X-PAC

Stronger Leadership, LLC Acquires Premium Lifestyle Sunglass Brand Skeleton Optics

May 24th, 2023

Stronger Leadership, LLC, a collaboration of three experienced business leaders is excited to announce that they have acquired Skeleton Optics, Inc. a well-established sunglass and protective eyewear brand among sports men and women. Skeleton Optics was created and established by Mark and Lori Llano of Wellington, Florida who built the brand into a premium lifestyle brand specializing in innovative optical and lifestyle products. Headquartered in Wellington, FL, its sunglasses are emboldened through the spirit of adventure.

Using extremely high-quality components that include polarized lenses manufactured by Carl Zeiss Vision, and frames designed and manufactured in Italy, Skeleton Optics creates high-performance sunglasses to promote active outdoor engagement. With a vision to create products offering integrated design fused with advanced technology, Skeleton Optics is committed to enhancing your journey through life, while simultaneously delivering flawless protection.

Eric Storey, Chief Operating Officer for Stronger Leadership, LLC stated “My partners and I are excited to take what Mark and Lori have built to another level of recognition and exposure. The quality of this brand is unparalleled, and we plan to bring it to a wider audience who will further embrace the quality and strength of this amazing brand.”

Booz Allen Awarded $919M Contract to Support Warfighter Capabilities

May 24th, 2023

With an enterprise approach, Booz Allen seeks to enhance the Soldier as a System

MCLEAN, Va., May 23, 2023–Booz Allen Hamilton (NYSE: BAH), announced today it was awarded a performance-based task order, EDITS (Engineering, Development, Integration, and Technology-based Solutions), a research and development contract valued at $919 million. EDITS is designed to enable the Soldier as a System concept and continuously enhance the warfighter’s ability in all climatic conditions and combat situations, ensuring protection and survivability across multiple Department of Defense (DOD) agencies. The task order supports the following mission partners: U.S. Army Program Executive Offices (PEO) to include Soldier, elements of U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), U.S. Army Development Command (DEVCOM) Soldier Center and the DOD’s Joint Personnel Recovery Agency (JPRA). This contract will enable Booz Allen to offer cutting-edge, technology-based solutions across services to meet emerging threats and ensure a versatile, expeditionary, agile, sustainable, and interoperable military capable of meeting and overcoming any challenge.

“Supporting warfighters requires concerted coordination that informs technology development and integration in order to empower the nation’s forces to operate jointly. Booz Allen will work to support orchestration across mission partners at the strategic level and adaptive tech integration at the tactical level for warfighters,” said Judi Dotson, Booz Allen’s Global Defense sector president. “The EDITS contract represents a cultural shift intended to foster collaboration early in technology development, as we will help facilitate open communication across service boundaries and posture for the integration of future technologies through system-level architectures.”

The flexibility of the EDITS program will allow the mission partners to rapidly identify new technologies, develop prototypes, and then test and evaluate the effectiveness of these technologies. In addition, the project allows for support to global operations, including foreign military sales, contingency logistics, and host nation training. Booz Allen and its teammates are postured to support the Department of Defense in addressing emerging threats with new technologies and integrated systems.

“By integrating new technologies into warfighter systems across service boundaries, EDITS will absolutely help drive synergies and efficiencies in modernizing and equipping the military’s tactical units,” said Joel Dillon, a senior vice president in Booz Allen’s Global Defense business. “The ultimate goal of the work is to enable the tactical unit as a fully integrated combat platform by supporting warfighters—at home and abroad—and providing solutions that increase lethality, survivability, and situational awareness that enhance the Soldier as a System.”

DOD and U.S. government program offices will leverage the EDITS contract to collaborate across organizations to minimize duplication of effort and allow for cost-effective solutions. With this program, Booz Allen will improve interoperability through technology identification, maturation, and transition of solutions seamlessly across organizational boundaries within the EDITS enterprise.

Introducing the Tasmanian Tiger Modular Belt Set

May 24th, 2023

The new TT Modular Belt Set is the perfect blend of functionality and versatility.

Knoxville, Tenn. (May 2023) – Tasmanian Tiger®, a tactical nylon line of products distributed exclusively for the US market by Proforce Equipment, Inc., is thrilled to announce the launch of its latest breakthrough product: the TT Modular Belt Set. This flat equipment belt with MOLLE system is designed to meet the demanding needs of professionals and enthusiasts alike, offering unparalleled functionality and adaptability.

The TT Modular Belt Set features a sleek and ergonomic design, carefully crafted to enhance comfort and efficiency during intense operations. Its 45mm COBRA® buckle ensures a secure and reliable fit, giving users peace of mind in any situation. The belt’s hook strips on the inside enable seamless attachment to an interior belt, further enhancing stability and reducing movement during dynamic activities.

One of the standout features of the TT Modular Belt Set is its versatile sizing options. With four available sizes, customers can easily find the perfect fit for their unique body type and needs. The small size measures 35×41 inches (90-105cm) and weighs a mere 12.34 ounces (350 grams), while the medium size ranges from 39-45 inches (100-115cm) and weighs 13.4 ounces (380 grams). The large size accommodates waist sizes between 45-50 inches (115-127cm) and weighs 14 ounces (397 grams), and the extra-large size fits waist sizes of 49-53 inches (125-135cm) and weighs 15.52 ounces (440 grams). No matter the size, each belt is expertly constructed to provide optimal durability and reliability in the field.

With 25 MOLLE segments strategically placed along the belt, users can effortlessly attach a wide range of essential gear and accessories. From pouches and holsters to multi-tools and flashlights, the TT Modular Belt Set offers unrivaled customization options, allowing individuals to tailor their loadout to meet their specific requirements.

“The TT Modular Belt Set represents our commitment to continuous innovation and our dedication to providing reliable gear solutions,” commented Richard Lewis, President and CEO of Proforce Equipment, Inc. “We understand the diverse needs of our customers, and this belt set is designed to empower them with the freedom to adapt and optimize their equipment according to their unique situations.”

The TT Modular Belt Set is made from polyester webbing. It is available in Black, Olive, and Coyote for an MSRP of $109.00.

Click to see the 2023 Tasmanian Tiger New Items digital catalog here or the Vol 3 product digital catalog. Find a local dealer here for any of the exciting Tasmanian Tiger products.

Stay in the conversation by following on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. All sales inquiries can be directed to tt@tasmaniantigerusa.com.

ZeropBlindSpot – 0BS-1

May 24th, 2023

Created by two special operations Veterans (one Army and one Navy) the 0BS-1 (referred to as the Dash One) was designed to do precisely what the company name promises, eliminate weapon light blind spots caused by shadows from barrels and enablers.

They invested three years of R&D effort into the project. The light offers 400 lumens on the high setting and 300 lumens on low, which testers found optimal during development for target illumination and threat identification. The Dash One also runs for four hours on the high setting (eight hours on low) on a single charge of its integral USB-C rechargeable Lithium Ion batteries, offering a great balance of performance and power.

ZeroBlindSpot told us the Dash One has two other advantages; the light better conforms to the rail offering batter balance and a reduced snag hazard. It also features integrated bilateral activation switches so no more tape switches. Additionally, the rechargeable battery also means you don’t have to buy more disposable batteries.

zeroblindspot.net

AFSOC Conducts First-Ever Command Chief Change of Responsibility Ceremony

May 24th, 2023

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —  

During a first-ever Air Force Major Command Change of Responsibility ceremony, Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Green assumed Command Chief responsibilities for Air Force Special Operations Command at Hurlburt Field, Fla., May 19.

Taking the colors from Chief Master Sgt. Cory Olson, Green became the 11th command chief of AFSOC which boasts approximately 22,000 total force and civilian Air Commandos worldwide.
AFSOC commander, Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind presided over the ceremony.

“Command Chief Olson’s warfighting mindset, his sound guidance and his wisdom advanced this command for the future,” said Bauernfeind. “Command Chief Green is absolutely the right leader to manage and accelerate the change necessary to evolve Air Force Special Operations Command for the future.”

Change of Responsibility ceremonies are a standard within the joint community, but this was the first for an Air Force Major Command. Bauernfeind directed the holding of the ceremony to highlight the critical role of the senior enlisted leader in mission success.

Green spoke on the meaning of the title worn by the Airmen of AFSOC, “Air Commandos.”

“[The meaning of Air Commando] is not the planes. It’s not the cool kits,” said Green. “It’s what we’re called to do. It’s the mission. It’s the people. It’s the team.”

Among the attendance of roughly 250 individuals were notable guests such as Deputy Chief for Operations, Headquarters U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Jim Slife, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Joanne Bass, and U.S. Special Operations Command Senior Enlisted Leader, Army Command Sergeant Major Shane Shorter.

Green entered the Air Force in September 1995. His background includes positions as an instructor and maintenance technician on the C-130 and various other non-standard aircraft. Throughout his career he has filled numerous roles including Flying Crew Chief, Combat Aviation Advisor, Maintenance Superintendent, and Senior Enlisted Advisor. 

By SSgt Caleb Pavao

Military, Veterans and First Responders Get 10% Off at Academy Sports + Outdoors Now Through July 4

May 23rd, 2023

To thank service members this Memorial Day and Independence Day, Academy Sports + Outdoors is offering a 10% discount to active military service members, veterans and first responders now through July 4, 2023. The discount will be applied to the entire purchase, both in-store and online. More information can be found here: www.academy.com/military-and-first-responders

To use the discount online, verify your military or first responder status with the id.me buttons on the Shopping Cart page. Once verified, copy and paste the promo code into the promo code section on the Shopping Cart page for single-use redemption. To use the discount in-store, simply present your military or first responder ID at checkout. 

Academy is proud to show its thanks and appreciation for all active military, veterans and first responders for all they do to protect our nation and serve in our local communities.

For The Ladies – Kühl’s Kultivatr Overall

May 23rd, 2023

Offering UPF 50+ protection, the Kultivatr Overall is made from a stretch twill fabric and offers olenty of pockets for those outdoor chores.

Offered in Honey, Pavement, and Sage in sizes 0-16.

www.kuhl.com/kuhl/womens/pants/kultivatr-overall

RMA Armament Announces Female Armor Plates & Kits

May 23rd, 2023

CENTERVILLE, Iowa (May 22, 2023) – RMA Armament, Inc., the King of Armor®., the industry’s leader in ceramic hard armor performance in law enforcement and civilian markets is pleased to announce its women’s hard armor product line – the first of its kind available for direct purchase.

Beginning with the Level IV FSAPI armor kit, RMA is revolutionizing female hard body armor with the shape, curvature and size requirement needed to not only properly protect, but also provide comfort for female wearers.

Let’s face it; women have a vastly different anatomy than men. So women’s armor protection needs to take on a different size and shape. Accordingly, RMA’s new FSAPI Level 4 body armor for women has a proprietary female architecture. And, this FSAPI plate doesn’t cut corners when it comes to protection. Firstly, it’s rated to defeat the Level 4 body armor standard 30.06 M2AP. Additionally, it will also defeat M80 NATO, 7.62×39 MSC, M855, M855A1, XM193, and more.

The 1118 FSAPI Level IV female armor plate from RMA is available in a custom-engineered 9″x11″ size and also weighs only 7.0 lbs. (+/- .125lbs).

“We’re thrilled to launch this female armor line that’s been years in the making. Years of research has gone into the sizing and curvature of these plates. Obviously, protection from rifle threats is a very real need for women, but so too is functionality,” said RMA founder and owner Blake Waldrop. “So this life saving product hopes to fill the need the void that armor companies in the past have neglected. And this is just the start. We have many more exciting plans for our FSAPI plates in the future.” 

Due to the custom shape and size of the FSAPI front and back plates, RMA, along with its partner Shellback Tactical, have created the Queen Plate Carrier (QPC), specifically manufactured for RMA’s proprietary FSAPI plates.  

rmadefense.com