Photo of the Month March 2010

Multicam and Bushmaster ACR: the best combination.

Click picture to enlarge.

U.S. Army Makes Moves Toward New Carbine

The Army is now following not one but two paths to give soldiers a better weapon than the current M4 carbine.

The Army launched an effort to find a new weapon in November 2008, a year after the M4 finished last in an Army reliability test involving three other carbines.

Officials hoped to start a competition for a new carbine last fall.

Army weapons officials said March 2 that the service still intends to go after a new carbine.

The requirement, or blueprint, for the new weapon, however is still awaiting approval from the Defense Department, said Col. Doug Tamilio, the head of Project Manager for Soldier Weapons.

“People have asked me how long it will be in the joint staff,” Tamilio said. “I don’t know when this will go through.”

Tamilio added that it could be late summer before the Joint Requirement Oversight Council makes a decision.

In the meantime, the Army is making progress on an effort to make significant improvements to the 500,000 M4s in the inventory.

Army weapons officials have asked the small arms industry “can you take the current M4 and make it more reliable, more durable, easier to maintain and more accurate,” Tamilio said. M4 modifications could include improvements to carbine parts, such as the bolt and bolt carrier assembly, upper receiver and barrel assembly, gas operating system, trigger group assembly and the rail system.

Improved M4s, however, will still be chambered for 5.56mm round. The next step in the M4 improvement program calls for the Army to release a draft request for proposal in the coming weeks. Gun makers will then have 30 days to come up with initial plans. The Army will then hold an industry day to allow gun makers to ask questions.       The Army will then release an official request for proposal in the April-May time frame. Participating companies will have 90 to 120 days to submit “no-kidding pieces of equipment,” for the Army to evaluate, Tamilio said.

As for the effort to replace the M4, Army weapons officials said the service has the roughly $10 million it needs to open a competition but can’t set a date until the Joint Regiments Oversight Council approves the requirement for a new carbine.

The requirement has to go through one more short review by Army staff. Then it goes to JROC, where it could sit for “four to five months; that’s the maximum time usually,” Tamilio said “If it is non-controversial, it will go through very quickly.”

 Source: ArmyTimes.com

SOCOMGEAR Desert Shield V2 Plate Carrier

DESCRIPTION 

This is military grade tactical gear.
Real world combat approved!
* Made of heavy duty Nylon instead of cheap China made
polyester fabrics (We will include a piece of fabric so you
can test and see for yourself. If you burn our material it
will burn with white smoke. The cheaper manufacturers
use polyester which burns either black smoke or with an unpleasant smell.)
* We are using top quality materials, fabrics, and buckles.
* Our factory has been producing military grade gear for
such countries and military groups as Japan, UAE, Taiwan,
Singapore, Sweden and other Special Forces Operatives.
* Made in Taiwan, a U.S.A. ally

FEATURES

* More MOLLE straps on the side of front, back, and s sides of vest for extra capacity loading
* 2 thick shoulder pads with drinking hose holder
* Multi-layered Air flow mesh system to keep your body cool down from the extreme weather condition
* 4 sides of plate holder: Front, back and 2 sides
* 2 small pockets on the 2 sides of cummerbund
* Extra strength emergency pull strap (military grade)
* Recoil buffer pad for high recoil power weapons. (3 ways adjustable: left, right and center)
* Extra large YKK buckles

http://www.socom-gear.com/shop/

MadBull Barrel Nut

Since too many users ask, we decide to release limited quantity of barrel nuts for WA, WE and G&P.
Each item is made of steel and CNC processed.

 Click pictures to enlarge

Bushmaster ACR in MS Paint

Funny video about Bushmaster ACR drawing with MS Paint.

CRKT Exit Tool

Every driver has a concern about being trapped in a vehicle in an accident.

First, there is the worry about being unable to release a seat belt because it is jammed or if the release is inaccessible. Second, there are the difficulties of escaping a vehicle that has been submerged in water. Water pressure may make it difficult or impossible to open doors or lower windows until water has seeped in and the internal pressure is equalized.

Custom knifemaker Russ Kommer recognized the need for a simple and affordable emergency tool. We call it the ExiTool^™. The ExiTool fits inobtrusively onto any standard seat belt with a simple folding clasp. It includes a seat belt cutter, a tungsten carbide window breaker, and a bright L.E.D. flashlight.

The seat belt cutter has been carefully designed so that is virtually impossible for even the smallest fingers to accidentally reach the blade. Its blade is made of Razor-Sharp high-carbon stainless steel, and will cut seat belts in one quick pull.

 

The side windows of modern vehicles are made of glass which is tempered to shatter on impact. The ExiTool features a small tungsten carbide breaker point. Just grasp the ExiTool body firmly and strike the window to break it. For best results, hit the window as close to the bottom edge as possible.

The breaker has two emergency uses. On dry land, if the vehicle's doors are jammed closed, the breaker can allow instant escape through a side window. If the vehicle is submerged, most safety experts recommend using the air supply which is trapped inside before breaking a window to avoid a sudden onrushing flow of water. However, this will vary depending on the depth of the water and the condition of the passengers. The ExiTool will allow driver or passengers to break the window instantly when it is needed.

The L.E.D. light uses one replaceable CR2032 3-Volt lithium battery. Of course, the flashlight is useful in non-emergency situations, too.

We think every vehicle should have at least one ExiTool.

Specifications

• 9030: Seat Belt Cutter, Window Breaker, L.E.D. Flashlight
• Blade: Length: 0.50" (13 mm)
• Hardened Steel: 60-61 HRC
• Handle: Length: 2.75" (70 mm)
• Weight: 1.6 oz. (45 g)
• Battery: 3V CR2032 Lithium

US Army in Afghanistan, High Resolution Photos

Click the images for high resolution

On February 19, the Department of Defense formally announced the selection of MultiCam for Soldiers deployed to Afghanistan. We know you want the details, so here are the answers to frequently asked questions.

 When will the Army start fielding FR ACUs in MultiCam?
The Army, through Program Executive Office (PEO) Soldier, will begin fielding MultiCam uniforms to deploying Soldiers as early as July 2010.

Who will be getting the MultiCam uniforms?
At this time, only Soldiers assigned to units deploying in support of Operation Enduring Freedom will receive the uniforms. The next fielding phase, which is expected to begin no earlier than October 2010, will include Soldiers assigned to units that are already in Afghanistan. Priority for units in Afghanistan will be established with guidance from Army G-3, U.S. Army Central Command and U.S. Forces – Afghanistan.

Who will get the MultiCam uniforms first?
The fielding will begin with 4th Brigade, 10th Mountain Division at Fort Polk, LA; 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, CO; and 2nd Brigade, 34th Infantry Division of the Iowa Army National Guard. The order of fielding will be based on priorities established by the Army G-3 and availability of these units. Exact fielding dates have not been determined.

How many of the uniform will each Soldier get?
The Basis of Issue for the Army Combat uniform is the same as for the Rapid Fielding Initiative (RFI), four per Soldier. Each Soldier will also be issued four Army Combat Shirts with sleeves in the MultiCam pattern and torso in the Coyote Brown color.

What gear will Soldiers receive in the MultiCam pattern?
Soldiers will receive the same Organizational Clothing and Individual Equipment (OCIE) and body armor in MultiCam that they would normally receive in the Universal Camouflage Pattern. We expect this to include: helmet cover, Improved Outer Tactical Vest, and a complete set of Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment, or MOLLE. The exact list is being finalized.

Will the uniforms and gear cost Soldiers anything out of pocket?
No. Soldiers will not be charged for the equipment that is issued to them through PEO Soldier. They will be issued the equipment on their hand receipt.

Computer Simulation of Improved M4 mag

This computer simulation depicts the operation of the Army's Improved Magazine.

The Army has begun fielding the new 5.56mm 30 round Improved Magazine that delivers a significant increase in reliability for the battle-tested M16 and M4 weapons systems. Bolstering the already high reliability ratings of the M16/M4 systems, the Improved Magazine effectively reduces the risk of magazine-related stoppages by more than 50 percent compared to the older magazine variants. Identified by a tan-colored follower, over 500,000 of the improved magazines have been fielded to units in Iraq, Afghanistan and in the U.S.

CAA Tactical CD MAG M16-M4

The innovative and exclusive Counting Down Magazine has a color-coded and numeric indicator on the rear and bottom of the magazine.

According to the left rounds in the magazine, the numbers appears on three different back-rounds; 30-21 green, 20-11 yellow, 10-0 red.

• The rear indicator is colored and numeric – indicate the exact left rounds without losing eye contact from target or loosing the body position.
• The bottom indicator is colored, allows the information, so you know what magazine to use next from the vest pouch.
• Non-tilting follower and a corrosion resistant stainless steel spring.
• Mechanism does not interfere with magazine disassembly.
• Proven in extreme conditions, such as rapid fire, sand and water.
• Strong lightweight 30 round polymer M16/AR15 magazine (5.56X45).
• Fits the M16MCD – the CAA magazine coupler.
• No gunsmith required  
• Mil-standard
• Warranty: 5 years
• Weight 190 g.

Click pictures to enlarge

Tactical Pens

BENCHMADE

When Benchmade decided to turn their hands to Pen design and manufacture you could be sure it would be something special. The ergonomic pattern provides superior grip and comfortable texture whilst the Fisher refill guarantees that it is a quality writing instrument as well. All surfaces have been anodized for both appearance and wear with a CNC machined body, cap and pen grip. All components are non-reflective for tactical applications.

Body Material: Machine Grade Aluminum, Overall Length: 134 mm

CRKT TAO
"The Pens are made of 6061 Aluminum, precision-machined and hard anodized. The heavy cap is threaded so that it will not pull off in use, and castellated for greater impact. The flutes and grooves on the pen, combined with the pewter-toned stainless steel pocket clip, provides a secure grip. 

All Tao models are functional writing instruments which use the Fisher Space Pen ball point cartridge, a pressurized design developed for NASA. It has a tungsten carbide ball point and thixotropic ink which will write in freezing cold, boiling heat, underwater and at any angle - even upside down."
Four color schemes are available: nonreflective olive drab and tactical black, plus brown with bright grooves and black with bright grooves.

Overall length: 146 mm, Diameter: 16 mm, Weight: 48 g

EOTAC

Fisher writing instruments write in temperatures from -50° to 250°F, underwater, in zero gravity, at any angle—even upside down! That's why they're the choice of ski patrols, search and rescue teams, law enforcement agencies, armed forces, and anyone who demands writing reliability in adverse conditions. EOTAC has teamed up with Fisher to offer you three versions of their pen with the EOTAC logo.
Available Styles: 

Style  B101
Matte Black Trekker Space Pen w/EOTAC logo
The Trekker features a key chain ring attached to the posi-lock cap. It comes with a carabiner and break-away lanyard. 

Style  B102
Matte Black X-Mark Bullet Space Pen w/EOTAC logo 

Style  B103
Non-Reflective Military Matte Black Cap-O-Matic Space Pen w/EOTAC Logo

MIL-TAC TDP-1

TDP-1 (Tactical Defense Pen): This pen was designed with the military and law enforcement communities in mind. One end is pointed, which could be used as a very effective defense tool while the other end is blunt and could be used as a control device. The aircraft grade aluminum body with type 3 anodizing give this pen a very tough and reliable construction. Not only is this pen designed to be used as a defense tool and writing instrument but it also has a very attractive appearance and can also be used as a PDA stylus or pen. The designer of the TDP-1 is a world-class knifemaker and designer who has spent most of his life practicing martial arts and trained in several countries. This background enabled him to design the proper tactical defense pen for these extreme situations.

Length: 133.35 mm, Weight: 33.8 g, Pen Thickness: 11.4 mm

SHRADE

With the military and law enforcement communities in mind, it is made with solid stainless, making it tough and resistant to wear and tear. Not only is this pen an attractive writing instrument but due to its pointed design can be used as a PDA stylus. It has a screw cap and a stainless steel pocket clip.

SMITH & WESSON

Machined out of 6061 type III hard anodized aluminum is this black Smith & Wesson Tactical pen with a ball point black ink cartridge and a black pocket clip with the Smith & Wesson logo and name laser engraved on it. Uses Parker, Hauser or Forey .7mm refills available at office supply stores. 

Overall length: 145 mm,  Weight: 39.5 g.

SUREFIRE EWP I

The SureFire™ Pen is a new addition to the ever-growing SureFire family—and it fits in perfectly. It boasts a rugged aerospace-grade aluminum body that's Mil-Spec Type III hard anodized like many of its brothers; and it's perfectly balanced for writing. This bold, retractable SureFire Pen is appointed with virtually indestructible, tumbled-polished stainless steel on the tip, pocket clip, and the tail-cap which features a smooth, rounded window breaker that's always ready for emergency use and won't snag clothing. And it writes like a dream. The SureFire Pen comes standard with a high-performance Schmidt® Technology easy-Flow ink cartridge, which is all about performance, but the pen is fully adjustable too; you can use nearly any ink cartridge (between 3.875 and 4.25" long) with a simple adjustment. Smooth writing performance, elegant yet bold design, and it breaks glass in an emergency. What more could you want from this latest member of the SureFire family?

      Length: 6.04 inches (153 mm) 

Weight: 1.80 ounces (51 g)

Rugged aerospace-grade aluminum body
Aluminum body hard anodized to military specifications
Virtually indestructible pocket clip with SureFire logo
Smooth, tough window breaker tail-cap for emergency use
Schmidt ink cartridge flows effortlessly
Pen adjusts to accept most ink cartridges
Ink tip retracts into body; no cap to lose
Made in the U.S.A. with imported ink cartridge

SUREFIRE EWP II

The SureFire™ Pen II is a precision writing instrument that provides many of the benefits of the original SureFire Pen. It features a brash hard-anodized aerospace-grade aluminum body with a stainless steel clip and tip. The Pen II's nickel-plated push-button tail-cap extends (and retracts) the ink tip so you're just a click away from laying down words with its Schmidt® Technology easy-FLOW 9000 ink cartridge. And, it's always ready to do whatever you need to do.

     Length: 5.07 inches (129 mm)
Weight: 1.60 ounces (45 g)

Rugged hard-anodized aerospace-grade aluminum body
Schmidt® Technology easyFLOW 9000 ink cartridge flows effortlessly
Ink tip retracts into body so there's no cap to lose
Virtually indestructible pocket clip

SWISS BIANCO

Made from Aircraft grade aluminum (7075) that has been hard-anodized. Consisting of a locking cap, two-piece body which houses a Fisher Space Pen Refill with spring laminated to avert losing the spring.  The pen has a tip designed to be used as a stylus with a handheld computer or GPS unit for example.  When writing the pen fits nicely in your hand light and evenly balanced.  A optional watertight, lockable Otter box with high density foam for transport that has compartments for accessories.

When used as a defensive devise the locking cap has a clip that not only secures the pen in your pocket but acts as a lever as well.  The cap’s top is a cross cut with sharp edges and held with the thumb on the clip pushing down on the clip when in contact with skin causing a swift circular motion creating a wound.  The stylus point becomes the leading edge of thrusting device that has the strength to impair an aggressor.

TIMBERLINE LCP
LCP Combat Pen: Has Fisher Space Pen Cartridge  

Designer: Greg Lightfoot

Material: 7075 - T6 aluminum

Length: 6.00" (154 mm)

Finish: Hard Coat Anodize

Barrel Diameter: .50" (13 mm)

Color: Charcoal

Weight: 2.20 ounces (.06 kg)
Display Case included

TUFF WRITER FRONTLINE

Tuff-Writer has just introduced to the market their new Frontline Tactical Pen.  The Frontline Tactical pen is made in America to the most exacting specifications. Hand-assembled from aerospace grade aluminum and stainless steel, utilizing an easily obtainable, write-at-any-angle gas-pressurized cartridge that features waterproof ink, the Frontline will function reliably in the blistering cold, the intense heat, the rain, or any other harsh environment.  With one sharp and one rounded end, the Frontline can be used as a PDA stylus device, an emergency window-break tool, or even as a last-ditch defensive implement. The external knurling allows an exceptionally low-slip grip while the slightly upward tipped spring steel clip reduces the chance of snagging during deployment or holstering. The Mil-A-8625 “F” hard anodizing over a non-marking finish provides a rock hard, non-reflective surface that resists scratching and smudging. Combined with bold laser engraving, the result is an extremely smooth, almost silky look which makes the pen as visually stunning as it is durable.  Available in Grey, Black & Brown

UZI Tactical Pen 

Law enforcement professionals know that they always need to expect the unexpected.  That a routine traffic stop could become un-routine at any moment.  The UZI Tactical Pen takes something as trivial as a pen and turns it into a potential life saving tool.  The most unique feature of the pen is that it employs the UZI DNA Catcher on the crown of the pen.  The sharpened crown on the end can be used to jab or poke an attacker, which will not only cause extreme pain, but it will also collect the aggressors’ DNA which can be used for future identification.   The UZI Tactical Pen is another one of the tools that every officer should keep in their arsenal for those times that they need to expect the unexpected. Made of lightweight aircraft aluminum, it conveniently uses any standard pen refill.

WILSON Tac-Pen

The new Wilson Tac-Pen is the perfect hybrid of a stylish, fine writing instrument and discreet last-ditch self-defense tool that is equally at home on the range or at the office. Precision turned in our shop from hard-anodized aluminum alloy, this sturdy, screwcap ballpoint pen features a non-reflective, hand filling barrel with a tapered stylus tip. The unique machined pattern has plenty of traction in extreme conditions but won’t fray your shirt pocket.  Available in matte black, green or gray Armor-tuff finish to perfectly match your existing gear, the Tac-Pen is the perfect gift for the loyal Wilson customer. 

Click pictures to enlarge

Photo Simulation Camo Detection Test

The full camouflage detection test from U.S Army Natick Soldier RD and Engineering Center.

 

The million dolllar shot

Stationed in Iraq at Forward Operating Base, Iskandaryia, Sgt. 1st Class Brandon McGuire of the 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment was tasked with tracking down insurgent teams firing mortars at both them and Iraqi civilians. During the mission, two members of his group were wounded, one critically, by an IED on a road that had been the site of numerous attacks in the past. McGuire and his team decided to stick around see if they could help out there. Setting up in a location with an excellent view of the road, after a few days McGuire and his team spotted a man along the road digging up a mortar tube. Once he had received clearance to engage, he set up with his .50-cal Model 82A1 sniper rifle. His spotter called the distance as 1,300 meters, an extremely long shot. In addition, there were high winds. All that aside, McGuire was determined to take the time and try to make this difficult shot because he knew lives were on the line.

Keeping him in his sights for more than an hour, McGuire waited until a solid shot presented itself. When he pulled the trigger, his position was engulfed in dust from the powerful shot, but his spotter had kept the target in sight when he fired and said that he had scored a hit.

Although the target was more than a mile away, McGuire had managed to pull off the shot—a feat that would become known throughout his unit as the “million-dollar shot.”

SWAT Birth

"I would like to take this opportunity to bring your attention to three forward thinking individuals. These three officers, due to their actions almost 50 years ago, are responsible for many of the tactics and specialized equipment used by officers throughout the world today. What they accomplished in the late 1960s opened the door for an entirely new way of thinking for police departments. These individuals are Officer John Nelson, a young inspector by the name of Darryl F. Gates and then-deputy police chief Ed Davis (all with the Los Angeles Police Department).

Why are these three individuals important? Officer Nelson originally came up with the concept of a specially equipped and highly trained unit. Inspector Gates spear headed the push to make it happen and Ed Davis had the foresight to approve the program. S.W.A.T. was created by these men.

In the mid to late 1960s there were quite a few high profile shootings that caught the attention of national media. As a response to the occurrences, including the WATTS Riots, it was determined that a new tactic to deal with potentially lethal force was needed.

At this point I'd like to mention that, during my research, several sources noted that the nation first saw a high-risk team operate in Delano, California. This was in response to the farm worker uprisings led by the then-new United Farm Workers, headed by Cesar Chavez. In the 1960s the Delano Police Department formed a department wide team that received training in counter sniper, counter force and crowd control. However, the "team" didn't identify itself as a special weapons or a special tactics unit. While it touched on the concept and operational guidelines, the department didn't actually authorize or form a SWAT team.

The term SWAT was coined by Gates and originally stood for Special Weapons Assault Team. However, Ed Davis insisted that it sounded too militaristic and Gates toned it down to Special Weapons And Tactics; the common name and acronym that is so widely known and used today.

Gates really liked the acronym SWAT (what's not to like?). This first SWAT unit initially consisted of fifteen teams of four men each, for a total staff of sixty. The LAPD SWAT units were organized as D Platoon in the Metro division and were called upon to secure police facilities during times of unrest.

The first significant call out for the LAPD SWAT unit came on December 9, 1969 in a four-hour confrontation with the Black Panthers. While serving search warrants for illegal weapons at the Panther's headquarters (located at 41st and Central Streets) the Panthers began a shootout with the 40 SWAT officers. After thousands of rounds were fired (on both sides), only three officers and three Panthers were injured. (that one shoot out can inspire hundreds of articles and conversations about weapons discipline and the need for more accurate fire.)

In 1984 the city of Los Angeles hosted the Summer Olympics. This would present the greatest potential threat to the city since the WATTS Riots. LAPD SWAT was called upon to hone their skills and develop strategies to counter the increase global terrorism. Do in part to their diligence, the Summer Olympics went off without incident.

SWAT teams today handle a variety of types of duties to include Executive Protection, hostage rescue, barricade resolution, high risk warrant service and a myriad collection of all the other assignments administrators don't know who else to assign. LAPD SWAT currently handles (on average) approximately 100 barricaded suspect incidents and over 120 high-risk warrants a year."

Charles Bennett was born in Washington and grew up in the Maryland suburbs. Mr. Bennett has been working in all aspects of the publishing industry since the late 1980s primarily in the fields of commercial photography and magazine production. Moving to California in 1992 to attend college resulted in B.F.A and Masters degrees. California also supplied Mr. Bennett with his wife. The two of them are avid sports persons and participate in shooting, scuba diving, surfing, running and bicycling. As a long time hobby Mr. Bennett has studied the legends of American law enforcement which led to his writing these columns.

Multicam boots

Oakley LSA (Land, Sea, Air) boots in Multicam pattern will be available late summer 2010

Features: anatomically corrected upper creates snug, glove like fit, aquatic adaptability with quick dry structural elements, specially formulated EVA provides maximum step-in comfort and set properties, slip resistant out-sole delivers exceptional traction on mixed surfaces in both wet and dry conditions, gusseted tongue prevents entry of sand, dirt and debris, and extremely lightweight platform at only 409 grams.

Belleville Kiowa boots in Multicam pattern will be available soon.

Features: Sleek, low profile out-sole for improved feel and mobility, multi-directional lug design for uneven terrain, “over-lasted” EVA mid-sole for shock attenuation, stabilizer strap for heel and ankle, TR-1 High Performance Insole, height 8 1/4".

Click pictures to enlarge

SF Team Hits Enemy Spotter

My team was in Helmand Province, Afghanistan in a large valley surrounded by high mountains. We were moving to three towns that were located on the other side of a mountain on the north end of the valley. The towns had sneaky routes that the Taliban traveled though.

We intercepted radio traffic that they were setting up ambushes on our route into the town. We scanned the ridges looking for the spotter that was calling in our position. We located him on a ridge-top 1,950 meters away. Team sergeant called for me to bring the M107 up to the front to engage the spotter.

I dialed the correct elevation for the shot I was about to take. I was able to read the wind at ground level because of a flag placed on an Afghan grave near our location. However, I could not correctly read the wind on top of the ridge. I got into a good supported shooting position, fell into my bubble, and took the slack out of the trigger. My first shot hit low and left.

The spotter got up from his position and ran from right to left along the ridge-line to get off the mountain. I used hold offs for my correction and had to add in lead because of his movement. My second shot missed. We did not see an impact so we thought the shot went over the spotter. I hit him on my sixth shot. He was hit in the midsection. The radio chatter stopped and we continued our operation for the rest of the day.