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S.O.Tech “30 Seconds Vest” as Seen in “HEAT”

April 26th, 2023

“Don’t let yourself get attached to anything you are not willing to walk out on in 30 seconds flat if you feel the heat around the corner.”

The S.O.Tech team respects pivotal change influencers, and the movie HEAT is just that. It was just as entertaining as other action movies up until that time, but HEAT incorporated real tactical movement and weapon manipulation that caused the rest of Hollywood to up its game. And representative piece of this ground breaking, the HEAT clandestine magazine carry vest earned the respect and homage of a S.O.Tech Redux.

Vest includes built-in hook silencers on the shoulder and waist adjustments. When the user extends the shoulders or waist, hook Velcro is exposed which can tear and eat at your clothes. The hook silencer negates that.

“30 Seconds Vest” goes live 4/28 12pm PST.

$150 each. Vests come in S/M and L/XL size. No backorders, not a pre-order. Limit 1 per customer.

specopstech.com

Posted in Advertiser, Load Carrying, Press Release | 9 Comments »

U.S. Patriot Launches Bravery Tour

April 25th, 2023

U.S. Patriot, a GALLS® company, will tour 25 military bases across the country this spring and summer, celebrating the bravery and service of U.S. Military Service Members to our country.

Lexington, KY (April 2023) – U.S. Patriot, a GALLS® company, announced a Bravery Tour celebrating US Military Service Members, past and present, and their families, for their service, bravery, and sacrifice. The U.S. Patriot team will start the tour on May 2, 2023, at Ft. Campbell, KY, and will visit 25 US military bases over four months ending the tour at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, on Aug. 5, 2023. The U.S. Patriot team, which includes several US military veterans, will drive a 2023 Jeep® Wrangler Willys 4×4 wrapped in a beautiful red, white, and blue U.S. Patriot livery for 6,000+ miles.

“I am thrilled to kick this tour off next week at Ft Campbell,” said Mike Fadden, CEO of Galls. “There is no better way to honor those who serve than by spending time with them and getting to know our troops. We look forward to interacting with the US military service members for the next four months, celebrating everything they do for our nation, and bringing their voice directly into how we serve them better for their tactical gear needs.”

The tour will be interactive, and the military service members will be encouraged to leave their unit’s memorabilia on the Jeep, making it one-of-its-kind by the end of the tour. At the conclusion of the tour, the Jeep will be given away through a sweepstake random drawing to one lucky winner. All active-duty military members, national guard members, reservists, military retirees, military veterans, and dependents of active-duty military members are eligible to enter the sweepstakes. No purchase is necessary.

The tour will conduct fun events on each of the 25 bases it visits. These events will offer active duty, veterans, and their families an opportunity to mingle while enjoying food and beverages, promotions and giveaways, product demonstrations, and the chance to win the Jeep. Throughout the tour, the U.S. Patriot team will update viewers and fans via social media with commentary on military life, their stories, being on the move, and the importance of being professionally equipped.

Follow the U.S. Patriot Bravery Tour on Facebook and Instagram.

For more information on U.S. Patriot Bravery Tour, visit: www.uspatriot.com

Posted in Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on U.S. Patriot Launches Bravery Tour

Germany Buys 227 Additional BAE Systems BvS10s Through Framework Agreement

April 25th, 2023

STOCKHOLM, Sweden — April 24, 2023 – Germany is investing in an additional 227 ultra- mobile, protected, all-terrain BvS10 vehicles from BAE Systems. The German contract, worth around $400 million, follows the joint procurement by Sweden, Germany, and the United Kingdom in support of Arctic operations for the Collaborative All-Terrain Vehicle (CATV) program, with Sweden as the lead nation. This will extend the deliveries from the framework agreement, which are to begin in 2024, out to 2030.

“This framework agreement streamlines the process by allowing prospective and existing customers to acquire vehicles at previously negotiated terms, while also benefiting from the joint development,” said Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, managing director of BAE Systems Hägglunds, which manufactures the vehicles in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden. “This will secure Germany’s access to these highly capable vehicles for decades to come, and demonstrates the strong relationship between BAE Systems and our customer.”

BAE Systems’ military all-terrain vehicles are designed for operations in the harshest and most remote environments, and this agreement signals the company’s position as the defense industry’s leader in these capabilities. The new contract is for additional troop transport vehicles and armored personnel carriers (APCs), as well as three new German BvS10 versions; Command and Control (C2), and two logistics variants that will add combat support to the German Armed Forces.

The BvS10 (and Beowulf) are world-leading all-terrain solutions. Their articulated mobility systems provide optimal maneuverability across varying terrains including snow, ice, rock, sand, mud, swamps, and steep mountain environments. The vehicles’ amphibious feature also allows them to swim in flooded areas or coastal waters. The vehicles can deliver personnel and supplies to sustain strategic, tactical, and operational mobility.

BvS10’s unprecedented mobility is based on terrain accessible North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) standards. Its modular design allows it to be reconfigured for varying missions and can be delivered in multiple variants that include carrying personnel, command and control, ambulance, vehicle repair and recovery, logistics support, situational awareness, and a weapons carrier with additional mortar capability.

The vehicle is currently operated by Austria, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. BAE Systems’ Beowulf, the unarmored variant of the BvS10, won the U.S.

Army’s competition for its Cold Weather All-Terrain Vehicle (CATV) program in August. The U.S. Army will receive 110 vehicles over a five-year period.

Posted in Contracts, International, Mobility, Press Release | Comments Off on Germany Buys 227 Additional BAE Systems BvS10s Through Framework Agreement

SPARTANAT Presents: An Interview with FROG.PRO

April 25th, 2023

The SPARTANAT Interview with FROG.PRO: “WE DON’T SET OURSELVES ANY LIMITS” was originally posted in their native German language at www.spartanat.com/2023/02/interview-fabio-von-frog-pro It is a great follow up to the tour of the factory we posted yesterday.

FROG.PRO is gear with function and design from Italy. During our home visit in Parma we talked to FROG.PRO founder Fabio Casali and got into gear-philosphing with the classic questions: Where are you from? Where are you going?

Happy birthday Fabio, FROG.PRO is getting 10 years old. Where are you actually standing as gear company?

Time to party! Ten years have gone by very quickly. I started out as a craftsman offering repairs and custom products and I’m now running a little gem. FROG.PRO today is a small company with less than 15 employees, organized and managed to obtain a very high value for the user and for those who work in the company.

Value in terms of product, as we are committed to offering different solutions from the rest of the market and with attention to the smallest details (that’s why you at SpartanAt nicknamed us “Armani Gear”, right?). When we design a new piece of equipment we don’t set limits: we use the best materials and integrate all the features that can improve the use of the product. Savings policies are then adopted by limiting fabric waste in cutting operations, optimizing sewing processes, taking care of supply logistics, but never at the expense of the product.

Value also in terms of quality of life for those who work with us. We have always invested in the implementation of technologies to facilitate and improve everyone’s work; and in the improvement of the workplace, as I believe that to create excellence you need to live in an excellent way, to breathe beauty and feel it deeply. For this reason we have always kept the manufacturing in house, guaranteeing 100% made in Italy products.

Therefore, I do not feel like expressing a judgment on the positioning on the market, as we are a unique reality in our field, aimed at those who share our values.

Ten years ago: where did it start?

The idea of founding an equipment manufacturing company came to my mind during my military service in the 2º RGT Alpini. Immediately after the leave, I looked for a temporary job that could make me earn some money and in 2013, overcoming the skepticism of relatives and acquaintances, I finally started the company FROG.PRO. I was alone. I rented a 70s workshop of about 80 square meters near my parent’s house: it wasn’t nice, but it was my laboratory, where I could finally give free reign to my creativity. Although I had already learned how to sew, I immediately collided with many problems related to the management of an entrepreneurial activity. I had to learn how to manage sales through social media and website, use a camera and photo editing softwares, create administrative documents, managing the relationships with banks, etc. Luckily, I am a very resilient person and I managed to take advantage of all the obstacles that stood in front of me to draw positive experiences and enrich my cultural background.

What was your experience in those 10 years?

During these ten years I lived through beautiful experiences alternated with really bad and stressful moments. In the company I celebrated with my team the goals achieved. I got angry at myself and at them for failures. I shared with them looks of satisfaction after very intense periods in which we all gave our best. I laughed a lot. I cried. I met many people and with some of them I formed friendships that still last today. I had a lot of different experiences. Looking back, I can say that I enjoyed every single moment of this awesome journey.

What can we expect from FROG.PRO? What is upcoming?

Over the past two years we have expanded our workshop to nearly 600 square meters as well as optimizing and automating many internal processes to structure the company for future growth. The products we make today are the result of these organizational efforts combined with all the passion we always put into our work. Recently, we finished the development of the new HAWK plate carrier, new cummerbunds, new pouches and we also patented a new quick detach system for modular panels called U.LOK. In addition to this, we will dedicate this year to completing the offer of our current catalogue. The best is yet to come…

FROG.PRO on the Internet

SPARTANAT: www.spartanat.com

Posted in Guest Post, Industry, International | 1 Comment »

VBSS via Jet Suit

April 25th, 2023

The Brits are already all in and now the US is gaga over the Gravity Industries Jet Suit.

The Joint Prototyping and Experimentation Maritime (JPEM) Program in collaboration with Gravity Industries (UK) introduced a single person Jet Suit capability for rapid transit from shore-to-sea and from sea-to shore for joint missions such as Maritime Interdiction and Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS).

Posted in Aviation, Disruptive Tech, International | 14 Comments »

Remembering the Sacrifices of Operation Eagle Claw

April 25th, 2023

I remember waking up on the morning of 25 April, 1980 to hear President Carter announced to a stunned world that the United States had undertaken an ambitious raid into Iran to liberate 52 American hostages held illegally at our Embassy compound in Tehran. The assault force of what was known as “Operation Eagle Claw” can be seen here, loading C141s.

Unfortunately, the plan was complicated and the task force was made was made up of forces which hadn’t trained together long. The weather was problematic as well and as the task force began to organize a withdrawal from Iranian territory after one-too-many helicopter failures, disaster struck.

We lost eight American servicemen in a horrible aircraft ground collision during refueling operations where a hovering SH53 helicopter flew into a C130 full of fuel bladders.

However, their deaths were not in vain. The hostages were eventually repatriated and the accident was the watershed event that created, over the next several decades, the world’s preeminent Special Operations capability; USSOCOM and its components. Over forty years later, we wouldn’t be where are without the determination of that fledgling task force.

Join me in remembering those who had the guts to try; legends to a man.

Posted in History, Memorial | 2 Comments »

ANZAC Day

April 25th, 2023

I want to thank you for being a friend. As every year, I’ll tip back a pint this evening in memory of all the ANZAC troops, from World War One’s Battle of Gallipoli to the battle fought today. I’ll think of friends in both the Australian and New Zealand militaries and good times deployed to bad places.

Posted in Morale | 4 Comments »

ProTact by Haartz Now Available for Tactical Applications

April 24th, 2023

New line of materials offers increased durability and versatility for military and first responders

Acton, Massachusetts, April 24, 2023 – The Haartz Corporation, a global leader in highly engineered and uniquely designed textile materials, recently announced ProTact by Haartz™ – a new range of coated fabric products for use in tactical applications.

ProTact is a multi-layer textile laminated together to form a superior product with all the qualities required for tactical vests worn by military, law enforcement, SWAT teams and other first responders. ProTact is compliant with the Berry Amendment.

“We understand the importance of strong, durable fabrics when used in high-stress environments. Our analysis has shown ProTact by Haartz offers a high tensile strength and proven durability when tested against flex and fatigue, fabric fraying, high-temperature laundering and high-temperature and humidity endurance testing,” stated Samit Sadavarte, director, business development – new markets at Haartz. “Our development of premier-quality material is drawn from decades of developing flexible fabric laminates and a deep understanding of application-specific performance requirements through our long history as a trusted supplier to the world’s largest automakers.”

ProTact laminates are compatible with high-energy laser ablation cutting processes which offer a lighter weight and more versatile replacement to the widely used Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) system. Laser ablation avoids the risk of fabric tearing and allows for attachment points to be placed anywhere on the fabric, offering flexibility for applying the webbing feature in more sizes, shapes and locations. The laser cutting process also makes it easier for the wearer to adjust their ballistic load carrier and to remove ballistic plates when they are not needed.

A broad range of colors and prints are available, including solid colors using solution-dyed nylon fiber technology and multi-colored prints that can be adapted to conform to multiple common camo patterns. ProTact is available for large scale manufacturers and smaller individual companies in the United States and Europe in standard material constructions of 500x500d, 500x1000d and 1000x1000d yarn structures.

To learn more about ProTact by Haartz, please visit www.haartz.com/products/ProTact.

Posted in Armor, Materials, Press Release | 1 Comment »