UAE.

Unity Tactical Expands FAST Line to Support Holosun AEMS Optics

November 15th, 2023

New FAST™ AEMS marks fourth expansion of FAST™ line in 2023

BROUSSARD, LA. (Nov. 15, 2023) – UNITY™ Tactical, a designer of components that integrate tactical systems and optimize the human factor, announced the launch of the FAST™ AEMS mount today, expanding the line to increase compatibility with additional optics.

The FAST AEMS positions Holosun™ AEMS™ optics at the established FAST height of 2.26″ to the optical centerline from the rail. It can be paired with any FAST FTC (Flip-to-Center) magnifier mount.

“This is the first FAST mount compatible with Holosun optics, and the fourth new FAST mount we’ve launched this year,” said Mike Roth, VP of business development for UNITY Tactical. “We want to ensure a wide range of end users can enjoy the benefits of a heads-up shooting posture. With nearly 15 different FAST mounts now available, we’re glad to support Holosun customers with these mounting solutions.”

FAST AEMS is available in black or FDE. It mounts directly to an M1913 rail and comes standard with a two cross bolt rail clamp, but is compatible for retrofit with the FAST QD Lever.

The FAST AEMS offer a lifetime warranty. It retails for $175 and is available for purchase now through authorized UNITY dealers and on UNITYtactical.com.

Galvion Marks First Shipment of Caiman Ballistic Helmets to NATO Through NSPA

November 15th, 2023

Galvion, a world leader in integrated head systems and intelligent power and data management solutions, has received major orders for its Batlskin Caiman® head system from Norway, Finland and Sweden through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) contract, and is pleased to announce the first delivery has recently shipped to Norway. In December 2022, Galvion was awarded a framework contract that facilitates the procurement of their high performance Batlskin Caiman® head system and accessories, typically used by Special Operations Forces (SOF) and dismounted light forces, for NATO countries and partners. This announcement marks the placement of multiple orders off the framework contract and the commencement of deliveries that are expected to total over 80,000 helmet systems.

The NSPA contract was awarded following extensive user trials conducted by Norway, acting as the lead user nation, under the supervision of the NSPA. Selected to meet the higher performance bracket of four specified helmet categories, Galvion’s Caiman® helmet system comes in five sizes and is equipped with Galvion’s very latest APEX lining system, an intuitively adjustable design that enables a customized fit for users and is designed to offer unparalleled stability for the latest visual augmentation devices. The Caiman helmet is scalable for highly dynamic operations with mission-specific accessories, and is expressly designed to incorporate electronics, communications headsets, and other critical equipment, now and into the future.

Ms Celine Danielli, NSPA Programme Manager, stated: “NSPA was able to provide Nations with the consolidation of requirements for a highly technical soldier equipment. This contract is the perfect example of NSPA’s added value to Nations and Industry: through the use of the NATO Logistics Stock Exchange, the Agency combined technical requirements and technology, enabling Nations to buy the necessary equipment on a web-platform”.

Svend Svendsen, project representative of the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA) said: “Norway conducted rigorous trials over an extended period and through multiple mission sets. The Caiman helmet was selected as the variant normally used by Special Forces and advanced conventional forces as it is focused on survivability and lethality and supports the integration of visual augmentation devices and communications.”

Todd Stirtzinger, CEO at Galvion said: “The NSPA framework contract offers NATO countries a simplified procurement route for our flagship Caiman head system, along with a growing list of integrated accessories. We are working both internally and in conjunction with best-in-breed partners to develop and integrate capability enhancements, from scalable power to communications to strobes and visual displays, that will ensure the Caiman platform continues to evolve to meet ever-growing mission needs, all available through the NSPA procurement route.” Added Stirtzinger, “It’s a major milestone for our entire team to see this first shipment go to Norway, a valued partner, and the technical authority on the program. We are delivering these first 80,000 systems across Norway, Sweden, and Finland over the next 18 months, and expect demand to increase as they equip more of their conventional forces with the Caiman system and its expanding suite of accessories. We continue to work closely with these countries to ensure that we have voice-of-customer feedback informing our development and integration paths, as well as the appropriate training, maintenance, and support plans for the future.”

MARSOC Multi-Purpose Canine Handlers Conduct Desert Training

November 15th, 2023

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – Instructors with Marine Forces Special Operations Command recently hosted the final phase of training for prospective Marines working toward becoming multi-purpose canine handlers for the command, Oct. 1-20, 2023.

The course, which is also used as continuing education training for senior MPCs and handlers, encompasses all aspects of requisite skills that a special operations capability specialist needs to be successful while attached to a Marine Special Operations Company. Everything from tactical movements to engaging enemy combatants is done with the canines right by the side of their handlers.

The portion of the course known as the desert package culminates all of the training the handlers and canines had been through while also shifting the environment to one that is unfamiliar.

“We have individually done all of the things we are being asked to do here,” said a student handler. “The change in environment, to something you just won’t see in North Carolina, challenges us to put it all together and really make sure we understand our dog and their personality.”

MPCs and handlers within MARSOC have a high bar to achieve. In addition to being the only special operations component that uses subject matter experts in canine handling to work on the teams, the canines themselves have more asked of them than normal.

“MARSOC really sets itself apart because we train to proficiency in all three facets of canine work,” said a senior MPC handler. “all of our dogs are capable of apprehension, or bites, explosive detection, and tracking, requiring a higher level of training”

To be able to accommodate the heightened requirements for the MPCs, the handlers are trained differently as well.

“Our handlers are not just handlers, they are trained to be trainers,” an MPC handler added. “There is a level of knowledge that goes beyond just working with the dog. Our handlers are capable of going to a partner nation and training their dogs and handlers to proficiency as well.”

Upon successful completion of the training pipeline, both students and canines are fully certified to be a working MPC team. Those teams then continue preparations to join a company and eventually deploy alongside critical skills operators and special operations officers on a team.

The multi-purpose canine handler pipeline is open to those within the 5800 military police occupational field. Interested Marines should reach out to a MARSOC recruiter to learn more about the opportunity.

Story by Cpl Henry Rodriguez II 

Marine Forces, Special Operations Command