Trijicon Machine Gun Reflex Sight

The Trijicon MGRS® (Machine Gun Reflex Sight) is a non-magnified optic that mounts to the M2 and M240 machine guns.

As reflex sights and red dot sights capabilities become more advanced they are becoming a standard piece of gear and equipment across the board on multiple platforms.

The Trijicon MGRS® is prime military technology intended to aid the machine gunner in rapid target acquisition and engagement with an illuminated, 35 MOA red circle that allows gunners to keep “both eyes open” from a natural shooting position. The MGRS® utilizes interchangeable range dials to increase accuracy and performance.  The housing is made of 7075-T6 forged aluminum and is purpose-built for military applications.

 

The MGRS® is, without a doubt, a must-have on any mounted machine gun. With its ease of use and large field of view, paired with its ability to be used with a magnifier, the machine gunner can take their designated platform’s capabilities to the next level!

 

 

 

INTERCHANGEABLE RANGING DIALS

Two interchangeable dials for the M2 (.50 caliber) and M240 (.308/7.62) machine guns allow the operator to dial in target distances for specific host weapons.

DESIGNED FOR FIRST-ROUND HITS

35 MOA segmented circle with 3 MOA dot significantly increases the probability of first-round hits.

FORGED 7075-T6 ALUMINUM HOUSING

Military technology, nearly indestructible, aircraft-grade aluminum and 80% stronger than extruded 6061.

OUTSTANDING TARGET ACQUISITION

Large objective lens and an ample 3″ by 2″ viewing area.

BUILT TO HANDLE THE WORST

Dry nitrogen-filled and fog-resistant make it the first pick for military equipment.

DETACHABLE PICATINNY RAILS

Three detachable rails allow for mounting of lasers and LRFs to the top or side of the optic.

 

EASILY ADJUSTABLE WINDAGE AND ELEVATION

Includes elevation and azimuth adjustment to 100 MOA total travel.

 

 

INCLUDES

MGRS
MGRS Magnifier (TA50-D-400301)
MGRS Magnifier Mount
MOLLE BAG
LENSPEN® (TA56)
Trijicon Logo Sticker (PR15)
MGRS Manual
Magnifier Manual
Warranty Card

 

 

SPECS:

Length x Width x Height

8.78 in x 4.38 in x 5.22 in
(223.01mm x 111.25mm x 132.59mm)

Weight

66.9 oz. (1,896.58g)

Magnification

1x

Reticle Pattern

35 MOA Segmented Circle with 3 MOA Dot

Day Reticle Color

Red

Night Reticle Color

Red

Bindon Aiming Concept™ (BAC)

No

Illumination Source

LED

Illumination Settings

2 Night Vision, 5 Day settings, including one super-bright setting. “Off” positions are both below the minimum brightness setting and between Night Vision 2 and Day Setting 1

Power Source

1 CR123 Battery

Adjustment Range

Elevation: 100 MOA Total Travel, Azimuth: 100 MOA Total Travel

Mount

Integrated Mount

Housing Material

7075-T6 forged aluminum

Finish

Matte Black

Submersion Depth

6.6 ft. (2m)

 

Handheld Flashlights in your EDC

In a time where EDC (everyday carry) handheld flashlights are becoming more and more popular and making their way into our daily load-outs; SureFire® has stepped up to the plate yet again and has delivered us a great solution with the Stiletto® and Stiletto® Pro.

The SureFire® Stiletto® and Stiletto® Pro meet all the requirements for a high quality, low profile, multiple application EDC light.

Stiletto and Stiletto Pro

Both the Stiletto® and Stiletto® Pro feature:

  • High-performance LED and MaxVision Beam® reflector projects a wide flood beam ideal for situational awareness.
  • The primary switch activates high, medium, and low light output for a wide variety of tasks.
  • Tactical switch activates high output and an optional tactical strobe when white light is used as a fighting tool.
  • Mode switch programs activation sequences to choose between tactical and/or task illumination preferences.
  • Integrated MICRO-USB rechargeable lithium polymer battery is environmentally friendly and reduces the cost of operation.
  • LED Fuel Gauge for tracking battery charge/discharge status.
  • Mil-Spec hard-anodized aluminum head assembly is corrosion resistant and durable.
  • Melonite® coated, spring steel pocket clip for bezel up, everyday carry quick access.

The Stiletto:

Powerful, sleek and slim, the SureFire® Stiletto® only measures 4.5 inches long and weighs a mere 2.8 ounces, but packs a heavyweight punch. Quickly switch between 650 lumens, 250 lumens, or 5 lumens of smooth, well-rounded MaxVision Beam® illumination, which projects a wide flood beam that’s ideal for situational awareness; it’s programmable from low-to-high or high-to-low. The Stiletto® has a rugged polymer body that features a tail-mounted tactical switch that instantly activates the high output or strobe feature in no time flat. It utilizes a micro-USB to recharge the long-lasting lithium polymer battery.  The heavy-duty pocket clip will keep it accessible and secured. Stiletto® is a tool with a different kind of edge.

 

KEY ATTRIBUTES:

PEAK BEAM INTENSITY

1,530 candela

BATTERIES

Rechargeable lithium polymer (integrated)

SWITCHING

Primary, tactical and programming

LENGTH

4.45 in (11.3 cm)

OUTPUT

HIGH OUTPUT

650 lumens

HIGH RUNTIME

1.75 hours

MEDIUM OUTPUT

250 lumens

MEDIUM RUNTIME

2 hours

LOW OUTPUT

5 lumens

LOW RUNTIME

30 hours

DISTANCE

78 meters

BODY

CONSTRUCTION

Aluminum/polymer

FINISH

Black

WEIGHT

2.8 oz (79 g)

BEZEL DIAMETER

0.8 in (2.03 cm)

LIQUID INGRESS PROTECTION

IPX7

 

 

 

The Stiletto® Pro:

Go Pro. The Stiletto® Pro is a pint-sized powerhouse that takes the already legendary performance and durability of the Stiletto® to the next level. The proprietary MaxVision Beam® reflector from SureFire® delivers 1,000 lumens of smooth, shadow-filling LED white light in high-output mode, with a 300-lumen medium output and a 25-lumen low output to suit a variety of tasks. It can be programmed to set the output sequence from low to high or vice versa, and you can always access high output and strobe capability via its tail switch. Its Melonite® coated, reversible heavy-duty spring steel pocket clip keeps the light secure, whether you prefer bezel-up or bezel-down storage. Its precision-machined, Mil-Spec hard-anodized aluminum body is sleek and slim for tremendous durability. The Stiletto® Pro fits comfortably in any pocket, and it can be drawn and activated with ease.

 

KEY ATTRIBUTES:

 

PEAK BEAM INTENSITY

5,100 candela

BATTERIES

Lithium polymer rechargeable (integrated)

SWITCHING

Primary, tactical and programming

LENGTH

4.5 in (11.4 cm)

OUTPUT

HIGH OUTPUT

1,000 lumens

HIGH RUNTIME

1 hour

MEDIUM OUTPUT

300 lumens

MEDIUM RUNTIME

1.5 hours

LOW OUTPUT

25 lumens

LOW RUNTIME

23.5 hours

STROBE

Tactical switch: 9 / Emergency: 3-4 Hz

DISTANCE

142 meters

BODY

CONSTRUCTION

Aluminum / polymer

FINISH

Mil-Spec hard-anodized, black

WEIGHT WITH BATTERIES

4.0 oz (113 g)

BEZEL DIAMETER

0,87 in (2.2 cm)

LIQUID INGRESS PROTECTION

IPX7

 

 

Posted in HQ

High-Performance Tactical Apparel

XGO® is a leading provider of tactical high-performance base layer & apparel, located in  North Carolina (just a few miles west of Fort Bragg). Since 2005, XGO has been proudly providing the best next-to-skin base layers to the US Military, Government Agencies, Law Enforcement, and First Responders.

 

XGO® utilizes a ‘vertical’ model of manufacturing in full compliance with the Berry Amendment.  Every aspect of the manufacturing process is in localized facilities in the USA. Localization and vertical manufacturing allow XGO® to maintain “hands-on” quality control, speedy delivery, and superior customer satisfaction while providing the best possible products and value.

 

XGO® offers two collections; Performance and Flame Retardant (FR). Within each collection, there are five Phases. Each phase represents the weight and suggested temperature range.

 

Performance:

Phase 1 – Lightweight (40 – 100F)

Phase 2 – Midweight (20 – 50F)

Phase 3 – Super Midweight (10 – 40F)

Phase 4 – Heavyweight (<40F)

Phase 5 – Heavyweight + (<30F)

 

FR:

Phase 1 – Lightweight (40 – 100F)

Phase 2 – Midweight (20-50F)

Phase 3 – Midweight Stretch (40 – 100F)

Phase 4 – Heavyweight (<40F)

 

Within each phase, you will find styling offerings, examples of offerings are: t-shirts, long sleeve shirts, zip mocks, boxers, long-john bottoms, and accessories. Everything XGO sells incorporates Acclimate® Dry Moisture Management (wicking/drying) and Ag47® Anti-Odor/Anti-Microbial treatments. From the frontlines to the field, regardless of the environment and temperature, XGO has you covered. The goal of XGO is your comfort and focusing on the mission at hand.

 

 

Alpha A10 FR Neck Gaiter/Face Mask

XGO FR Phase 1 Alpha A10 Lightweight Neck Gaiter is constructed using a patented industry-leading lightweight FR blend of Modacrylic & FR Rayon. The FR is inherent and built-in at the yarn level, meaning it will not wash out and provide no melt/no drip protection for the life of the garment. Acclimate® Dry moisture management, and Ag47® anti-microbial/anti-odor will keep your face protected, comfortable, and odor-free. Clean Seam® flat seams provide a comfortable contoured next-to-skin fit that fits close to the face and neck but does not constrict.

 

Gear Specs

  • Fabric: Patented blend of Modacrylic & FR Rayon
  • Weight: 4.8 oz/sq. yd / 136 grams
  • Layer: Next-to-Skin
  • Sizing: One Size Fits All
  • Fit: Contoured Fit
  • Length: 10” / 25 cm
  • Temp Range: Warm to Warmer temps/environments

 

Features

  • Inherently FR At Yarn Level – FR Protection For Life Of Garment
  • Superior Acclimate Dry Moisture Management
  • Ag47® Anti-Microbial Protection
  • UPF UV Protection – 25+
  • Clean Seam® Next-To-Skin Comfort, Durable, Breathable & Won’t Shrink
  • Tagless label
  • 100% USA Made & Berry Compliant

 

This product is 100% Made in the USA, Berry Compliant, and is available in Tan 499.

 

 

 

Alpha A10 Performance Neck Gaiter/Face Mask

XGO Phase 1 Performance Alpha A10 Lightweight Neck Gaiter uses high-performance 100% Acclimate Dry Polyester Eyelet Mesh. Lightweight, superior moisture management, incredible next-to-skin comfort, and durable.  Acclimate® Dry moisture management, and Ag47® anti-microbial/anti-odor will keep your face protected, comfortable, and odor-free. Clean Seam® flat seams provide a comfortable contoured next-to-skin fit that fits close to the face and neck but does not constrict.

 

Gear Specs

  • Fabric: 100% Acclimate© Dry Polyester – Eyelet Mesh
  • Weight: 4.0 oz/sq. yd / 114 grams
  • Layer: Next-to-Skin
  • Sizing: One Size Fits All
  • Fit: Contoured Fit
  • Length: 10” / 25 cm
  • Temp Range: Warm to Warmer temps/environments

 

Features

  • Superior Acclimate® Dry Moisture Management
  • Ag47® Anti-Microbial Protection
  • UPF (Sun Protection) Rating – 35+
  • Clean Seam® Next-To-Skin Comfort, Durable, Breathable & Won’t Shrink
  • Tagless label
  • 100% USA Made & Berry Compliant

 

The product is 100% Made in the USA, Berry Compliant, and is offered in colors: Tan 499, Black, Coyote Brown, and OD Green. 

https://vimeo.com/user120590328/review/443402991/f6b66234fe

 

Mastodon Design Scourge Antenna for the Dismounted Soldier Kit

Today’s soldier is often required to carry multiple radio systems for a single mission.  As a retired Combat Controller, it didn’t take long to see the many benefits of swapping traditional handheld tactical radio antennas with Mastodon antennas.  Additionally, most “next-generation” radios have dual channels and GPS; therefore, a single device may require three or more antennas.  On today’s battlefield, and certainly the next contested/ near-peer fight, soldiers will depend on a multitude of communication networks and Video Downlink (VDL) feeds to enhance combat effectiveness.  While these communication networks improve situational awareness, force protection, and lethality, they also can be cumbersome and impractical for a dismounted soldier who must carry multiple antennas to utilize them.

 

Traditional tactical radio antennas snag on equipment, interfere with line of sight, and create a sizeable visual profile of the soldier, making them an easier target.  Many soldiers fold the antennas or remote them to their back to reduce signature and interference with their primary mission tasks, but these “fixes” significantly reduce antenna performance.

 

Mastodon Design’s RF engineers have decades of experience designing tactical radios and antennas.  Mastodon Design’s Scourge antennas are a family of flexible, ultra-lightweight antennas designed for tactical military operations.  Utilizing the help of real-world SOF inputs, the Scourge antenna was designed to be routed through MOLLE and uses a TNC connector to work with fielded tactical radios.  The streamlined design allows soldiers to weave the antenna through their equipment to reduce target profile, save space, and prevent snags while increasing their communication signal gains. These antennas are currently being fielded by USSOCOM units and provide increased range and performance with a drastic reduction in size, weight, and profile.

The Scourge antennas work with the dismounted soldier kit in a way that does not impede their movement, create snag hazards, or reduce antenna performance.  Additionally, the antenna’s placement over the soldier’s shoulder alleviates poor performance in the prone position. Whereas, this design improves omnidirectional performance caused by body masking.  This positioning also eliminates the “cone of silence” that occurs directly above a traditional antenna, a common problem with helicopter operations.

Mastodon Design Scourge antennas are a must for anyone in the communications business while on the battlefield.

Viasat: Communications-on-the-Move, Mobile Satellite Broadband, No Matter Where You Are

If you are in the military tactical communications systems business, you’ve seen broadband “Communications-on-the-Move” (COTM) promised by many satellite terminal vendors.  Many of those vendors do not tell you that their ability to provide said services depends on tenuous lashups with satellite companies, exorbitant bandwidth costs, and dead spots in your required area of coverage.  I’ve planned missions for and used many satellite terminals over my active duty years, but only one mobile broadband satellite solutions provider has delivered consistently:  Viasat.  Their success comes from their end-to-end integration capabilities, including satellite, terminal, and managed services.

 

Viasat has built and launched a high capacity, commercial Ka-band satellite constellation that is still growing.  In 2022 Viasat-3 will launch.  Once fully completed, Viasat will be able to provide complete global connectivity and provide high capacity satellite WiFi anywhere at “60 times more affordable” and “15 times more capacity than DoD satellites”. (https://www.viasat.com/products/government-high-capacity-satellites).

 

Viasat has been the lead satellite modem developer for over a decade.  Their modems are the de facto DoD-standard.  You can tailor your terminal for EBEM, LinkwayS2, or CBM-400 modems, with CBM-400 providing quad-band (X, C, Ka, Ku) access, diverse network topologies (including full mesh), and the most bandwidth (up to 400 Mbps (waveform dependent)).  Viasat offers several preconfigured satellite terminals for air, land, and maritime uses, but you can tailor your terminal to your specific needs.

 

Along with the satellite modem development, Viasat has been a leader in communications security equipment development and communications protocol development.  For example, the NSA Type 1 KG-255X HAIPE Inline Encryptor has enabled faster network speeds (2Gbps) for secure networks up to TS/SCI.  It can operate in Layer 3 HAIPE mode to maintain interoperability with their older, but still widely used, KG-250X, or as a VLAN/Ethernet tunneling on Layer 2.

 

Finally, there are the various services they provide.  You can choose to run your own network and only call for training, technical support, or repair/warranty support.  In this complex communication environment, with rapid deployments, using Network Operations and Management services from Viasat on a private IP network is a better choice.  Viasat’s Network Operations and Management services can provide:

 

  • Performance Monitoring and Fault Resolution
  • Traffic Management and Beam Optimization
  • Provisioning, Commissioning, and Configuration Management

 

Viasat’s ability to provide satellite broadband communications on the move is based on their end-to-end integration of the entire communications and services path, as I’ve briefly outlined.  With highly talented, expert satellite, communications, and cybersecurity personnel, Viasat is a winning option as your tactical network provider.  If you would like to explore that option, contact us at Quantico Tactical.

Stalker – The Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Targeting System

The Safran Optics 1 STALKER is a lightweight, handheld, day/night target acquisition, surveillance, and reconnaissance device that is capable of locating targets even in adverse weather conditions. It is extremely lightweight and has an intuitive user-friendly interface. It is reliable in all weather conditions and allows operators unprecedented situational awareness for a variety of missions. It also has outstanding C4I (command, control, communication, computers, and intelligence) capabilities, along with multiple interfaces including RS-232 and USB for data exchange with other devices. It has three observation modes to detect targets: Direct View Day Optics, Low Light CMOS Optics, and LWIR Thermal Imager.

STALKER is a similar device to the Optics 1 MOSKITO TI, but has an integrated SAASM (Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module) GPS. It utilizes the unmatched L1/L2 antenna and uses a Class 1 eye-safe laser capable of ranging over 5,000m in harsh conditions and up to 10,000m in good condition environments. Stalker utilizes a lower power consuming digital magnetic compass to determine azimuth and inclination and has an operational run time of over 3.5hrs (dependent on mission profile).

Key Features:
• Three observation modes:
o Direct view day
o Low light
o LWIR Thermal
• Target detection and acquisition
• Ranges up to 10,000m (conditions dependent)
• Integrated with a digital magnetic compass
• Integrated with SAASM GPS

ATAK Enabling Technology with PLRF25C

Android Tactical Assault Kit, ATAK, is an app-based technology to support complex communication and coordination.  ATAK utilizes Blue Force Tracking technology to track team members in real-time.  ATAK is beneficial for large-scale operations and small tactical teams; it also allows users to communicate via text or file sharing.  The users can also identify points of interest, terrain, weather, and other topographical elements.  ATAK gives the operators enhanced real-time situational awareness.

 

PLRF25C (Pocket Laser Rangefinder)

The Safran Optics 1 PLRF25C is a reconnaissance, surveillance, and targeting device that provides accurate distance and angle measurements (conditions dependent) in a lightweight and rugged, compact unit. It is the smallest eye-safe laser rangefinder in its class designed for single-handed use with a one-button function by snipers/spotters, marksmen, and forward observers. The PLRF25C will measure and display distance, azimuth, inclination angle, and the horizontal and vertical distance of the target. It even has an optional fall of shot calculator.

 

 

 

PLFR25C / ATAK Integration

The PLRF25C with Bluetooth can wirelessly transmit azimuth, elevation, and LRF distance information to ATAK, automatically populating the target location onto the user’s ATAK map for situational awareness or targeting.

 

Highlights:

  • MIL-STD-810 ruggedized
  • Small and compact Laser Rangefinder for single-handed use
  • 6x magnification
  • Ranges up to 6000m
  • Bluetooth capable and connects ATAK and Kestrel® with Applied Ballistics
  • External GPS (Rockwell Collins DAGR / PLGR II / PLGR +96)

ATAK Enabling Technology with ECOTI

Android Tactical Assault Kit, ATAK, is a game-changer for increasing situational awareness and is ideal for law enforcement and military operators. ATAK is app-based and available to all government agencies and provides the ability to view the location of various elements within the area of operation. The system utilizes Blue Force Tracking to track team members in real-time and help coordinate movements.  ATAK also uses Red Force Tracking to see where “bad guys” and dangerous elements may be. Operators can view entered points of interest like terrain, topographical elements, and even weather. It also enables encrypted data communication like text and file sharing (i.e., photos and videos) for user-to-user, user-to-team, user-to-command, or user-to-entire force communications, which was never before available until ATAK.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdNy0YBfEvU

 

ECOTI (Enhanced Clip-on Thermal Viewer)

The Safran Optics 1 ECOTI is a night vision enhancement and visual augmentation system that provides unmatched detection capability and situational awareness by adding a long wave infrared thermal overlay on the user’s night vision device. It bears a lightweight, compact design and significantly increases an operator’s ability to detect and eliminate threats. It has low-power consumption, thermal sensor technology, and high-performance optics that integrate seamlessly. ECOTI is designed for low-light and no-light environmental conditions such as dense foliage, caves, and tunnel systems.

 

WITHOUT ECOTI                                                  WITH ECOTI

 

             

 

WITHOUT ECOTI                                                  WITH ECOTI

            

 

ECOTI / ATAK Integration

The ECOTI integrates with ATAK and acts as a heads up display, HUD. The Augmented Reality, AR, capability connects to the app and aids in identifying teammates and targets, while also providing point-to-point navigation, allowing for a heads up and hands-free operation.

             

             

ECOSI (Enhanced Clip-on SWIR Imager)

The Safran Optics 1 ECOSI bears the same lightweight, compact design, yet offers a different, critical technology. It adds a short wave infrared overlay on to the user’s night vision device. It can see out of band markers, designators, strobes, beacons, and pointers that operate in the SWIR spectrum, undetectable by standard NVDs. It allows JTACs, JFOs, and FOs, to view laser makers and designators during day or night operations. Like the ECOTI, ECOSI connects to ATAK to provide AR and HUD capability.

 

ECOSI can be used during the day when attached to the Optics 1 Daytime See-Spot 2x Extender. This accessory provides See-Spot, PRF code counting, and zoom capability all in a small handheld or rail mountable configuration.

 

Key Features:

  • Overlay on to the I2 scene and does not require modification to existing hardware
  • Heads up display capability that shows COT icons for situational awareness and route navigation
  • Powered by a single CR123 battery and/or connects to an external battery pack
  • Waterproof up to 20 meters
  • Built-in 16GB SD card for image capture
  • Can be used during the day or night, mounted to NVGs or handheld

ECOTI

Two thermal detection modes:

  1. White Hot
  2. Black Hot

Three observation modes:

  1. Full Thermal
  2. Patrol
  3. Outline

 

ECOSI
Two polarity modes:

  1. White observe
  2. Black observe

Two observation modes:

  1. See-Spot
  2. Pointer

Electro-Hydraulic Tactical Breaching

In the early 2000s, Israel faced terror attacks daily; suicide terrorists murdered hundreds of Israeli civilians by exploding buses and bombing restaurants, hotels, and nightclubs.

 

The Israeli Defense Forces faced the challenge of eliminating terror cells in highly crowded urban areas mixed with uninvolved civilians. Israeli Special Forces quickly realized that the classic doctrine of targeting terrorists was ineffective. And the threat to the soldiers on the peripheral of a building was too high.

 

Initially, the team used explosives for breaching.  But quickly, this technique exploited its weaknesses. Variations in buildings and entry points made planning difficult and required the team to carry multiple explosive charges.  Planning with the proper explosives was hard to design effectively.  Heavy metal doors with numerous security bars were prevalent, and the lack of quality intelligence on the doors specifically led to the use of overweight charges.  The resulting explosion often harmed any uninvolved people inside the target facility and reduced the operator’s visibility due to dust and particles flying in the compound.

Additionally, when the charge exploded, the team location was exposed. The terrorists would start fighting inside the compound and utilize nearby buildings for an ambush, making extraction more difficult.

 

A new tactic was needed, better breaching teams and better breaching technology was required.  New breaching technology would allow the better use of the element of surprise.  The solution was the creation of a quiet set of hydraulic breaching tools. Quiet breaching into terrorist compounds permitted the operators to gain entry and use their houses to cover the periphery threat.

With these new hydraulic tools, you could breach reinforced doors.  And with no explosive, you could maintain the element of surprise, and not injure any uninvolved civilians. Hydraulic tools were effective; however, they suffered from significant weaknesses as well. The devices were from different worlds of operations, often from firefighters and emergency rescue. They were extremely heavy and bulky and not designed for tactical missions. Each item needed to be carried with the hands, thereby diminishing the lethality of the operator.  Also, the tools were special purpose and could not be changed as the situation changed.

 

In 2006, one breaching team of the Israeli Special Forces took the hydraulic tools to the next evolution.  They worked with SAN Hitech Ltd, SAN, a privately held defense engineering company. The engineering team with SAN utilized invaluable operational inputs to create an entire suite of door-breaching options within one backpack. The electro-hydraulic pump with a brushless motor and flexible oil reservoir is mounted inside a purpose-built backpack and weighs less than 20lbs.  The system generates 9,000 psi, which creates 6.2 tons of lifting force and 23 tons of cutting force.  The whole system is very discreet at only 60 decibels. The system has been MIL-STD 810F and CE certified.

 

The SAN breaching system has now been in operational deployment for over ten years.  In that time, SAN has become the market leader in electro-hydraulic tactical breaching tools.  SAN continues to push the boundaries of tactical breaching to create the right solution according to the dynamic operational reality with full collaboration with its customers.

 

FOR BREACHERS BY BREACHERS.

 

Sanitizing in a Time of a Pandemic

What has the pandemic taught us? That our enemy is ever-evolving. We are witnessing the impact of a fast-spreading socially infectious pathogen.  And your tactical gear is a breeding ground for those potential pathogens.

 

Global Ozone Innovations has been working to find ways to defeat pathogens, such as Coronavirus.  They teamed with hospital groups, FDA, and NASA; and participated in an independent study by Georgia Tech to improve the Coronavirus sanitation method.  Global Ozone Innovations created the Decon Zone Sanitizing System as a vehicle for pathogen control. And now that control is at the fingertips of our front line responders.

 

Global Ozone Innovations created the Decon Zone Sanitizing System to regulate your disinfectant program. Utilizing the Decon Zone Sanitizing System, your application and disinfectant program can be reliable, accountable, and repeatable. Since time and concentration are the critical elements for disinfection, you need your system to be dependable. And if a new pathogen strain is discovered and requires additional time to achieve the proper kill percentage, you need to be capable of modifying the program. The Decon Zone Sanitizing System is reliable and adjustable.

The Decon Zone Sanitizing System has evolved to put all these parameters at your fingertips. You are now in control of the critical elements, controlling both disinfectant concentration and time of application. If you need to increase the amount of pathogen kill rate, you can change at the controls.  Additionally, the Decon Zone system lets you know when maintenance is required.  The maintenance program helps the system achieve maximum performance for reliability, repeatability, and accountability.

 

Items sanitized in the Decon Zone Sanitizing System cover a broad range of personal protective equipment such as body armor, face masks, goggles, shoes, scuba gear, pillows, blankets, sleeping bags, riot gear, PAPR suits, gas masks, sports, boxing, and combative equipment.  Even medical equipment, such as stethoscopes, lab coats, knee & elbow braces, portable stretchers, backboards, and other first responder equipment. If it can’t go in the laundry, run it through the Decon Zone unit. It is made for all PPE to mitigate cross-contamination from these lethal pathogens.

 

Decon Zone is designed to defeat these pathogens, such as Covid-19, but can also meet the requirements of future pathogens. Decon Zone will help you achieve the level of protection your unit deserves.

Lightweight Ballistic Helmets

Sometimes simple questions yield simple answers.

 

What’s the biggest difference between the Team Wendy EXFIL® Ballistic and EXFIL® Ballistic SL?

 

Answer: weight.

 

 

It’s a testament to science and engineering. Take an already-light system – the original EXFIL® Ballistic weighs 2.6 lbs. – and transform it into a “super light” system with all of the safety standards intact. The EXFIL® Ballistic SL, weighing 2.2 lbs., is among the most comfortable and sturdy combat helmets ever worn by military or law enforcement.

 

Tactical teams quickly embraced the EXFIL® Ballistic SL. Some include:

  • United States Air Force Security Forces
  • South Australia Police
  • Queensland (Australia) Police Service – SERT
  • Alaska State Troopers
  • S. Drug Enforcement Administration
  • S. State Department
  • S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
  • S. Customs and Border Protection
  • S. Secret Service
  • S. Marshals Service
  • Orange County, CA Sheriff’s Department
  • LAPD SWAT
  • LASD SEB

 

The original EXFIL® Ballistic helmet, which debuted in 2014, shares a number of qualities with its offspring. The coverage area is the same and they come in the same sizes. They’re available in the same colors. The V50 test results are the same and they both meet the ACH blunt impact standard.

 

The weight difference pays off when you mount accessories to the helmet. Night vision devices could weigh as much as the helmet itself. Mandibles, communications systems and face shields all carry weights ranging from a little less than half a pound up to two pounds or more.

 

It adds up. The weight of a helmet plus accessories worn for hours at a time can lead to hot spots or neck fatigue. The lightest possible helmet – one with weight evenly distributed throughout as accomplished by Team Wendy’s renowned CAM FIT™ Retention System – must be an option for men and women who depend on serious head protection while running mission-critical accessories.

 

When it comes to the difference between these two comfortable helmets, it all comes down to weight. You’re protected either way.

High Speed Gear® Offers Peerless Versatility and Reliability

If you’re new to the tactical space, you may not be familiar with the company that revolutionized the magazine pouch game, otherwise, you’ve surely heard of High Speed Gear® or seen its distinct and popular range of battle-proven tactical gear™.

 

HSGI® blazed the trail with the first true one-size-fits-all magazine pouch, the TACO®, which fits most rifle-caliber magazines and even non-mag items like smoke grenades or handheld radios. A version of this pouch, the X2R TACO®, a double rifle mag pouch, performed so well throughout evaluations that the Marine Corps selected as their new standard-issue mag pouch. The number one deciding factor in its selection was Marine preference.

 

But it’s not just HSGI’s® huge variety of different TACOs® for everything from mags to stun guns, HSGI® is also incredibly popular for its medical pouches, rigger belts, war belts and more. This 100% American-made brand also stands behind its workmanship with a lifetime warranty for all its products.

 

 

The TACO®

 

This unique pouch is constructed from injection-molded polymer brackets, heavy-duty nylon, and shock cord lacing to both expand and lock just about any magazine in place.

 

• Securely holds most rifle magazines

• Magazines deploy easily and silently on demand

• Also fits certain radios, flashbangs, smoke grenades and more

• Strip of loop fastener sewn inside for additional contact and grip

 

 

The ReFlex™ IFAK

 

The ReFlex™ IFAK was developed with direct input from active-duty medical personnel. The ReFlex™ is a two-piece system, med roll and carrier, that is designed to carry organized medical supplies with ambidextrous accessibility. The system, constructed primarily with heavy-duty nylon laminate, allows rapid deployment of medical supplies. This system was designed around the medical supplies included in the U.S. Army-issued IFAK. The ReFlex™ Carrier and ReFlex™ Med Roll can be purchased together or separately.

 

• Features HANK™ (High Abrasion-Resistant Neoprene Kevlar® composite) grab handles for long-term durability

• Can mount vertically or horizontally on belts 1.5 “-2.25”, and horizontally on MOLLE

• Intentional organization features put all supplies in easy reach

• Carry handle and shock cord loops allow the roll to be attached to a patient, or hung from an I.V. rack

• Gloves can be accessed via side slots with or without removing the roll from the carrier

• “Mini” MOLLE allows for a precise fit on belts as narrow as 1.5” or two-row MOLLE panels

• Features loop panels on med roll and carrier for label patches (Medical Cross Patch included)

 

 

 

The Kydex® Tourniquet TACO®

 

The Kydex® Tourniquet TACO® is designed to retain windlass tourniquets on a belt, rig, or bag using the unique properties of Kydex®. Comp-Tac® uses airline-grade Kydex®, which has a smooth inside finish, is resistant to sweat and solvents, and provides a material that won’t damage the tourniquet, or the platform it’s attached to. Combining Comp-Tac’s® Kydex® manufacturing capabilities with HSGI’s® versatile TACO® design provides users the best of both worlds in manufacturing and use.

 

• 100% aircraft-grade Kydex® body gives a smooth finish for easy insertion and draw (.080 thickness)

• Unique shock cord design allows for the use of most windlass-style tourniquets, such as C-A-T®, SOF®TT, SOF®TT Wide, and SAM XT tourniquets, in one pouch

• Kydex® does not hold water and won’t add weight from rain, humidity or sweat

• TACO® hole pattern allows for stacking two pouches in the space of one

• Designed to match the look of the HSGI® Polymer TACOs® and Kydex® Handcuff TACO® for a seamless look on the belt

• Can be mounted to belts up to 2” or MOLLE with included two HSGI® Universal Clips

• Includes separate red medical cross decal

 

This product is member tested and recommended by the National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA).

 

 

Duty Triple Pistol TACO®

 

Our Duty line of TACOs® functions the same as the originals, but feature sleeker fronts and hidden bungee, which is woven internally. This triple pouch will hold most pistol caliber magazines, small flashlights, pocket knives, multitools, and more.

 

• Mounts to both MOLLE and belts up to 2” with our new HSGI® Universal Clips

• Proprietary heavy-duty nylon laminate, shock cord, and polymer brackets provide versatility in size and adjustable retention

• Tapered, protruding brackets enable quick and easy indexing and reinsertion of items or magazines

 

 

Operator Belt (COBRA® IDR 1.75”)

 

The Operator Belt is a low-profile shooter’s belt designed to work with both MOLLE and belt-mounted gear. This two-belt system is overbuilt, like all HSGI® gear, to outlast the competition.

 

• Built with two layers of military-grade Type 13 nylon webbing

• Sewn together with five rows of lock-stitched, bonded 138 nylon thread

• Proprietary construction process provides additional rigidity and stiffness

• Features an additional layer of 1.5” webbing to form industry-standard columns of MOLLE for use with MOLLE pouches and holsters

• Double-needle binding along upper and lower edges of 1.5” webbing for added durability

• Includes your choice of HSGI® Inner Belt or Micro Grip Belt Panel to mate with the Operator’s interior hook fastener

• Two-belt setup enables the easy donning and removal of a belt

• Features patented COBRA® integrated D-ring buckle with matte black finish

 

 

Laser Sure-Grip® Padded Belt – Slotted

 

This new version is of our modular padded belt system is constructed with a laser-cut, proprietary heavy-duty nylon laminate. This belt’s slotted design allows inner belts to be woven under and over the MOLLE panels, making it compatible with both MOLLE and belt-mounted pouches and holsters. Our proprietary neoprene padding adds comfort while offering excellent grip and performance. The rear features an extra row of laser-cut MOLLE for larger pouches and additional comfort.

 

• Neoprene padding provides a “gel-like” comfort and unsurpassed grip

• Additional row of laser-cut MOLLE on wide back panel for comfort and larger pouches

• Individual laser-cut MOLLE panels allow the innerbelt to be woven inside or outside of the MOLLE to satisfy user needs for MOLLE mounting or belt mounting holsters and other accessories

• Assembled with an HDPE stiffener for added stability

CineMassive Expeditionary Visualization Systems

Having served in a variety of staffs, from the squadron to a Marine Force component as an S6/G6, there were few technology solutions more difficult to fully utilize than video teleconference systems (VTCs) and the video wall displays in both garrison and tactical conference rooms.  Video walls and their remote control systems had never been standardized, so the variations I experienced were vast, but the problems were similar:

  • Unfamiliar and/or difficult to operate user interface
  • Screens that flicker or do not work reliably
  • Poorly documented systems with little or no user guide help
  • Countless other network gremlins that show up at only the most important meetings

 

Inevitably there was always an issue that just made the video wall not work unless a special contractor with magic fairy dust made it suddenly work.  Given their expense, video walls were not easily replaced without proper budget planning.  They were also heavy, delicate, and not expeditionary – even the video walls we put into bulky, often homemade, embarkation cases, and deployed anyway.  CineMassive would have answered my prayers back then, so they may be the answer to your prayers now if you’re struggling with an outdated, difficult to operate, or even broken video wall.

 

CineMassive’s video wall offerings are impressive and they offer full-service support for them.  For brevity, I will only focus on their expeditionary and tactical visualization systems although they have solutions that support fixed rooms as well.  The heart of their expeditionary capability is their Alpha FX Stryke or Alpha FX Stryke SR processors.

 

The Alpha FX Stryke processor is rugged (no moving parts, MIL-STD-810G certification pending), man-portable (fits in a backpack and weighs 12 lbs), will work on battery backup if needed, and can support four 4K HDMI inputs and outputs.  Pre-loaded with the CineNet control software, it’s intuitive to set up varying screen layouts that the user, or command center, or commander’s conference room support, can easily understand and configure without calling for technical assistance.

 

The Alpha FX Stryke SR processor is semi-rugged, weighs 5 lbs. (fits in a backpack), and supports four 4K HDMI inputs and outputs. The Alpha FX Stryke SR is equipped with CineNet control software.

 

The Alpha FX Stryke and Alpha FX Stryke SR will work with any display (or projector). As an additional option, CineMassive has two kits that provide a ruggedized carrying case and a 2 X 2 industrial-grade 4K LCD video wall display (that’s four 22-inch LCD displays with 1920X1080 resolution).

If you need a larger video wall and you don’t have to hand carry it all in, you can opt for the Scalable Mobile Display (SMD) option.  This turn-key video wall system comes packed in rugged transport cases, requires no tools to put together, and includes the Alpha FX video wall processor, 10-inch touch screen with CineNet software, CineView LCD displays, mounting frame, all cables, and connectors.  The SMD option comes in 2 X 2, 4 X 2, or 6 X 2 display configurations with standard 12 video capture ports (can go up to 28).  Those video capture ports are where the various PCs/laptops, TV tuners, and VTC codecs plug in to be displayed simultaneously.  The COC can be up in minutes.

As easy as the SMD is to set up, configure, and operate, I would still recommend getting their onsite training package and GuardianCare 24/7 support.  CineMassive will support training OCONUS and will provide both remote and on-site support via GuardianCare.

 

It’s everything I needed, but just did not have, for an expeditionary video wall.

Panasonic Toughbook Series FZ-N1 Tactical

Have you ever dropped a smartphone, even one that you’ve spent the extra money for the hardened case that surrounds it, and still have the screen crack?  Do you work outside, in the rain, with gloves on and get frustrated because you cannot get your smartphone to work in the rain, or with gloves?  Do you get frustrated not being able to see your screen while outside on a sunny day?  How many times have you looked around for a power outlet because your phone was about to die and you wished you could just replace the battery?  If those scenarios describe your frustrations with your current smartphone, then please let me introduce the new Panasonic Toughbook FZ-N1 Tactical, the Fully Rugged Android handheld that solves those problems.

Most know the N1 as the built-in scanning device that delivery service carriers have to scan the packages as they deliver them, but this new N1 Tactical will not have the scanner.  The first version of the scanner-less N1 was a Wi-Fi device only, but with its rugged (MIL-STD-810G and IP 65/66/67/68), small form factor, and consistent size, weight, and power in versions, it was a logical choice to implement for tactical handhelds.  Panasonic listened to their customers and the N1 Tactical to be released in July, 2020, will come in Wi-Fi only, one SIMM, or dual SIMM versions (AT&T and Verizon, FirstNet capable), and all variants will be the same size, weight, and power.  Full specifications have not yet been released, but it will come with a Multi-core Qualcomm CPU capable of supporting Android 9 or 10 OS, which is capable of running the latest versions of ATAK, APAS, or other situational awareness applications and plugins.   The 4.7 inch HD 1280 x 720 screen is daytime viewable.  With its 10-point capacitive, multi-touch display, the N1 works in the rain and with gloves with the Panasonic patented rain sensing and glove input modes.  It will have two cameras, full HD 5MP in the front and 8MP rear.  It comes with a 12-hour removable, warm swappable battery that can fully recharge within two hours.  All N1 variants come with three programmable buttons, so all those applications you would want to get to quickly can be programmed to show up (or go away) at the push of a button.

Quantico Tactical worked with Juggernaut Design and developed cases and cables for the N1.  You can choose a Fischer connector to plug directly into an L3Harris AN/PRC-152A side hat adapter, or a Nett-Warrior standard cable that will plug into any of GlenAir’s StarPan hubs.  The latter option is particularly useful since the N1 will charge while in use, giving you even more time to complete the mission.  To make it easy for customers, we are working with Panasonic to list the Nett Warrior case/cable solution with Panasonic as an available-to-order accessory.

Panasonic’s three year warranty is the best out there, so if you and/or your team are really rough on your handheld devices, you can still get support.  In the rare event of a failure, devices will be delivered overnight, at no expense to you, to and from the US-based service center with a sub 2-day average repair turnaround.  For any technical issues, you can leverage the 24/7 US based technical support hotline, 1-800-LAPTOP5.  You can also have the peace of mind that when a new version comes out that you can still use the same cases and cables as you have previously, which is not only a significant cost savings, but allows you to keep your kit exactly the way you had it.

If you are interested in the N1 Tactical, you can contact us at Quantico Tactical.

Blue Force Gear Delivers Innovative Gear

Blue Force Gear® has been a leading provider of critical gear for today’s modern environment.  Since the beginning in 2004, Blue Force Gear®, BFG, has always been devoted to deliver innovative gear with superior quality.   They are obsessed with lightening the load™.

They have pioneered technological innovations in load carriage and weapon carrying systems, trauma kits, and unique mission critical items.  Some of the most recent technologies include trauma kits, lightweight battle belts and marking lights.

 

Micro Trauma Kit NOW!

The Micro Trauma Kit NOW!™, or Micro TKN™, is BFG’s smallest version of the Trauma Kit NOW!™. It was designed to hold essential lifesaving gear with minimal size in mind.

The Micro TKN™ is designed to be worn horizontally with minimal bulk – perfect for everyday carry, for law enforcement professionals, prepared citizens, or in low-profile mission sets.

The inner carrier can be deployed with one hand or one finger from either the left or right side by pulling the BLIP featured pull tabs.

The Micro TKN™ consists of two main components – the outer MOLLE or Belt mounted pouch utilizing the Ten-Speed® technology, and a removable insert that keeps medical supplies organized.

This product is made in the USA and 100% Berry Compliant and comes in the following color options:

  • Black
  • OD Green
  • Coyote Brown
  • Wolf Gray
  • Multicam

Lightweight MOLLEminus™ Belt V2

The Lightweight MOLLEminus™ Belt is a revolutionary approach to the modern battle belt.  It is able to act as a low profile pistol belt or a full capacity MOLLE belt kit all with a 3500+ pound load rating.

It starts with an inner belt that is reversible to be pattern matched and can be worn as a standalone pistol belt. The outer belt is fully MOLLE compatible with MOLLEminus™ technology using laser cut slots instead of traditional sewn webbing. The outer belt securely attaches to the inner belt with a hook and loop interface and a load rated COBRA™ buckle. Two external tether points, one on the front and one on the rear, allow the user to clip into a safety line when needed. When not in use, these tie-off points may lie flat so that the slots beneath can be utilized for additional pouch attachment.

The Lightweight MOLLEminus™ Belt is cut on a bias for maximum comfort and to eliminate unnatural ‘ride up’ that occurs with a flat style “war belt.”

This product is made in the USA and 100% Berry Compliant and comes in the following color options:

  • Black
  • OD Green
  • Ranger Green
  • Coyote Brown
  • Wolf Gray
  • Multicam

MARCO Marking Light Dispenser

The MARCO is an efficient, unique and compact way to carry room marking sticks for room clearing, lane marking and numerous other uses. It was conceived during the time consuming, permission frustrations of unwrapping, taping and bundling traditional marking lights.

The MARCO dispenser cuts the prep time down to seconds. Simply open the package containing the preloaded dispenser, insert the MARCO Dispenser into its belt or MOLLE pouch, and proceed to mission.

You also won’t find that you’re glowing after an accidental break on traditional marking lights while running to the breach point.

The mini marking sticks deployed from the MARCO dispenser put out approximately the same light under night vision devices as a taped-up 4” marking light.

BFG offers 3 different pouches for the MARCO marking light dispenser; a Kydex Pouch, a 10-Speed Belt Pouch Hanger, and a Helium Whisper 10-Speed Pouch.

This product is made in the USA and 100% Berry Compliant and comes in the following colors:

  • Green
  • Red
  • Blue
  • Infrared

Next Generation X-Ray Solutions

Logos Imaging was the first company to introduce a glass-free DR flat panel imager to the security market, and now offers a full line of these rugged imagers. Their DR systems are designed and manufactured with ruggedness in mind to ensure exceptional performance and enhance field operation functionality even in harsh climate conditions. Logos Imaging, a Colorado based leading provider of innovative and cost-effective portable x-ray solutions, with an installed base of more than 4,000 field tested imaging systems worldwide, is committed to developing next generation X-ray solutions. Through strategic partnerships with US National Laboratories and increased R&D funding, their staff of electrical, mechanical, and software engineers are positioned to achieve their full potential as they continue to release truly revolutionary products.

 

PRÓTOS: At just 2.2 lb and 0.5” thick, this is the smallest and lightest imager offered by Logos Imaging while providing exceptional image quality (16 bit, 208 μm) and a narrow bottom border of just 5 mm. The versatile PRÓTOS system is easily deployed by a single operator and designed for incidents where size and speed are paramount.

XIRÓS (12”x12” Image Area) and STENÓS (14”x17” Image Area): The XIRÓS and STENÓS panel’s glass-free design allows for the smallest borders on the market at just 3 mm without compromising image quality (16 bit, 140 μm). Coupled with the IP67 rated enclosure, these panels stand apart from the competition in durability. With multiple wireless options, including custom mesh network integration, these systems are at the cutting edge of X-ray technology for the modern day warfighter.

 

Advanced Technology Designed for Military and First Responders

Often we discuss new gear that makes the mission better or helps achieve success.  Sometimes, you need to take a step back and look at what just makes everything better, including the day-to-day necessary tasks.

Kopis Mobile is an advanced technology company that caters to the US Military and first responders.  Kopis has designed a mobile application to give users a streamlined process to enter and track data through six independent products.

  • Fastform 1306
  • ERSA
  • Fastform Readiness
  • MMRIS
  • NTtv
  • MVDVR

 

Fastform 1306 is specifically designed in conjunction with the DA Form 1306.  Writing the manifest DA Form 1306 by hand has been the only way to do this since a manifest was required by the military.  Kopis developed the Fastform 1306 to ensure maximum efficiency by cutting time spent on the manifest.

The Fastform 1306 automatically generates a PDF of the entire manifest so the loadmaster can email, print, or share the manifest in record time from a tablet or cell phone.  With a CAC reader, the Fastform 1306 App downloads all the needed information directly to the manifest, instead of writing down each jumper’s name and rank. With the Fastform 1306 you can edit all the details surrounding the jump, such as; type of jump, aircraft, right or left door, lift and pass, and the designated drop zone.

Video

ERSA is a state-of-the-art wireless communication system that enables chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or explosives, CBRNE, sensors to send real-time readings to hazmat commanders or Incident Commanders (IC). ERSA is specifically designed for first responders and provides first responders with the ability to maintain a clear line of communication and exact location of all their forces in the field during an emergency. Essentially, the ERSA program provides the IC with all pertinent information in real-time and allow the IC to control the situation from the start with no miscommunication.

As any IC knows, the ability to control the situation without worrying about equipment or personnel in wrong locations is paramount to the success and mitigation of the incident. The Kopis ERSA works as a long-range radio, capable of reaching up to 15 KM and last up to 10 hours on 2 CR123A batteries.

Video

Kopis has designed the most revolutionary method of processing soldiers.  Fastform Readiness is a system specifically to monitor and download unit readiness plans with a simple click of a button.  The Fastform Readiness app doesn’t need DOD networks to operate and they can automatically send reminders on medical, dental and OER/NCOER appointments.  The Fastform Readiness app can even take accountability measures through CAC cards.  This product will cut down on paperwork time and process entire units within minutes instead of hours.

 

Mapping & Multimedia Radio Infrastructure System, MMRIS, is designed for military and law enforcement agencies.  The MMRIS works exclusively with the Blue Force Tracking system for the US military. It works with Icom IDAS and P25 Digital Radios along with long-distance access to other radios as far as 17 KM. This system allows soldiers and law enforcement to send group messages, pictures of the Area of Operation, AO, and remote control of a radio. The MMRIS connects to a satellite (GPS) and offers a topographic view of the terrain for real-time mission planning and understanding.

 

Network-Tactical Television, NTtv, is a 1st-person video-sharing system that is designed to connect to multiple video streams in real-time. This system is designed to connect to any smart device, such as IOS and Android platforms. Once the device is connected to the NTtv encoder, you’ll have access to live video feeds that can be work on your body, vehicles, building, and even an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The NTtv has built-in thermal imaging to provide clear footage at night for those special operators who work when we’re asleep. NTtv can store up to 30 hours of video footage that can be shared with whomever you want and will run for 7-9 hours before needing to replace the batteries.

 

The Multiple Video Digital Video Recorder, MVDVR, allows the operator to review real time footage using multiple video recording devices.  This is similar to the way your DVR works at home watching one show while recording another at the same time.  The MVDVR has the ability to export recordings to multiple devices and play up to four recordings at once all while ensuring that all systems are time-synchronized.  This system gives first responders and military personnel the ability to use these recordings to provide a step-by-step evaluation of their work.  There is no doubt the MVDVR will enhance the level of training you conduct and streamline your AAR’s for maximum efficiency.

 

Ballistic Eyewear for the Military

Modern warfare can be decided in a matter of seconds. CTRL® assures that you keep your eyes protected and your mind on your mission.

CTRL eyewear® is the only APEL approved military eyewear that offers tint adjustment in a fraction of a second. Switch between clear and dark in 0.1 seconds. Powered by award-winning liquid crystal e-Tint® technology, CTRL Eyewear® allows fast movement in and out of light without the need to change lenses or take hands off your weapon.

CTRL eyewear® has been designed to directly meet the unique needs of American military professionals. With both Manual and Automatic modes, custom adjustable light sensitive settings, and Fail-Safe features, CTRL® products also meets or exceeds all other APEL parameters, including impact-resistance, durability,  ballistics, and optics.

The e-Tint® CTRL MS1 spectacle consists of a polycarbonate lens laminated with a liquid crystal layer that provides the capability to automatically transition the lens between light and dark in less than one second based on ambient light. The MS1 spectacle is offered in two sizes, Regular and Large, provides ballistic-fragmentation protection, and meets MIL-PRF-32432A optical and safety requirements. The lens material blocks 99.9% of all UVA and UVB light. This product is UPLC compatible.

APEL®, Authorized Protective Eyewear List, is a Qualified Product List of commercially available protective eyewear. Only eyewear passing the Army’s stringent ballistic fragmentation (MIL-PRF 32432 and ANSI Z87.1 2010) makes the list. Other commercial eyewear products, even if marked ANSI Z87.1 compliant, do not necessarily meet military impact requirements. Army officials update the APEL on a regular basis and APEL qualified eyewear will carry the APEL logo on the eyewear itself.  Eyewear that is not on the APEL® is not authorized for wear during combat, training, or when there is a risk of impact injury to the eyes.

When lives are at stake, there is no time to adjust to new lighting as you move indoor, outdoor and around. Sunny or cloudy, day or night, CTRL eyewear® is the premier APEL® approved eyewear for your mission.

Innovative Hearing Protection

Innovative hearing protection technology provides exceptional situational awareness for greater tactical success

OTTO Engineering is collaborating with tactical operators in all branches of the military to design and manufacture a better type of hearing protection for today’s soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and federal agent. The goal is to enhance, rather than inhibit, combat performance. The result is OTTO’s NoizeBarrier® line of hearing protection. The NoizeBarrier® Micro electronic earplugs and the NoizeBarrier® TAC headset give today’s soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen the hearing protection they need with the advanced situational awareness and communications clarity required to prevail in combat. In addition, OTTO’s Multiport Hub PTT simplifies communications with advanced audio steering to minimize distractions when using multiple communications devices.

 

Proprietary NoizeBarrier® technology can enhance combat performance in three ways:

 

  1. Detect Threats with Greater Accuracy

Instead of dampening sounds completely and compromising the ability to hear what’s happening nearby, the NoizeBarrier® TAC headset and NoizeBarrier® Micro electronic earplugs feature proprietary technology that actually improves situational awareness. NoizeBarrier® technology enhances low frequency sounds, like nearby voices and movement, and minimizes distracting and damaging noises to enable soldiers to hear essential commands and approaching danger with greater clarity. With the NoizeBarrier® true 360-degree soundscape, soldiers can easily determine with near certainty the direction sounds are coming from and how far they are away from the current location.

 

The NoizeBarrier® Micro electronic earplugs take situational awareness to the next level with an enhanced mode that provides 5X amplification of soft sounds. With enhanced mode on, soldiers can hear clearer than ever, providing greater safety in the field. When quick reactions matter, verbal commands issued in barely detectible whispers and sounds as minimal as clothes brushing against skin can be clearly heard and quickly pinpointed. In combat, soldiers can identify potential threats and recognize friendly forces faster and with greater certainty.

                                                                                                                                                                                                          

  1. Improve Communications Clarity

With NoizeBarrier® hearing protection, soldiers do not have to rely on their ability to interpret hand motions or read lips to react quickly and follow orders. Proprietary situational awareness technology allows normal-level sounds to be easily heard, while suppressing loud noise and impulse blasts to internationally accepted safe levels. Verbal commands can be heard completely and clearly without distortion, clipping or cutting out.

The same holds true for incoming radio transmissions for soldiers using the NoizeBarrier® TAC headset. Some headsets indiscriminately distort and cut-out incoming transmissions when the noise in the surrounding environment is too loud. Essential transmissions can be fragmented or even lost, which clearly jeopardizes the safety of the mission. With the NoizeBarrier® TAC there is no clipping of transmitted commands or shut-down of situational awareness, allowing soldiers to remain focused, alert and primed for mission success.

  1. Simplify Control of Communications Devices

In today’s combat arena, soldiers are connected to multiple communication devices. Control of the devices can be distracting and compromise safety and combat performance if not managed well. The Multi-Port Hub PTT is designed to integrate seamlessly with the NoizeBarrier® TAC headset to centralize control of as many as three different communication devices. Incoming transmissions from different devices are sent to separate ears (audio steering) for clarity and safety in critical engagements. In short, the Hub simplifies communications and helps soldiers maintain situational awareness, location awareness (when used with an ATAK-type device), clarity and focus during critical operations.

PrincetonTec Helmet Lighting

Princeton Tec has been a leader in headlamps and lighting solutions for 45 years.  At Quantico Tactical we believe in partnering with the best manufacturers for today’s mission.  Here are some of the new products and true operational performers from Princeton Tec that interest us and should interest you.

 

Headlamp: Vizz Tac MPLS:  New to the tried and true MPLS Headlamp line-up, the Vizz Tactical MPLS packs a powerful 420 lumen and dimmable spot beam, and is the brightest of the series. MPLS standing for Modular Personal Lighting System allows the user to mount or move the light from head, to helmet, to MOLLE with ease and efficiency. Specialty light users will find four color LEDS: red, blue, green and IR, which are all available in the same light. Set and change the order your specialty color LED appear, to your specific needs and preferences. With an IPX7 waterproof rating, the Vizz Tactical MPLS is a top of the line choice in tactical lighting, equipped to endure your next mission. Available in Tan, Multicam and Black.

Link: https://princetontec.com/product/vizz-tactical-mpls/

Helmet Light: Charge:  The Charge MPLS series is the natural evolution of personal task lights; boasting an exclusive flexi-neck design that gets spot illumination to the task at hand by incorporating a high power white Maxbright LED for distance spotting and a cluster of three Ultrabright LEDs in various color configurations to meet the needs of specialized users. The Maxbright LED required a full two-second press of the button to be turned on to avoid accidental activation and is fully dimmable. Available in a wide array of LED and body colors.

Link: https://princetontec.com/product/charge/

Lantern: Helix Back Country Multicam:  This small and compact lantern delivers more area light, than many of its larger competitors and gets even smaller when folded down for travel. With dimmable white and red modes, Helix is easy to use and water resistant. The legs conform to any surface, allowing for secure placement in any situation. Removing the collapsible globe creates a directional spotlight that can be used in a wide array of scenarios. Operating with three AAA batteries for up to 12 hours of use, the Helix is great for any adventure or base camp.

Link: https://princetontec.com/product/helix-backcountry/

Posted in HQ

Heads Up Situational Awareness With Augmented Reality

I wish we had Augmented Reality in my NVG when I was in Afghanistan and Iraq.  We would get lost at night in the “Sneek up” on our route to the Target Area.   Everything looked the same in a city of sand, this way we could just plan our route in ATAK, select it in ARC4, and just follow it in our NVG’s.   Our team would not have to open our phones every 1/8 of a mile.   Our light discipline would be excellent without the exposure of the light coming off the phone and this definitely would have increased our Situational Awareness Perspective.   I could have walked right up to the Soldier I needed and not have to go through 7 other guys that look the same at night.  Motorcycle and ATV Operations would be awesome because you would not have to stop!  “Being able to see past the capability of NVG’s is a game changer!”

Augmented Reality has found its place maximizing the already in use heads up display and navigational 2D data.  ARA has released Augmented Reality Command Control Communicate and Coordinate, ARC4.  This system is currently in use with Air Force Special Operations Command and deployed to Southwest Asia Theater of operations.

The ARC4 offers the unique advantage of using a HUD to show all necessary command and control functions in 3D.  The HUD utilizes a Situational Awareness, SA, ring at the bottom of the screen.  This shows you where you are, where you are looking, where teammates are and where tactical points of interest are around you.  The software is intuitive as it moves to future check points as you progress.  You can also send and receive commands, create new points of interest and define new navigation routes in real time without speaking over comms.  This information can be used and created in real time by both in field personnel or remote higher command.

The all in one Recon device includes all of the necessary sensors to geo-locate the camera and the direction it is looking.  The camera connects via any open port using Black Diamond Assaulter or Glenair cables and hubs.  The cables connect the camera system to a Battle Management Program such as ATAK with the ATAK HUD plugin.  Running that information back to a HUD connecting directly into a clip on night display, or Ecoti/Ecosi for system integration.  The system also has a daytime HUD that integrates in standard mounting gear to place a clear lens to see all of the same information with full daylight.

The ARC4 recon truly is a heads up display that no longer requires you to look down at your map or navigational equipment.  The ARC4 system with a network hub is designed not to eat up too much battery power. Lasting more than 8 hours on a small radio battery is not uncommon.

 

See the ARC4 Details

 

ARC4 table talk

Night Video

Day HUD

LED Smart Lighting

Are you looking for LED lighting solutions?  Here at Quantico Tactical we have partnered with LED Smart to meet the Defense wide requirement and the need for low power consuming LED lighting.

LED Smart was founded in 1995 to take advantage of the emerging market in LED technology. They have been at the forefront of unique applications for LED technology and advanced LED lighting systems.   They are able to maintain their high quality due to manufacturing and assembling their own products.  They also have their own design and engineering team to meet future customer demands.  LED Smart currently holds many US, Canada and International patents for their LED technology. In 2006, LED Smart first introduced the LED lighting tube style of products that are used in many industries today.  The company has earned a great reputation for the ability to design and manufacture high quality, long lasting LED products.

Their most sought after product is the highly robust HTL light bar.  The HTL light bar used for expeditionary shelters, flexible tent and medical tent applications. The two designed ends are designed to be hung via straps or fixed hooks.  These tube lights are IP 67 waterproof rated and rugged enough to take a tactical beating.  They are also designed to save precious power in any operational or medical shelter environment. LED Smart HTL Light bars last 5 times longer than standard florescent tubes. The HTL light bar has an end to end design that allows you to string the light tubes together to meet all your tent lighting needs.

LED Smart became an approved vendor to the US Navy in January 2017.  The FLZ family of tubular shipboard tubes have been built to rigorous standards of the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) for use with all ships in the US Navy.  Quantico Tactical and LED Smart were able to set a new standard of price, quality and delivery.  The FLZ tubes saved nearly $14 million to the US Government in 2017.  LED Smart products are a dramatic improvement over the competition producing first-generation LED lights.  The FLZ is lighter, brighter, more durable and lasts longer than any competing light.  The Quantico Tactical/LED Smart team was able to cut the delivery time to the Navy fleet from competitors at 90+ days to only 10 days or less with Quantico Tactical and LED Smart.

LED Smart has products on 185+ US Navy ships since 2017.  Each year a new product has been approved by NAVSEA for use throughout the fleet.  Several new products are in the approval process.  LED Smart products are found on the most advanced warships in the world.

 

 

Quantico Tactical has the best pricing available for these high quality LED lighting tubes.  If you want more specific information about any products, pricing or availability please email us.

Rapid Network Implementation

If there is one thing this pandemic has driven home is that communications capacity planning for an emergency is better done before the need hits.  It’s also better if that plan is exercised periodically to remind ourselves of all the myriad details our information technology and cybersecurity personnel deal with every day to keep us securely connected.  The news feeds are full of the Herculean efforts by major telecommunications companies, software and collaboration services companies, DOD and Federal Agencies, and small businesses to figure out how to turn themselves into nearly 100% teleworking organizations.  Then there are the hospitals and DOD Defense Support to Civil Authorities support missions that suddenly find the need to extend networks to external locations to provide point of care solutions to those locations.  Notwithstanding the growing pains, bandwidth throttling, cybersecurity issues, and successful hacks, like all networks, after some time to “burn in,” things are working.  Now is the time for the IT, Cyber, and Comm folks to grab their operations officers and logistics officers, get a cup of coffee, gather around virtual conference table and write the after action reports.  These should become the lessons learned and the critical purchases/current year deficiency priorities.  What could have been done, done better, or not done at all, to make rapid network expansion easier and secure?  What did your organization need to buy, lease, or subscribe to rapidly to get operational quickly?  Would you choose different solutions now?  Here are some solutions to consider:

 

4G Mobile Broadband Kits (MBKs) were a clear winner for the rapid response deployed capability for COVID response.  Major telecommunications and cellular providers made it easy to get them by adding the MBKs to a subscriber’s bill and delivering them to their customers.  These MBKs are configurable, but generally come in hardened, hand-carry Pelican cases, have configurable firewall, Virtual Private Network and other network capabilities; have 2 GB LAN/WAN port, are battery powered for 4-8 hours, and provide WiFi access for 1-50 users.  These MBKs are widely used throughout US Government Agencies, Military, and Law Enforcement particularly during disaster response.  4K Solutions is the leading provider of MBKs and their products are listed on the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s approved products list.

 

RIVA Network’s NanoSat mobile phone network kit is another option and one that will work in areas where there is no public infrastructure to tie into.  RIVA Network’s NanoSat not only comes with the cellular and satellite transmitters, network, battery-backup, and deployable case like the MBKs, RIVA Networks is a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) with a Network Operations Center connected to the Global Roaming Alliance.  They can route calls and traffic from anywhere to one’s phone.  One can keep the same phone number no matter where deployed in the world.  It works with all commercial satellite systems, and the cell sites are available in GSM, CDMA, 3G, 4G LTE and WiMax.  It is a complete mobile solution for all mobile devices anywhere one needs to be.

 

If satellite access is the driving factor, Viasat’s AN/TSC-241 Multi-Mission Terminal (MMT), while a larger, but still transportable, solution, delivers IP-based voice, video, and data networks over X-, Ku-, commercial Ka-, and military Ka- bands, including operation with Viasat’s high-capacity network.  A simple change of the feed arm allows allows the terminal to access the specific satellite band.   Combined with a something like PacStar’s 400 Series or Smart Gateway capabilities to implement the IP network or wireless network and one can have a command operations center up and running within 30 minutes (preconfigured, of course, ahead of time).

 

The options available for communications and connectivity are vast beyond these three examples and the decision is an important one.  A number of factors, other than costs, should go into the decision of what an organization buys/leases to be ready for an emergency. I learned these planning factors as ‘DOTMLPF’:  Doctrine, Organization, Training, Material, Leadership, Personnel, and Facilities.  Without getting into full details of a DOTMLPF planning process, it provides a mechanism to think through other employment considerations, including costs, and it is a process I would advise all to apply to any significant purchase or procurement to ensure that the solution meets requirements.  At Quantico Tactical, we work with thousands of great vendors with products that can fit your needs, including those previously discussed.  We can help you find solutions that will best fit your organization’s ability to employ it.

Holster Retention Levels And Your Safety

There is a lot of concern in the Law Enforcement community for the safety of law enforcement officers. In 2019 146 officers were killed in the line of duty.  Three died from assault and 50 by gunfire.   Most agencies recognize the need for helping officers keep their weapons from falling into the wrong hands

 

Currently, there are no government requirements and no industry standards for rating holster retention levels as there are for body armor protection. Companies are free to develop their own protocols for testing and ratings. As such, retention levels are not directly comparable across the industry, and things can quickly become confusing.

 

In the early 1970s, Bill Rogers, former FBI agent and founder of the Rogers Holster Company, studied and tested all of the existing duty holsters to see which designs were effective.  Bill developed a system based on a series of simple tests that could be conducted in the field by the end user. Today these have evolved. Below are Safarilands test retention requirements for duty holsters.  These are used because they are in writing and have been around for a long time.

 

Security ratings used by Bill Rogers and then Safariland after buying Rogers Holster Company, are performed using a suitable duty belt.  As such concealment holsters and tactical holsters were and are not rated.  Tactical holsters are generally attached to the body using nylon or Velcro.   Concealment holsters are attached to the body using numerous kinds of pant belts or just inserted into a pair of pants by some.  It does not matter what security rating a holster has if it is not secured to the officer’s body.

 

Below is the Rogers / Safariland testing method used to rate levels of security for their products.

 

The Test Retention Level I™

 

The Holster Retention Test is described as applying all the force to the grip or handle of the weapon by an individual while the weapon is totally secured in the holster and mounted on a suitable belt being worn by another individual.  The test is to simulate a “grab and snatch” initiated by an adversary.  The direction of force is unlimited but the duration of the force is limited to 5 seconds.  At the end of the 5 seconds, the weapon must still be secure in the holster and the holster must still be attached to the operator.  The operator must be able to accomplish a draw after the attack within the times set as a standard by the controlling department or within two seconds if no standard exists.  If the holster passes this initial test, it qualifies as a Level I Retention™ Security Holster. The Holster Retention Test described above is referred to as the “Test”, but over the years, it has become synonymous with “Level l test”

 

Level II Retention ™

 

Before a holster can be considered for a Level II rating, it must first past the Holster Retention Test. After passing the Test, the primary lock must be disabled and the same Retention Test is repeated. In order to test the holster for a Level II rating, the primary securing device must be determined.  The primary securing device is defined as the lock that requires the first action by the user in order to start the drawing sequence.  This initial action is an individual and deliberate action by the user to start the unlocking of any securing mechanism.  The holster is tested with the initial lock disabled.  It does not have to pass the complete test.  If the holster exhibits the ability to further secure the weapon in a meaningful way after the primary lock is disengaged then it qualifies as a Retention Level II™ security holster.  If after disabling the initial lock, the holster can again completely pass the Holster Retention Test, then it is clearly is rated as a Level II and may qualify for additional levels of security.

 

Level III Retention ™ and additional levels

 

A Level I holster that has completely passed a second Holster Retention Test, with the primary lock disabled, is clearly rated at a Level II.  It can be further tested for additional levels of security.  To determine a further rating, the second motion or action required by the user to continue the drawing sequence must be simulated.  As in the example described in the Level II rating of the secondary lock would be in the final unlocked position before the Retention Test is performed.  The holster does not have to pass the complete test.  If the holster exhibits the ability to secure the weapon in a meaningful way after the secondary lock is disabled, then it qualifies as a Level III Retention™ security holster.  Of course if the holster passes a complete Retention Test with the second lock disabled, it can be tested for further security levels by continuing to disable additional locks and conducting the same tests as outlined above.

 

So, if you’re shopping for a Security / duty holster — as an individual, a supervisor or buyer, you need to go beyond the sales pitch and fully understanding how the security features work. You need to ask questions about the specific tests that a manufacturer uses to rate their products. Until the NIJ and or the industry unite around a single standard, it’s not enough to assume that all rating denotes a comparable level of security between the different manufactures.   Many departments are using pull testers to test the strength of the holster and the mounting brackets of different holsters.

 

Every year Officers are still killed in the United States with their own weapons, duty holsters need to be secure but still easy functional under all levels of stress.  All Duty Holsters can be defeated if the attacker knows how they function.  The only way a manufacturer can produce a duty holster that cannot be defeated with today’s technology is to weld the pistol into a metal holster.  If the officer can get it out a suspect can get it out.   Everything on a duty belt is a tool that can be used by and for the officer to do their jobs.   Tools are great but Defensive tactics and training is still a necessity.

 

Thank you for your service and be safe out there!