This week the Army News Service announced that soldiers heading to Afghanistan in July will be issued MultiCam ACUs along with Mountain Combat boots and MultiCam MOLLE.
The decision came after the Universal Camouflage Pattern, or UCP, didn’t conceal soldiers in all of Afghanistan’s different terrains, according to the news service.
“Afghanistan is a unique camouflage challenge because it’s such a terrain-diverse country,” Col. William E. Cole told the Army News Service. “Troops like the fact that it helps them blend in to different terrain types.”
If you’re not familiar with MultiCam, it’s a pattern that was specifically designed for combat in the Middle East regions with multiple terrains (think desert plus mountains). By using a varied pattern that focuses on a blending effect, it takes on surrounding colors easily.
“We are proud to help protect our forces with camouflage that has been validated in labs, user tests and in combat,” reads a statement about the Afghanistan deployment on the MultiCam website. “We think of camouflage as a key survivability tool, often as critical as armor or mobility.”
What are the benefits of MultiCam compared to other camo patterns? The video below says it all.
Although winter camouflage isn’t much help in the Middle East, it’s definitely useful in colder climates. Lighter colors of camo will keep you well hidden in any type of winter weather scenario, whether you’re hunting or sneaking behind enemy lines.
The following pictures were posted on Filforce.org’s forum where “geardos” and “wannabes” were asked to post pictures of their personal gear and impressions. It doesn’t say who makes this snow camo, but it sure looks convincing from 20 meters away.
Here’s a video comparing all the different camo colors against a snow covered tree line. The five men sport Woodland camo, off-white commercial hunting camo, German Flecktarn camo and grey and white commercial hunting camo. The videographer notes that outside the tree line lighter colors blend well from the waist down while the darker colors blend better from the waist up.
We’ve already heard all about military-grade iPhone applications. Now we’re looking for something tactical and practical to store it in. The Cadet Shop provides a camouflage pouch ($11.95 AUD) that will keep your iPhone secure and far away from any imminent threats.
In addition to an iPhone, you can also pop a GPS or other cell phone models in the pouch, as it expands to fit. There’s also a molle clip on the rear that easily attached to any gear. It also boasts a Velcro and steel press-button lid closure.
Another noteworthy case is Magpul’s foray into the iPhone world. For under $10, you can nab a case in flat dark earth, foliage green or basic black.
Why do you need an iPhone pouch or case? Well, to prevent this…
Safariland has expanded its Protech IMPAC line of special threat plates.
These plates can be inserted in the front or back of body armor to prevent bullet penetration. Specifically created to protect against ballistic or stab attacks, the plates are easily concealable and create little bulk.
When dealing with dangerous threats on the field, the plates give you the extra protection you need in the areas you need it. It’s offered in four sizes: standard (5” x 8”), shorter torso lengths (5” x 7”), expanded torso protection (7” x 9”) and shooter’s cut designed for greater mobility (10” x 12”).
Protech’s line of IMPAC plates includes:
Protech IMPAC-HT (Handgun Threat) – Protection against high velocity handgun threats
Protech IMPAC-CT (Corrections Threat) – Protection against spike and P1/S1 edged blade weapons
Protech IMPAC-MT (Multi-Threat) – Protection against high velocity handgun threats, spike, and P1/S1 edged blade weapons. A combination of the IMPAC-HT and IMPAC-CT, the IMPAC-MT offers protection against additional threats
Protech IMPAC-RT (Rifle Threat) – Rifle protection against 7.62 mm x 51 mm 147-grain FMJ and 7.62 mm x 39 mm 123-grain MSC
The video below shows the IMPAC ST line of ballistic protection where the demonstrator fires 15 rounds at the plate with zero penetration. He employs a number of weapons, but the plate proves impenetrable.
We’ve acknowledge the ongoing websession over new camo pattern A-TACS. But, at last week’s SHOT Show when A-TACS, or advanced tactical concealment system, was officially unveiled, the camo clamor reached an all-time high.
Eric at Soldier Systems, one of the biggest A-TACS websessor, spotted it in person onfourseparateoccasions at the show. The camo appeared in a variety of forms on items from Remington, Bushmaster, DPMS / Panther Arms, EOTAC, Danner Boots, Tactical Assault Gear, Blue Force Gear and Emerson Knives (to name a few).
In the video below at about 1:55, Fernando Coelho, President of EOTAC, shows off the new pattern on a combat uniform that they spent a year creating. “Whether you have a sling, helmet or clothing … it all blends well together,” he says about the camo. “There are no hard lines.”
The 2010 SHOT Show kicks off tomorrow and will be bursting at the seams with product debuts and, of course, all sorts of gear goodies. For those not familiar with the annual trade show, SHOT stands for Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show. The four-day show is a must for gear lovers across the board, specifically those military equipment aficionados. This year show organizers expect more than 60,000 attendees from all over the United States as well as from 75 countries.
Not going to the SHOT Show? Follow all the action on its official Twitter site. Although the only tweets are counting down ’til the show’s launch, we hope to see some twitpics and other interesting tidbits.
1. EOTAC’s Emerson Knife Collaboration
EOTAC will be showing off its new knife produced by Ernest Emerson, the world-famous custom knifemaker. The knife boasts a custom blade 154CM premium Stainless Tool Steel hardened to 57 Rockwell with a partial serration, reports Soldier Systems. In addition to the knife, EOTAC will be showcasing all sorts of awesome things at booth #11456.
2. SHOT Show Survival Kit
We don’t even care what’s in this sucker. We just like the fact that it’s free (if you mention the ad in the SHOT Show’s tracker book) at Sports South’s booth #15931. But if you actually care, the kit includes a dice stress reliever, a travel mug, computer screen cleaner, a pull-apart key ring, a notepad, an ink pen, a first-aid kit and a water bottle. Do note that supplies are limited and you get one kit per retailer badge.
3. Colt Tactical
Also mentioned on Soldier Systems, military equipment manufacturer Colt will be launching its tactical line along with an interactive website that will eventually include an online store. According to a company release, its mission is to “provide the most sophisticated, reliable and capable tactical carbine packages available, period, to today’s most demanding tactical shooters.”
4. Blackhawk Packs
Blackhawk will be showing not one but five new backpacks at Booths #13760 and #13769 for its tactical nylon line. Four are built with military specifications and one is especially for off-duty time. The Sling Backpack ($109.99), pictured below, features a single ambidextrous padded sling with swivel buckle for easy removal, a MP-3 pocket, two-mesh storage pockets and a water bottle pocket.
5. Dennis Miller
Oh, how we love tactical celebrity appearances meant to heighten the excitement to OMG! levels. Scheduled on Tuesday evening as the comedic dessert after a filling industry cocktail reception, dinner and multimedia presentation, five-time Emmy award winner Dennis Miller takes the stage likely sending at least one SHOT Show attendee into an autograph-this-for-me, let-me-take-your-picture frenzy.
6. Remington ACR
Its promotional video was leaked earlier this month (via Gear Scout). So, to confirm this video was indeed meant for SHOT Show, check Remington’s ACR (Adaptive Combat Rifle) in all its modular glory as it makes its debut at booth #14020. This brand new sniper is said to have “surgical precision” and be “designed by operators for operators.”
7. Bonnie
Trade shows (no matter the industry) are relentless at supplying not only exciting new products but also importing attractive females (or booth babes) to stand next to said products. Trade show models run the gamut from professional sales associates to bikini-clad babes, who typically garner more attention than the items they’re peddling. Pictured below, Bonnie will be at Booth #15744. We’re not sure what she’ll be standing next to, but if you show up early, you can get a free autographed poster. That’s incentive enough, right?
Want to do something sweet for the troops? Like, really sweet?
Send ‘em some Thin Mints or Do-si-dos. From January through March, Girl Scouts in Indiana will be taking cookie orders for troops at Camp Atterbury, Ind. Operation Cookie Drop is a program that’s been utilized by Girl Scout troops across the country to make life a little sweeter for soldiers on bases in the United States and throughout the world.
If you’d like to participate but don’t know a Girl Scout in Indiana, call the Girl Scout cookie hotline (who knew there was a hotline for such things?) at 877-474-2249.
Want to do something more? Check out this list of well-respected military charities and support groups:
Any Soldier – Helps nearly 100,000 American soldiers, both active duty and reservists, feel cared for via letters and packages from “home.”
Army Emergency Relief Fund – A private nonprofit organization incorporated in 1942 with a mission to assist soldiers and their dependents.
Air Force Aid Society – The official charity of the United States Air Force has supported its cause by providing worldwide emergency assistance, sponsoring education assistance programs and offering an array of base community enhancement programs for more than 65 years.
Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society – For over a century this private nonprofit has provided financial, educational and other assistance to Naval Service members.
Fisher House Foundation – Founded in 1993, this private organization provides “comfort homes” on military bases worldwide for visiting troops and their families receiving medical assistance.
Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund – Associated with the Fisher House Foundation, this nonprofit supports dependents of fallen soldiers with grants and scholarships.
Armed Services YMCA of the USA – For more than 140 years, the ASYMCA has focused enriching the quality of life for junior-enlisted men and women through special projects and programs that bring together military families.
National Military Family Association – If you have financial or other logistical questions, the National Military Family Association does its best to answer all those questions through its website and numerous programs for military spouses and children.
Homes for Our Troops – Founded in 2004, this national nonprofit assists injured servicemen and servicewomen and their immediate families through fundraisers and home improvement.
We tapped the wires, bugged the phones, implanted tracking devices … all of which was pretty pointless because unearthing the best tactical gear video reviews this month was simple. All the usual suspects — Gear Geeks, Tacticalgearhead, Mil-Spec Monkey — uploaded homemade reviews to YouTube during December. Some, like Survivalist31, made a triumphant review return after a four-month hiatus.
And yes, we’re reviewing reviews. It’s the holidays, so give us a break!
Mil-Spec Monkey: Maxpedition 2009 Jumbo Variants (LEO, EDC, Mongo) The Monkey really impresses us by reviewing three bags at once (or is it two?). Talk about mad multitasking skills. He’s rocking a sparkling white, super-professional presentation area and a well-trained cameraman that clearly blows away the competition. His insightful breakdown, especially when he uses props to demonstrate what goes where, is helpful to those who are freaked out by the sheer number of pockets on most tactical gear.
Favorite Monkey quote (at 5:09): “You gotta really make sure you know what you are doing. I don’t want anyone out there to be all blowing holes in their legs because ‘oh Mil-Spec Monkey did this.’”
ITS Tactical: 215 Gear Enhanced Rigger’s Belt
Firstly, watch out for the intro music. It’s a little jarring, especially if you have your headphones up a little too loud (like we did). It’s so nice to see side-by-side product reviews, especially for those not-so-savvy gearheads out there.
You know what else would be nice? We’d like to see the reviewer’s face. The camera is angled so that the focus in on the belts and the reviewer’s chest and arms. There’s so much that can be lost in translation when you hear someone’s voice, but you can’t see their face. However, the ultimate bonus to this video is the concise and easy-to-read written review, which you can check out here.
Tacticalgearhead: Jura Impressa F8 Automatic
The most random review, by far, came from our friends at Tacticalgearhead. Decidedly tired of the typical tactical products, they investigated a “tactical” coffee maker instead. You’ve got to love the natural setting in a fancy, granite counter-top kitchen. And it’s amazing that this machine is able to keep track of how many cups it brews (in this case, more than 500 in a year!).
The fact that the reviewer has used this machine almost every day for a year makes him basically an expert on this machine. Quote that sums up the entire review: “I have a preference for pressure-brewed coffee. I think it’s great.” Obviously he likes this machine. A lot.
Survivalist31: Maxpedition Falcon-II
With help from his dad, Survivalist31 was able to piece together an excellently edited review on Maxpedition Falcon-II (his new school book bag!) as well as an assortment of tactical items (including an Altoids case fire kit and a bright orange spork). With four months in the making, he does admit that he’s a busy guy, being a sophomore in high school and all. He also makes a mention of having family trouble, which we do appreciate the candidness, but perhaps a little TMI for backpack review? Maybe that’s just us.
We also love you, S31, but slow down. You are talking way too fast! On the other hand, we commend you on your Red Bull-esque enthusiasm. It’s obvious you were born a tac gear fan. S31 on sporks (at 4:15): “Best of both worlds: You got that spoon on there, and you’ve got that fork on the top. You can even draw a little face on there, and you’ve got spork men. You can play around with them, and have spork fights with your friends.”
Gear Geeks: Concealed Carr Holster by Maxpedition
For the first few seconds, Gear Geeks’ video review doesn’t disappoint with an edgy, compelling intro that obviously took more than a few seconds to put together. While the intro is highly impressive, it makes the muffled audio on the rest of the review that much more obvious.
Nevertheless, ShakyJake makes it up with his information-packed video and written review. And the camo background, which is similar to his theme on YouTube and his blog, provides an added layer of excitement to the review.
This week the Army News Service announced that soldiers heading to Afghanistan in July will be issued MultiCam ACUs along with Mountain Combat boots and MultiCam MOLLE.
