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Tardigrade Tactical: MCRS – Modular Chest Rig System

December 27th, 2021

The MCRS is a system of modular chest rig components that enables the end-user to customize their chest rig setup to any mission requirement.

The MCRS include different types of MOLLE/PALS compatible fronts, all with build in compartments on the back, ranging from:

– “Classic” chest rig fronts (Infantry Chest Rig Front) with the width of 6 to 16 MOLLE/PALS columns.

– “Split fronts” (Recon Split Front) with interchangable buckles for connecting the two sides of the split fronts.

– Plackart compatible chest rig fronts (Infantry Chest Rig Front – Plackart Ready) that allows the end-user to change between plackarts according to the task and hand.

The MCRS also includes a variety of harnesses and additional components to attach to any chest rig front, including slim, ergonomic and modular harnesses adoptable to both LE and MIL end-users.

The MCRS – Modular Chest Rig System is an expandable and adaptable system, and system as a whole will continue to grow in the future, and as we get feedback and input from our end-users, we will be able to include these when developing future components.

20% launch- and pre-order discount, ending December 31st, 2021!

www.tardigradetactical.com

Posted in International, Load Carrying, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Signature Block Pronouns Now Allowed for Airmen, Guardians

December 27th, 2021

WASHINGTON (AFNS) —

A recent update to the Department of the Air Force writing guide, The Tongue and Quill, now allows Airmen and Guardians to include pronouns in their signature block.

The Tongue and Quill provides formatting standards and guidelines for a number of official documents, including email, memoranda, letters and papers.

“An inclusive force is a mission-ready force, and I’m thankful to the LGBTQ Initiatives Team for helping us realize this opportunity to be a more inclusive force,” said Under Secretary of the Air Force Gina Ortiz Jones.

The LGBTQ Initiatives Team, or LIT, a part of the Department of the Air Force Barrier Analysis Working Group, advocated for this change, one of the latest initiatives the DAF undertook to address barriers to service and promote a more inclusive culture.

“The change request was driven by awareness of a restrictive policy that was being used against transgender Airmen and Guardians who were authentically representing themselves,” said Lt. Col. Bree Fram, a LIT Transgender Policy Team co-lead. “It was also important for many individuals often confused as being a different gender in their communications.”

This effort was led by the LIT, with support from the Pacific Islander/Asian American Community Team, and the Women’s Initiatives Team, other teams of the DAFBAWG.
Master Sgt. Jamie Hash, the other LIT Transgender Policy Team co-lead, also explained that the explicit permission to use pronouns, a practice that is now common in the civilian sector, gets the DAF further down the road of explicitly acknowledging the existence and dignity of non-binary military members and civilians. She added that this change eliminates confusion for people with non-Anglo/Western or gender-neutral names.

“The LIT provided an opportunity to streamline the process for this change,” Hash said, explaining that this change was a request she started from her installation’s Diversity and Inclusion committee. “It is an example of how the DAFBAWG teams are addressing barriers, collaborating, and executing solutions in ways that have not been seen before to help Airmen and Guardians thrive.”

Official signature blocks should include name, rank, service affiliation, duty title, organization name, phone numbers and social media contact information. Pronouns such as he/him, she/her, or they/them are now authorized but not required. An example is:

ANGEL ALONSO, Capt, USAF (he/him/his)
Occupational Therapy Element Leader
48th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron
RAF Lakenheath, UK
DSN: 555-1212

Pronouns can be placed immediately after the name in parentheses or on separate lines within the signature block.

“A foundational competency of the DAF is to foster inclusion,” Fram said. “The use of correct pronouns is an easy way to show care and respect for Airmen and Guardians as individuals, and can help the DAF retain highly qualified individuals. Allowing pronouns in an individual’s signature block is a quick and simple way to eliminate confusion and promote a more inclusive culture.

By Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post | 36 Comments »

Morakniv Classic Knives

December 26th, 2021

Morakniv Classic knives aren’t particularly new, but I like the look all the same. I own a couple of Morakniv knives because they are inexpensive and reliable and stash them in places like tackle boxes and car trunks. Their classic line offers that same low price and high quality but adds some class.

There are three basic models as well as a version for splitting wood. For example, above you see a Classic No 3 with its red-stained and barrel-shaped birch handle paired with a 135 mm long carbon steel blade. While the sheath is polymer, decorated with the Dalecarlian shield design. Plus, the sheath has a Swedish vegetable tanned leather belt hanger.

morakniv.se/en/knifeseries/classic-en

Posted in Knives | 1 Comment »

SCUBAPRO Sunday – Battle of the Bulge Small Truce

December 26th, 2021

On December 24th, 1944, The Battle of the Bulge had started 8 days before with a massive push by the Germans to split the Allies in half and stop the use of the Belgium port of Antwerp. Many soldiers on both sides had become lost from their units and were looking for a place to stay. Three American Soldiers were lost around the area where the shack was. They saw the light from the small hunting cabin and the smoke from the chimney. They saw their chance to warm up. They knocked on the door and asked if they could come in. The German lady had a small chicken cooking for themselves but invited the Americans in to warm up and for the Christmas meal.

One of the American Soldiers was wounded, and the lady tried to make him comfortable. There was a language barrier for a time till one of the soldiers found out the lady could speak French as well as German. So, everything was going well, and the Americans were feeling right at home.

Then suddenly there was a knock at the door. The American’s went for their guns. The lady went to the door and answered it. There were four German soldiers who were also lost from their unit, and they asked the lady for shelter. The lady answered them with this, “Yes, you can come in for Christmas dinner, but I have other guests.” One German soldier remarked, “Americana.” She said, “yes, and that this was Christmas, and there would be no killing on this night.” She also told the Germans that they would have to lay down their weapons while they came in. She instructed the Americans to do the same.

There they were all in the room together, soldiers who a little while ago were bent on killing each other. Now, they were in a small room together with no weapons. Everyone could feel the tension in the air. It was very quiet for about ten minutes. Then one American soldier offered the Germans a cigarette. They obliged. One of the Germans who had medical training asked about the wounded American. He then began to help the wounded American and made him as comfortable as he could be.

By the time the meal was ready, the atmosphere was more relaxed. Two of the Germans were only sixteen, their corporal was 23. As Elisabeth said grace, Fritz noticed tears in the soldiers’ eyes, both German and American.

The truce lasted through the night and into the morning. Looking at the Americans’ map, the corporal told them the best way to get back to their lines and provided them with a compass. They asked if they should instead go to Monschau, the corporal shook his head and said it was now in German hands. Elisabeth returned all their weapons, and the enemies shook hands and left in opposite directions. Soon they were all out of sight, and the truce was over.

thechaplainkit.com/2017/12/24/truce-in-the-forest-the-story-of-a-world-war-ii-truce-between-german-american-soldiers-during-the-battle-of-the-bulge

If you are in the Christmas spirit and want to watch a movie about the Battle of the Bugle, I would recommend Battleground. It was written by someone who was in the Battle of the Bugle. It is an all-time classic.

Sorry, I couldn’t find the whole movie. This is the preview.

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, History | 1 Comment »

Front Runner Expands Off-Grid Travel Accessory Collection

December 26th, 2021

Front Runner Outfitters (Front Runner) released its 20-liter Pro Water Tank with Mounting System. Its low profile makes it an easy-to-handle solution for carrying water during vehicle travel and an additional size option to Front Runner’s product lineup.

This 5.3-gallon water tank allows users to free up valuable room on their racks without sacrificing volume or features. The mid-sized tank is appropriately sized for smaller roof rack cargo trays where space is limited, or for adding volume to additional water tanks for larger-scale travel plans. The water tank comes out of the box with a mounting bracket system, lockable tap and the hardware required to mount to a Slimline II roof rack system.

The Tank is made of food-grade, BPA-free polyethylene and incorporates two passthrough holes in the tank body for added structural integrity and easier handling when removing the tank from the rack. A powder-coated steel wraparound bracket provides secure transport and mounts easily to Slimline II roof rack systems with a latch that includes a safety catch.

Both the mounting bracket and water tap are lockable via a small accessory lock that is sold separately. The included tap is threaded and can be swapped with other half-inch threaded fittings to accommodate hoses for relocating the water tap in a customizable configuration.

Posted in Press Release, Sustainment | 1 Comment »

You Never Know Where They’ll Show Up

December 26th, 2021

Sometimes I am speechless and Christmas Day was one of those times.

My friend Dave Reeder gave me this custom version of Snake Plissken for Christmas.

Thank you buddy!

Posted in KCRF | 3 Comments »

Kit Badger – How To Make Reactive Targets

December 25th, 2021

Ivan made a video on how to make your own reactive targets.

Posted in DIY, Guest Post, Tachacker, Training | 1 Comment »

My Second Favorite Christmas Tale – Washington Crosses The Delaware

December 25th, 2021

On Christmas night 1776, George Washington led a force of American patriots across the Delaware River to attack the Hessian mercenary garrison at Trenton, New Jersey which was fighting for the British.

You’ve likely seen Washington Crossing the Delaware by Emanuel Leutze, painted in 1851, but modern artist Mort Kunstler created a much more likely depiction of events in his 2011 painting entitled, Washington’s Crossing.

It was audacious plan; take a force of 5400, including artillery, across a river at night in a storm in order to attack the enemy in his sleep. 2400 made it with 3,000 troops and the critical artillery stranded in the wrong side of the Delaware. Washington struck out toward his prey and attacked at 8:00 AM, fortunate that the defenders were groggy from their Weinacht’s Fest, surprising many still in bed.

Miraculously, only three Americans were killed, while over 1000 Hessians were captured with 22 killed and 98 wounded. Unfortunately, without his additional force, Washington was forced to withdraw. But the psychological victory fed faith in the revolution.

Consequently, George Washington crossing the Delaware in the middle of a stormy night in order to kill German mercenaries remains my second favorite Christmas tale.

Posted in History | 2 Comments »