Camo Uniforms and other clothes

[buglerbilly]

New Environment Simulation Centre to Enhance Soldier Protection

(Source: Australian Department of Defense; issued Oct. 7, 2011)

A new facility to test combat clothing will help to provide enhanced protection for Australian soldiers, the Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, Warren Snowdon announced today.

Mr Snowdon opened a new $4 million environment test facility at the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) in Melbourne.

“Our servicemen and women deserve the best possible protection and this facility will enable scientists to develop protective clothing suitable for a range of hazardous and toxic environments,” Mr Snowdon said. “This state-of-the-art facility can simulate any natural environmental condition that ADF personnel are likely to encounter between -20° to +50° Celsius.”

DSTO researchers will use the multi-purpose environment simulation facility to assess the performance and function of ADF clothing including existing uniforms, developmental materials, and new design options.

They will also be able to assess the limits of human physiological performance in climatic extremes.

A key feature of the facility is a full-size, articulated mannequin that mimics human movement, enabling scientists to make objective, full system assessments rather than relying on the claims of manufacturers.

“This is a major improvement on the existing system of testing which used small swatch samples cut from uniforms or rolls of cloth,” Mr Snowdon said. “The fully kitted-out, moving mannequin will substitute as a virtual soldier and allow the entire ensemble to be evaluated in a holistic way.”

“This new facility significantly enhances DSTO’s support to the ADF’s integrated force protection capability and will help to refine the design of combat clothing, so it offers more comfort, protection and integrates better with other combat equipment,” he said.

Mr Snowdon thanked local industries for their work in the design and manufacture of the facility.

Heuch Pty Ltd of Victoria won the tender for the design and construction of the temperature-controlled chamber which was built by Nicro Engineering of Geelong. Melbourne firm Hooker Cockram was responsible for construction of the building housing the facility.

“This is surely testament to Australian industry’s ability to deliver projects that directly benefit Defence capabilities and I would encourage other local companies to consider future opportunities working alongside Defence,” Mr Snowdon said.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

Deploying Soldiers to Receive Ballistic Briefs

(Source: US Army; issued Oct. 6, 2011)

WASHINGTON --- Deploying Soldiers will have several new items in their kit when they deploy, including ballistic underwear designed to mitigate some of the effects of an IED blast.

During a round table session with PEO Soldier Oct. 6, Col. William Cole, project manager for Soldier Protection and Individual Equipment, highlighted some of the new equipment Soldiers will be seeing in the field.

In Afghanistan, improvised explosive devices are causing an increased number of lower body injuries, including the groin area, during dismounted operations.

One of the most common injuries is blunt trauma pelvic injuries, causing fractures in the middle of the pelvis. This life-threatening injury, caused by propelled fragments at high velocity, leads to internal bleeding and is challenging to treat. Carrying a high immediate mortality of approximately 10 percent, rising to more than 40 percent, these fragments can cause severe damage upon penetration. PEO Soldier worked to develop a two-tier system to provide additional protection to the Soldier.

The first tier is an undergarment similar to a boxer brief, that is made with Kevlar to protect against debris entering a wound. The second tier is an over garment worn outside the uniform that is designed to provide ballistic protection in the front and rear as well as underneath. The briefs only weigh a few ounces and the over garment weighs about one pound, but Cole said it has a meaningful amount of Kevlar for protection.

Cole recently traveled to Afghanistan and said some of the Soldiers were skeptical at first, but they are beginning to see the benefits it can truly provide in terms of mitigating and reducing injuries, and preventing follow on infection.

"A lot of what we are trying to stop is dirt and rock, and [to also] prevent subsequent infection," Cole said. "If we can keep the wound area clean, then the doctors don't have to do as much debriding and there's no follow-on infection, and it really speeds recovery."

The British Ministry of Defense fields a similar system and PEO Soldier has fielded two battalions’ worth of the British designed heavy silk undergarment and will continue to issue both the British and the U.S. developed system.

"We are using both right now to get as much product to our Soldiers as we can," Cole said.

PEO Soldier is partnering with Joint IED Defeat Organization, the Marine Corps and the medical community, as well as units in Afghanistan, to field the system as quickly as possible.

The goal is to have every Soldier receive both the undergarment and the over garment. The products will be issued to units based on the threat in their area and their mission, Cole said.

All deploying Soldiers will receive the undergarments through the Rapid Fielding Initiative.

Also added to the Fiscal Year 2012 RFI list is the Army Combat Pants and an improved mountain boot. The new pants feature a reinforced crotch, flame resistant material, anti-abrasion seat, adjustable knee pads and stretch material.

Cole said an entire brigade from the 101st Airborne Division received them to test while deployed to Afghanistan, and they received some great feedback.

"The knee pads don't flop around like the strap on knee pads and can be removed for washing or if on the FOB. They can be put right back in when a Soldier is going on a mission," he added.

Feedback from the field led to the creation of the hot weather mountain combat boot. Soldiers loved the ankle support from the mountain boot and the water proof design, which led to a full leather upper and Gortex lining.

"It's great to keep the boot dry, but it adds insulation to the boot," Cole said. "The feedback we received requested a hot weather version."

To create the hot weather version, the fielded boot does not have the Gortex lining and also includes a ventilated upper portion to help keep Soldiers' feet cooler in the summer.

"Our goal is to issue every Soldier one pair of the hot weather mountain boot and one pair of the standard mountain ... combat boot. That way they will have the appropriate footwear throughout the year available to them," Cole said.

Soldiers will still receive the standard issue combat boots as well as the mountain boots, and Cole encouraged Soldiers to bring the standard boot as well when deploying. Soldiers can then make the appropriate footwear choice based on their mission profile and the terrain.

Mountain boots by their nature have a very stiff sole that assists in climbing while the normal boots have injected molded soles that provide better cushioning that may reduce the risk of injury.

Cole said after initially fielding the boots in Army basic training, there was a 40 percent cut to lower body injuries because of the enhanced cushioning.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

Army Camouflage Plan Update

by Matthew Cox on October 7, 2011



Army uniform officials recently wrapped up tests in which 900 soldiers completed a digital picture survey of camouflage patterns that could replace the service’s Universal Camouflage Pattern.

The surveys are part of Phase IV of the Army’s camouflage improvement effort, Col. Bill Cole, of Project Manager Soldier Protection and Individual Equipment, said Oct. 6 at a Pentagon round-table with reporters.


It’s a computerized survey where they look at the camouflage patterns and we have 45 different environments, Cole said. They looked at all of them in each one and rated them … and we are crunching the data right now.

Uniform officials plan to brief senior leaders on the results at the end of the month. The Army continues to be tight-lipped about the effort, but the service could end up with four civilian industry patterns and one government pattern to handle environments such as woodland/jungle, desert and a “transitional,” which could mean garrison UCP or urban scheme.

The Army also wants a universal pattern for body armor and other equipment, so soldiers wouldn’t have to change out their kit from one environment to the next. Rangers units, for some time, have worn equipment in a shade known as ”Ranger green.” And Marines chose coyote brown to wear with its woodland and desert camo uniforms.

Uniform officials maintain the program is on track.


We are really happy with the way it’s going, Cole said. We got a strong response from industry and good feedback from soldiers.

Time will tell.


Read more: http://kitup.military.com/#ixzz1a6rOJBYl
Kit Up!

[buglerbilly]

Gore shows off reversible camo jacket

Posted by Rob Curtis | October 10th, 2011 | AUSA 2011


A double-sided, waterproof, breathable shell sports desert camo on one side and woodland camo on the other. (Rob Curtis / Staff)

By ROB CURTIS — W.L. Gore showed us its latest laminate technology in the form of a double-sided, waterproof, breathable shell that sports desert camo on one side and woodland camo on the other. It’s an industry first brought about by a breakthrough Gore made with seam tape that allows it to print a camo pattern on it.

Touch and feel is largely the same as a three-layer Gore-Tex jacket, and the only noticeable difference is the seam tape. Looking closely at it, you’ll see the clear adhesive layer peeking out from beneath the tape on the edges. (Seam tape is exactly what it sounds like; the inside seams are taped to prevent moisture penetration in all Gore-Tex jackets.)

The clear, shiny adhesive is a slim strip less than a few millimeters wide. The adhesive can be hidden during manufacturing of the garment, but making the seam tape tolerances tighter will be a challenge faced by sew shops. Gore reps on-site explain the tape and adhesive’s reflective properties are managed and can be made to be non-infrared reflective, which will help hide the seam tape edges, as well as let sew shops tighten up their adhesive application.

Getting two jackets for the price of one — or one-and-a-quarter — could be good deal for the government. It could also save weight in a packing list and give service members more choices for signature management when deployed to areas where there is a mixture of arid NSA temperate environments.

[buglerbilly]

First Look: Wild Things Tactical Hybrid Combat Shell

by Christian on October 13, 2011



Last week we had an exclusive post about a new developmental product being put together by the folks at Wild Things Tactical. The new Hybrid Combat Softshell combines WTT’s expertise in light, weather-resistant fabric technology with ultra-strong, ultra-flexible protective padding.

Kit Up! did some sneaky secret squirrel stuff and obtained these exclusive photos of the very first developmental test beds.

Our source gave us the go-ahead to post the pics and was eager to get some feedback from our tapped-in readers. One thing I noticed is that these pics do not depict the concept of the chest and back padding — intended to mitigate trauma from impacts to the body armor/plate carrier.

But we had a chance to twist and turn some of the G-Form padding and it’s pretty sweet.

Let us know how it looks to you…?



Read more: http://kitup.military.com/2011/10/first-look-wild-things-tactical-hybrid-combat-shell.html#ixzz1ai89ODw3
Kit Up!

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog.............

USMC Purchase Additional 8750 Extreme Cold Weather Systems

October 17th, 2011

PrimaLoft® Insulation Technology™, announced that the United States Marine Corps (USMC) has purchased 8,750 additional sets of the USMC Extreme Cold Weather System, which consist of parkas, trousers and booties insulated with PrimaLoft®.

The USMC Extreme Cold Weather System (ECWS) is currently used by thousands of Marines stationed in the coldest areas of Afghanistan and across the globe. This new purchase brings the total number of ECWS currently fielded by the Marines to 58,750.

Developed to allow Marines to maintain the tactical edge during challenging high altitude, cold, and wet weather conditions, ECWS includes a parka, trouser and booties insulated with PrimaLoft®. As you know from previous coverage, PrimaLoft® is packable, lightweight, weather resistant, and very warm.

“PrimaLoft® takes great pride in our work to provide the best possible insulation technology to meet the U.S. Marine Corps mission readiness needs,” said PrimaLoft® Vice President and General Manager Joe Rumiesz in a press release. “We began working with the DoD 25 years ago, and we continue to advance our unique technology to address the specialized gear needs of our men and women in uniform.”

PrimaLoft® was originally developed at the request of the US Army by Albany International Corp as a water resistant synthetic alternative to down. Now known as PrimaLoft® it is used by the United States Army, Marine Corps and Special Operations Forces.

www.PrimaLoft.com

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog...............

Afghan Border Police Adopt Ghostex Pattern

October 19th, 2011

Hyde Definition has announced that the Afghanistan Border Police (ABP), an elite division of the Afghanistan National Police (ANP) with a strength of around 20,000 has authorized the Ghostex Kilo-1 pattern as their new uniform camouflage.



You may notice that the pattern looks complimentary to the Operation Enduring Freedom Camouflage Pattern (OCP) currently used in Afghanistan by the US Army and Air Force. This is because the US Government stipulated that the new ABP pattern must have similar coloration but yet be distinctively different. This is so that the forces could work in concert during operations but would not be mistaken for one another in close proximity. Based on this requirement, HyperStealth was able to offer three different patterns from the Ghostex line the same day the request came in.

A Purchase Order has been issued and the first 12,000 yards of fabric has been already been printed. The fabric is milled and printed in the US and then sent to Afghanistan for assembly by Afghanistan citizens working for Afghanistan companies.

This is not the first time HyperStealth has worked with the Afghanis. In 2009, the Afghanistan National Army (ANA) chose Hyperstealth’s Spec4ce Afghan Forest pattern for their uniforms.

Ghostex is a joint venture between ADS Inc and Canada-based HyperStealth Biotechnology Corporation.

[buglerbilly]

Corps Ends Rolled Sleeves Policy

October 19, 2011

Military.com|by Bryant Jordan



FMD I hate this kind of shit, climate should define rolled-up or down not mindless rules.................

The Marine Corps is set to change decades of uniform policy by ending the option for leathernecks to roll the sleeves up on their cammies.

In a Corps-wide administrative message, Commandant Gen. James Amos said that starting Oct. 24 Marines must wear all combat utility uniforms "with sleeves down, year round."

The message offered no reason for Amos' decision, though ABC News quoted an unidentified Marine official as saying the Uniform Board recommended the change after Marine leaders found that deployed Marines were wearing the sleeves down.

The board's intent, the official told the network, "is to have one uniform policy, a single look."

The commandant's spokesman, Maj. Joe Plenzler, declined any additional comment.

The new directive comes on the same day Amos reversed course on Marines' wearing KIA bracelets, allowing leathernecks to commemorate their fallen comrades with the popular bracelets despite long-standing rules against male Marines wearing anything other than a watch on their wrists.

The uniform change puts the Corps in line with the Army, which has never allowed its combat uniform to be worn with rolled sleeves – largely because the service has a variety of unit patches that need to be displayed on the shoulders.

Word of the Corps' uniform change lit up the internet, with blogs and Twitter accounts relaying varying degrees of displeasure.

Marine Cpl. Kevin Webb posted news of the change on his personal website and included a poll asking fellow leathernecks what they thought.

More than 1,000 people had responded, with about 90 percent opposing the change.

But Webb supports ending rolled sleeves.

"Personally, rolled sleeves is a pet-peeve of mine," said Webb, a Marine Reservists currently assigned to Fort Benning, Ga. "Partly that's because I'm a perfectionist and can spend hours rolling them to make them perfect."

One writer, identified as "Magoo," said Amos "has lost his mind and is obviously out of touch with 'his' Marine Corps."

Another supporter of the change recalled his time at Twenty-nine Palms where the policy was to have sleeves rolled down all year.

"I know from experience that this is a good move," wrote "Sgt. Grunt."

"Screw the hassle of rolling sleeves," he said. "With everyone's idea of what a proper sleeve roll is, it's a nightmare."

© Copyright 2011 Military.com. All rights reserved.

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog............

Australian AMP Update

October 20th, 2011

Security Scholar, an Australian defense blog has been keeping tabs on the Australian adoption of Crye Precision’s technology in the form of uniform designs (Operational Combat Uniform) and the adaption of the MultiCam pattern for their use in a similar fashion to the British Multi Terrain Pattern. As you will recall, MTP is a melding of Crye’s technology with the long-serving Woodland Disruptive Pattern Material design.


Photo: Commonwealth of Australia, 1st Joint Public Affairs Unit, PO Damian Pawlenko

We can verify that the new Australian MultiCam Pattern will, just like the original use 7 layers of color and that Black is not one of them. Testing has shown these colors to work well in the homeland.

Last month, the Crye issue became politicized in Australia when the opposition party tried to make so much hay out of reports from troops deployed in Afghanistan that their OCUs were falling apart. One politico even went so far as to make the outrageous claim that if the uniforms had been manufactured by an Australian company rather than an American one they would not have been “shoddy.” While the intent was ridiculous, he may have been right considering that, previous uniforms were not FR at all. Now, for the first time, Australian ground troops have FR protection with the Crye uniforms and are better protected. Unfortunately, that is also the culprit behind the prematurely worn uniforms. It seems, the Australians specified an older blend of TenCate’s Defender-M fabric. A newer version with twice the tear strength has been in use by the US Marine Corps for well over a year and for the last few months by the US Army. Hopefully, the Australians will transition to the new fabric. However, according to the Security Scholar report, “Army Headquarters has tasked the Defence Science and Technology Organisation to analyse the use of flame retardant materials in combat uniforms to determine if there is an operational need for these types of fabrics.” At this point, the Australians aren’t even sure if they want their troops to have FR protection.

Read the securityscholar.wordpress.com report to learn more.

http://securityscholar.wordpress.com/2011/10/20/update-australian-multicam-pattern-amp/

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog..............

OCP Side-by-Side with Ghostex Kilo-1

October 20th, 2011



Yesterday we mentioned that the Ghostex Kilo-1 pattern had been adopted for use by the Afghanistan Border Police. As you can see, it uses a similar color palette to the Army’s OCP (MultiCam) but the geometry is different

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog................

UFPRO’s Sniper Garment System in PenCott Greenzone

October 24th, 2011

Last week we mentioned that Uni & Forma was exhibiting the Sniper Garment in Hyde Definition‘s PenCott Greenzone pattern at the Parisian military expo MiliPol.



Unfortunately, all we had at the time was a line drawing of the garment, but Andrzej Krugler, Editor-in-Chief, of the Polish magazine Special Ops captured this photograph of the garment.

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog...............

Beyond Clothing’s Roughrider Pant Is Backpacker Magazine’s Editor’s Choice Snow For Pants

October 27th, 2011

Backpacker magazine selected Beyond Clothing’s RoughRider Pant under the Editor’s Choice Snow Category for custom fit pants. Editor-in-chief Jonathan Dorn boasts a 36″ inseam and liked the Schoeller Dynamic fabric’s ability to cut the wind. Specifically he said that with a layer underneath he stayed warm below zero in 20 mile-per-hour winds. We haven’t seen the article mentioned in the online edition yet but it is featured prominently on page 79 of the current issue.



Originally designed for military use, the new RoughRider Pant is now available in Nextec’s silicone encapsulated Glacier fabric used for PCU Level 5 and comes in a MultiCam print.

The RoughRider Pant features:

-Open or Zippered hand pockets
-Angled Thigh Cargo Pockets
-Front Thigh Pockets
-Left Ankle Pocket
-Gusseted Ankle
-Expansion for ski boots
-Reduction for bare ankle
-Velcro and snaps for ice and snow precaution
-Knee Pad pocket with back of leg tightening
-Choice of D3O pad or Crye pad configuration
-Inner Thigh vent zipper with mesh inner
-Zippered fly with Velcro waist band
-Shaped waist band



You can also now get the Glacier Shock Jacket in MultiCam. Similar in design to the PCU level 5 jacket it incorporates Raglan sleeves a stand up collar and generous chest pockets.

http://post.beyondclothing.com/2011/10/editors-choice-award-from-backpacker.html

[buglerbilly]

Hyperstealth’s innovative approuch to urban camouflage

by Jack Murphy on October 28, 2011


“CUEPAT-2 (Canadian Urban Environment Pattern) version-2

This is the unconventional pattern in field trials, previous computer simulations showed this pattern to be quite effective for both outdoor and indoor urban environments. The perceived depth within the pattern throws off the ambient and focal vision from noticing the target.” -HyperStealth

It’s definitely unconventional and while I’m sure this pattern will have some detractors, if you want to innovate you have to take risks. I’d be fascinated to find out how it preforms in the field!

Kit Up! contributor Jack Murphy is a former Ranger, Special Forces Soldier and is the author of the military thriller Reflexive Fire.

Read more: http://kitup.military.com/#ixzz1c4Zx2NmQ
Kit Up!

[buglerbilly]

More on this.............via Soldier Systems blog...........

Urban Camo from HyperStealth – Updated

October 28th, 2011

This photo, taken this week at SecureTech, is of HyperStealth Biotechnology Corporation’s urban camo pattern called CUEPAT-2.



According to a post on Facebook, “This is the unconventional pattern in field trials, previous computer simulations showed this pattern to be quite effective for both outdoor and indoor urban environments. The perceived depth within the pattern throws off the ambient and focal vision from noticing the target.”

This is CUEPAT-1 is a more traditional pattern.



Developed under contract for the Canadian Department of National Defence, Defence Research and Development Canada – Suffield, (DRDC-S) to develop a Canadian Urban Environment Pattern (CUEPAT) based on the unique requirements of Canada’s three major metropolitan areas, Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal.

These patterns are currently under trial and the winner will end up being used for CBRNE suits. We also hear rumor that the DND is talking about expanding the pattern(s) to CANSOF use.
www.hyperstealth.com

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog.............

Kitanica Mark I Now Available in MultiCam

October 31st, 2011

Based on overwhelming demand, Kitanica’s innovative Mark I jacket is now available in the popular MultiCam pattern.



www.Kitanica.net

[buglerbilly]

VERTX Smock: Hands on

By: Rob Curtis

12-11-2011



Here’s an exclusive first look at the VERTX Smock. As a soft shell, this smock is the modern American embodiment of the WWII era British combat smock. In sentimental terms, think of the combat smock as the European equivalent of our M65 field jacket and you get an idea of the garment’s appeal.

It’s an distinctive piece that adds modern styling and function to a vintage design. I think this will be the first in a resurgent wave of combat smocks marketed in the States.


Lined pit zips keep you from putting your arms through the pit zips when donning the smock.

Features:

Vertx gave the smock a full cut so it can be worn over a chest rig or a plate carrier. It’s going to be a bit of a stretch to wear over full-on body armor, though. It’s designed for layering and wear in a broad spectrum of environments. That’s why it’s only insulation is in the fleece lined hood and handwarmer pockets. Lined pit zips keep debris out and prevent you from sticking your arm through an open pitzip when donning the smock. There’s adjusters at the waist and hem to keep out drafts, reenforced elbows, a removable hood, and big Canadian style buttons on the hand warmer pocket flaps and the hood attachment are functional but impart an old school look.


The large chest pockets feature internal mag sleeves.

Vertx says this is a go-bag you wear and I have to agree after counting 10 pockets. There’s large shoulder pockets that can swallow a small notebook, big chest pockets, hand warmer pockets, dump pouch-style pockets in the rear, covered mag sleeves and even more mag sleeves inside 4 of the pockets to keep rifle mags upright and ready to go.

There’s a little genius in the outer mag pockets. They are made with a pleat that catches the feed lips of a 5.56 mag and holds keeps it from sliding all the way down into the pocket. About a half-inch from the floor plate of the mag is left exposed and easily grabbed. A larger, taller mag, like a G36 slides past the 5.56 pleat so its floor plate is at roughly the same height as the 5.56 mag in the pocket.


Covered pockets


The hand warmer pocket has an over-flap to keep the Canadian style buttons underneath from snagging.


The hand warmer pockets are fleece lined. The hood is the only other place you'll find insulation. This makes the jacket perfect for warm weather alone or great in cold weather with an insulating layer.

Construction and material:

Back in the day, smocks were made of cotton or nylon-cotton blends, but the Vertx smock is a completely updated technical hard-faced soft-shell. Outside, the tough 5.5oz nylon faced fabric uses a tight, windproof ripstop weave. The smock isn’t a waterproof hardshell, so the seams aren’t taped, but it is coated with Scholler Nanosphere for water repellency. Inside, there’s a wicking knit backer so sweat can migrate through to the face fabric where it can evaporate.


The back of the smock features two large dump pouch style pockets with Velcro closures and a pair of covered mag sleeves just behind the hips.

Styling:

The Smock is going to appeal to the military and hunting markets thanks to its cut, function and environmental versatility. The only ding I can make against it is the billowing cut in the forearms. Vertx says they are cut wide to allow ventilation when worn uncuffed. Indeed, the large forearm pattern make the sleeves easier to roll up. But, unless you’re Travis Bickle, the sleeves have a lot of excess material for day-to-day wear.


The hood is secured with three Canadian style buttons for easy on and off.

Our Take:

The jacket has an iconic appearance for the American market; and an equally iconic retail price tag. As a uniform item, the Smock is available for pre-order on GSA through Provengo for $313 in MultiCam, only.

It’s going to hit retail for $500 around Christmas. Now, I’m no neck-stepper, so with that steep of a pricetag, I’d like to see a solid shade so I have the option of wearing the smock around town without looking like a tactical douchebag. But, for its intended use on the battlefield, it makes absolute sense to put it out in MultiCam.

I hope that $500 price will drop, though I doubt it will since Vertx tells me they’re going make a modest run for the US market. They are anticipating a larger demand in Europe where smocks are more popular. If your unit is buying them, or you can swallow the retail price tag, the Vertx smock will likely become your go-to garment for gear laden pursuits.

Video here: http://bcove.me/22k0114z

Read more: http://militarytimes.com/blogs/gearscout/2011/11/12/vertx-smock-hands-on/#more

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog............

A-TACS FG – See It Here First

November 15th, 2011

At 1200 EST today, A-TACS will simultaneously update their website, Facebook fan page and officially release the highly anticipated FG (Forest/Green) pattern.



This might be an overused word, but when I saw these photos I literally said to myself, “Awesome.” When Digital Concealment Systems went about developing a new woodland pattern, they didn’t just adjust the color palette of their existing A-TACS AU (Arid/Urban) but rather developed a completely new pattern from the ground up based on the shapes found in dense biomass environments. Starting with their “pattern within a pattern” concept they added simulated depth to further break up the human silhouette. According to DCS, “the organic pixels in the micro patterns are grouped into larger, more defined “macro” shapes creating larger more defined patterns. The larger organic shapes and strategically placed shadow elements within the macro pattern help to create a unique three-dimensional effect never before seen in a tactical concealment system.”





Look for more information at a-tacs.com

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog............

Australia Purchases Additional OCUs

November 16th, 2011



Australia is purchasing an additional 10,000 Operational Combat Uniforms. These “test” items will be manufactured from TenCate’s 6.5 oz Defender M fabric. This is the improved fabric used by the US Army and Marine Corps rather than than the earlier fabric used in the first run of ODUs. The ODU is essentially a Crye Precision combat uniform. Apparently, someone at Department of Defence has determined that there is a need for FR protection for the Australian Soldier.

Photo: ABIS Jo Dilorenzo, 1st Joint Public Affairs Unit, Australia DoD

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog.........

Some Thoughts To Ponder Ref Camo

November 18th, 2011

Earlier this week, A-TACS developer Digital Concealment Systems released their new FG variant for use in forest green environments. Immediately, potential users offered their critique. “This pattern is too green.” “That pattern is too tan.” We’ve heard comments running the gamut. But remember, camouflage is an illusion and the point of the trick is to make something disappear. The problem is that the only constant is the camouflage itself.

Regarding camouflage, this is the most general rule. The more specialized a camouflage is, the less utility it provides. What does this mean? It means, camouflage has to be relevant to the environment it is pitted against. For example, you could have the most perfect of camouflage, making yourself out to blend in like a bush in the desert. But the second you move, you no longer blend in. You might have a great desert camo suit but the second you get near water, everything turns green and you stick out.



This was the point of the holy grail of camouflage, the so-called universal camo pattern. Unfortunately, the pattern the US Army decided to call UCP is anything but. Instead, we’ve all seemed to latch on to something that is in fact the great compromise; Crye Precision’s MultiCam. It blends in to every environment at about the 70% level across the board. A true universal pattern isn’t designed to be perfect in any one environment but rather to be “ok” in ALL environments.

The lesson here is that, while well intended, the adoption of multiple specialized patterns guarantees that Soldiers will inevitably find themselves in environments where their uniform becomes a hindrance rather than a help.

The problem isn’t new. We’ve seen it time and time again.

Many may not know this but the so-called ERDL camouflage pattern adopted by the US military at the end of the Viet Nam conflict actually had two variants; a green and a brown dominant version. This is because Viet Nam wasn’t all jungle but rather consists of multiple micro environments. There are the brown dominant central highlands and the verdant jungle areas. Unfortunately, the supply system had trouble making sure that the right uniform was on the right guy for the right environment. In fact, issues with different patterns infiltrated all portions of the supply chain. There are examples of the ripstop poplin jungle fatigues that were manufactured using both pattern variants in a single garment! Unfortunately, this isn’t the last time that has happened (right SJ?)

Then, there’s the recent past. Prior to the adoption of UCP, the US Army relied upon Woodland and Desert camouflage patterns. All Soldiers were issued Woodland clothing and equipment regardless of posting. The 3-Color Desert pattern was considered specialty equipment and only issued to select personnel based on operational requirements. Unfortunately, during 1991′s Operation Desert Storm many American troops wore Woodland clothing due to the shortage of desert issue. Ten years later, this same situation was repeated during the early days of Operation Enduring Freedom and what’s worse, once again during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Unlike post-9/11 operations, the military had ample time to procure and issue specialized desert clothing and equipment prior to the commencement of hostilities with Iraq, yet they failed to accomplish that task. Consequently, we had troops that wore a combination of Desert and Woodland clothing while some received no desert issue at all. The concept of universal camouflage was envisioned to overcome these issues. One pattern for clothing and equipment so that Soldier’s could deploy at a moment’s notice, anywhere in the world.

Most recently, we’ve seen British troops dying their desert uniforms with green dye in order to blend in better with areas of dense vegetation in Afghanistan. Issues like this have caused the US Army to develop a family of patterns strategy with a base pattern sharing a common geometry of shapes yet with different color palettes for different environments.



While dedicated camouflage patterns are fantastic in the environment they are designed for, they work against the Soldier in other environments. As you can see in this graphic shown at the Industry Day conference, the Army has learned that Soldiers in Afghanistan traverse multiple micro environments during a single mission. If the Army adopts dedicated patterns, Soldiers will potentially be safe as houses in one micro environment, but as their mission progresses, their uniform will do the enemy’s work for him, making them stick out like the proverbial sore thumb.

Soon we will be hit with a deluge of new families of camouflage patterns. There is going to be a lot of specialization out there. All I ask is that you remember to consider your application. If you will be sitting in a hide or blind all of the time, go for a very specialized pattern but if you will be operating in a wide ranging variety of environments then look for something more generic.

It’s a real quandary isn’t it? Even if you can afford to purchase all kinds of cool patterns, how will you make sure you’re in the right pattern at the right place and time? Can you imagine having to halt during a movement so that everyone can change clothes?

[buglerbilly]

Special Ops Wants Commandos to Have Invisible Faces

By Katie Drummond November 18, 2011 | 12:01 pm



Special ops commandos are already the savviest, most covert of all soldiers: They fly in stealth helicopters, wear high-tech camo suits and use nothing but the best face paint Pentagon cash can buy. But they’ve still got weak points. Most importantly, their own body heat and even the swiftest of movements can give them away.

That’ll change if U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) gets its way. The agency in April announced that “invisibility” equipment for commandos was one of their top priorities. Already, commandos have uniforms that can block most of the heat they emit. But as SOCOM notes in their latest round of small-business solicitations, they’ve gotta be able to “breathe, see and hear,” making it tough to keep their faces concealed from sensors. Now, SOCOM is asking for proposals that’d “reduce the warfighter’s facial signature” in marine environments, to minimize their risk of heat-based detection by infrared sensors or motion-based spotting via electro-optical surveillance.

Sounds crazy, but they just might have a shot. In 2008, the Army Military Research Office boasted that they were a mere two or three years away from developing metamaterials that could deflect light to conceal a given object. Since then, experts at various institutions have made impressive progress. Researchers from the University of Texas at Dallas have shown off an invisibility cloak that harnesses the “mirage effect,” defense company BAE Systems has developed a system that renders vehicles invisible to the entire infrared spectrum and physicists from St. Andrews University broke new ground with a meta-material that comes even closer to all-out undetectability.

SOCOM wants prototypes to zero in on what scientists already know about creating undetectability: The University of Texas’ device works best in water, for example, while metamaterials are optimal at night. So SOCOM’s after just those attributes: Something that works in aquatic scenarios, including open ocean, surf or on the beach, and is effective in various nighttime lighting conditions. The prototype should also work year-round, in freezing or scorching temps.

And if commandos are gonna make it ashore, a successful prototype will need to be nearly as discreet as they are. The solicitation notes that “an operator’s ability to swim” is a top consideration in the finished product’s design.

Photo: U.S. Marine Corps

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog.................

US Army Camouflage Improvement Effort Update

November 18th, 2011

According to PEO Soldier spokesperson Ms Debra Dawson, the current planned award date for 15 December 2011, a full three months after the initially planned date of 15 September. The latest word on the street is that the Army will most likely down select to four commercial and one Government families of patterns rather than the three and two originally planned.

After the camo industry day we published a comprehensive explanation of the Army’s plan and methodology. If you are unfamiliar with the plan we suggest you review that article. Naturally, the original, aggressive timeline has slipped significantly.

We will continue to update you as we receive additional information. Thanks to PEO Soldier for their assistance.

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog.............

The Smock

November 20th, 2011

Finally, the smock is beginning to gain some traction here in the US. We’ve written about them in the past, mentioning smocks from Drop Zone, the now defunct EOTAC, SOD Gear, Level Peaks, SORD as well as the upcoming Vertx smock. But, we’ve never really talked about them and explained what they are all about.



They are literally a concept unlike anything we have in the US. I’ve heard them compared to the M65 field jacket but that idea is simply uniformed. A smock isn’t just a coat.

Rather, the smock is much more than a simple jacket. In addition to use as clothing, the smock is also intended to carry much, if not all of the wearer’s fighting load. They were originally envisioned to carry several days of combat equipment including rations, ammunition, and radios.



Primarily, the smock is a European concept and in particular, used by Commonwealth nations. I got my first SAS smock in 1989 in a trade for a poncho liner during an exercise in Belgium. Its use as an issue garment has traditionally been restricted to Special Forces yet several nations have adopted it for general issue in one form or another. One example of a much watered down smock on general issue is the Canadian Army’s combat jacket. When this design was initially adopted in the 1960s it was envisioned that the Soldier would carry his ammunition and other fighting load components in the jackets pockets. What’s more, the British military now issues a Smock as a general purpose item.



There is very limited use of Smocks by US forces. During the early 1990s, an experimental clothing system called Battle Dress System (BDS) was developed by the US Army Special Operations Command. It was a layered clothing system that eventually became the Lightweight Environmental Protection sub-system of SPEAR. The outermost layer called the SOF BDU, was a solid grey combat jacket and over trouser. With its solid great color the item was rejected due to institutional prejudice. When LEP was adopted, it was without the SOF BDU.

Issue items like the SAS Smock are pretty good, but commercial interests have taken them to a whole new level. Britain’s Special Air Sea Services has been manufacturing specialized variants of the smock since the 1980s. Other companies like Canada’s Drop Zone picked up the torch in the 90s and now, commercial items are more prevalent than the issue garment.



Smocks have made a lot of sense in Northern Europe where the cold wet climate requires layering. You see, as smocks are coat-like garments they are generally worn layered over shirts. In many climates the US military finds itself in, this would be too warm as a daily wear item. What’s more, the Extreme Cold Weather Clothing System in all three of its incarnations has offered various technical shells. It seems as if the US skipped the smock altogether for a time. But, with the advent of the most modern smocks, new fabrics have been introduced into the design essentially making them softshells. Conversely, Australian Mission Pac has developed a MultiCam ripstop 100% Cotton Smock for use in warm climates.



Other interesting concepts have been developed such as the Arktis SF Sleeveless Smock which looks like a hybrid between a smock and a 5.11 shooting vest.

Oftentimes, those with no experience with smocks will criticize the design. They don’t understand that use of a fully featured smock allows the reconfiguration of the load. For example, armor can be worn under the smock. Perhaps a chest rig may be required and perhaps not, but much of the items carried on the armor or in a pack can be carried in pockets, readily available.

With even more products hitting the market soon, smocks look to be making an indelible mark on the US market and as they become more and more prevalent, we will begin to see more widespread use, including on the battlefield. Think of the smock as yet another tool in the toolbox and use accordingly. Remember, it’s a tool, not the tool, and you’ll be ok.

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog...........

Fight and Flight Tactical – 4×4 Hybrid Patch Panel

November 20th, 2011



The 4×4 Hybrid Patch Panel from Fight and Flight Tactical is an interesting concept. It looks as if they’ve crossbred an admin panel and a pistol magazine shingle. As you can see, it accepts pistol magazines like a standard mag pouch, yet it has that flat design featuring PALS webbing across the front like a shingle so that it can be sandwiched between the vest and another pouch when needed. It will also fit other small items like flashlights and knives. Fight and Flight has included are low profile bungees for the mags when used that way.

However, it differs from other shingle designs. The PALS webbing along the front also features Velcro, so that ID patches can be affixed to it. Obviously, this increases the pouch’s versatility.

If you’re interested, visit www.fightandflight.com.

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog.............

FirstSpear Combat Anorak

November 21st, 2011



Developed by NFM as part of their GARM combat clothing line, the Combat Anorak has been brought to the US by FirstSpear. With a classic Anorak cut it is a lightweight garment that is intended to serve as a shell over all of your equipment. Consequently, it is very generously cut and extends down low on the torso with a lower cut on the rear. Please notice that there are no pockets on the Combat Anorak and it is simply an overgarment. It is manufactured from a lightweight, coated ripstop fabric making it wind and rain resistant.



Uploaded by SolSysLLC on Nov 20, 2011

This is the FirstSpear Combat Anorak.

Venting is facilitated via a quarter length zipper from chin to chest as well as a mesh insert integrated into the back flap.



Internal gear is easily accessed by a tug on a pull tab. The half moon opening features two zippers as well as a snap backup to keep the opening securely closed. You grab the tab and pull down. With practice this can be done one-handed.



Additionally, there is an access flap on the back of the Combat Anorak for packs or back panels.



The hood is large enough to fit over a helmet and features four points of adjustment which are simple to use.



Two of the hood adjustments are on the rear. That small flap covers a barrel lock that pulls the lower portion of the back toward the rear.



The shoulders are capped with lightweight Cordura and the cuffs are secured via Velcro adjustment to accommodate a wide range of layered garments. Additionally, there are small 1″ Velcro squares on both sleeves and the rear of the hood for IR or other ID squares.



The Combat Anorak stores inside an integral stuff sack and can easily be carried in a pack or cargo pocket.



Available now in Coyote size Small – 2XLarge. It is very generously cut and will easily fit over your equipment. It kind of reminds of the oversizing found on the old USGI rain suit. Depending on your climate and intended use, you may want to go down one size.



This is a great combat piece and definitely gets my recommendation. At some point I hope that they make a beefier version, from a performance fabric and integrate a lined handwarmer kangaroo pocket in the chest.

This garment is not currently made in the USA but is made in a friendly country in the Americas.

www.first-spear.com

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog...........

Warlord Industries Tac Wraps

November 21st, 2011



Available now from Pimps n Mercs, the Warlord Industries “TAC WRAPS” are manufactured from Cotton and Spandex. Designed to keep the dust out, think of them as a warm weather equivalent of a headover.

[buglerbilly]

Via Tactical Fanboy blog........TOO FERKIN FUNNY! Mind you, I've had a beard for so long anything like this is hilarious to me!:rofl :rofl :rofl

Beard Beanies

November 22nd, 2011



Beard Beanies is a series of headgear with a unique twist: attached to each beanie is a knitted beard that covers and protects the wearer’s face, making them great for any number of outdoor activities. Models include the ECO2, Jeep Cap, and LumberJack, made from materials such as 40 Gram thinsulate and Jimtex recycled cotton fibers. Each beanie is also hand-made to order, so you’re looking at a minimum of 5 business days before shipping.

Beard Beanies

http://beardbeanie.com/index.html

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog..........

FirstSpear Squadron Smock

November 23rd, 2011



Originally developed for a Government customer, the Squadron Smock is evolved from traditional British designs. FirstSpear sat down with their customers and integrated the features they required for use under combat conditions. These smocks remain one of the most prized possessions of the men who were issued them.



Features

-Hood and Torso lined with gridded fleece
-Hood accommodates helmets
-Hood features drawstring and rear adjustment
-Hood Brim incorporates wire stiffener
-Scrim/Camo attachment points along hood, upper back and waist
-Velcro patches for ID on upper back and bicep pockets
-Removable padding in Cordura reinforced elbows
-2-Way Pit Zips for ventilation
-Pen pockets on both lower sleeves
-Drawstring waist
-Drawstring hem
-2-way Main zipper (closed with Velcro strips as well as Slotted Buttons)
-Snap closure at bottom of main zipper
-Drawstrings feature captive barrel locks for one-handed adjustment

Pockets

Amazingly, the Squadron Smock features a total of 18 pockets!



Here is the breakdown:

2 x Bicep Pockets with Velcro for ID
2 x Cargo Chest Pockets
4 x Cargo Pockets Along Skirt
2 x Zip Closure Exterior Napoleon Pockets
2 x Zip Closure Interior Napoleon Pockets
1 x Exterior Poacher Pocket
3 x Interior Flat Mesh Pockets
2 x Zip Closure Gridded Fleece Lined Handwarmer Pockets



There is an ingenuous pass through at the main zipper flap that allows you to access the left interior Napoleon pocket without opening the main zip. Additionally, there are three flat mesh pockets along the inside of the skirt to store flat items or those that need to be next kept to the body.

Cargo pockets are bellows design and feature drain holes as well as slotted button closures, interior D-rings and tacked corners with pass troughs for dummy cords. Additionally, the pocket flaps are the fold over style for positive closure and Cargo pockets also incorporate drain holes. Additionally, the Cargo and Poacher pockets as well as the main zipper flap rely on large Slotted Buttons which can be handled when wearing gloves or mittens. When paired with slightly undersized buttonholes, it means you won’t have a pocket fly open while in a helo or vehicle. Additionally, the Slotted Buttons are properly attached meaning there isn’t too much play in the ribbon and the buttons have room to slide which helps avoid rips.



Materials

The shell fabric on the Squadron Smock is 330 denier by 3-ply 70 denier Taslanized nylon with Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish. Additionally, it integrates a gridded fleece lining, 330D Cordura elbow reinforcements as well as mesh interior pockets along the skirt. All fasteners are US Mil-Spec from ITW Military Products and zippers from YKK.

General Impressions

Although I haven’t had a lot of experience with this particular smock (just 4 days), I’ve had years of experiences with smocks from a variety of origins. The Squadron Smock is excellent. Due to its construction it is admittedly a 3-season garment. With the fleece lining I feel it would be too warm for warm weather use. However, the fabric is very breathable, has a comfortable hand and feels like Cotton even though it isn’t.



The hood has plenty of room to go over your helmet when needed and features a wired brim. This keeps it stiff so it won’t sag into your eyes and can be formed when needed to form the opening during extreme weather. The hood also has a Velcro adjustment at the rear as well as attachment points for camouflage material that extend down the back of the Smock. Additionally, there is a Velcro patch for ID badges.



I really like the inclusion of Pit Zips. This will help with venting if worn during dismounted patrols. Additionally, the smaller bicep pockets are a welcome relief. They aren’t big enough to overload or have gear flailing around inside.

The Squadron Smock is absolutely built for combat, but…it looks good doing it. Even with all of its features, in the Coyote color, it doesn’t scream military. In a solid color, it looks like a high end, foreign jacket. You’re not going to be the grey man wearing it, simply because it is so feature laden, but you won’t necessarily be made for a guy with a gun.



If I were to change anything it would be to make the pen pockets slightly wider to accommodate larger pens. Additionally, the handwarmer pockets aren’t the deepest or easiest to use. However, considering the overall geometry of the Smock, it would be difficult to alter them without affecting other features.



I recommend the FirstSpear Squadron Smock if you are looking for a cold weather, fully feature laden, combat jacket.



Uploaded by SolSysLLC on Nov 22, 2011
This a quick look at the features of the FirstSpear Squadron Smock.

Available for pre-order in Black, Coyote, and MultiCam sizes Small – 2XLarge. Look for deliveries beginning 1 December, 2011.



www.first-spear.com

[buglerbilly]

PenCott “Badlands” Uniform from S.O.D. pt. 1

by Jack Murphy on November 24, 2011



I was impressed with PenCott’s latest offering the moment I tore it out of the plastic wrap. This is the most complex uniform that I’ve ever owned, perhaps short of a ghillie suit, which would incline one to think that it is actually over engineered. As I soon found out, Italy’s SOD made a nearly flawless product. I will split this review into two parts; this portion will review the uniform itself, and part II will focus on the effectiveness of the “Badlands” pattern.



Slipping into SOD’s shirt, it felt almost as if it had been tailored specifically for me, fitting perfectly. The stitching was incredibly complicated, weaving all over the place for a comfortable fit that incorporates so many different features. The fabric itself is tough without being rigid, ready to be taken out on patrol without being so thick as to make it difficult to move in, like my Multicam uniform from Propper.

EDITED............LOTS more at the link below including lots more pics..........too much for even me!

Read more: http://kitup.military.com/2011/11/pencott-%e2%80%9cbadlands%e2%80%9d-2.html#ixzz1efdoWIyc
Kit Up!

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systes blog..................

Platatac CUTS:SP

November 30th, 2011

Australia’s Platatac has introduced their new Platatac’s CUTS (Cool Under Tactical Shirt): Special Projects. It is a combat style shirt designed for use in hot climates and is very traditional in that the sleeves are woven and the torso is knit.



One interesting feature of the CUTS:SP is that the shoulders are constructed from 3D air mesh to facilitate cooling. Additionally, the bicep include Velcro patches as well as a webbing flap to cover up the IR Square when not needed. These pockets also feature an additional smaller zippered pocket on top of the original pocket.



Currently available only in MultiCam in XSmall – XXLarge in both Regular and Long lengths. All sizes have been issued NSNs. It is important to note, that while CUTS:SP has incorporated some interesting features it was designed for the Australian military and is not FR.

www.platatac.com

[Raven22]

That Platatac shirt is what all the best dressed SOTG lads are wearing. It is better than the Crye equivalent.

[buglerbilly]

Camouflage Kit is Wasting Money

by Bill Janson on December 1, 2011


Photo Courtesy of U.S. Army

This is not another article about which camouflage pattern is most effective, or if the Army should have adopted Multicam. I happen to be a big fan of Multicam. Rather, this is asking why the Army feels compelled to have all of their kit matchy-matchy with their uniforms. I personally think that changing your kit to match every time you change your uniform pattern is a colossal waste of money. I’m not really sure what the rationale is.

Let’s take a look. I have to say that I feel like the Marine Corps decision to run their kit in Coyote Brown was a solid choice (Yes, I’m a bit biased, but this really has nothing to do with me being a former Marine.) This works well in both a desert and a woodland environment. Is it perfect? Absolutely not, but it is effective. Even back when I was still active duty, most of our snipers were moving towards more coyote colors for woodland operations instead of the issued olive drab. And, it’s a hell of a lot cheaper than running 2 sets of kit to match both their desert and woodland patterns. I realize that the Army is only fielding one pattern, so they only need one set of kit. But, they’ve changed from ACU to Multicam and no one is actually sure how long they’re going to keep Multicam. That is a ton of ACU kit that is going to end up in DRMO, and if they change again from Multicam, that’s another entire Army’s worth of kit in DRMO, again! If they would just go to a solid color kit, whether that’s coyote brown or ranger green, they’d be able to allocate those funds to something more useful (maybe lighter armor plates, for instance.)

Yes, I understand the concept. Running kit in a camouflage pattern can aid in breaking up the outline of that equipment. And, a shiny new Multicam plate carrier looks pretty cool, but I just don’t think the juice is worth the squeeze.

Kit Up! contributor Bill Janson is a former Recon Marine and is the founder of Eleven 10, a tactical gear manufacturer.

Read more: http://kitup.military.com/2011/12/camouflage-kit-wasting-money.html#ixzz1fL2QxtqV
Kit Up!

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog..............I'm never sure what market this camo is aimed at? As far as I know, no Military unit has picked it, so that leaves LE and Urban Cowboys?

Look What’s Coming in A-TACS FG

December 1st, 2011

Proper has ACUs in the A-TACS FG print on the way for Spring 2012.



Additionally, Beez Combat Systems, Grey Ghost and TAG will be producing armor carriers and pouches.



It’s important to remember that with the release of the A-TACS FG Camo pattern, the original A-TACS Camo pattern is now known as A-TACS AU (Arid/Urban) Camo.

www.a-tacs.com

[buglerbilly]

Cape Crusaders

By: Rob Curtis, Military Times GeaScout

07-12-2011



Sure, they make fine gear for tactical and outdoor pursuits, but did you know that for the last few years Arc’teryx employees have been using leftover fabric to make these all weather capes for Vancouver’s homeless? The all-volunteer group will make and distribute about 700 of these this year. And, no there aren’t any any plans to make a LEAF poncho. But, damn. There should be!

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog............

Kryptek LEAF

December 8th, 2011

Kryptek is developing a good following for their unique hunting camouflage and clothing line available through Cabela’s. Earlier today, they unveiled Kryptek L.E.A.F., which is a SDVOB (Service Disabled, Veteran Owned Business) that handles all of their government/military work. What makes this so significant is the timing. We didn’t expect to start seeing any of the proposed US Army camo patterns until after the upcoming down select announcement, but Kryptek LEAF just unveiled their full lineup. Go ahead and click on the image below to blow it up to full size so you can get a better feel for the patterns.



These four patterns make a family that shares common geometry but with complimentary color palettes for different environments. There is Highlander which serves as their Transitional pattern, Mandrake which is a Woodland design, Nomad for use in the Desert, and Yeti for Snow use. Not shown on this image are Urban and Typhon which are Grey based patterns for various urban applications.



Take a look at Highlander. It’s unlike anything we’ve ever seen before and they’ve done a great job of producing the illusion of 3D. As you can see, it looks great on a flat file. The question with not only these patterns but all of the Army candidates is, “Can they print it?” I’d say that this photo is a good indication that they can.



Kryptek on how it works:


“ Kryptek™ utilizes a multi-directional design to effectively conceal in a multitude of terrains that have either a lateral or vertical flow. The bi-level layering of the patterns incorporate background transitional shading and sharp random geometrical foregrounds to create a three dimensional effect that ensures the utmost in concealment at both close and long ranges. These components combined with colorations selected and matched based on input from testing and observations from Operators in the field make Kryptek™ Camo the ultimate in passive battlefield deception.”

Kryptek LEAF will be officially unveiled at SHOT Show in Source One Distributors‘ booth #8203.

www.kryptek.com/leaf

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier systems blog...............

MARSOC Purchases Additional Woodland FROG

December 10th, 2011



Earlier this year, Marine Corps Special Operations Command purchased Fire Resistant Operational Gear uniforms in the old Woodland camouflage pattern under a sole source contract from Crye Precision. Interestingly, the old Woodland pattern was specified so that MARSOC personnel would blend in with their Afghan (ANA Commandos) counterparts.

Unfortunately, MARSOC asked for the uniforms in an older variant of the FR Defender-M fabric. A little over a year ago, the Marine Corps had adopted an improved version of TenCate’s Defender-M fabric for their FROG ensembles that is more abrasion resistant and the US Army followed suit soon after. We’re still unsure why MARSOC didn’t specify the newer Defender-M from jump street but by late summer KitUp! had broken the story that the special versions of FROG were falling apart.

Around the same time, a similar fate befell Australian MultiCam uniforms called Operational Combat Uniforms which also relied on the older fabric.

Since then, both MARSOC and the Australians have purchased new uniforms in the latest, more robust 6.5 oz version of Defender-M which boasts twice the tear strength of the previous variant.

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog..........

PenCott-Snowdrift Camo Enters Production

December 15th, 2011

We’d say that this is a great rebuttal to the Army’s Camouflage Improvement Program. Hyde Definition goes right on about their business.

You know that good personal concealment is not a fashion statement or a popularity contest. Its about reducing your risk of being detected. And that can mean the difference between mission success or mission failure. This is why PenCott is being adopted by a growing number of military and law enforcement special operations units.



However, when it comes to snow camouflage most military patterns seem to have been developed with the line from the Christmas Carol about King Wenceslas in mind: “when the snow lay round about, deep and crisp and even”. In most terrain, however, the snow cover is often uneven and features shadows and textures from undulating or broken ground and from rocks and dry vegetation breaking up the blanket of white.



PenCott-Snowdrift™ breaks that mold and was specifically designed to provide superior camouflage in a wider range of snow-covered terrain. Snowdrift™ is a 3-colour variant of PenCott™, and like all members of the PenCott™ family it features:
* a naturalistic, omni-directional, multi-scalar fractal geometry pattern
* a unique 3-in-1 pattern design for superior blending and disruption performance
* color palettes optimized for a variety of terrains and environments
* high-difference boundaries and hypoacuitive color dithering create false edges and the illusion of 3D

PenCott-Snowdrift™ is now going in to production and will be available from early 2012 printed on lightweight, water- and frost-resistant, packable polyester fabric (the same type used by the USMC in fact). The entire PenCott line-up will also be featured on the SOD Gear / TangoDown booth at the SHOT Show in Las Vegas January 17-20, 2012.

PenCott is the first commercially-developed advanced camouflage pattern to be available in multiple colorways on a range of Berry-compliant, mil-spec fabrics and finishes – all available now.

For further information, contact Hyde Definition via email, visit our website www.hydedefinition.com or find us on Facebook.

http://www.facebook.com/groups/Pencott

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog..............

U.S.Army Camouflage Improvement Effort for Dummies

December 16th, 2011

Since we’re seeing a lot of internet chatter indicating that many are under the impression that the Army Camouflage Improvement Effort will immediately result in a singular “winner” and that the Army will immediately replace UCP, we though it would be a good idea to post a few facts in bullet format.

- Universal Camouflage Pattern is not performing as envisioned.

- The Army Camouflage Improvement Effort is a multi-phase project to improve the camouflage of its Soldiers. The Army is seeking a family of three camouflage patterns with identical geometry and tailored colorways for woodland, desert, and transitional environments with an optional fourth pattern to complement Organizational Clothing and Individual Equipment.

- During the current phase industry and government families of patterns were evaluated using a picture-in-picture technique to identify the top four performing commercial submissions (allegedly up to 20 were submitted) and a single top government option. Additionally, a baseline consisting of OCP (MultiCam), MARPAT (Woodland and Desert), AOR (1&2) was also evaluated to determine the current level of camouflage performance afforded by these patterns. This performance metric is referred to as “baseline.”

- Soon, the US Army will announce the finalists consisting of four commercially developed families of patterns and one government developed family of patterns.

- These selected vendors will have their patterns printed on 50/50 NYCO and 500D Cordura fabric and turn this material over to the Army to have uniforms and OCIE manufactured for field trials.

- The Army will conduct field trials consisting of a variety of tests with actual maneuver elements to aid in determining the best camouflage option.

- The Army leadership has been briefed throughout this effort.

- We fully expect the remainder of this effort to take a minimum of 18 months based on the requirement to print fabric in completely new patterns, organize and conduct testing, analyze data and prepare courses of action including programming (finding) rock drills and brief the Army leadership.

- There is still no funding or guarantee that this effort will result in one of these patterns being fielded.

- However, we fully believe that UCP will be replaced. Whether it is with one of the Army Camouflage Improvement Effort family of patterns or another option remains to be seen.

BOTTOM LINE: Based on the effort’s current pace, do not look for a UCP replacement for at least 18 months with further delays likely.

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog...................

Afghan SF in Ghostex Kilo-1 Pattern

December 20th, 2011

Previously adopted by the Afghanistan Border Police, the Ghostex Kilo-1 Pattern is now in use by Afghan Special Forces.



Uploaded by NATOCOMMUNITY on Dec 19, 2011
Afghanistan's own Special Forces unit have been demonstrating their skills on a camp just outside Kabul. Engaged in special training under US supervision, these soldiers have been conducting many successful operations on their own.

You may notice that the pattern is complimentary to the Operation Enduring Freedom Camouflage Pattern (OCP) in use with US Army and Air Force units in Afghanistan. This is because the US Government stipulated that this pattern must have similar coloration but yet be distinctively different from OCP. This is so that the forces could work in concert during operations but would not be mistaken for one another in close proximity.



Here you can see the two patterns side by side.

Ghostex is a joint venture between ADS Inc and Canada-based HyperStealth Biotechnology Corporation.

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog........

New Kifaru Woobie Image


December 21st, 2011

Since apparently guys wearing jeans can’t use woobies, Kifaru has succumbed to pressure from those who won’t buy anything from them anyway and put up a new photo of the excellent reversible MultiCam to Coyote Woobie.



Woobies rock. Get yours at and send us a photo of you using it while wearing jeans. We’ll reward you with an SSD morale patch.

https://kifaru.net/woobie.html

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog...............

DEPSOC360 Update

December 26th, 2011



What started out as a project for snipers has evolved into an entire family of camouflage patterns. DEPSOC360 Camouflage Technology primarily relies on shape obfuscation to break up the very distinct silhouette of the human body. Additionally, it “is designed in layers, starting with solid base colors that represent the finest textures of the Military Operating Environment (MOE) and multiple layers of large asymmetric shapes that are typical of the natural scale and shape of the background texture, but not necessarily specific.”

[buglerbilly]

Soldiers' new uniform is a 'fashion faux pas'

Soldiers have described their new fatigues as a "fashion faux pas" which is shapeless, too American and more akin to an Action Man costume.

By Thomas Harding, Defence Correspondent

8:00AM GMT 28 Dec 2011



When the Ministry of Defence introduced new combat fatigues for troops in Afghanistan it was hoped they would be welcomed for providing more comfort under body armour and creating better camouflage.

The new Multi Terrain Pattern uniform has been rounded upon for being ill fitting, poorly designed and made of poor material.

The criticism is an embarrassment for the Ministry of Defence which has spent £40 million to rapidly get the kit into frontline service.

It was rushed into service across the Army in the last year to assist troops in Helmand, making it safer and easier on patrols. It will eventually be issued to all 100,000 soldiers in the Army.

But the condemnation has come to a head with a barrage of complaints sent by men to Soldier, the Army’s in-house magazine.

“I could not help but think it looked like something from Toys R Us,” wrote Chrissy Rodgers of 38 Brigade in Northern Ireland.

“Value for money should not exclude quality of material and design, resulting in a uniform as shapeless and uninspiring as Action Man’s. I always thought part of military discipline and the pride soldiers take in themselves was down to appearance.”

Major Bernard Whishaw of the Royal Engineers Warfare Wing, said the uniform “looks shabby” and that “Velcro is just a cheap irritation”.

He suggested putting an elastic or drawstring waist in the jacket to smarten up appearances.

“The lower part of this garment would then flare slightly making any male or female tummy or behind look fine.”

He added that “all ranks are keen to look professional and smart”.

An angry colour sergeant, based at the Infantry Battle School in Wales, said he found the reasoning behind the design “bewildering”.

“It is ridiculous looking when it is left hanging out and should be tucked in while in camp. We are not American.

He then accuses senior officers “getting involved in senior NCO business” and messing it up.

He ends: “Whether we like it or not if personnel believe they look and feel the part then they will perform better than if they think they look like pillocks.”

Another soldier, who was not named, said the jacket did not fit and the pockets in the arms were “of little use”.

“There is no avoiding the fact that it does not look smart (my wife has confirmed this).”

He added: "We have missed the opportunity to properly modernise and rebrand the Service."

But a few soldiers have approved of the uniform.

“The buttons are covered so they don’t snag on things. It’s all about change and I’m sure everyone will get used to it. It’s good for Afghanistan and is cool in the heat,” said Cornet Oliver Leeming, 24, of the Queens Royal Hussars.

In a statement the MoD said it “welcomed” the feedback. It said: “The new combat uniform was specially designed to better accommodate the latest body armour and be easier to wear on the frontline. It is issued to service personnel in addition to barrack dress, which provides a smarter alternative for when troops are not on operations.”

[buglerbilly]

Pentagon Scientists Use ‘Time Hole’ to Make Events Disappear

By Katie Drummond Email Author January 4, 2012 | 4:58 pm



The pen-ultimate camo...........well, one day it may be!

Soldiers could one day conduct covert operations in complete secrecy, now that Pentagon-backed physicists have figured out how to mask entire events by distorting light.

A team at Cornell University, with support from Darpa, the Pentagon’s out-there research arm, managed to hide an event for 40 picoseconds (those are trillionths of seconds, if you’re counting). They’ve published their groundbreaking research in this week’s edition of the journal Nature.

This is the first time that scientists have succeeded in masking an event, though research teams have in recent years made remarkable strides in cloaking objects. Researchers at the University of Texas, Dallas, last year harnessed the mirage effect to make objects vanish. And in 2010, physicists at the University of St. Andrews made leaps towards using metamaterials to trick human eyes into not seeing what was right in front of them.

Masking an object entails bending light around that object. If the light doesn’t actually hit an object, then that object won’t be visible to the human eye.

Where events are concerned, concealment relies on changing the speed of light. Light that’s emitted from actions, as they happen, is what allows us to see those actions happen. Usually, that light comes in a constant flow. What Cornell researchers did, in simple terms, is tweak that ongoing flow of light — just for a mere iota of time — so that an event could transpire without being observable.

The entire experiment occurred inside a fiber optics cable. Researchers passed a beam of green light down the cable, and had it move through a lens that split the light into two frequencies, one moving slowly and the other faster. As that was happening, they shot a red laser through the beams. Since the laser “shooting” occurred during a teeny, tiny time gap, it was imperceptible.

Sure, the team’s got a ways to go before they’re able to mask 30 seconds of action, let alone several minutes. But the research certainly opens up new possibilities. For one, masking super-quick events, like those that occur with data transmission, could help conceal covert computer operations.

In the words of Nature editors, the research marks “a significant step towards full spatio-temporal cloaking.” But it could be decades before military personnel will basically be able to zap history, as it happens: According to Cornell scientists, it’d take a machine 18,600 miles long to produce a time mask that lasts a single second.

Illo: Ubisoft

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog..............

Special Operations Apps Announces New Camouflage Technology

January 5th, 2012

K. Dominic Cincotti is calling 2012 the year of camouflage and he might just be right. Camo is going to be all over the place in 2012, (just don’t hold your breath waiting for the US Army to make a decision anytime soon). However, plenty of new camouflage patterns and signature management technologies are going to become available for those in need. One of the companies at the forefront of this new emphasis is Cincotti’s company, Special Operations Apps.

In a press release, Cincotti said, “Camo, a multibillion-dollar business, will make huge gains in 2012, because it will mark a turning point in how camo is designed and made. Camouflage design has changed very little for centuries — until now, but new technologies, focused on how we design and manufacture camo, will produce a new shift in this market estimated to be in the billions.” We couldn’t agree more.



SOA has already begun to bring customized camouflage to the individual operator level with CamoScience™ HD which combines a smartphone camera with an onboard app to produce a specialized camouflage pattern specifically for the area photographed (as seen above). The results are tuned for the environment it is produced in and can be exported for rapid, digital printing. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. SOA and their sister company Military Wraps R&D have just been issued a patent for their new Modern Warfare Camo™ technology. In fact, it’s just been featured on popsci.com.



According to SOA, “Modern Warfare Camo™ is both active and adaptive simultaneous multispectral camouflage.” US Army SF Veteran David Mullins, SOA’s team leader of subject matter experts said, “This is a truly significant patent that has been issued to MW R&D because it is a future-proofed solution we have now.” It’s a stealth camo technology that combines high-definition video imagery, a flexible thin-film display, multiple layers of sensor-blocking nanomaterials, and miniaturized thermoelectric array devices. Together, these countermeasures mimic the operating environment, producing multispectral simultaneous adaptive concealment.

specialoperationsapps.com

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog............

MTP Dry Suit

January 5th, 2012



Amazingly, the UK MoD has even procured Dry Suits in MTP but serving troops still can’t purchase anything in the pattern.

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog.......

The Story Behind Wolf

January 5th, 2012



Arc’teryx LEAF has been showing their new Wolf color quietly to its customer base for some time now. We’ve even caught a couple of glimpses of the color here and there which we’ve been able to share. The new Wolf color makes a great counterpoint to the Bird’s other exclusive pantone – Crocodile, which was developed several years ago to provide a shade compatible with both greens and browns for the the military side of the LEAF equation. Not only is Wolf well suited for Law Enforcement use, it gives all of us another color option to help blend into the background and truly become the Grey Man.

In conjunction with the release of Wolf, Arc’teryx is also debuting several new styles.







Additionally, Arc’teryx provided us with this official statement which does a great job explaining their concept of Wolf:

“Urban Wolf— blend into the sprawl

From a distance, or in situations with marginal light, the greyscale tone of most surfaces is dark grey. Concrete, glass, asphalt and rooftops are common modern backgrounds, environments that are subject to low ambient light and shadows. In these conditions, black stands out in the shadows, easily identifiable and clearly defined. In contrast, dark grey is the least visible colour; it blends into its surroundings.

Optimized for urban and industrial environs and their margins, Wolf breaks with tradition and introduces a colour blend for modern environments. A modern alternative to traditional uniform colourways, grey is less traditional and therefore a less recognizable uniform of authority. Wolf introduces a covert tonal shade for law enforcement purposes in urban environments.

Available in the new Drac Jacket and Drac Pant, Bravo Jacket and new Naga Hoody, the wolf colourway is a practical uniform option and is the colour preferred for Law Enforcement/SWAT and Military Special Forces use.

Arc’teryx leads the pack with Urban Wolf—on patrol in the margins.



http://leaf.arcteryx.com/?EN

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog..............

Hide/Dry from Arc’teryx LEAF – Debuting at SHOT Show

January 10th, 2012



Arc’teryx LEAF is the first to offer a technical outerwear line designed for military and law enforcement in GORE-TEX® fabric with Multicam® print, uniting the best available windproof waterproof/breathable technologies with the most versatile and adaptable pattern.

Durable GORE-TEX® fabric maximizes protection and comfort during prolonged exposure to harsh environments. The MultiCam® print is designed to reflect the surrounding environment. Disguising shape and volume by taking on the background tone, its non-blocked pattern also balances scale and contrast, even at close distances. Both of these properties work with a third optical principle, the brain’s tendency to blur a design into its background, to offer protection across a broad range of light, elevation, seasons and environments.



In the Hide/Dry series, exceptionally durable, weatherproof, GORE-TEX® MultiCam® is taped and laminated into high performance garments, making it a one kit solution to secure exposure in harsh, wet and varied environments.

Hide/Dry LEAF products for 2012 are the Alpha Jacket and Pant, Alpha Parka and Gryphon Halfshell™ and Pant. Hybrid garments combine GORE-TEX® fabric in MultiCam® print with breathable, armour-compatible Tweave® Durastretch® for comfort and temperature regulation under kit.

Hide/Dry enables operatives to do exactly that: hide and stay dry in severe environments.

See the new Hide/Dry line at SHOT Show in booth #10526 and at OR in booth #3018.

leaf.arcteryx.com

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog.............

The Difference Between Samples and Production Models

January 15th, 2012

We recently published an article on Arc’teryx LEAF’s new Hide/Dry technology. The example photograph featured an Alpha parka in MultiCam. The sample garment has black zippers and a reader commented. Production models will integrate color matched zippers as you can see here.



Be sure to visit Arc’teryx LEAF in booth ##10526 at SHOT Show and at OR in booth #3018.

leaf.arcteryx.com

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog...........

Vertx Overwhite Sneak Peek

January 16th, 2012

Vertx is showing their new Overwhite Parka and Trouser at SHOT Show. It is a 100% Polyester design printed in Duro’s PXL USMC Snow camo pattern. Generously cut for layering, it comes in Small – 2XLarge. There are plenty of features including pass through zippers on the biceps and ventilation pitzips on the parka. Vertx also included a feature often overlooked in military overwhites which is a snot patch on the left forearm. Additionally, the trousers include cargo pockets.


Vertx Overwhite

http://www.scribd.com/doc/78369912/Vertx-Overwhite?secret_password=2gxmemf3ab3720sz88zp

Price is set at $200. Vertx will be in Booth #1226.

www.wearvertx.com#

[buglerbilly]

PenCott and SOD uniforms at SHOT:

by Jack Murphy on January 21, 2012


PenCott's "sandstorm" pattern on a SOD uniform at the SHOT show

Many of you may remember that I had a very favorable impression of SOD’s uniform in Pencott’s “badlands” pattern that I reviewed last year, so it was great to meet the uniform’s creator at SHOT. Max Valente told me that he is very excited about working with Pencott and that in Italy they are having some of the same issues that we are having with our camo patterns, and he is happy to offer his products to the Italian military since a lot of their issued items are not always up to standard. Interestingly, he also said that what is publicly available on SOD’s website is perhaps 10% of the products that he has developed and sold. The rest have gone to Italian Special Operations units, such as Folgore, and can’t be disclosed. I could tell from talking to Max that he was really excited about the projects he had brewing behind the scenes and wanted to tell me more but simply couldn’t. I’m hoping that some of these details will be revealed as the war in Afghanistan winds down but for now we can enjoy SOD’s work with Pencott, such as the “sandstorm” patterned uniform above.

Kit Up! contributor Jack Murphy is a former Ranger, Special Forces Soldier and is the author of the military thriller PROMIS: South Africa.

Read more: http://kitup.military.com/2012/01/pencott-sod-uniforms-shot.html#ixzz1kATvLbPZ
Kit Up!

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog.............

tasc Bamboo+Merino Performance Base System

January 22nd, 2012

NEVER heard of Bamboo (presumably fibre) being used in clothing?

New Orleans-based tasc is building on their success with bamboo undergarments by introducing a new bamboo and merino base layer system.



Made from a 60% bamboo, 30% merino wool and 10% elastane blend, the new line will feature both men and women’s garments. It’s a three level system, A = All weather 160 gsm jersey cloth, B = Brisk 200 gsm jersey cloth and C = Cold 280 gsm micro waffle.

Look for the whole kit and caboodle beginning August 2012.

www.tascperformance.com

Company background


After years of dealing with the compromises of polyester athletic apparel (skin irritation, bad odor), the Andrews family of New Orleans took it upon themselves to find the next performance fabric.

Al Andrews, former Tulane University basketball standout (Academic All-American, ’66) and apparel industry veteran, charged his son Todd with the difficult task of finding a solution to the polyester problem. Two years working with textile engineers and chemists, resulted in the invention of a unique blend of viscose from bamboo, organic cotton, and elastane.

The result of the Andrews family’s efforts is the savior of active apparel: tasc Performance®. tasc’s revolutionary fabric out performs polyester based competitors in all performance categories including moisture transfer, breathability, drying rate, UV protection and odor resistance.

In addition to all these attributes, tasc Performance® apparel is the most comfortable active apparel in the world.


The difference here is they are using a blend of Merino and Bamboo.................

[buglerbilly]

Wool: a high-performance fiber for combat clothing

January 24, 2012

By Alexandra Foran/NSRDEC Public Affairs


Carole Winterhalter, textile technologist at Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center, expects that wool will provide protection and comfort for Soldiers.

Natick Soldier Research, Development, and Engineering Center has contracted for several efforts with the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) and its subsidiary, Sheep Venture Company (SVC), to develop, test and evaluate wool fabrics for combat clothing.

The decision to take a second look at wool as a high-performance fiber was due to IED issues in Iraq and Afghanistan. Wool, due to its molecular structure, is very resilient; is fire-resistant (FR); has good strength, and is durable. It dyes very well, retains its color, and has very good moisture management properties.

"We can enhance wool's inherent properties by engineering high-performance fiber blends and fabric structures. It all begins with the wool fiber fineness, where some breeds of sheep and what they are fed directly affect the wool fiber diameter and flexibility," said Carole Winterhalter, textile technologist for NSRDEC.

"In the military world, Natick is recognized as working on cutting-edge technologies in support of all Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines. Work done at Natick is thorough and credible," said Mitchell Driggers, program manager for SVC and government contracting consultant of ASI.

"Natick provides the expertise of textile technologists to engineer optimized individual clothing for the field," Winterhalter said.

In 2009 NSRDEC selected three organizations for Phase I Small Business Innovation Research contracts specifically calling for shrink-resistant treatments for wool; SVC received the Phase II contract and created different wool shrink-resist techniques through chemical and enzyme-based technologies. Subsequently, the sheep and wool industry spent its own funds to install a manufacturing line with energy-efficient equipment to run the shrink treatments; this line accommodates multiple shrink treatment methods. SVC's washable wool line exceeded its production by more than 40 percent in the first year, and the company expects to double its production this year.

"The work done with Natick Labs is important because ASI is able to better understand the needs of all of the military services," said Rita Samuelson, wool marketing director for ASI. "Together, we can develop products which are functional and valuable to our servicemen and women."

ASI, a national trade organization supported by 45 state sheep associations, represents more than 82,000 sheep producers. "Our ranchers prefer to sell their wool to domestic companies, and so we are continually looking for ways to increase American wool consumption at the mill level," Driggers said. "The innovations of Carole and her team put wool into a very competitive position that should lead to an overall increase in American wool use by the military. Additionally, new products introduced to the military have immediate commercial applications that further improve business for everyone involved with U.S. wool."

The U.S. wool industry exports approximately 65 percent of American-grown raw and semi-processed wool to overseas markets, and 10 -- 15 percent is used by the domestic textile industry. The U.S. military usually consumes 20-25 percent; a slight increase will present significant business improvements to wool producers and manufacturers.

"These innovations help to develop products for now and the future, to adapt to the ever- changing needs of combat and tap innovation that is available commercially for developing totally new products," Samuelson said. "The U.S. military is an important and key customer for U.S. sheep producers. Having such a large customer in the U.S. helps to sustain our industry by building demand for our product. So much of the textile industry has been lost to foreign countries. But, most importantly, foreign fabrics/wool decreases the United States' ability to respond locally and to use U.S. products and workers."

"Over the years in a systematic effort, we looked at various aspects of the concept," said Winterhalter, "first developing the camouflage recipe, then simple fiber blends and fabric constructions. Now we're looking at long-staple yarns, and wool shrink-resist treatments."

Spinning long-staple (four-inch) wool into worsted yarns with Nomex and Kevlar fibers from DuPont was done through NSRDEC and SVC for flame resistance and durability purposes. "We believe we'll be able to make a fabric that is much stronger with the long- staple worsted yarns," Winterhalter said. "We've already demonstrated a 20-percent increase in yarn strength over the previous short-staple yarns."

Engineering products such as FR fabrics is done to meet Soldiers' needs; improving the protection and other performance characteristics of clothing is important, especially in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"Through these different parameters, we can engineer high-tech protective clothing made from environmentally friendly natural means," Winterhalter said. "We hope these fabrics will be used across the board for FR applications, just as the nylon/cotton blend has been the all-purpose combat uniform fabric."

SVC was awarded a three-year contract to develop FR fabrics for the future. SVC will take the aforementioned concepts and combine them. The company will look at wool and wool blends and survey FR fibers from all over the world, as well as gather the various services to find out what their FR needs are, to ultimately produce fabrics and garments that can be tested for effectiveness by service members.

"Wool does not melt or drip and has significant (FR) qualities, both of which can help protect Soldiers from IEDs," Samuelson said.

If these fabrics are ultimately successful and adopted, future products will be made entirely in this country with U.S.-grown sheep, as opposed to some exemptions that have been made in the past. Wool is being revitalized to suit the needs of the Soldier, and this growing industry might be one of the ways in which the U.S. can continue to create jobs at home to serve those at home and abroad.

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog..............

Some Kryptek Teasers

February 5th, 2012



Kryptek‘s family of camouflage patterns was chosen as a finalist in the US Army Camo Improvement Effort. Here are a few shots of the Highlander pattern in the field.











www.kryptek.com/leaf

[buglerbilly]

Exclusive: First Look at Army's New Combat Pants

February 09, 2012

Military.com|by Matthew Cox



Soldiers headed to Afghanistan will soon wear rugged new combat pants designed to stand up to the country's unforgiving terrain.

In April, the Army will begin issuing early versions of what it's calling the "Army Combat Pant" to deploying units. This robust style of tactical pants has long been a favorite of special operations forces and features built-in knee protection.

Program Executive Office Soldier awarded commercial contracts last September to Crye Precision LLC, Massif and Propper International to produce 36,000 pairs of combat pants so the Army can start fielding them to deploying units as soon as possible.

"The Army Combat Pant came about based on feedback from soldiers in Afghanistan, which is an extremely [harsh] environment that causes rapid wear on our trousers," said Lt. Col. Eugene Wallace, Product Manager for Soldier Clothing and Individual Equipment.

PEO Soldier has made multiple improvements to the regular-issue Army Combat Uniform pants such as reinforcing the fabric and sewing in the crotch, seat, and knees before considering the combat pants preferred by special operations units, uniform officials said. These specialized pants feature a roomier design for aggressive movement, abrasion-resistant material and molded knee pads that attach in a fitted knee pocket.

In addition to the initial fielding of 36,000 pairs, the Army will conduct a limited-user evaluation this summer to finalize the design of the Army Combat Pant.

In September, the service awarded a contract to ReadyOne Industries, a National Institute for the Severely Handicapped organization based in El Paso, Texas, to produce 1,000 pairs of the combat pants in five separate designs that feature different blends of materials and two knee-pad styles, said Maj. Beire Castro, assistant program manager for SCIE. The two types of knee pads being tested are made by Crye Precision and Patagonia.

Uniform officials have not selected the unit that will evaluate the designs, but it will likely be an outfit that is scheduled to go through a demanding Mission Rehearsal Exercise at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, Calif., or the Joint Readiness Training Center in Fort Polk, La.

"We want to be able to replicate, as close as possible, the conditions and the wear rate that soldiers would experience" in Afghanistan, Castro said.

The soldiers participating in the evaluation - which could take up to 60 days to complete - will fill out surveys to identify the best features that will be incorporated into one design, Castro said.

"The results of the surveys will tell us the best characteristics of the pants that eliminate all the challenges we are trying to address such as fabric ripping in the crotch or the knee area or the seat area," Castro said. "Once we develop that design that will be the final design of the Army Combat Pant, and we will go out to industry and have them produce it."

The limited-production versions of the Army Combat Pants scheduled for fielding in April cost $150 to $200 each. Comparatively, the standard ACU pants cost about $86 each. Once the design is finalized, uniform officials said they hope the new pants will end up costing $100 to $125 each.

© Copyright 2012 Military.com. All rights reserved.

[buglerbilly]

More on Kryptek from their local newspaper..............via Soldier Systems blog...........

Small Fairbanks company going head-to-head with the big boys of the camo industry

by Jeff Richardson / jrichardson@newsminer.com

Feb 12, 2012



Butch Whiting displays a woodland camouflage pattern on Feb. 2, 2012, developed by his Fairbanks-based company, Kryptek. The company is one of five finalists to develop a new set of camo patterns for the U.S. Army.



Butch Whiting displays a woodland camouflage pattern on Feb. 2, 2012, developed by his Fairbanks-based company, Kryptek. The company is one of five finalists to develop a new set of camo patterns for the U.S. Army.

FAIRBANKS — When the U.S. Army announced the finalists to develop its new series of camouflage patterns last month, almost nobody saw the results coming.

Among the four companies in the running to develop the new patterns, there are three billion-dollar corporations and little Kryptek Inc., a Fairbanks-based company with a total of four employees. The Kryptek headquarters, if there even is one, is located in a back room of CEO Butch Whiting’s log home near Steele Creek Road.

Those patterns, along with a design developed by Army researchers, will begin a four-month series of field trials in May to determine which one performs best.

The winners — with separate designs for woodland, arid and transitional terrain — will be used on everything from everyday uniforms to tactical equipment.

So how does Kryptek feel about being in a multi-million dollar competition against some of the biggest players in the tactical design industry? Pretty good, actually.

“I like our odds,” Whiting said with a small smile.

Whiting said he’s confident in the designs because he’s been through their quirky evolution.

The decision to develop a better camouflage pattern was born about three years ago during a moose hunting trip in the Brooks Range.

Whiting was part of a group of “trigger pullers” who were grumbling about how poorly most camo fared in the state’s varied backcountry terrain.

“We just got to talking about camouflage patterns, and how patterns in Alaska are all crap,” he said.

That led Kryptek, which specializes in high-end hunting gear, to look into developing its own design.

The science behind a good camouflage pattern is surprisingly complex, Whiting said.

Almost anyone can make a unique design using a computer program, but not all of them transfer well to cloth or prove to be functional during a field test.

Kryptek hired a designer to help develop patterns, while collecting advice from everyone from experienced hunters to friends in the military special forces.

In the end, Whiting said, hunters who used the new patterns couldn’t believe how much it helped them vanish into the wilderness.

“It just so happens the stuff we created for Alaska seems to be very effective in environments worldwide,” he said.

So when the Army announced the finalists to create its new camouflage patterns last month, Whiting said Kryptek wasn’t intimidated by the thought that its patterns could also be useful in military roles.

A former soldier who spent nearly 11 years in the Army, Whiting also felt the existing military camo patterns left plenty of room for improvement.

From a group of more than 20 original submissions, researchers whittled it down to five through a combination of scientific analysis and soldier input, according to the Army.

In addition to Kryptek and the Army development team, the finalists include ADS, Brookwood Companies and Crye Precision.

Now that it’s among the finalists, Kryptek is researching ways to add layers of complexity to its designs, allowing them to stand up better to infrared and other types of detection. Whiting said Kryptek is scrambling to deliver fabric prints of the patterns by March, which will be cut into 50 uniforms in each style.

After a summer of field testing, the Army expects to make a final decision on the winning patterns by the end of 2012.

But even before the selection is made, Kryptek’s new profile as a finalist in the design competition has sparked new business possibilities.

The company currently has an exclusive contract with Cabela’s to sell Kryptek products, but Whiting said he expects new deals will be negotiated this year to work with other retailers, including stores in Alaska.

Recent trade shows, including one last month in Las Vegas, left Whiting almost overwhelmed with the possibilities.

The desire for a better camouflage pattern, which began in a hunting camp three years ago, could end up propelling Kryptek into another realm.

“It’s becoming a very big animal to wrestle with,” Whiting said.

Contact staff writer Jeff Richardson at 459-7518.

Read more: Fairbanks Daily News-Miner - Small Fairbanks company going head to head with the big boys of the camo industry

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog.............

US Army Camouflage Improvement Effort Update

February 13th, 2012

Everyone is asking to see the finalist families of patterns for the US Army Camouflage Improvement Effort. We, as well as Military.com and Army Times asked the Army for access and the Army punted, giving us a couple of different dates, planning to bring us all in and show us the various finalists.

Unfortunately, the Army’s lawyers have determined that they do not have any rights to the patterns and through the PAO at PEO Soldier informed us that they would be unable to share them with us. Interestingly, they remain mum on sharing the sole US Army-sponsored entry, which to me is the most interesting, because it gives me insight into what direction they think this will go.

Our only alternative is to request that the finalists release the patterns to the press themselves. Some of the contenders are open to it and others are not. Early on, Army contracting officials gave the finalists the impression that public release of the patterns would be looked upon disfavorably. Obviously, this makes people nervous. It would be in everyone’s best interest to unveil all of the patterns at once. To keep a somewhat level playing field, if for no other reason. But that’s not going to happen. The companies that hold off only hurt themselves, and here’s why.

The Army will be forced to select a family of camouflage patterns that is a compromise. Yes, even a family of three patterns will be a compromise. It’s the nature of the program. In the camo business increased specificity equals decreased utility. The better a pattern performs in a particular environment, the more it works against the wearer in others. For example, there are different types of woodland environments. What works great in a jungle might not do so well in mountainous regions below the treeline. The same holds true for all military operating environments. Consequently, lots of patterns on the market are a good thing. From a commercial standpoint, more patterns mean more choices. The finalists are all the cream of the crop based on performance. The downselect has already demonstrated that and makes them very lucrative.

The various companies that entered the competition in the first place got a virtual copper mine, the finalists now have a silver mine and they are each vying for that veritable gold mine. I’ve been asked plenty what I think the winner’s submission is worth on the commercial market and I will tell you that its true value is incalculable. The problem is that this situation is unprecedented. Between commercial use of the patterns in both soft and hard goods, it could easily be worth Billions (yes, with a “b”) over the lifecycle of the Army’s use of the patterns. Which leads us to an interesting point.

The Army is going to pay the winner chump change compared to what this is really worth. It’s a great bargain for the American taxpayer but at the same time, they need to be cognizant of the stakes. This isn’t a typical PEO Soldier program. We’re treading into the world of ship and tank and aircraft procurements. And with it will come some of the same things we see with those programs.

Despite the intentions of PEO Soldier to make this more about science than fashion, in the end, the Army’s leadership is going to make its decision based on three factors; Cost, Performance, and Branding.

Cost
How much is it going to cost to field all of these new patterns and what does the Army’s budget look like?

Performance
Do the patterns perform as advertised? Do they conceal the Soldier?

Branding
Does the camouflage chosen portray a positive image for the Army? Does it make the wearer look like a Soldier?

These questions will be asked by the decision makers. There’s no getting around that. In the end, all three of these factors will be weighed against each of the families of patterns. A cost-benefit-analysis will be conducted and an edge of performance here vice an argument that there is already an ample investment in a similar pattern there combined with a question of whether a pattern “just looks funny” and you will have a decision. The final choice is going to be a compromise.

It’s in the finalists’ best interest to publicize their patterns and make their case as to why their offerings are the most appropriate. Even if they aren’t selected in the end, they’ve still got a good 18-24 months to cash in on that silver mine. The clock is ticking.

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog.......

Vertx Smock Video

February 13th, 2012

Vertx has produced a great video showcasing the features of their Smock.



Uploaded by WearVERTX on Jan 16, 2012

http://vertx.tv/softshellmulticam Our MultiCam Smock has everything an operational athlete will need on the go. Lets start at the top with the stand up collar and fleece lined button- down hood with 4 draw cord adjustments -- keep it ship shape by detaching the hood an rolling when not in use. Large chest pockets here with a concealed vertical zipper closure. Inside there are mag pockets, bellowed at the bottom for extra capacity.

If you need more storage for your mags, there is a side seam with single flap entry and a velcro closure, again these pockets are bellowed at the bottom for extra capacity as are the back pockets here with the single flat entry and Velcro closure. You can never have too many storage locations, low profile zippered underarm and down side seam to provide fluent access to contents. Sleeve pockets with concealed zippers and concealed zipper front to top of collar with Velcro closure.

The smock is great with your layering system, the mesh lined dual pull pit zips provide ventilation, mesh keeps snow and debris from entering jacket and also allows easier donning and doffing of jacket. Intuitive Velcro wrist closures keep the unwanted elements out. Gusset and articulation added to elbow area for maximum range of motion.

In addition to some features that are now considered standard for this class of shell, it has some unique add-ons not found anywhere else.

-Manufactured from Storm fabric which is a light-weight Soft Shell 40 Denier nylon 2-way stretch laminated to a Wicking/Anti-Microbial Knit that is NanoSphere® treated for a permanent highly water resistant finish
-Mesh lined dual pull pit zips
-Mag pockets inside chest pockets
-Skirt mounted mag pockets

http://wearvertx.com/VTX8400MCVertxMulticamSmockJacketNylon2waystretch. aspx

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog..............

ADS Unveils Army Camouflage Finalist Patterns



We just received the following information from ADS regarding their US Army Camouflage Improvement Effort finalist patterns developed in conjunction with Guy Cramer. As you know from reading SSD, they submitted two pattern families named Alpha and Delta. We previously broke the story on the Delta patterns during SHOT Show. Interestingly, the cleaner Alpha pattern (seen here) outperformed the Delta variants during the Army’s Picture-in-Picture down-select process. Here are the first images and descriptions of the patterns released to the public. While these images are simulated, meaning the pattern has been superimposed on an ACU coat and an armor vest, they do give you a great idea of how the environmental-specific patterns will work with their OCIE pattern.





About the Army Family of Camouflage Program and US4CES™ Version-A
ADS, and partner Guy Cramer, is part of the down-select to participate in the development of a new family of camouflage patterns for the U.S. Army that are effective across myriad environments. ADS and Cramer submitted two families of patterns, US4CES™ Version-A and Version-D, with US4CES™ Version-A being selected.

The current effort, now in Phase IV and managed by PEO Soldier, is a rigorous technical evaluation backed by solid scientific analysis and critical Soldier input from the field. With the U.S. Government concluding that one color scheme for all environments with the Army Combat Uniform was too much of a compromise; they recognized the need for specific color schemes for each key environment to provide a more effective camouflage. The Army requirement is to find one pattern configuration with separate colors for Woodland, Arid (Desert) and Transitional environments. In addition, the Army is also interested in a potential fourth pattern for Organizational Clothing and Individual Equipment (OCIE) and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) which is meant to work with the three other patterns.

US4CES™Version-A (Alpha) and Version-D (Delta) were designed specifically for the U.S. Army “Family of Camouflage Program”. These Digital Textured Patterns feature the latest advances in camouflage research for reduced signature and enhanced survivability.

While US4CES™ Version-D did not make the U.S. Army’s final Phase IV testing, the only difference between the Version-A and Version-D is the feathering of the four colors within Version-D, otherwise the two families are identical – including the colors used.

Why Digital?
Advanced Camouflage research first lead to the square pixel pattern “CADPAT” being issued by Canadian Forces in the late 1990’s. Later, objective studies conducted by the U.S. Military concluded that a digital pattern, when applied correctly, reduces detectability by nearly 50% when compared to more traditional “Analog Shaped” 3-color NATO patterns and un-patterned targets. MARPAT (the U.S. Marine Corps Pattern) is a direct copy of CADPAT, recolored with permission from the Canadian Government. Current Digital Patterns such as MARPAT and CADPAT use square and rectangular pixels but the small size of both the larger Macropattern (Spatial Frequency – blotches) and Micropattern (pixels) in these two patterns tend to blend into one color at tactical combat distances.

Digital patterns outperform analog (non-pixelated) shapes because they are superior at re-creating natural fractals (geometric shapes found in nature) which the brain interprets as background noise. Digital patterns also generate advanced Micro- and Macropatterns, providing the optimum breakup of the human form at multiple distances, in multiple environments.

Fractals could be represented by analog shapes, but this crosses boundaries that approach complete mimicry. Complete mimicry works in very specific environments that are identical to what is being mimicked but provides an extremely limiting range of functionality. Mimicry patterns look out of place in anything but the environment it was designed to operate in whereas a fractal digital pixel pattern has been refined to not only work across multiple backgrounds but also disrupt the human shape and human movement even when the pattern may not blend in completely across a particular environment by preventing the brain from detecting and recognizing a shape.

How US4CES™ Works
Colorations: Predominant colors make up the majority of the pattern – Woodland features a high percentage of Olive Drab and Light Brown. Arid uses Khaki and Coyote as the main colors while Transitional features Olive and Golden Tan. The predominant colors are then contrasted with a darker color of the region to allow the pattern to break up. A smaller percentage of the color spectrum is used for a lighter shade which is perceived as natural reflections or gaps in the pattern and the darkest shade which is perceived as shadows or holes in the pattern.

Both the lightest areas and darkest areas use a large pixel (square) Macropattern format that has proven to be quite effective. This Macropattern also has a smaller fractal Micropattern of its own with smaller square pixels which are present around the borders of the large squares.

3-Dimensional Layering: Proprietary algorithms were used to create a boundary luminance gradient between colors, creating an illusion of 3-dimensional layering, while limiting the design to four colors. This added feature creates the illusion of depth, which the brain interprets not as a solid flat surface but rather as a textured surface with depth, tricking the brain into regarding the material as part of the natural environment.

Disrupting Shape and Masking Movement: The Macropattern is designed to disrupt the human shape as well as to mask movement. Key points within the pattern disrupt the pivot points of the limbs and torso making detection and identification very difficult.

Fractal Algorithms: Intrinsic to the technology behind US4CES™ is our proprietary fractal algorithm. Fractal algorithms duplicate natural fractals (geometric shapes found in nature). Developing camouflage without fractals leaves a critical component out of the design process. The brain interprets fractals as background noise and typically ignores the pattern as common to the environment (not worth further scrutiny), allowing a soldier wearing the camouflage a few extra precious seconds of time in concealment or to react to an adversary.

How US4CES™ Performs
ADS conducted internal objective testing before submitting US4CES™ to the Army and concluded the Transitional-A pattern exceeds the U.S. Navy’s AOR-2 pattern by 19.86% and OEF/OCP (MultiCam®) by 26.71% within transitional environments.

In addition, the Army concluded that US4CES™ Arid Version-D met and/or exceeded the baseline patterns within that environment but the feathering technique has been shown in this recent Army testing to degrade the overall performance in transitional and woodland environments.

Early response has shown US4CES Version-A to be highly effective in Objective and Subjective testing. And, while the point of camouflage is tactical effectiveness – not aesthetic appearance, US4CES Version-A presents a professional and progressive look for a modern Army. The pattern is crisp and clean, without the cluttered or overly stimulating feel of previous digital patterns.

Where to find US4CES™ Family of Camouflage
Not yet for sale, but part of formal Army testing, it might be difficult to get your hands on clothing and gear made from US4CES Family of Camouflage for a while. Soon, however, ADS reps will have complete sets of Army Combat Uniforms in US4CES Arid, Transitional, and Woodland, as well as gear in OCIE/PPE patterns. To see these patterns, reach out to your ADS representative today.

For more information visit www.adsinc.com/us4ces-a.

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog..............

Arc’teryx LEAF Hide/Dry Line Expands

February 14th, 2012



The Arc’teryx LEAF Hide Dry Line debuted at SHOT Show and provides full weather protection and concealment using new GORE-TEX® MultiCam® print textiles and performance designs. It now includes both the Alpha (Jacket, Parka and Pants) and Gryphon Series (Halfshell and Pant).

The Alpha Parka features a longer hem with Arc’teryx features that are far from standard including chest pockets



This photo shows you the production model with color matched zippers. Arc’teryx has shown a great deal of attention to detail.



The Gryphon Halfshell is the ultimate hybrid hooded jacket that combines weather-resistant, durable hardshell fabric across the yoke and sleeves with softshell seamless torso and Roll and Stow sleeve system.



leaf.arcteryx.com

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog.............

SORD Combat Shirt

February 17th, 2012

SORD’s new Combat Shirt is constructed from an FR knit fabric (71% Modacrylic/24% FR Rayon/5% Spandex) that features both a permanent finish to increase wicking performance as well as an anti-microbial treatment helps prevent odor after prolonged field use. The design layout puts seams where they will irritate the least under armor and relies on flat seam construction to take it the rest of the way. It also incorporates a 10” chest zipper with an inside flap with chin guard, Gusseted side panels for a complete range of motion, as well as pleated zippered bicep pockets with ample Velcro for IFF and patches. Finally, they remembered to reinforce the elbows. Looks good guys!



Made in USA! from US materials in any color as long as it is MultiCam in sizes Med – XLge.

Get yours at www.sordusa.com.

[Redcoat]

re Buglerbilly's Kryptek Teasers

The clothing is very good blends in nicely but his boots would give him away if his rifle,sight & binoculars did do the job for him - I am assuming he is some sought of "model" not a trained sniper and is that a mobile phone gleaming on his shoulder ?

[buglerbilly]

Yeah it looks like a mobile............I'd look at that presentation as an indicative modelling of the clothing system rather than a Warfighter posing..........a Sniper wouldn't be wearing plain clothing of any camo kind rather the so-called Ghillie suit-style with loose cloth strips breaking up the smooth patterns of the body and head in particular.

[buglerbilly]

By: Rob Curtis

17-02-2012

Product Announcement

Crye HalfJak is a whole lot of dry and warm for armor wearers



This one is about as simple as it gets. Crye wanted to give service members wearing body armor protection from the elements without a complicated donning and doffing process. Anyone who has worn a set of armor knows it keeps your core fairly warm. Crye just built a jacket that covers arms, shoulders and upper torso that can be packed away in seconds into a GP pouch. The HalfJak will come as a loft layer and a separate Gore-Tex shell that can be layered for warmth and protection from precipitation.

Look for the jackets to go on sale in summer, 2012. As soon as we hear the price, we’ll update you.

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog............

Interested in a Slangvel from Slangvel?

February 17th, 2012

Right about now, the vast majority of you are scratching your heads asking yourselves, “What’s this “slangvel” you speak of? It is an Afrikaans word for “Snake Skin” and is used to describe the South African parachutist smock because the shoulders and elbows are reinforced with nylon webbing.



There’s also Slangvel, the manufacturer of things camouflage and cool. He has manufactured some of my favorite hats and while he has made Smocks in the past, he is working on getting a new Slangvel off the ground.



Here you see a South African brown (nutria) Slangvel next to a Badlands Slangvel to show how close he has kept the detail. He is in final sourcing for the proper snaps which is a major design detail on a Slangvel as they are exposed.



Although the sample is in PenCott Badlands he also plans on offering them in MultiCam and other patterns and solids as well. These will be initially offered in medium and large size. We’ll let you know when they are ready for order.

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog.........

SORD Smock in MultiCam and A-TACS AU

February 21st, 2012



Uploaded by jaycyberatt on Feb 20, 2012
SORD smock demo by our in house spokes model Shazza.
www.sordaustralia.com

To order your smock visit www.sordusa.com

[buglerbilly]

'Kevlar underpants' protect pelvic region

February 22, 2012

By C. Todd Lopez


The BCB Protective Under Garment shown here on a mannequin is one of the pelvic protection systems developed by Program Executive Office Soldier.

WASHINGTON (Feb. 22, 2012) -- For dismounted Soldiers patrolling Afghanistan roads, improvised explosive devices can be even more devastating than for those in armored vehicles, but a new line of protection may help.

"A few years ago, in certain areas of Afghanistan, we started to notice the dismounted improvised explosive device (known as IED) threat becoming more prevalent," said Lt. Col. Frank J. Lozano, PEO Soldier protective equipment. "There were a lot of significant injuries, and very traumatic injuries occurring to Soldiers in the lower extremity area. A lot of Soldiers losing their lower leg below the knee. A lot of above-the-knee amputations, and a lot of high hip amputations."

Soldiers who stepped on an IED might suffer injuries that required amputations which didn't leave enough of a limb for a prosthetic leg, for instance. But those Soldiers were also suffering extensive damage to the perineum region, the part of the body that includes the anus and reproductive organs.

"It's very traumatic, very heartbreaking, when Soldiers go through those types of events, and they are very young, and then they come home and they are not able to have children," said Lozano. "It's one of the harsh realities of this type of warfare when you have dismounted IEDs."

The Army wanted to do something to offer protection to Soldiers. Taking a cue from British forces that had already found a material solution to the problem, the Army developed the Pelvic Protection System. The system includes two layers of protection for Soldiers, including the Tier I protective under-garment, called the "PUG," and the Tier II protective outer-garment, called the "POG."

"We wanted first to be able to protect the genital region so that Soldiers going through those traumatic events would still be able to do things like have a family when they get home," Lozano said.

Both components of the system are worn like shorts. The PUG is worn under a Soldier's ACU pants. It can be worn in place of underwear, or over the top of a Soldier's underwear. Some Soldiers have called them "Kevlar boxers" or "combat underpants" and it's not far from the truth.

"It's kind of like a bicycle shorts garment," Lozano said. "It's designed to be worn under the pants, close to the skin. You can wear it like you'd wear a normal piece of underwear."

The PUG has a breathable, moisture-wicking material on the outer thighs. Along the inner thighs is knitted Kevlar to protect the fleshy inner parts of the thighs and the femoral artery. Over the groin, more knitted or woven Kevlar. "It's not really very complicated," Lozano said.

The colonel said that as a result of an IED blast, sand, dirt, and "manure that's been in the ground for decades" is pulverized and can wind up embedded in a Soldier's flesh.

"It can take 20 or 25 surgeries to go through and pick all that out," he said. "If you don't get it all, then that causes infections and it can lead to further amputations," Lozano said.

The PUG is part of a system to prevent that from happening in the first place. The fabric used in the garment has also been tested to ensure that it won't melt or drip when exposed to high heat.

"Since it's so close to the skin, we don't want to exacerbate any type of heat damage a Soldier might get in an IED blast," Lozano explained.

The outer garment, the POG, provides even more protection for Soldiers, and performs similar to the soft portions of the improved outer tactical vest. It "protects along a greater range of fragments," Lozano said.

While Soldiers can wear the undergarment on its own, Lozano said if Soldiers are going to wear the outer garment they should wear it in conjunction with the undergarment.

"Because the Tier II has more ballistic protection, it is a little more rigid," he said. "If you wear the Tier I under the Tier II, it prevents chafing. It also provides the maximum amount of coverage together with the maximum amount of protection, without restricting your movement."

Wear test and user evaluations have ensured that the tiered pelvic protection system is comfortable for Soldiers to wear," said Lozano said. "You might go through testing and think you've got a great design, but then you put it on a Soldier and tell him to road march for 20 miles and shoot and go through an obstacle course and find out, it's a terrible design."

He said that even if the protection is great, if it's not comfortable, Soldiers might not want to wear it.

Soldiers in theater who have worn the gear have reported back on their experience and have helped inform changes to the pelvic protection system, Lozano said. Early on, he said, there were reports of chafing and "poor thermal management," for instance.

"We've worked with the Soldiers in theater to redesign the system; we've gone through a couple of design iterations," Lozano said. "It's taken a good six to nine months. We're getting now to an optimized system where Soldiers are seeing their feedback codified in a material solution and it's more comfortable and breathable and Soldiers are more willing and apt to wear it."

The Army first put the pelvic protection system into theater in June 2011. Now, the system has been fielded to some 15,000 Soldiers. The typical issue includes three PUGs and one POG. Fielding is happening now for Soldiers in theater and for Soldiers stateside.

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog...........

SPECOPS.PL BS-1 Combat Shirt in Pencott Badlands Camo

February 25th, 2012











Here are some photos of the SPECOPS.PL BS-1 Combat Shirt in Pencott Badlands Camo. The sleeves are made from NYCO, torso from Polartec FR PowerDry material. The last 4 pictures are with their new PRM-1 pack in Coyote Brown.

www.SPECOPS.pl

More pics here: http://soldiersystems.net/2012/02/25/specops-pl-bs-1-combat-shirt-in-pencott-badlands-camo/

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog.......

Kifaru Woobie Express

March 24th, 2012



Weighing in at 16ounces, the newly released Kifaru Woobie Express is based on the already proven Woobie technology. As you can see it is worn poncho style and is a little smaller than other products that are designed for a wide range of uses.



It features a high collar and can be thrown over your armor and other gear during halts or anytime you need to hunker down.



kifaru.net/woobieXpress

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog.........

Beats Cutting Off Your Sleeves

March 25th, 2012

One of the problems with cold weather movements is that it can get really warm while your moving out, but you can freeze up really quick when you stop. Arc’teryx LEAF answered a customer’s call for a solution and developed a stowable venting and sleeve system for the Gryphon Jacket. We’ve shown you this before but with so many new readers, it doesn’t hurt to reinforce a good thing.



Uploaded by ARCTERYXLEAF on Mar 20, 2012

A quick demonstration of the new Arc'teryx LEAF Gryphon Jacket's venting and sleeve system. The side vents are body armour compatible, and the sleeves roll up quickly and stow away near the shoulder without having to remove armour. Find out more at: http://leaf.arcteryx.com/

leaf.arcteryx.com

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog......

ODG Lupus Pattern

March 29th, 2012



Orion Design Group has released a few photos of their Lupus or transitional variant from their US Army Camouflage Improvement Effort submission. Seen here is an ACU-style garment in 50/50 NYCO during a recent hunting trip.



Also, ODG has a very cool splash page, so keep checking back.



www.odg-usa.com

[buglerbilly]

Testing the Effectiveness of Camouflage

(Source: Australian Department of Defence; issued April 4, 2012)

Camouflage patterns for military uniforms have been developed to trick the human eye so that soldiers are indistinguishable from the background, whether desert, sky or woodland.


Private Taylor Gleeson has a Canadian uniform checked by Dr Bin Lee from the DSTO during the NATO camouflage effectiveness field trial at the Jungle Training Centre in Tully, Australia In modern warfare, a growing number of sensors can ‘see’ in parts of the spectrum where people cannot.

Designing camouflage for a wide variety of terrains, and testing it to see how effective patterns are across the visual, ultraviolet, infrared and radar bands of the electromagnetic spectrum is therefore crucial to increase survivability of service personnel.

For two weeks in March, DSTO participated in an international trial in far north Queensland to test the effectiveness of up to 18 types of current and experimental camouflage uniforms in hot and humid conditions.

Chief of DSTO’s Human Protection and Performance Division Simon Oldfield said seven members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and Australia took part in the trial.

“The trial, and our membership of the NATO task group looking at camouflage, enables Australia to have access to knowledge, tools and methodologies that will inform future camouflage requirements,” Dr Oldfield said.

“We will also be able to gather a more realistic threat assessment of hot and humid environments that will help us develop assessment methods for camouflage.”

Researchers used multispectral image recording and panoramic photography techniques to measure camouflage effectiveness during the trial.

Ten volunteers from the Australian Army’s 3rd Brigade modelled the uniforms for the trial which took place at the Army Jungle Training Centre in Tully.

The Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) is part of Australia's Department of Defence. DSTO's role is to ensure the expert, impartial and innovative application of science and technology to the defence of Australia and its national interests.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog........

ODG Lupus Pattern in the Field

April 11th, 2012

Here are some shots from SureFire’s ‘Combat Tactics’ magazine featuring Orion Design Group’s Lupus transitional camouflage pattern.







www.odg-usa.com

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog......

LandCamo by SSFN

April 26th, 2012

More pics here: http://soldiersystems.net/2012/04/26/landcamo-by-ssfn/



This is the Australian Battle Dress/Woodland variant of LandCamo by Slovenian firm SSFN (School for Survival from Nature).





Go visit their website for their full line of patterns. www.survival-nature.com

[buglerbilly]

Via Solider Systems blog...

Crye Precision Releases All Weather Clothing

April 27th, 2012



Crye Precision has just Updated their website with the G3 All Weather Combat Shirt and Pants. These garments offer the same features as the standard G3 clothing such interminable knee and elbow pads but with the addition of venting features on the Combat Shirt. In cold environments it is easy to exert oneself and then suffer cold injuries due to rapid cooling of sweat.



They have also released the G3 All Weather Field Pants.

The All Weather line is constructed from a 4-way stretch woven fabric treated with NanoSTX. All of the products are available in Black, Ranger Green, Khaki 400 and MultiCam. Sizing for tops is standard military (ie MS, MR, ML, etc. from Small – XXXLarge) and for pants is by waist size (28-46) with Short, Regular and Long lengths.

These items are all Berry Compliant.

www.cryeprecision.com

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog.........

Coming Soon from Norrøna

April 30th, 2012



Coming in July 2012 from Norwegian manufacturer Norrøna is this hardshell parka and trousers featuring GORE-TEX construction. Developed in conjunction with Norwegian, Swedish and Danish Special Forces.

www.norrona.com/Concepts/recon

[buglerbilly]

More on this..........

By: Rob Curtis

01-05-2012

Product Announcement

Norrøna releases tactical Gore-Tex.

The high-end, European outdoor clothing firm Norrøna will release an update to their military-specific Recon Gore-Tex shell set in July, 2012. Norrøna says they developed the Recon line with Norwegian, Swedish and Danish Special Forces. Norwegians, with their hyper healthy/active lifestyles, pretty much live in the outdoors so I’m sure they understand and appreciate fine outdoor clothing. Norrøna is a spendy brand (the jacket and pants presented here will run you $1600 retail!) but I hear they are close to a deal with their Swedish kin to sell their clothing at a discount through IKEA. The clothing will come as flat-packed, pre-cut fabric swatches and you’ll have to sew them yourself from pictogram instructions.

via Soldier Systems


Recon Gore-Tex Pro Jacket

NOK 5 499,00 (US $960) Weight 740 gr. Style no. 6708-13
Durable, heavy duty outdoor protection. Third generation, redesigned version of our now legendary heavyweight jacket, developed with Norwegian, Swedish and Danish Special Forces. Our most durable and weather protective jacket, for extreme outdoor pursuits, all-round hunting and military use, with a roomy fit. Multiple equipment pockets, including fully waterproof lower pockets and chest pockets waterproof from outside.

Adjustable bottom hem
adjustable cuffs with velcro
articulated elbows
asymmetric cuffs
chest pockets waterproof from outside
extended back
One-hand adjustment
removable flap for rank insignia sleeve
Storm hood
Underarm ventilation
waterproof lower front pockets
X-open ventilation zip
YKK™ Aquaseal™ watertight zipper

http://www.norrona.com/Products/6708-13/recon-gore-tex-pro-jacket


Recon Gore-Tex Pro Pants

NOK 3999,00 (US $700) Weight 560 gr. Style 6709-13

Durable, heavy duty outdoor protection. Third generation, redesigned version of our now legendary heavyweight Gore-Tex Pro pants, developed with Norwegian, Swedish and Danish Special Forces. Our most durable and weather protective pants, for extreme outdoor pursuits, all-round hunting and military use. Roomy fit, multiple equipment pockets, waterproof zippered vents, high cut in back, suspender attachment loops.

2 thigh pockets
ancle/leg zipper opening
Extra wide belt loops
High-backed waist
Outside venting on thigh
Suspenders can be added
velcro ankle width adjustment

http://www.norrona.com/Products/6709-13/recon-gore-tex-pro-pants

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog.............

US Made Uniforms in PenCott

May 2nd, 2012

The Special Ops Uniform from SpecOpsShop is a US made uniform available in a variety of colorways. In particular, they feature Hyde Definition’s PenCott family of camouflage patterns.



They offer a certain degree of customization and sizes Small – XLarge, regular and long lengths.

http://specopshop.com/

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog.......

US4CES Family of Camouflage

May 3rd, 2012



Here is a live environment photo of the US4CES Family of Camouflage in Transitional and Arid patterns along with gear in the OCIE pattern.

www.adsinc.com/us4ces

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog......

Warrior West – US4CES Family of Camouflage

May 2nd, 2012

ADS Inc teamed up with Guy Cramer of Hyperstealth Biotechnology Corp to answer the US Army’s call for a family of camouflage patterns consisting of Transitional, Desert, and Woodland patterns with an optional pattern for organizational clothing and equipment.

Their entry, called US4CES (pronounced U-S forces) was selected as a finalist and awaits operational testing later this Summer.



Here you can see an Underway Uniform in the Woodland US4CES variant with an LBT plate carrier and pack in the OCIE pattern. Keep your eyes peeled for more photos soon.

For more information visit www.adsinc.com/us4ces

[buglerbilly]

Via Soldier Systems blog.......

US4CES Family of Camouflage – Tactical Tailor

May 3rd, 2012



This is the Fight Lite Plate Carrier in US4CES OCIE pattern.

www.tacticaltailor.com