http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/gear/ en-us Mon, 7 Dec 2009 21:33:20 GMT Focus Forum 15 http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2402328/posts Even as the U.S. military scrambles to support a troop surge in Afghanistan, it is donating passenger vehicles, generators and other equipment worth tens of millions of dollars to the Iraqi government. Under new authority granted by the Pentagon, U.S. commanders in Iraq may now donate to the Iraqis up to $30 million worth of equipment from each facility they leave, up from the $2 million cap established when the guidelines were first set in 2005. The new cap applies at scores of posts that the U.S. military is expected to leave in coming months as it scales back its... Washington comPost http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2402328/posts#comment Mon, 7 Dec 2009 21:33:20 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2307477/posts FORT MONMOUTH, N.J., Aug. 3, 2009 – Army Sgt. 1st Class Debra Tanacea was eager to begin her first deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. She had been wearing the Army uniform for 16 years, she said, and felt more than ready to accept the challenge of serving in a hostile environment. But after learning the requirements of one particular project, she wasn't sure it was a mission she could accomplish. Her job was to collect personal protective equipment, or PPE, damaged by improvised explosive devices for forensic testing so that it could be improved. But it was the... Face of Defence http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2307477/posts#comment Mon, 3 Aug 2009 23:21:08 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2306653/posts COB ADDER — As U.S. forces prepare for one of the biggest logistical challenges since the Vietnam War, military planners continue examining the best ways to move the mountains of equipment accumulated here since 2003. During a recent conference at Joint Base Balad, senior logisticians traveled from around the world to discuss the ongoing drawdown of forces and equipment here and the repositioning of assets to Afghanistan. One of the key issues addressed was the shipping containers scattered around the country, and the thousands more Coalition forces would need for drawdown operations. Enter the 368th Seaport Operations Detachment, which manages... Multi-National Force - Iraq http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2306653/posts#comment Sun, 2 Aug 2009 20:21:56 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2224954/posts Michelle Malkin is reporting that the left is mobilizing to get out in front of the Tea Party movement by organizing their own counter-demonstrations on April 11. Sounds like a gas - a counter demonstration of a demonstration that won't happen for a few days. That said, there are a few reasons to be concerned: 1. Media. Demonstrations are effective only to the extent that they get media attention. Political Castaway http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2224954/posts#comment Wed, 8 Apr 2009 17:38:46 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2176060/posts Carrying heavy combat loads is taking a quiet but serious toll on troops deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, contributing to injuries that are sidelining them in growing numbers, according to senior military and defense officials. Rising concern over the muscle and bone injuries -- as well as the hindrance caused by the cumbersome gear as troops maneuver in Afghanistan's mountains -- prompted Army and Marine Corps leaders and commanders to launch initiatives last month that will introduce lighter equipment for some U.S. troops. As the military prepares to significantly increase the number of troops in Afghanistan -- including sending as... washington post http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2176060/posts#comment Sun, 1 Feb 2009 05:44:36 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2175333/posts WASHINGTON, Jan. 30, 2009 – Soldiers should have full confidence in the quality of a particular series of Army-issued body armor plates that has come under recent scrutiny, Army officials said. Scores of Army tests and an independent evaluation have determined the effectiveness of three types of ceramic plates manufactured by Armor Works of Chandler, Ariz., said Army Brig. Gen. Peter Fuller, one of the officers who oversees equipment as part of the Army’s Program Executive Office Soldier. “Those plates being worn on the backs and fronts of soldiers all around the world are quality product,” Fuller said in... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2175333/posts#comment Sat, 31 Jan 2009 00:59:07 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2172737/posts This intriguing helmet concept from Canedo Studio and spotted by Yanko Design is said to be inspired by the protective headwear worn by Roman Gladiators and we mention it mainly because, well, it's a very cool design. Although on one hand it may look like an industrial brain slicer, the design is indeed intended to protect one's noggin, with weight being distributed evenly across the arch structure to reduce pressure on the bridge of the nose. According to Yanko Design, the helmet is adjustable via a range of rubber attachments that brace the ribs on the frame. Breathe-ability certainly wouldn't... Gizmag.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2172737/posts#comment Tue, 27 Jan 2009 17:15:49 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1994056/posts BAGHDAD — After stomping around for a few days with the new Improved Outer Tactical Vest (IOTV), 4th Infantry Division Soldiers reported both pros and cons about the new tactical gear. The new vest has several design differences and some added features, which keep the Soldiers in mind when they're in times of trouble. The first noticeable difference in the vest design is the way Soldiers don the IOTV. Rather than slipping into it like a jacket, as with the Interceptor Body Armor, they lift it over their head and pull down, which sometimes requires another person to help get... Multi-National Force - Iraq http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1994056/posts#comment Sun, 30 Mar 2008 18:00:56 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1993963/posts Army News video: Air Force pilots test new helmet during Army exerciseNELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nevada — CF-18 fighter pilots participate in Exercise BOLD QUEST Canadian Forces Army News http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1993963/posts#comment Sun, 30 Mar 2008 13:16:00 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1976751/posts Politicians go native in garb all the time, but because of the muslim-hype surrounding Barack Hussein Obama, the recent picture of him received a lot of unwarranted attention. Sweetness & Light brings us another photo and some analysis: Right On the Right http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1976751/posts#comment Wed, 27 Feb 2008 00:05:56 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1975709/posts I am usually quite proud of being a conservative. I know in my heart that the only way to enjoying liberty under the law AND equality of justice is through the application of conservative principles to government and society. And I am usually proud of the rational, reasonable basis on which most conservatives see the world and evaluate people and events. That’s why it embarrasses me to no end to see fellow conservatives who actually believe that Barack Obama is some kind of “Manchurian Candidate” sent by Muslims to undermine American society. Or that Obama is a closet Muslim just... Right-Wing Nut House http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1975709/posts#comment Mon, 25 Feb 2008 02:42:49 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1822422/posts Gathering of Eagles UpdateHi, there. We are the gear provider for Gathering of Eagles. I have gotten requests for banners and flags, and am trying to work with my vendors to come up with the best product possible, at the best possible pricing - so if we can get everyone that wants product together, we can get the pricing way down. Do you happen the state and regional coordinator email addresses for contact? www.gatheringofeaglesgear.org 888-743-2968 Update from GOE http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1822422/posts#comment Tue, 24 Apr 2007 03:37:17 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1650225/posts WASHINGTON, June 15, 2006 – About 800 National Guard troops have arrived for duty in four U.S. border states as "Operation Jump Start" gets under way. The Guard members reported to Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California, to support the U.S. Border Patrol and are expected to begin their missions by next week, Michael Friel, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection spokesman, told American Forces Press Service. "They're in various stages of in-processing," Friel said. Some command-and-control elements are already standing up a joint task force, and many of the operators are expected to be working within days, he said.... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1650225/posts#comment Fri, 16 Jun 2006 00:38:21 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1650187/posts BAGHDAD, June 15, 2006 – Al Qaeda in Iraq is in disarray and confusion following the death of its terrorist boss, and the Iraqi government is moving forward quickly to provide security for its capital city, coalition officials said today at a news conference. Army Maj. Gen. Bill Caldwell, a coalition spokesman, said Abu Musab al-Zarqawi's death June 7 helped set the conditions for a huge step forward in the security picture of Iraq. Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki announced the beginning of Operation Together Forward yesterday. Iraqi forces are leading this operation and it is designed to cripple or... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1650187/posts#comment Thu, 15 Jun 2006 23:46:52 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1639460/posts WASHINGTON, May 27, 2006 – The Utah Youth Soccer Association has teamed up with "Operation Give" to collect soccer equipment for needy children in Iraq, UYSA officials said. Operation Give is a nonprofit organization comprising volunteers in six states who collect donations for in-need children overseas. The donations are sent to U.S. servicemembers for distribution. The organization is a member of the Defense Department's America Supports You team. "We are lucky to have the resources our soccer community enjoys, so we jumped at the opportunity to donate," Leisa Vineyard, the group's president, said. "We're proud to team up with... America Supports You http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1639460/posts#comment Sat, 27 May 2006 22:12:08 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1628955/posts Armoured suits are 'too goofy' say US troops By Francis Harris, in Washington (Filed: 09/05/2006) American troops have complained that a new armoured body suit designed to be worn in Iraq makes them look "goofy". The water-cooled "alien spacesuits" are being handed out to turret gunners in their notoriously vulnerable Humvee vehicles. The new suit is designed to protect against roadside bombs but has had mixed reviews from soldiers The protective suit, based on those worn by bomb disposal officers, was intended to cut spiralling casualties for one of the most dangerous jobs in modern warfare. But some troops have... The Telegraph (UK) http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1628955/posts#comment Tue, 9 May 2006 01:51:57 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/1615796/posts I received some money recently. I have decided to put a portion of it aside to spend on retrofitting the house and packing in some supplies for 6 for a year. I want to be able to rotate the supplies through our regular pantry. I also will be retrofitting our well to pump into a holding tank...and I am looking for a good wood cookstove, I have a big jotol in the living room. Candles, oil lamps whatever. Your input and links would be appreciated. http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/1615796/posts#comment Sun, 16 Apr 2006 01:20:52 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1576176/posts Faulty gear puts troops at risk THE safety of Australian troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, including the elite SAS force, has been compromised by defective body armour, combat jackets and helmets, according to damning Defence Department documents. The faults include combat jackets that glow in the dark, giving enemies an easy target, and body armour that cracks easily. The helmets issued to soldiers have harnesses that are "worn, rusted and damaged" and are shaped in a way that makes it "impossible to sight a live claymore (landmine) in the prone position" while wearing them. The documents reveal that the safety... The Australian http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1576176/posts#comment Fri, 10 Feb 2006 22:52:30 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1576221/posts Texas: A U-S soldier's wife is launching real and virtual bake sales to raise money to buy body armor for troops -- even though the government has promised to rush more protective gear to those on Iraq's front lines. Tammara Rosenleaf's husband deployed from Fort Hood in December. She said the Bake Sales for Body Armor fund-raiser also will provide medical supplies, communications equipment and other needed gear. Rosenleaf hosts the first bake sale tomorrow in Montana. Beatriz Saldivar of Fort Worth -- whose nephew Daniel Torres was killed in Iraq a year ago -- said she plans to help... AP http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1576221/posts#comment Sat, 11 Feb 2006 00:07:17 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1575242/posts (IsraelNN.com) Maariv daily reports that a millionaire businessman from Ra'anana has offered to donate $20,000 to Land of Israel protestors in order to purchase equipment, including helmets, batons and shields for use in defending themselves during the next expulsion attempt. "When I saw what happened at Amona, that the balance of power was unequal, I didn't see police, I saw masked faces with shields and helmets and I want the settlers to have them too," the man told Maariv. "I don't want the settlers to attack the expellers, I want them to be able to defend themselves," he emphasized. The... Arutz 7 http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1575242/posts#comment Thu, 9 Feb 2006 18:11:37 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1569949/posts Survivors Praise Body, Vehicle Armor to House Subcommittee By Donna MilesAmerican Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Feb. 1, 2006 – Three soldiers just back from Iraq -- including two who credit personal and vehicle armor with saving their lives -- traveled to Capitol Hill today to tell Congress that when it comes to protecting troops, more isn't always better. "We're here to say we're pretty happy with what we have," Brig. Gen. Karl Horst, the 3rd Infantry Division's assistant division commander for maneuver, told the American Forces Press Service before appearing at today's House Armed Services Committee's Tactical Air and... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1569949/posts#comment Thu, 2 Feb 2006 06:24:24 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1568135/posts NEW YORK (AP) - 0130dvs-woodruff-update ABC News anchor Bob Woodruff, seriously hurt by a roadside bomb in Iraq, has shown signs of improvement and may be airlifted to the United States as soon as Tuesday, the network's news president said Monday. A hospital official said body armor likely saved the journalist's life. Cameraman Doug Vogt, also hurt in the explosion, is in better shape than Woodruff but doctors were pleased with how both handled the transfer to a U.S. military base in Germany, said ABC News President David Westin. "We have a long way to go," Westin said. "But it... Las Vegas Sun http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1568135/posts#comment Mon, 30 Jan 2006 19:57:41 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1565048/posts IRAQ(Army News Service, Jan. 24, 2006) -- For many Soldiers, even the new Advanced Combat Helmet is a necessary evil; it can be cumbersome when in the dining facility trying to handle a tray of food and it causes headaches and tension in the neck when worn on lengthy missions. Sgt. Shawn Snyder of 3rd Infantry Division’s 2/7 Scout Platoon is one Soldier who will never complain about wearing his helmet again. With good reason … it saved his life. Snyder’s mission was to serve as a routine escort of the Explosive Ordinance Disposal detail to the forensics building in... ARNEWS http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1565048/posts#comment Thu, 26 Jan 2006 01:23:27 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1558029/posts THIS week Senator Hillary Clinton, citing a secret Pentagon report that suggested some marines killed in Iraq might have survived had they been wearing more body armor, became the latest in a long line of politicians to castigate the Pentagon for a supposed failure to adequately protect our fighting men and women. Well-intentioned as the senator might be, the body-armor issue, like so many in war, is just not that simple. From 2000 until 2004, I was an infantry officer in the Army. I deployed with a light-infantry platoon to Afghanistan in 2002, then with a platoon of Army Rangers... The New York Times http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1558029/posts#comment Sat, 14 Jan 2006 15:05:45 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1555730/posts WASHINGTON, Jan. 10, 2006 – The Army will continue to improve body armor issued to soldiers, and will begin manufacturing side-panel inserts to the Interceptor ballistic armor, officials said here today. The side panels, which weigh 3 pounds, will be made of the same material as the small-arms protective inserts. Army Col. Thomas Spoehr is in charge of fielding body armor. He said the Interceptor body armor now issued to servicemembers protects against most of the threats they face in Iraq and Afghanistan today. "It's the best body armor in the world," Spoehr said. And the proof is in the... American Forces Press Service http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1555730/posts#comment Wed, 11 Jan 2006 02:35:10 GMT