Covert

Introducing ‘The Professionals Playbook’ – F-35 pilot Justin Lee interviews CIA Officer, author Michele Rigby Assad

*Editor’s note: Here at the Loadout Room, we pride ourselves on being well prepared and well rounded individuals capable of performing under whatever circumstances life throws at us. That’s just what Justin “Hasard” Lee’s podcast, “The Professionals Playbook” is all about. Lee, an active duty F-35 pilot with multiple combat deployments under his belt at the stick of the F-16 Fighting Falcon, devotes each episode to learning about what it takes to perform at the most elite levels of human capability — from fighter pilots to Navy SEALs, from astronauts to pro football players. If there’s a recipe for becoming the most capable man in the room, Lee’s podcast will find it — and we couldn’t be happier to partner with Lee to bring his podcast to the Loadout Room.

So without any more dancing around it, here’s Lee to discuss his latest interview.

Michele Rigby Assad is a former undercover officer in the National Clandestine Service of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency. Trained as a counterterrorism specialist, Michele served her country for ten years, working in Iraq and other secret Middle Eastern locations. Upon retirement from active service, Michele and her husband (also a former agent) began leading teams to aid refugees, including a rescue mission to Iraq that was featured on ABC’s 20/20. Michele holds a master’s degree in Contemporary Arab Studies from Georgetown University. Today she serves as an international management consultant, splitting her time between the Middle East, Florida, and Washington, D.C.

In this episode we talk about (in order):

Building rapport with members of Al-Qaeda
Mental toughness
Emotional Intelligence
Living in combat zones for nearly a decade
What she does to de-stress
What traits new CIA officers should have
What to do during an attack
Who she was allowed to tell that she worked in the CIA
What inspired her book
What projects she’s working on now

The pocket drones destined to revolutionize military operations

U.S. Army units will soon be getting a nano drone that promises to revolutionize operations. The Black Hornet is a vehicle reconnaissance system (VRS) and falls under the unmanned aerial system (UAS) category. It is designed and manufactured by FLIR Systems, one of the world’s largest companies specializing in the development and production of high-quality thermal imaging cameras, components, and imaging devices and sensors.

According to FLIR Systems, the Black Hornet VRS comes with “an immediate, organic, and self-contained surveillance and reconnaissance system” and can be fitted to and launched from vehicles. Although the launch apparatus is placed on the outside of the vehicle, it can be launched electronically from an operator within the vehicle, thus ensuring safety and 360-degree situational awareness.

The Black Hornet VRS is the vehicle-borne equivalent of the Black Hornet Personal Reconnaissance System (PRS). The Black Hornet PRS enables dismounted troops to achieve fast and stealthy situational awareness. Although it can’t operate at the altitudes of larger UAVs, the Black Hornet PRS can provide life-saving reconnaissance capabilities to small units or even individual operators. It has a flight endurance of close to 30 minutes and transmits both live video footage and images back to its operator. Troops will now be able to determine what’s around a corner or what lies hidden in a copse of trees.

The importance of intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) platforms became evident during the Iraq counterinsurgency. During the campaign to dismantle and destroy the various Sunni and Shia insurgent groups—with al-Qaida in Iraq (AQI) being the most prominent—the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) relied heavily on the ISTAR platforms to keep an “unblinking eye” on Iraq.

Previous models used to be quite noisy and thus ineffective for covert close target reconnaissance operations—close target recons are extremely dangerous affairs that involve approaching as close as possible to the designated target to ensure the assaulting force achieves its mission with the least amount of friendly or collateral casualties. But the new PRS and VRS models seem to have fixed this issue, resulting in minimal noise signature for the Black Hornets.

Discussing the project, Sunny Koshal, branch chief of the Soldier Support Branch at the Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center (RIA-JMTC), said, “The main purpose of this mission is to provide security, safety, and alertness to the soldiers where the enemy is at all times. Bottom line is it will keep the soldier safe. The equipment is getting smaller and the reason it’s getting smaller is so the soldier can be equipped with it. This thing, you can really pocket it and just carry it. So, that’s part of the modernization. The equipment is getting smaller day by day and it’s really easy to handle, easy to maneuver and help a soldier out on the battlefield.”

Originally published on NEWSREP

The Blackhawk Diversion Bag – Secure and Discreet

A few months ago I was prepping and planning for Hurricane Irma to make landfall in Florida. I had food, I had water, and I was generally ready to evacuate. One way thing I was deeply concerned about was my firearms. Your standard firearm’s cases stand out and make themselves nice and obvious. I wish I had something like the Blackhawk Diversion bag. The Blackhawk Diversion bag is a very discreet firearm carrying case that is an exceptionally well-made piece of gear.

What’s a Diversion bag?

The Blackhawk Diversion bag is essentially a firearm carrying case that looks like a gym bag. On the outside, it’s as plain as can be. There is no hook and loop, MOLLE, pals webbing, there is only a single, very small Blackhawk logo on the bag. It comes in a variety of non-tactical colors. There is really nothing that gives away the true intention of the Blackhawk Diversion bag.

Kel Tec Sub2k and Rem Tac 14 working side by side

It’s the hidden features that really show how tactical this bag is. On the inside, we have a three-panel padded divider that’s completely removable. These padded panels protect your firearms from bumping into each other as well as being dent and dinged when the bag is set down. This padded divider separates guns and gear, as well as providing a more discreet total package. The internal padding prevents the bag from bulging awkwardly from barrels, stocks, and foregrips.

On the left and right side of the bag, you have two pouches that have an internal zippered wall. These allow you to access the inside of the bag, or to expand the bag to accommodate a silently larger weapon. These pockets are a very nice touch.

What Fits?

This is the big question. The bag itself doesn’t appear to be very big, does it? Its looks are deceiving though. It’s capable of holding a wide variety of full-sized rifles provided they are fitted with an under folding, or side folding stock. This allows the little bag to hold rifles like the SCAR 16s, AKs with folding or side folding stocks, AR 15s broken down, AR and AK pistols with stabilizing braces, and more.

On top of guns, you can mix a variety of tactical gear inside the bag. The bag easily accommodates a plate carrier with soft armor and a long gun. On top of that, you can squeeze in a dozen mags, an IFAK, a chest rig, and just about anything else you’d need in a tactical go bag.

The Blackhawk Diversion Bag is an outstanding piece of gear. It’s a must-have for any low profile loadout. The Blackhawk Diversion bag was included in our Operator Crate for the month of October.

Check out the Crate Club to get a monthly crate of quality gear that’s hand-picked and tested by Special Operations veterans.

*Originally published on the Crate Club Knowledgebase

Tactikey: Your Covert Defense Choice

Weaponry comes in tiers. The tiers are often related to its concealment and its effectiveness, as well as where and when it can be carried. There is a purpose for a wide variety of weaponry, some more lethal than others, some easier to use than others, and of course some are just easy to carry. The Tactikey falls into the easy to use and extremely easy to carry group. The Tactikey is a simple piece of gear, a robust weapon, and something you can carry anywhere at any time.

What’s the Tactikey?

It’s a simple polymer handle that fits over the rear of any kwikset house key. This simple handle turns your key into an effective knuckle born tool. If you can throw a punch you can use the Tactikey. The Tactikey is designed to position the key between your knuckles and to be used as a striking weapon. This takes the old trick of sticking keys between your fingers and refines it.

It doesn’t allow the key to slip rearwards or twist when you strike an enemy. It holds the key steadfast and allows you to strike an opponent more than once without the key slipping out of your hands. The Tactikey allows you to strike an opponent over and over again without the key slipping or sliding, or worst hurting you.

Why Should you Carry One

You can carry the Tactikey anyplace you can carry keys. This includes planes, schools, and other often hard locked areas. In these situations, a gun or knife isn’t an option and you have to make do with what you have. The Tactikey is merely a polymer handle over a key, hardly illegal in any sense.

It’s a tool and weapon that’s impossible to leave behind. As long as you have your keys you have a usable and reliable weapon that can give you that slight edge in a fight. Most fights are over in a matter of a few blows, the Tactikey gives you a very small edge in a very important situation.

It is perfect for everyone. It’s perfect for the typical concealed carrier who already packs a gun, a knife, and likely a flashlight. This tool is great for the more casually minded person. It’s also perfect for your teenagers, who can’t carry a traditional weapon but are out in the world.

The Tactikey checks all the boxes to make its way into the Crate Club, its:

Simple
Effective
Legal
Made in the United States

Originally published on the Crate Club Knowledgebase

Hackett Equipment EDC Range Pack: For the Covert Carrier

I make multiple trips to the range weekly and am often loaded down with several guns, magazines, cleaning equipment and other pertinent gear for shooting. Hackett Equipment has produced an EDC (every day carry) Range Backpack with a low key design for such an individual as myself. An all-black pack, simple logo and limited MOLLE help keep this design ideal for the covert carrier.

Design

While MOLLE can sometimes give away the community which a backpack is designed for, the simple design of this pack provides functionality without attracting too much attention. Someone may know that the carrier is of the tactical mindset, but it would surely not give away the fact they are carrying two pistols, four pistol mags, two rifle mags, a knife, a light, trauma kit, and everything else needed to unleash hell on a threat or a paper target. I also dig the urban style and large compartment space.

Unzip the main compartment and you’ll find two sides with a storage divider in the middle. The divider has a sleeve sewn into it which is capable of holding targets up to 11”X12”. One side of the sling has 2 holsters sewn into the pack which is capable of holding most handguns. I usually keep a full sized Glock 22 with a Streamlight TLR-1 HL weapon mounted light, and a Glock 43 with a TLR-6 mounted light. The holsters have an adjustable strap so they accommodate both large and small weapons with no issues. The other side of the main compartment has eight elastic bands which could be used for magazines, knives, flashlights etc.

Dive into the secondary compartment and you’ll find eight Velcro storage pouches which are large enough to carry boxes of ammo, trauma care equipment, or other items you use at the range. Lastly, you’ll find two zippered storage pockets at the front of the pack which has MOLLE tabs.

Comfort and Durability

I have thrown this pack in my truck while traveling to the range, on our SWAT vehicle during training and callouts, and on a short hike through mother nature. I’m not going to lie; it felt solid to have the contents of a small weapon safe at my disposal while in the woods, all of which were on my back, not locked in my vehicle and out of sight. The sling design offers quick access to the contents inside and the padded, quick release straps provide a comfortable ride.

The EDC Range Pack has proven durable and yet to show any stress points. It is made of 900D polyester material, you could argue that there are stronger materials on the market, but 900 D polyester is a fair choice. Also, Hackett Equipment offers a lifetime warranty covering any defects in material and workmanship under normal use. They will either repair the damaged pack or replace it all together. You can’t be mad at that.

Overall Impression

For a low key EDC range pack, Hackett Equipment has executed its vision. I would like to see other colors available as black is the only current option. Perhaps losing the MOLLE would also help sell the covert side of this pack. I personally don’t mind MOLLE, but on a backpack that is supposed to say “I’m not packing” MOLLE screams “I may be packing”. At the very least it screams tactical and shows a connection to the community. If one of the pockets on the front was admin style, that would be a nice touch. I often carry markers and pens to mark my targets, along with other small items, with me to the range. Other than that I am pleased with the pack, and with the fair MSRP of $79.99.

Author – Sean Kennard is a Texas Law Enforcement Officer and serves as a SWAT Officer for his department. He is also the head defensive tactics instructor and holds various instructor certificates such as Krav Maga Force Division Instructor, FBI Defensive Tactics Instructor, Tactical Breaching Instructor and various others. Kennard holds an undefeated Mixed Martial Arts record and is a practitioner of Muay Thai Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Olympic weightlifting. He is a fitness and adventure enthusiast and enjoys the great outdoors.

The SafeGuard CoolMax Ballistic Vest

The process of purchasing body armor is not one to be taken lightly. There are a lot of elements to take into consideration: price, levels and type of protection, and comfort (which is commonly overlooked). The average cost for quality armor that offers N.I.J. (National Institute of Justice) level III ballistic, level 1 edged blade, and level 1 spike protection is between $475 and $650 online. While it is widely understood that cost equals quality and the confidence in protection, it also keeps it out of reach for some. While looking for a solution to the cost issue, there is one option that seems to fit the protection qualities (as previously listed) as well as not break the bank – SafeGuard’s CoolMax covert vest.

SafeGuard Clothing is a renowned manufacturer of a variety of Covert and Overt models well suited for military and law enforcement operatives, firefighters, journalists, security agents, EMS personnel and even civilians. Their innovative CoolMax technology works well with the covert style vest, offering: level 2 ballistic, level 1 edge blade, and level 1 spike protection. Since the circumstances of donning armor are unknown, the option for both under and over clothing wear is a key point in this product’s design. Protection is provided by numerous layers of Kevlar for ballistics, chainmaille for edged weapons, and platelets with laminated Kevlar for spiked (non-edged) weapons. This gives the wearer a well-rounded vest that will handle a variety of threats. The carrier system’s exterior is made of a protective Cordura that resists abrasions, wear and tear, weather, and sweat. The interior is the CoolMax liner, that provides a comfortable wear over or under the clothing. The carrier encapsulates the upper torso (covering critical organ systems), and overlaps the obliques as the hook-and-loop attachment points are secured in the front.

SafeGuard’s CoolMax covert vest has a number of attributes and an excellent comfort level. Wearing it around while running errands and completing other tasks is not an issue, and it stays in place even during rigorous activity. The vest remains comfortable across a wide temperature range between 10 and 88 degrees (F), with different humidity levels. The poly-cotton mesh netting helps with breathability and thus the evaporation of sweat, keeping the wearer cool when in a warm environment. Being worn concealed, this vest fits well (slightly) under a size large shirt, and concealment is excellent. The overt wearing option gives the wearer to quickly don this armor, without the bulk of a full tactical style carrier system.

The CoolMax IIIA Bullet and Stab Proof Vest is designed to be affordable and attainable by the average civilian. The internal Kevlar armor panels are refurbished, which is how SafeGuard is able to sell them at a reduced price. The real benefits that the CoolMax IIIA vest are multiple. Starting with protection, the panels of this vest are ballistically rated by the NIJ (National Institute of Justice) to protect against most pistol calibers up to 44 magnum. This includes 380ACP, 9MM, 45ACP, 40SW, 38SPL, and 22LR/SHORT. The panels also have an edged weapon rating of Level 1, which is a baseline level for knife resistance and spike protection. Basically, it is rated for an object with a mass of 1.9 kg traveling a maximum of 5 m/s, and totaling 24 joules of energy. This is the E1 figure, which like I said is the baseline for edge weapons, and there are higher levels of protection in better armor, especially if it’s designed for stab protection and not ballistic protection as well.

The CoolMax Ballistic Vest is an ideal choice for anyone looking for an affordable, no-frills level of protection to add to their everyday carry system, or as a first response vest to keep in your vehicle or place of work. These vests are extremely affordable and functional, providing protection in a variety of scenarios.