Just in case you think I didn’t get anything done during SHOT Show.
Vielen Dank meine Fruende. Bis bald!
ePIG Group Presents: The Three Little Pigs (auf Deutsch)
January 28th, 2023PACAF Visits Kunsan AB, Validates Next-Gen Aircrew Protection
January 28th, 2023KUNSAN AIR BASE, South Korea (AFNS) —
Pacific Air Forces recently deployed a joint team of representatives and subject matter experts to Kunsan Air Base, conducting the major command’s first test and validation of counter-chemical warfare tactics, techniques and procedures, or TTP.
These tests are part of the Next Generation Aircrew Protection program, designed to ensure aircrew have proper chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear, or CBRN, protective equipment and that CBRN measures are modernized to meet emerging threats while maintaining peak human performance.
“Current aircrew and pilot CBRN protective equipment are effective but restrictive and burdensome, thus hindering combat effectiveness,” said Chief Master Sgt. Charles Hall, PACAF aircrew flight equipment major command functional manager. “The Air Force realized this in late 2021 and early 2022 and set aside about $16 million to conduct research on aircraft, ground and air testing across various platforms to collect quantitative and qualitative data.”
Armed with the data, researchers refined existing TTPs to better equip aircrews, like Kunsan AB’s, with the tools necessary to continue the ‘Fight Tonight’ mission.
“Wing commanders have an associated risk attached to nearly every decision they make,” said Senior Master Sgt. Ryan Rios, PACAF AFE command manager. “With the integrated data and refined TTPs, wing commanders now have additional information to help them make those tough decisions and continue executing their mission should a CBRN event occur.”
The TTPs are the brainchild of Col. Daniel Roberts, who now serves as 97th Medical Group commander at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma.
“Risk is ever-present,” Roberts said. “Looking at combat operations in a chemical environment brings the question to mind; ‘How does one balance and right-size risk to improve combat effectiveness?’ Thinking this way allowed us to improve human performance and the ability of our ground crews to turn aircraft in an effective manner so our combat forces are ready when called upon.”
The program’s tests and validations affected several base agencies to include the 35th and 80th Fighter Squadrons, 8th Operations Support Squadron AFE, 8th Civil Engineer Squadron emergency management, 8th Maintenance Group and the 8th Medical Group bioenvironmental engineering flight.
Participating Airmen tested the updated CBRN TTPs safely and efficiently by stepping, launching and recovering a flying mission in a simulated chemical filled environment.
The PACAF team is scheduled to validate every installation within the MAJCOM and ultimately will establish standardized PACAF-wide counter-chemical warfare aircrew protection measures. Efforts like this help ensure Kunsan AB maintains maximum combat readiness capabilities to support a free and open Indo-Pacific.
By SSgt Isaiah J. Soliz, 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Comp-Tac Adds to their Multi-Fit Holster Line with the QD Holster
January 27th, 2023HOUSTON, TX – January 27, 2023 – Comp-Tac® manufactures a variety of holsters for concealed carry, competition shooting, and law enforcement use with quality and precision including, the new QD Holster.
Comp-Tac® Holsters has introduced the QD Holster which is a newly designed combination holster, featuring both the versatility of the Q-Line and the concealability of the Dual Concealment™ Holster. This holster is ambidextrous and comes in four sizes which covers 90% of the current handgun market for those with multiple firearms. Additionally, it is optic ready with suppressor height sights. The QD Holster comes equipped with both an outside-the-waistband paddle and an inside-the-waistband clip….a true focus on adaptability.
All Comp-Tac holsters are made with aircraft-grade Kydex® for a smooth and comfortable, no-stick draw. The QD Holster offers adjustable retention and provides a satisfying, secure fit.
For more information, please visit – www.comp-tac.com/qd-holster
Thyrm Expands Its Helmet Mount Lineup with the VariArc-VS
January 27th, 2023Sunnyvale, CA — Thyrm has released a universal solution for helmet-mounted illumination – the VariArc-VS. This version of the VariArc shares its ability to rotate 360 degrees with the Team Wendy, Ops-Core, and M-LOK versions already on the market. Velcro mounting makes the VS a universal solution for all helmets.
The VariArc-VS features positive indexing at forward, umbrella, and admin task angles. A firm twist and the mount unlocks to rotate through eight additional lower-force index points for total control of lighting direction. Its small footprint and low-profile keep things tidy and the Picatinny rail and Scout light mounts allow for maximum compatibility with visible and IR lights. The VariArc-VS is built to remain fully functional through extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, sand, water, drops on concrete, and rough handling.
The VariArc-VS™ Helmet Mount:
• High-strength hook Velcro provides secure attachment with a space-efficient footprint
• Both Picatinny rail and direct scout-light mounts included
• Positively locks in the forward index position
• Directs light through 360 degrees, with 8 additional lower-force index positions
• Works in vertical positions for umbrella lighting rooms, canopy illumination, and IR strobe signaling
• Can be used in downward angles for admin & task lighting
• Angled pivot allows user to optimize mounting for a lower profile or a more vertical rotation plane
• Large openings on both ends of the base allow for retention cords including 550 paracord
• Durable, reinforced polymer construction with steel hardware
• Designed and made in the USA
thyrm.com/product/variarc-vs-helmet-mount
Sneak Peek – Tiger Print Velcro from Ocean State Innovations
January 27th, 2023
Coming Soon! VELCRO Brand products in Vietnam Tiger Stripe will be available in various widths. Ideal for tactical apparel, shelters, load bearing equipment, ballistic protection and more! Made in USA and Berry Compliant.
Contact your OSI Sales Rep for pricing and stocking information.
SHOT Show 23 – Velocity Systems
January 27th, 2023This was so good, it deserves a post all its own.
Can you name everything in this photo, Velocity Systems/Mayflower Research & Consulting and vintage?
OTTE Gear’s Aloha Narcos Playa Shirts Now Available for Pre-Order
January 27th, 2023OTTE Gear debuted their new Aloha Narcos Playa Shirts at last week’s SHOT Show in Las Vegas.
With a print created by artist the Narcos Playa shirts are offered in Blowout, Paradise, or Rush colorways with elements that bring back memories of the 80s and the dawn of the war on drugs.
ottegear.com/products/aloha-narcos-playa-shirt
FirstSpear Friday Focus: Wind Cheater
January 27th, 2023
Filling the mid-weight niche of our technical apparel line, the Wind Cheater has a Durable Water Repellant (DWR) finish and excellent wind shedding characteristics. It is quiet, flexible, extremely versatile and made in the USA.
The Wind Cheater features a large hood that can fit over helmets with no problem and is cut generously to aid in movement.
Low profile hook and loop in strategic locations provide ample attachment points for FirstSpear Cell Tags and IFF.
This jacket breathes like a T-Shirt and is designed to dry quickly. Standard cuff tabs and extra-large bicep pockets are found on each sleeve.
Large pit zips and spacious mesh front pockets allow for massive airflow to regulate heat when desired.
The Wind Cheater features bungee/barrel lock adjustments for the hood, collar and lengthened tail.
With a “true to fit” cut, your t-shirt size is your jacket size. If you wear a large shirt and don’t plan to layer heavily, go with a large Wind Cheater and you won’t be disappointed.
Visit FirstSpear to find the Wind Cheater and the rest of America’s premier tactical gear and equipment.
