The new Merrell Tactical Footwear line we recently mentioned is now available from Tactical Distributors.
So far, there are Midheight and 8″ height models in Black or Tan. Look for extended sizing and waterproof models as well.
www.tacticaldistributors.com/collections/merrell-1
For decades folks have been wearing Merrell boots for duty as service members, LEOs, First Responders and contractors. Sawtooths, Chameleons and Moabs have been seen around the globe.
Late last year, Merrell set about creating a dedicated line which recently they launched with the Moab 2 in high, mid and low styles. The high and mid versions are waterproof.
SSD readers will love this. Look for sizes 7-15! Plus, the mid and low variants are also offered on wide sizes.
The USAF rescue community is the only DoD force specifically configured for Combat Search and Rescue of isolated personnel. Remember, the PJs in Alaska are Guard guys and in their day to day duties provide more civilian SAR than they do true CSAR during deployments. So, we can see the flavor of this gear even though the solicitation is written for CSAR.
Consequently, they’re seeking a “7 Layer Rescue Clothing” System consisting of:
Arc’teryx Venta Lt Glove, Black P/N 8685-BK
Arc’teryx Alpha SV Glove, Black P/N 8237-BK
Arc’teryx RHO BALACLAVA BLACK P/N 7346-BK
Arc’teryx RHO LTW NECK GAITOR BLACK P/N 4523-BK
Arc’teryx BUCKET LINER TOQUE, BLACK P/N 4306-BK
Arc’teryx RHO LTW BEANIE BLACK P/N 4680-BK
Arc’teryx RHO LTW ZIP NECK BLACK P/N 3809-BK
Arc’teryx COMBAT JACKET, PRINTED, MULTICAM P/N 12458-MC
Arc’teryx Eon SLW T-Shirt Men’s Black P/N 8773-BK
Arc’teryx EON SLW CREW LS MENS Black P/N 8219-BK
Arc’teryx RHO LTW BOTTOM BLACK P/N 3805-BK
Arc’teryx EON SLW BOTTOM MENS, BLACK P/N 8217-BK
Arc’teryx ATOM SV HOODY MENS – NARANJA P/N 8119-NA
Arc’teryx GAMMA LT PANT BLACK P/N 6757-BK
Arc’teryx RAIDER PANT MENS – BURLYWOOD P/N 7671-BW
Arc’teryx MENS SPOTTER PANT, CARBIDE P/N 7621-CB
Arc’teryx SKYLINE SHIRT LS LIGHT CARBIDE P/N 8292-LC
Arc’teryx RIDGELINE SHIRT SS MENS-TOTEM P/N 7988-TM
Arc’teryx B.A.C. CAP KHAKI P/N 9998-KH
MERINO WOOL BOOT SOCK CUSHION P/N 14021-FG FOLIAGE GREEN
DARN TOUGH MERINO WOOL 1/4 SOCK, MESH, GRAPHITE WITH TONAL LOGO P/N 81493-GR
Wild Things HIGH LOFT JACKET, SO1.0V,- MULTICAM P/N 50023
Wild Things SOFT SHELL PANTS – SO 1.0 -MULTICAM P/N 50032-MC
Arc’teryx STRATO HOODY BLACK P/N 8559-BK
Arc’teryx MENS RHO AR TOP BLACK P/N 7342-BK
MERRELL: REFUGE PRO VENTILATOR – CASTLE ROCK/PEWTER P/N J50981
MERRELL CHAMELEON 4 MID VENTILATOR GORE-TEX MERREL STONE P/N J15047
Arc’teryx ALPHA SV MITT BLACK P/N 8236-BK
Arc’teryx GOTHIC GLOVE – COLOR: BLACK P/N 8242-BK
Arc’teryx PHASE SV ZIP NECK BLACK P/N 8166-BK
Arc’teryx BETA AR PANTS BLACK P/N 7409-BK
Arc’teryx GAMMA MX JACKET BLACK P/N 7406-BK
Arc’teryx ETHER COMP CREW LS BLACK P/N 7655-BK
It’s a small business set aside with a response date of 15 Feb and a quick turn around award of 17 Feb. Quantities are set and 46 and broken down by size.
Check out the solicitation at www.fbo.gov
Late last month, the US Army officially banned the wearing of Vibram’s Five Fingers and other similar barefoot running brands that feature, “five separate, individual compartments for the toes,” as they, “detract from a professional military image.”
This edict was passed down from on high through an ALARACT (241/2011) message.
SUBJECT: MODIFYING WEAR OF IMPROVED PHYSICAL FITNESS UNIFORM (IPFU)
1. THE PURPOSE OF THIS MESSAGE IS TO MODIFY THE EXISTING WEAR POLICY FOR THE IPFU.
2. THERE ARE A VARIETY OF MINIMALIST RUNNING SHOES AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AND WEAR. EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, ONLY THOSE SHOES THAT ACCOMMODATE ALL FIVE TOES IN ONE COMPARTMENT ARE AUTHORIZED FOR WEAR. THOSE SHOES THAT FEATURE FIVE SEPARATE, INDIVIDUAL COMPARTMENTS FOR THE TOES, DETRACT FROM A PROFESSIONAL MILITARY IMAGE AND ARE PROHIBITED FOR WEAR WITH THE IPFU OR WHEN CONDUCTING PHYSICAL TRAINING IN MILITARY FORMATION. THIS CHANGE WILL BE REFLECTED IN THE NEXT UPDATE OF AR 670-1.
For uniformed Five Fingers fans this must come as quite a blow. Fortunately, Vibram, makers of the famed Five Fingers foresaw issues with their unconventional footwear and developed specialized soles that mimic the benefits of their compartmented models. Currently, both New Balance and Merrell have released numerous barefoot running models. For instance, the Minimus from New Balance comes in a very Army-esque Black and Yellow. What’s more, they have a reflective logo. How could a 1SG say ‘No” to that?
In spite of the Army’s decision, you can still wear Five Fingers while training out of uniform. Additionally, you can always explore alternatives.
Finally, while I support the Army’s decision for the sake of uniformity, once again, it’s yet another case of the Army’s leadership ignoring their institutional process of change (the Army Uniform Board) and making unilateral decisions about the uniform. From a leadership standpoint, this just doesn’t cut it. You don’t put a process in place and then ignore it when the mood suits you. How can you discipline Soldiers for doing the same thing? The new CSA and SMA both need to both conduct an azimuth check and take a look at the message they send when they ignore the “rules.”
“POM Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold” is the ultimate sellout movie. Detailing how product placement in media and entertainment actually works, this documentary by Morgan Spurlock opens this Friday (April 22, 2011). As you can see, POM get the above the title spot, but what we found most interesting was that Director Morgan Spurlock is running the streets wearing sponsor Merrell, footwear. For once, it’s cool to sell out.
