Author: Tony Grist
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FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii – In a milestone moment for the United States Army and U.S. Army Pacific, U.S. Army Master Sgt. Jeremy Chambers, of the Security Cooperation Division at the U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC), Fort Shafter, Hawaii, has shattered expectations and set a new precedent by becoming the first noncommissioned officer in Army history to commission directly as a U.S. Army Captain in the elite Foreign Area Officer (FAO) career field. His achievement marks a transformational step forward in Army talent management and showcases the extraordinary potential found within the enlisted corps. Chambers’ historic transition did not arise overnight. For…
The AR-15 sized, 6.5 Creedmoor rifle that is built to out reach, out last and out perform ROCKLEDGE, FLORIDA — [January 9, 2026] — Dark Storm Industries (DSI) today announced the new DS-25 Modern Fighting Rifle (MFR). Initially available in a 14.5” 6.5 Creedmoor, this small-frame, AR-15-size, sub 7lb, semi-auto rifle has been engineered from the ground up to deliver extended reach, improved reliability and durability, as well as fast handling. Built for an intermediate cartridge (.308 Win / 6.5 Creedmoor) on a true small-frame platform, the DS-25 MFR combines a match-grade 14.5” barrel with a reduced-mass operating system, advanced…
WTF’s Back Panel 41 Mates Qore Performance ICEPLATE to PALS Platform WTF’s Back Panel 41 mates a Qore Performance ICEPLATE® (Gen 2) securely to your PALS/MOLLE platform. A low profile, contoured design protects your ICEPLATE® (Gen 2) from abrasion and UV. Optional shock cord routes through laser cut holes to offer quick, low profile load lashing for lightweight items like a windbreaker. A 2′ x 5″ loop panel offers ample real estate for names tags, IFF, morale patches, and similar. Back Panel 41 is made in the USA with Berry & NIR compliant MIL-DTL-32439 500D nylon, Brookwood® Squadron-B52® laminate, VELCRO® A-A-55126 nylon hook & loop, VELCRO® ONE-WRAP®,…
Dynamic Principles and Qore Performance Launch ICEPLATE MOLLE Back Panel: External Hydration Sleeve for ICEPLATE Gen 3 Knoxville, TN — Dynamic Principles, in collaboration with Qore Performance, Inc., announces the launch of the ICEPLATE® MOLLE Back Panel, a rugged, low-profile external mounting solution that enables secure MOLLE attachment of ICEPLATE® Gen 3 to the rear PALS field of any plate carrier or chest rig. Optimized for ICEPLATE® Gen 3’s enhanced geometry, dual fill ports, and 52.4 fl oz (1.55 L) capacity—while remaining fully compatible with the legacy ICEPLATE® Curve—the panel positions the hard-cell bladder externally, allowing heavy packs, mortar base…
USAF Reinstates Duty Identifier Patches for OCP Uniforms Last year the AF ceased the wear of the popular Duty Identifier Patches on the left sleeve of the OCP uniform. Many in the force were demoralized as these identifiers instilled pride in the various AF careerfields. The patches have the added value of identifying who does what. Today, morale was raised as Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force took to social media to announce the reinstated patches. Below is the memorandum of implementation along with the list of approved patches. Read the full article here
New Carbine Options for UK Firearms Units Over the last week several press releases have come out claiming that their company’s rifle has been selected for use United Kingdom Police Firearms Units. Since there are more than one, it has naturally led to some confusion. The truth of the matter is that six models in 5.56mm from different manufacturers were approved for purchase in a framework which allows the the 50 individual units or so, to select the firearm from a list which they feel is best for their use. The carbines approved are: – KAC KS-1 – ?Glock AR …
Helikon-Tex Launches Chocolate Chip Desert Pattern for 2026 Each year Helikon-Tex introduces a classic camouflage pattern to their line up of modern combat clothing and equipment. For 2026 it’s the US 6-Color Desert Pattern, popularly referred to as “Chocolate Chip” due to its distinctive coloration. Developed in the wake of the series of the Arab-Israeli conflicts of the 60s & 70s, the pattern was based on research conducted in the US southwest with its rocky desert environment rather than the vast sand dunes of the Arabian peninsula. This logic explains its distinctive construction: six colors and very specific “chips.” The…
L4 Performance – LAWS Weighing in at 380g (size Large) LAWS was designed as a lightweight yet rigid harness for the Crye Precision AWS and their own Maritime L4PC. It’s offered in a variety of colors and patterns including Black, Coyote, Ranger Green, MultiCam, MC Black, MC Tropic, Woodland and M05 in sizes Small, Medium, and Large. Available now at www.l4performance.com/product-page/lavs. Read the full article here
FirstSpear Friday Focus: Thin Blue Line T-Shirt National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day lands on Friday, January 9th, and the FirstSpear THIN BLUE LINE T-SHIRT is built to represent those who stand watch when it matters most. This is a no-nonsense way to show respect for the men and women in law enforcement who run toward the problem, hold the line, and keep pushing through the hard days. Whether you’re training, on the range, off-duty, or just moving through the day, this shirt is designed for comfort and everyday wear without sacrificing the message behind it. The Thin Blue Line graphic…