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RTS Tactical Releases New Level III+ Rifle Special Threat Rated “Mini Shield” for School and Law Enforcement Safety

October 19th, 2022

Oct 19, 2022 – MIAMI – RTS Tactical launches their new Level III+ Rifle Special Threat Rated Mini Shield™. Starting at 11 pounds, the RTS Tactical Mini Shield™ offers quick deployment for protection against Brutal Special Threat rounds sought out in the DEA Body Armor Testing Protocols.

Currently, the majority of armored ballistic shields deployed in the field of service by the United States law enforcement agencies are missing Rifle Rated Protection. Departments are purchasing high-level Polyethylene Level III Rifle Rated Shields leaving personnel vulnerable to common street threats.

The RTS Tactical Mini Shield™ stops rounds like 5.56x45mm 62 gr. M855 (Green Tip), Russian 7.62x39mm 123 gr. MSC (M43), and 7.62x51mm NATO M80 FMJ used in short barrel rifles and commonly found in active shooter situations. The Mini Shield is equipped with a heavy-duty handle, oversized trauma pad system, and quick release buckle for maximum effectiveness in the field.

Mendel Berns, Marketing Director at RTS Tactical, shares, “After consulting with departments across America, we received feedback that most departments are in need of Ballistic Shields. However, due to their cost and availability, they are difficult to procure for every patrol vehicle. With the new RTS Tactical Mini Shield™ we are enabling every officer to have Special Threat Rifle Rated Protection when they need it most. We believe that the RTS Tactical Mini Shield™ is a game changer for Law Enforcement, and their ability to respond to fast in the moment active shooter situations.”

The RTS Tactical “Mini Shield™” is available in three sizes:

Small: 12 X 18 inches
Medium: 14 X 24 inches
Large : 16 X 30 inches

Weight:

Small: 11 lbs
Medium: 16.9 lbs
Large : 23.3 lbs

For more information, visit: rtstactical.com/products/rts-tactical-level-iii-rifle-special-threats-mini-shield

Fortis Mfg Introduces Newest Rail System

October 19th, 2022

The Camber Series Handguard available in 6.7”, 9.6”, 9.6” FSB, 11.8”, 11.8” FSB, 13.8” & 15.3”.

The Fortis Camber™AR15 Rail System featuring our new Camber Lock™ mounting system is the next evolution of our extremely popular handguards. Built for the end user that requires an even more rock solid platform. The Camber Lock™ is one of the industries’ most solid mounting systems available. The stainless steel barrel nut & locking camber nuts are purpose built for rigidity & weight savings.

Installation only requires a high-quality castle nut wrench (not included) and with an included T30 Torx L-Key, you’ll lock the rail down in a matter of minute. This rail system is very easy to install and more importantly, remove to service your weapon. MLOK slots in the usual 3, 6 & 9 O’clock positions with additional MLOK slots at the 1:30, 4:30, 7:30 & 10:30 positions for all your light & switch needs.

Features:

Material: Aircraft Grade 6061-T6 Aluminum

Weight – Barrel Nut: 2.9oz

Internal Diameter: 1.34″

Continuous Top Rail

MLOK at the 3, 6, & 9 o’clock ADDITIONAL off-set location at the front of handguard.

Type III Hard Coat Anodized

Stainless Steel Barrel Nut (Castle Nut Wrench Compatible)

FSB Cutout: Carbine & Mid Length (Bayonet Lug & Sling Mount Removal Required)

Made in the USA!

Length: 6.7″

Weight – Handguard: 5.56 oz

Length: 9.6″

Weight – Handguard: 7.08oz

Length: 9.6″ FSB

Weight – Handguard: 6.64 oz

Length: 11.8″

Weight – Handguard: 8.36oz

Length: 11.8″ FSB

Weight – Handguard: 7.7 oz

Length: 13.8″ 

Weight – Handguard: 9.18oz

Length: 15.3″

Weight – Handguard: 9.98oz

All of our handguard lengths are purposely done to fit specific barrel lengths to maximize handguard real estate.

6.7″ Handguard mates perfectly with a 7.5″ Barrel

9.6″ Handguard mates perfectly with a 10.3″ Barrel

11.8″ Handguard mates perfectly with a 12.5″ Barrel

13.8″ Handguard mates perfectly with a 14.5″ Barrel 

15.3″ Handguard mates perfectly with a 16.1″ Barrel

Camber™ AR15 Rail System – 6.7″ MLOK $229.95

Camber™ AR15 Rail System – 9.6″ MLOK $234.95

Camber™ AR15 Rail System – 9.6″ – Carbine Cutout MLOK $244.95

Camber™ AR15 Rail System – 11.8″ MLOK $244.95

Camber™ AR15 Rail System – 13.8″ MLOK $254.95

Camber™ AR15 Rail System – 15.3″ MLOK $264

Camber Rail System First Look

Use code “SSD15” for 15% off Camber Rails.

5.11 Announces New Load Bearing Products for Fall 2022

October 19th, 2022

COSTA MESA, Calif. (Oct. 19, 2022) – 5.11 Tactical®, the global innovator of purpose-built apparel, footwear and gear, today announced new load-bearing products and accessories that will be available this fall.

“Instilling our consumers with the 5.11 Always be Ready mindset is a key guiding light throughout our product design and development process,” said 5.11’s Vice President, Global Product, Matt Page. “A key aspect of that readiness mentality is having the right gear on hand to be prepared for anything. Whether it’s a pack loaded and ready to use as a go bag, or gloves nearby to protect hands in the case of an emergency, we want our end users to feel confident in the gear they’re carrying.”


LV6 Waist Pack 2.0

The LV6 Waist Pack 2.0 ($42) received an updated quick-release S/R buckle waist strap and new Duraflex® buckles that are easier to operate, especially when wearing gloves. A great grab-and-go solution that can be worn around the waist or across the body, it features interior pockets and panels, a hidden slip compartment, side compression straps and a rear mesh pocket. Additionally, this waist pack can be attached to the 5.11 LV18 Backpack 2.0 when more carrying power is needed.


LV10 Sling Pack 2.0

Similar updates were made to the Duraflex® buckles of the LV10 Sling Pack 2.0 ($115) to allow easier access to gear. Additional redesign features include a new removable holster retention strap, a securing strap in the tablet sleeve, and a quick-release CAM buckle to the main crossbody strap.


LV18 Backpack 2.0

To round out the LV Collection of packs, the LV18 Backpack 2.0 ($135) also received updates with internal organization and new Duraflex® buckles. Inside the ambidextrous side entry CCW compartment, the loop area has been increased and a removable holster retention strap has been added. The height of the padded laptop sleeve has been extended and a security strap added to keep electronics secure. A second set of webbing loops offer improved attachment for the LV6 Waist Pack 2.0 when extra cargo space is needed. Additional features include side compression straps, a padded back panel with a Flex cuff channel, and quick-release shoulder straps with a removable sternum strap.

For more information about 5.11, its product offering and to find a 5.11 store near you visit www.511tactical.com.

SIG MG 338 x AimLock Remote Weapon Station

October 19th, 2022

The AimLock Remote Weapon Station has arrived on the scene as a lower cost alternative to more comprehensive RWS on the market.

During the recent AUSA expo in Washington, DC, SIG SAUER showcased the AimLock R-M1 paired with the MG 338 machine gun in .338 Norma Mag. The R-M1 can be mounted on a variety of platforms including tripods, buildings, ATVs, UTVs, ground vehicles, boats, and helicopters.

In addition to being remotely operated, the R-M1 integrates AimLock’s auto-targeting technology.

Black Powder Red Earth Collected Edition

October 19th, 2022

The Black Powder Red Earth® Basra + Syria Hardcover Edition collects the first two BPRE Series into a single clothbound hardcover book. These are the foundational works that attracted the attention of DC Think Tank, The Atlantic Council, where series creator Jon Chang was invited to speak on the future of urban warfare, as well as select US Special Operations Forces who have added the books to their collections.

Featuring an introduction by a former Troop Commander at the Asymmetric Warfare Group, new lettering, and an expanded glossary – the collected edition is a limited to 250 hand signed and hand numbered copies by writer Jon Chang and artist Josh Taylor. Featuring over 500 pages of full color art, the book includes a dust jacket and hardback slipcase, both wrapped in full color art. 

Having been out of print for almost five years, the original BPRE series regularly sells for over $100 per copy on Amazon and Abebooks. Entirely sourced, printed and bound in the USA, this collection offers the best possible presentation of the work combining ultra-sharp Japanese digital printing and the highest quality archival paper available.

Add this book to your collection and purchase direct from _Echelon here. blackpowderredearth.com/merch_bpre_collected_edition

Learn more about Black Powder Red Earth: www.blackpowderredearth.com

Poster # 4 – Frangible Ammo for Robotic Ordnance Disposal

October 19th, 2022

This is the fourth installment of a multi-week effort to share examples of posters which were presented during the recent Future Force Capabilities Conference presented by the National Defense Industrial Association in Austin, Texas. I’ll let them speak for themselves.

As always, the contact info is on the poster.

New Air Force Combat Dive Badges Approved

October 19th, 2022

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —  

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. approved new Air Force combat dive badges and associated wear criteria for Airmen who have been wearing the Navy scuba badge.

Airmen who have graduated the Air Force Combat Dive Course are now authorized to wear the new Air Force-specific qualification badges for divers and diver supervisors as soon as they become available in Army and Air Force Exchange Service stores. 

“Air Force combat divers are essential to both combat and austere rescue situations,” said Maj. Gen. Charles Corcoran, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations. “Having our own service-specific qualification badge accurately represents our unique capability to augment missions with any sister service component, and most importantly, highlights our member’s heroic actions to conduct rescue and retrieval operations to ensure no one gets left behind.”

The Air Force Combat Dive Course was established in January 2006 at Naval Support Activity Panama City, Florida. Prior to the establishment of the AFCDC, Air Force personnel had to attend the U.S. Army Combat Diver Qualification Course or U.S. Marine Combat Diver Course to earn combat diver qualifications.

Upon graduation, graduates were awarded the Navy Scuba qualification and badge, even though the Navy-designed badge does not accurately represent Air Force combat diver capabilities.


The Air Force Combat Diver badge is pictured. (U.S. Air Force graphic)


The Combat Dive Supervisor badge is pictured. (U.S. Air Force graphic)

“Navy scuba divers are trained for submarine and salvage diving,” said Senior Master Sgt. Christopher Uriarte, Air Force Command Dive Program manager and diver. “In contrast, U.S. Air Force combat divers are trained in the fundamentals of underwater tactical diving for insertion, extraction, and maritime rescue and recovery operations.”

These fundamentally different qualifications drove the requirement to establish a separate and distinct qualification badge for Air Force members and follows the precedent of other military branches replacing the Navy scuba badge with their own.

The new badges were developed by 350th Special Warfare Training Squadron Detachment 1 personnel. Two levels are authorized: Air Force Combat Diver, with a closed-circuit rebreather and Air Force Combat Dive Supervisor, identified by a traditional star and wreath on the badge, positioned on the rebreather.

Eligibility for wear of the respective badges is approved for graduates, both officer and enlisted, who have completed a Combat Diver or Combat Dive Supervisor course authorized in accordance with AFI 10-3504, Air Force Dive Program, paragraph 3.7.

The Air Force combat dive badges will be worn in accordance with AFI 36-2903, Dress and Personal Appearance of Air Force Personnel, guidance for wear of Miscellaneous Badges.

The textile badges are expected to be available in AAFES by the end of October 2022. The metal badges are currently in pre-production development.

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

Safariland Announces Species: A Next-Level Concealment Holster

October 18th, 2022

Jacksonville, Florida – Safariland®, a brand of The Safariland Group®, a leading global provider of safety products designed for the public safety, military, professional and outdoor markets and one of Cadre Holdings, Inc.’s (NYSE: CDRE) (“Cadre”) key brands has introduced the next addition to its expanding concealment holster line. The Speciesä holster is an inside-the-waistband holster offering a timeless design coupled with retention capabilities.

Species features a SafariLaminate™? impact-resistant thermoformed construction, granting superior durability and longevity. In conjunction with the durable exterior, the suede-lined interior gives an enhanced fit while protecting the firearm’s finish. An adjustable, passive trigger guard retention system allows for a personalized feel during draw and reholstering. The inclusion of an integrated tension device allows for a tailored fit. Species also adjust for cant and vertical height, maximizing each individual wearer’s comfort.

“Safariland continues to prioritize concealed carry for the responsible citizen,” said Tim Drnec, VP of Marketing for Safariland. “Following the release of our Schema holster, Species is the next product in Safariland’s new concealment lineup. The new offerings allow owners of today’s newest and most popular firearms to use a holster with retention, great concealment, and comfort.”

The Species IWB holster is now available for the Sig Sauer P365/P365XL, Glock 43/43X, Springfield Hellcat, and Smith & Wesson Shield/Shield Plus and can comfortably fit standard 1.5″ (38mm) belt widths. For more information on the Species holster, visit Safariland.com.