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Vista Outdoor Announces Acquisition of Stone Glacier

December 29th, 2021

Company expands brand portfolio into packs, camping equipment and technical apparel

ANOKA, Minn., Dec. 28, 2021 — Vista Outdoor Inc. (NYSE: VSTO), a leading global designer, manufacturer and marketer of products in the outdoor sports and recreation markets, today announced the acquisition of Stone Glacier ?, a premium brand focused on ultralightweight, performance hunting gear designed for backcountry use. The addition of Stone Glacier to Vista Outdoor’s portfolio of outdoor products and shooting sports brands will allow the company to enter the packs, camping equipment and technical apparel categories with a fast-growing brand and provide a foundation for Vista Outdoor to leverage camping category synergies.

“I am excited to welcome the Stone Glacier team into the Vista Outdoor family,” said Vista Outdoor Chief Executive Officer Chris Metz. “Stone Glacier is an enthusiast brand that is fast-growing, well-managed and a great cultural fit. Our centers of excellence, brand portfolio and distribution network will support Stone Glacier as they reach their next level of awareness, maturity and growth. Stone Glacier enhances our ability to enter and leverage the camping category, which has exploded in popularity over recent years. The acquisition also further bolsters our reputation as the acquirer of choice in the outdoor industry.”

Founded in 2012 by Kurt Racicot, Stone Glacier designs and manufactures the lightest, most durable gear coveted by discerning backcountry adventurers. Based in Bozeman, Mont., with its headquarters surrounded by iconic public lands in Big Sky country, the brand has established itself as the premium preferred choice of backcountry hunters, outfitters and guides throughout the world.

“The future of Stone Glacier is bright. This partnership comes at a great time for our business, and we are excited for the support that Vista Outdoor will provide to accelerate our growth and continue developing industry-leading products,” said Stone Glacier President Jeff Sposito. “We have been fortunate to build a following of the most dedicated backcountry hunters and it has always been our mission to bring the best products, service and innovations to market. This partnership ensures we will continue to execute on that mission at the highest level.”

Vista Outdoor used cash on hand and available liquidity under its asset-based revolving credit facility to complete the transaction. Vista Outdoor expects the transaction to be immediately accretive to earnings, excluding transaction and transition costs. Vista Outdoor’s leverage ratio is expected to be below 1.0x at FY 2022 fiscal year end. This is the seventh acquisition in last 16 months for Vista Outdoor, including Remington, HEVI-Shot, Venor, QuietKat, Foresight Sports and Fiber Energy Products.

Reed Smith LLP acted as legal counsel to Vista Outdoor and Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP acted as legal counsel to the sellers in connection with the transaction.

Posted in Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on Vista Outdoor Announces Acquisition of Stone Glacier

Air Force Service Dress Shortages to Affect BMT Graduates

December 29th, 2021

WASHINGTON (AFNS) —

Due to a shortage of fabric used to manufacture service dress uniforms, Airmen and Guardians graduating from basic military training will temporarily be issued fewer uniform items.

This proactive measure will allow Airmen and Guardians to have, at minimum, one full set of service dress while Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support works with the manufacturer to restore full production.

This fabric shortage will also affect the supply of service dress items across the Department of the Air Force, however BMT recruits have priority.

Men and women are normally issued two short sleeve blue shirts and two long sleeve blue shirts at BMT. Additionally, men are normally issued three pairs of trousers and women two pairs of slacks. Starting in November, some service members will only be issued one each of those items.

To make sure service members eventually receive their full uniform complement, the DAF will provide the affected active duty BMT graduates a cash allowance in their pay check to buy the missing uniform items as available from the Army and Air Force Exchange Service when they arrive at their next duty station or school. Air Reserve Component graduates will be issued missing items after arrival at their home unit, upon availability.

Burlington Industries is the sole U.S. supplier of approved worsted and poly-wool dress fabric used in all military services’ dress uniforms. The continued shortage in the fabric supply as a result of labor challenges and increased material cost is anticipated to have a greater impact on the production and availability of dress uniforms starting in the third quarter of fiscal year 2022.

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Clothing, Guest Post | Comments Off on Air Force Service Dress Shortages to Affect BMT Graduates

S.O.Tech Go Pack, MultiCam Black

December 28th, 2021

Over 16 years of the iconic S.O.Tech Go Bag line. The SGP (S.O.Tech Go Pack) for the first time now offered in Multicam® Black. The Go Pack having convertible shoulder straps that go from backpack to sling carry.

The S.O.Tech Go Bag series came from a friend in one of JSOC’s Tier units. They were operating in Afghanistan and Iraq crammed in Hi Luxes and Little Birds. They needed a survival kit bag that could slide in and stack in those compact spaces and extract when the troop came into contact.

The original tubular bag with single sling shoulder strap had three small zippered pockets for batteries, food, NODS, and other items.

When the same troops needed to transport their weapons quietly, we extended the length to accommodate the M4 broken down and extended the side pouches to take mags. Breaking the carbine down and stacking its components presented a a tubular shape that confused any surveillance team looking for weapons bags.

The design was quickly adapted by teams across the Interagency. And the third iteration was the S.O.Tech Go Pack where we created a double shoulder strap version for those guys carrying such a heavy load that the sling shoulder strap just wasn’t enough. However, we configured it in a unique arrangement so the double shoulder strap could connect for form a single sling strap for lighted load. All of these designs allowed for the quick donning motion of throwing it over the head and shoulder, and the easy access by spinning it around.

Drops Friday 12/31 12pm PST. While supplies last, no backorders. $195. Use the following code at checkout for free shipping: asseenonssd

www.sotechtactical.com

“Built to survive the world’s worst!”

Posted in Advertiser, Multicam, Packs, Press Release | 1 Comment »

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