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TechForce Partners with WD-40 Brand and Advance Auto Parts On Scholarship Program

December 28th, 2021

December 28, 2021 – SCOTTSDALE, AZ — WD-40® Brand is partnering with TechForce and Advance Auto Parts on a scholarship program to support a new generation of trade professionals.

WD-40 Brand will donate $25,000 to the TechForce Foundation, helping to fund 40 scholarships for those pursuing a career in skilled trades and in need of financial support. Scholarship recipients will also receive additional resources and career development opportunities.

“WD-40 Brand has a long history of championing skilled trades and new generations of trade professionals through products, education, scholarships and other resources,” said Erin Bala, senior director of brand experience, engagement & innovation at WD-40 Company. “Now, more than ever, America needs young people to enter the skilled trades and we are honored to support TechForce and Advance in their mission to support students in their education and careers as professional technicians.”

TechForce harnesses the collective resources of the transportation industry to develop tomorrow’s diverse workforce of qualified technicians by increasing awareness and enthusiasm for the skilled trades, providing resources to help access quality education for those with financial need, and connecting future techs and industry members through mentorship and career development opportunities.

“We’re currently facing a shocking labor shortage in the skilled trades, with nearly five jobs for every new tech school graduate, making it critical to help aspiring trade professionals overcome financial barriers,” said Jennifer Maher, TechForce, CEO. “The scholarship program creates a powerful opportunity to allow men and women to pursue a stable and rewarding career in the trades that have built our communities for centuries, while reducing the financial burden.”

Learn more at techforce.org/revup.

“Advance is proud to partner with WD-40 Brand and TechForce on this valuable scholarship opportunity,” said Chris Blanchette, Advance’s vice president, strategic store operations and chairman of TechForce’s board of directors. “I started my professional career as an automotive technician, and am incredibly thankful that TechForce, Advance and great partners like WD-40 Brand share a passion for attracting, educating and retaining men and women in the rewarding careers available in the automotive industry. Together, we look forward to solving for a critical need while launching the careers of aspiring technicians across the U.S.”

As part of this partnership, from Dec 30. 2021 through Feb. 16, 2022, Advance will be offering WD-40® Multi-Use Product at a discounted price.

Posted in Press Release, Training | Comments Off on TechForce Partners with WD-40 Brand and Advance Auto Parts On Scholarship Program

Blue Force Gear Gives You Tail, That Doesn’t Suck!

December 28th, 2021

BFG innovation gives you a sling with the longer adjustment range you want without the downsides found in older tail slings – You said, “Give Me Tail” and our GMT Sling delivers!

[POOLER, GA, December 21, 2021] For 15 years, Blue Force Gear has provided our legendary tail-less Vickers SlingTM as the optimal sling for battlefield use. We are proud that our go-to favorite VCAS® is the standard issue sling in elements across the US Military to include the USMC. That said, some very dialed in Blue Force Gear customers got hooked on tail early on in their gunfighter life and just never could break free. They like the longer adjustment range of the loose ended two-point slings and were willing to put up with all the downsides to keep getting the tail they want. In many cases these shooters are our friends and they seemed to genuinely feel bad that they can’t break the tail habit and jump on the BFG VCAS train. So, we decided to offer them a better choice. We looked at a lot of tails and carefully listened to why some of our best customers in the SOF world can’t go tail-free. After years of development, we can now offer them the best tail they ever had: The Blue Force Gear GMT Sling.

In case you never tried a two-point tail sling here is how BFG innovated solutions to the known downsides:

Old Tail Sling Adjusters – Some older slings use the old ALICE Pack strap adjuster which has a spring that can fail, and Murphy will pick an inopportune time. The quickest way to deal with the busted spring: tie a knot in your tail and lose adjustability. Some tail sling makers avoided the spring issues by using ladder lock adjusters also borrowed from pack applications. It was a nice try but the adjuster lift tab for lengthening can catch on gear like radio antennas and unexpectedly zip your sling out to full length.

BFG Optimized Tail Sling Adjuster – We started from scratch and developed a two-piece adjuster purpose built for weapon sling use. It has no spring to fail and has no extended-release tab to catch on things and cause unexpected sling opening – failure points eliminated!

Old Tail webbing – We’ve seen loose tails in front of muzzles (yes, you get your tail shot off!), behind the trigger (no bueno during gunfights) jammed into magwells over top of a fresh mag (show-stopper – took two people to get the wedged mag out), flipped up in front of the optic (a problem when lead is flying both ways.) In addition to going bad places, the thin standard webbing just feels terrible on your neck.

BFG Superior Tail Webbing – Our custom thicker webbing keeps the tail from easily finding its way into bad spots and increases comfort and durability. Our thicker tail is better!

Now, for the first time ever, you have the choice of a tail or a captured tail design sling from the maker of the finest weapons slings in the world. You said, “Give Me Tail”, so we did.

www.blueforcegear.com/gmt-sling

Blue Force Gear, Always Better.

Posted in Advertiser, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | 1 Comment »

Viktos – Johnny Combat Winter Boot

December 28th, 2021

Viktos has taken their popular Johnny Combat boot and added 600g Thinsulate along with a waterproof/breathable performance lining to create a Winter Boot. Additionally, the STRIF outsole has an enhanced grip along with a high-rebound EVA foam midsole.

Offered in Nightfjall and Greyman, sizes 6-15.

www.viktos.com/collections/boots/products/johnny-combat-winter

Posted in Boots | 3 Comments »

TacMed Tuesday – The Essentials: The TacMed Solutions Operator IFAK

December 28th, 2021

The TacMed™ Solutions Operator IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit) is a compact and streamlined combat trauma kit with an optimized interior layout and full-zip opening for rapid easy access to all its components. The IFAK contents allow for the effective treatment of injuries commonly associated with combat trauma without taking up excess space using multipurpose items like the included OLAES® Modular Bandage features a plastic occlusive sheet in the dressing pocket which can eliminate the need for a stand-alone chest seal.

The TacMed™ Solutions Operator IFAK has gripper elastic on the bottom of the pouch that can provide an extra place to store quick-access equipment such as a tourniquet. The IFAK medical kit includes Velcro on the front provides a place to adhere to an ID patch for easy identification if being aided by a partner.

While the Operator IFAK was designed to improve survivability on the battlefield, many law enforcement agencies also utilize it to keep their officers prepared for any situation.

If you are interested in learning more about the Operator IFAK and its kit components, check it out at: tacmedsolutions.com/products/tacmed-solutions-operator-ifak

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Medical | Comments Off on TacMed Tuesday – The Essentials: The TacMed Solutions Operator IFAK

US Army Hosts Mountain Warfare Course in Djibouti

December 28th, 2021

DJIBOUTI — Five U.S. Army Mountain Warfare School instructors with the Vermont Army National Guard travelled to Djibouti to teach a five-day Joint Expeditionary Mountain Warfare Course to service members from France’s 5th Overseas Interarms Regiment (5e RIAOM) at the Arta Range Complex, Dec. 12-16, 2021.

The course consisted of knot tying, rope management, rappelling, fixed rope techniques, hauling systems, ascension techniques, lowering systems, basic mountain casualty evacuation and portable stretcher training. Upon successful completion of the course, the students received the prestigious Ram’s Head device and a certificate of completion during a graduation ceremony.

“Any time we can have information sharing and collaboration, it’s beneficial for us as well as our partner forces,” said Sgt. 1st Class Dustin Dearborn, an instructor at the U.S. Army Mountain Warfare School. “Even the experienced service members were able to take something away from this course.”

Mountain qualified Soldiers from the 1-102nd Infantry Regiment (Mountain), Task Force Iron Gray, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), assisted Vermont’s instructors with the course. The 1-102nd Infantry Regiment (Mountain) is a unit within the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain), the only active mountain brigade in the U.S. Army. The 86th IBCT (Mountain) and the Army Mountain Warfare School are both headquartered Vermont.

“Our task force is honored to host this joint training event and further demonstrate our interoperability and continuous cooperation with the French military,” said Lt. Col. Frank Tantillo, Task Force Iron Gray commander. “Because of joint trainings like this, we are all more ready to succeed at our missions and allow future task forces to continue carrying on these partnerships for years to come.”

This is the first time the Army Mountain Warfare School has conducted mountain training for French service members in Djibouti. For years, French forces have routinely invited U.S. service members to participate in the French Desert Commando Course in Djibouti. During Task Force Iron Gray’s deployment to the Horn of Africa, 53 Soldiers successfully completed the grueling 12-day course, earning the foreign identification badge.

The Joint Expeditionary Mountain Warfare Course was a way for the U.S. Army to give back by including foreign nation service members from France’s 5e RIAOM, and share specialty skillsets that strengthen the relationships among the international forces working together in the region. Thirty-two French service members from the 5e RIAOM successfully completed the Joint Expeditionary Mountain Warfare Course.

“This is part of a mutual cooperation between the U.S. and the French,” said French Capt. Benoit Malet, Commander, French Desert Commando Course. “The U.S. came here to teach the French their own techniques. We do the same things but different ways, so it is very interesting to us to discover a new view on what we do.”

By SSG Amanda Stock

Posted in Army, Guest Post, International, Mountaineering, Training | Comments Off on US Army Hosts Mountain Warfare Course in Djibouti

GSM Outdoors Acquires SOG Specialty Knives

December 27th, 2021

Irving, TX – GSM Outdoors, a multi-brand manufacturer and technology innovator of specialized hunting and shooting sport accessories, is thrilled to announce the acquisition of SOG Specialty Knives, Inc., one of the most respected tactical and purpose-built knife manufactures in the U.S.

“Since 1986, SOG has been synonymous with austere-duty knives intended to meet the needs of defense professionals,” said Eddie Castro, CEO of GSM Outdoors. “The name is instantly recognized by military, first responders, and blade enthusiasts for their high-quality craftsmanship and reliable performance. Our acquisition of SOG represents an important expansion of the GSM family of brands, and we look forward to taking the brand to that next level of consumer support and product innovation.”

Originally hailed for the company’s combat-inspired fixed-blade knives, SOG has since expanded its knives and specialty tools to include folders, multi-tools, and gear intended for professional use, outdoor recreation, and everyday carry.

“SOG is a prestigious brand among outdoor and tactical retailers nationwide,” said Zach Henderson, GSM’s Vice President of Sales, “and the company enjoys an enthusiastic consumer base. We are understandably excited to add SOG to our portfolio of knife and utility tool companies, including Cold Steel. We look forward to working with our industry partners to further expand the SOG brand across the professional and outdoor consumer segments.”

To see the full line of SOG Specialty Knives & Tools for work, recreation, and everyday applications, visit SOGKnives.com.

If you’d like to check out the entire family of GSM brands, please visit www.gsmoutdoors.com. We look forward to earning and keeping your business!

Posted in Industry, Knives, Press Release | 4 Comments »

Air Venturi Debuts Bullpup Avenger

December 27th, 2021

It’s not a Red Rider BB Gun with a compass in the stock, but considering how much some of you guys love bullpups, I thought this was worth a share.

Solon, OH — Air Venturi is excited to announce the launch of the Bullpup version of its wildly successful Air Venturi Avenger PCP Air Rifle.

“After the initial success we had with the synthetic stock Avenger rifle, we listened to the customer feedback and the consensus was clear that they wanted a wood stock version, and they wanted a Bullpup” explained Air Venturi President, Val Gamerman. “We were happy to launch a wood stock version of the rifle early in 2021, but our real excitement and focus has been on this Bullpup version.”

The Bullpup offers the same fantastic performance as the rifle, but in a much more compact package. Shaving nearly 10” off of the overall length and coming in at just 33” from muzzle to buttpad, the Avenger Bullpup offers increased maneuverability without sacrificing any of the fan favorite attributes the rifle versions are known for. “Another change we know customers will love is a new polymer that has been used to create the Bullpup stock, it has a higher quality look and feel to it compared to the original synthetic stock on the rifle” says Gamerman.

Talking about the stock, users will find a number of unique enhancements built into the Avenger Bullpup. Two magazine storage slots in the underside of the stock keep your magazines secure and easily accessible when they’re not in use. A new tool-less adjustable buttpad can be easily manipulated as needed by the shooter. Additionally, a four position adjustable cheek piece further enhances the shooting experience. For those that want to accessorize the bullpup, there are three picatinny accessory rails at the fore-end of the stock so bipods, lights, lasers or other attachments can be added.

At the heart of this PCP is an externally adjustable regulator and externally adjustable hammer spring. These allow the user to customize the Avenger’s performance to fit their needs. Achieving speeds over 1000 fps in .177 caliber and over 900 fps in .22 and .25 caliber, the Avenger packs plenty of power. The trigger can be adjusted to the shooters liking as well. Mounting your optics is achieved via a picatinny rail that is nearly 10” long.

airventuri.com

Posted in Off-Duty, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Savage Arms Announces New 110 Magpul Hunter

December 27th, 2021

WESTFIELD, Massachusetts – December 27, 2021 – Savage is pleased to announce it has teamed up with Magpul® to pair a premium aftermarket stock with Savage’s proven 110 action. The combination mates Savage’s reputation for accuracy with Magpul’s renowned versatility to create a unique 110 that’s ideal for any shooter.

“Magpul builds incredible accessories,” Jessica Treglia, Sr. Brand Manager at Savage Arms, said. “Their Hunter Stocks are a solid compliment for the versatility of the 110 action and barrel. But this is much more than an aftermarket stock. We’ve designed a 110 with a heavy barrel and durable coatings that match the look and feel of the Magpul Hunter Stocks.”

The 110 Magpul Hunter combines decades of 110 innovations. At the heart of the rifle is a factory blueprinted action with an 18” threaded heavy barrel. The Cerakote® Tungsten finish prevents corrosion and exposure to the elements. The knurled bolt handle, adjustable length of pull, and comb height options from Magpul round out ergonomic improvements to this Model 110. Those features, paired with the user-adjustable AccuTrigger™, allow for crisp, clean shots and Savage accuracy. These new rifles will be available in both left and right-handed configurations.

Model 110 Magpul Hunter Features

• Factory blueprinted action available in right and left hand
• Magpul® Hunter Stock upgraded with aluminum bedding block,
• fully adjustable length of pull (13-15”), comb height, and enhanced ergonomics
• M-LOK slots on forend sides and bottom for mounting options
• 1.5-4 lb user-adjustable AccuTrigger
• 18” Carbon Steel Heavy Barrel Threaded (5/8-24”) for muzzle devices
• Tactical, knurled bolt handle for improved handling
• Tungsten Cerakote® Barrel, Receiver, and Bolt Handle
• 5-round AICS Magpul Magazine included
• Drilled & Tapped Receiver (8-40)
• 1-Piece 20 MOA Rail

Part No. / Description / MSRP

57734 / Magpul Hunter Right Hand.308 Win. 18-inch barrel / $1,049

57735 / Magpul Hunter Right Hand 6.5 Creedmoor 18-inch barrel / $1,049

57736 / Magpul Hunter Left Hand .308 Win. 18-inch barrel / $1,049

57737 / Magpul Hunter Left Hand 6.5 Creedmoor 18-inch barrel / $1,049

Learn more at www.savagearms.com.

Posted in Firearms, Press Release | 1 Comment »