Training operations were a huge part of my last contract. Here I am watching a simulated personal watercraft attack off the East Coast. Being a part of the safety team and an advisor, the boat I was in was tasked with observing the client’s movements and reactions to a threat from personal watercraft (better known […]
Mission Gear
The FirstSpear AAC Frog Kit: From land to maritime operations
The FirstSpear AAC Frog kit is without a doubt a game changer in the world of those who like to get wet. No other company specializes in product development quite like First Spear and my relationship has grown with them over the past year. I was ecstatic to be able to test out the AAC […]
Hard Head Veterans Generation 2 Ballistic Helmet ATE (Above The Ear)
High cut helmets have been the trend for some time now. The functionality when running communications equipment is a given, and the weight reduction due to the lower profile is a huge plus. The problem with many of the more infamous manufacturers of high cut-style helmets is that they are very expensive. This may or […]
Oakley vs. Gatorz: Why I made the switch to Gatorz Eyewear
“Oakley this, Oakley that, Oakley’s are the Greatest”… But are they really? Sure they have the best selection and a style for almost everyone. All the big names wear them in the sports world. From surfer to wakeboarder, to golfer, to football player’s (Visor’s), to snowboarders (Goggle’s) but do they really offer the best quality? […]
Russian Special Operations Forces are getting high-tech mini subs
The Russian Special Operations Forces (SOF) will be receiving an advanced infiltration capability in the form of futuristic mini subs. According to a source from the Russian government, “the Main Directorate of Deep-Water Research of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation showed interest in the apparatus, and it considers these bathyscaphes [which is […]
The 5.11 Tactical Rush 24 backpack
5.11 Tactical is one of the leading and most recognizable manufacturers of tactical gear. One of their fan favorites is their Rush series of backpacks. 5.11 currently offers their Rush backpacks in three different sizes: Rush 12, Rush 24, and Rush 72. While I don’t have any hands-on experience with the 12 or 72, I have owned […]
Photo of the day: Deployment workup’s and gear
Getting your gear honed in is crucial prior to deployment. I need to know how my new gear is going to work if it is worth it and so on and so forth. Workups are a great time to get your gear ready and 99% of the time I stick with that same gear throughout […]
Photo of the Day: Working with my Night Optic Devices (NOD’s)
Pictured above is some NOD’s training in Virginia. We were working with those that “don’t exist” in pitch black darkness, 35-degree weather, all wet and all cold. If you want to be the best, train in the worst conditions so that you’re the best in the best conditions and in the worst. Training in the […]
Soldiers & Marines all have an opinion about MREs
Everyone has they’re favorite (Meatballs in Marinara Sauce Gang) and their least favorite. Everyone speculates about what secret additives are in the chewing gum and of course the debate over whether its best to eat the “main” or just the snacks. While Soldiers and Marines may see MREs as part of life, some people on […]
Vehicle Preparedness: (Update) Grey Man Tactical Rigid MOLLE Panel HD
Recently, I published an article on the Rigid Insert Panel – MOLLE (RIP-M) from Grey Man Tactical. This product answered all my requirements for securing gear to the seat back of my Toyota Tundra. Items I need to keep organized for quick access while Overlanding. And it performed as advertised on my recent trip to […]