August 11, 2011 by Austin Cushing.

While the Airman Battle Uniform (ABU) has been in use for several years already, it will officially replace the Desert Combat Uniform (DCU) and Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) as the combat uniform of the United States Air Force on November 1st, 2011. If you’re still wearing BDUs or DCUs, it’s time to get your ABU orders in; there is currently no backorder on ABU components, but that may change very quickly as the due date approaches.

The following are required components of the Airman Battle Uniform:

ABU Coat (Shirt). The ABU Coat must be made of 50% nylon/50% cotton material, with button fastenings and Air Force digitized tiger stripe print. Rank insignia for officers is on the collar on the left side; rank insignia for enlisted personnel is on the sleeves, centered on the outer arm halfway between the elbow and shoulder seam. Name tapes will be worn immediately above the upper ABU pocket on the wearer’s right; the ‘US Air Force’ service tape will be worn on the upper ABU pocket on the wearer’s left. Up to two relevant chaplain, aeronautical, space, cyberspace, and/or occupational badges are authorized for wear above the US Air Force tape, the first centered 1/2 inch above the tape, the second 1/2 inch above the first. Duty Shields for members of the Office of Special Investigations, Security Forces, or Fire Protection, as well and Missile Badges (where authorized) are centered between the bottom of the pocket flap, bottom of the pocket, and left and right edges on the ABU coat’s left pocket only, and are the only items authorized for placement in this location.

T-Shirt - Desert Sand (Tan). A desert sand T-shirt will be worn under the ABU coat and tucked into the trousers; it may be replaced by a desert sand turtleneck. Installation commanders may prescribe a unit designation and cloth or silkscreen emblem to be worn on the left side of the chest not to exceed 5 inches in diameter. Pockets are not allowed, and gender-appropriate undergarments are required to be worn with all uniform combinations.

ABU Trousers. The ABU trousers must be made of 50% nylon, 50% cotton, with button fastenings and Air Force digitized tiger stripe print. The waistband must rest on the Airman’s waist, and the trouser must present an evenly bloused appearance. If not bloused, the straps must be removed and the trousers must be allowed to hang naturally to ankle length.

Belt - Desert Sand (Tan). The ABU Belt must be a one-piece rigger-style nylon web belt, 1 3/4″ in width, and must be worn with the ABU trousers.

Combat Boots - Sage Green. The Sage Green Combat Boots must be worn with the Airman Battle Uniform; these boots must be lace-up with plain or capped rounded toe with or without a perforated seam. Zippers and elastic inserts may be included, if they do not have a design or logo. These combat boots may include a safety toe at the wearer’s option. Exceptions: Commanders may temporarily authorize the use of black leather boots with ABUs in industrial work environments or work centers where industrial products or processes cause irreparable staining to the sage green suede or tan suede boot, until a stain-resistant green boot becomes available. Theater Commanders may authorize tan combat boots for wear only in theaters of war.

Socks - Sage Green. As part of the Airman Battle Uniform, Airmen are required to wear sage green socks; plain white socks can be worn underneath the sage green socks as long as the white socks are not visible.

ABU Patrol Cap. Headgear is required when outdoors at all times unless in a designated no-hat zone. The typical requirement is the ABU Patrol Cap, made of 50% nylon/50% cotton with Air Force digitized tiger stripe print. Officers wear a subdued metal or cloth rank insignia centered on the front of this cap; enlisted personnel do not wear ranks on their caps. An installation commander may optionally approve usage of a sage green watch cap instead for use with ABU authorized outer garments.

All Purpose Environmental Clothing System (APECS). For outdoor use only as outerwear. APECS coats and APECS trousers use Air Force digitized tiger stripe print, and require a slip-on rank insignia to be worn on the rank tab. A sage green fleece liner may be worn under the APECS, as long as it is not visible.

Sage Green Fleece. The sage green fleece can be worn outdoors by itself with the Airman Battle Uniform, but must be removed when indoors (local commanders can allow indoor wear as mission needs dictate.) It can only be worn over the ABU coat. When worn as an outer garment, uniform regulations require a Velcro ABU print last name tape with dark blue block lettering centered between the zipper and sleeve seam on wearer’s right chest. Regulations also require a 2 inch squared Velcro subdued cloth rank insignia with solid sage green background (no ABU pattern on background) flushed and centered above the last name tape on the wearer’s right chest. A Velcro ABU print ‘US Air Force’ service tape with dark blue, block lettering will be placed even with the last name tape and centered between zipper and sleeve seam on wearer’s left chest.

The original document containing the Air Force Dress Regulations is available at http://www.e-publishing.af.mil/shared/media/epubs/afi36-2903.pdf without restrictions, so if you’re curious about what the 179-page document actually contains, you’re cleared to look it over yourself. If you’re looking for a quick outfitting solution for your troops, contact our sales department with the name, rank, shoe size, hat size, trouser size, and shirt size of all soldiers who need a complete uniform solution and the quantity of each item you need and we’ll give you a combined quote based on the quantity of your order. Attached, Velcro-backed, or loose insignias, badges, name tapes, and service tapes are available to meet your needs. We will happily deliver to military bases, consolidation points, APOs or FPOs with a minimum of fuss. Let us know what we can do for you, your unit, your squadron, or your base today.

Posted in Military, Alerts, Articles, Blogroll | 1 Comment »

August 5, 2011 by Austin Cushing.

If you’re familiar with the RBR Tactical line, you may have been surprised when the company, known for making a popular series of ballistic helmets and tactical armor used by many government agencies at the municipal, state, and federal level, closed their doors for business several months ago. We have good news, though - RBR is back, under the new brand name RBR North America, and has opened with several new advantages.

First and foremost, if you’ve ever worn an RBR Tactical helmet, you probably only had one significant complaint against it - the mesh liner it came with was flimsy, wasn’t made in the United States, and was usually quickly torn out and replaced before it ever saw service. RBR North America has taken steps to ensure you’ll never have to rip out a liner again by using Team Wendy quality liners made in the United States and approved for use by the US Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and National Guard on all tactical helmets from this point onward. This does nudge the price up slightly, but the customization quality of the padding now included is incredible - a single Large-size helmet can fit all but the very smallest or very largest of heads, because the Team Wendy padding included allows you to customize the helmet to fit your head snugly without feeling crammed into place or dangerously loose.

Second, RBR armor carriers are undergoing redesigns and improvements that take consumer and dealer suggestions into consideration. While the basic concealable or exterior carriers are available immediately (at extremely reasonable prices), the new carrier designs will be announced shortly. Other new designs available include the ballistic flotation vest - providing bullet-stopping power to naval customs officials, search crews, and boarding crews without endangering their lives should they fall into the water.

Anchortex Corporation welcomes back the RBR line of ballistic protection products and looks forward to seeing more good things from it in the future.

Posted in Law Enforcement, Body Armor, Police and Security, Military, Alerts | No Comments »

May 20, 2011 by Austin Cushing.

Are you looking for a loadout bag that will actually survive its intended purpose? While we all hope to never need to pack up and run on a moment’s notice, many people are preparing ’survival bags’ just in case the worst actually takes place. With this in mind, I’d like to introduce you to the sort of bag used by the United States Marine Corps — the FOR65 Deployer USMC Replacement Sea Bag, manufactured by Force Protector Gear in the United States.

At $445.19, the FOR65 Deployer might sound like an expensive choice for the would-be survivalist - but unlike many other ‘bug-out bags’ or ‘loadout bags’, the FOR65 has been put to the test in combat zones as a solution for rapid deployment. Designed to exceed military durability specifications in every way, the FOR65 Deployer is built to be extremely weatherproof and waterproof, and can be converted quickly from a heavy-duty rucksack to a rolling luggage system to a stowable footlocker with a minimum of effort. Designed to withstand physical and environmental abuse in military combat situations, this collapsible loadout bag is a popular choice amongst hardcore survivalists who want to ensure their gear can survive whatever the world throws at them.

Looking for supplies to stock your existing bugout bag? Anchortex Corporation can help, providing comprehensive quotes on itemized survival kit requirements, including MREs, water purification supplies, cooking supplies, first aid kits and components, firestarting tools, survival manuals, camping equipment, weather-appropriate clothing, tactical apparel, bedding items, survival radios, fixed blade and folding knives, multi-tools, duct tape, paracord, tarps, navigation equipment, and other camp supplies. Whether you’re looking to prepare for the worst for yourself, for your family, or for a larger group, you owe it to yourself to get ready now. Contact our sales department and get your loadout gear from one place at a great price!

Posted in Military, Articles | No Comments »

May 13, 2011 by Austin Cushing.

Anchortex Corporation has been given exclusive rights to offer Propper’s closeout inventory, and we’re taking advantage of the opportunity to sell it at 20% to 50% off of Propper’s original minimum advertised pricing. To find out what’s available, check out our Propper Closeout section, then contact our sales department to place an order or request a quote. Our tactical footwear coupon code also expires Sunday night, so if you’re looking to stock up on good tactical gear at a very low price, this is your chance to get an excellent deal!

Posted in Sale, Military | 1 Comment »

March 24, 2011 by Austin Cushing.

EOTAC items are currently out of stock, and no orders for EOTAC items are being accepted at this time. Comparable items by Tru-Spec,
Propper, and 5.11 Tactical are available. 

Contact our sales representatives for more information or to request quantity quotes on comparable items.

Posted in Police and Security, Military, Alerts | 1 Comment »

March 18, 2011 by Austin Cushing.

Whether you’re serving active duty on the battlefield, walking a patrol on the streets, doing some hunting in the wilderness, or shooting on the competition circuit, your weapon of choice must be cared for and maintained frequently to ensure that it maintains its reliability and accuracy. As such, a cleaning kit - whether personally assembled or bought complete - is a vital part of one’s loadout kit, bug out bag, or personal care supplies. Otis Technology manufactures pre-assembled weapon cleaning kits for a variety of calibers and weapon types, such as their 9mm-.45 cal pistol/submachine gun cleaning kit, their 12 guage combat shotgun cleaning kit, and their 7.62mm rifle cleaning kit, all of which contain a Gerber Military Tool, optics cleaning gear, rods and swabs to clean the chamber and bore, obstruction removers to remove stuck cases and other bore obstructions, and scrapers, picks, and brushes for maintaining slide action and other crucial components. Each is packaged in a lightweight case with ALICE and MOLLE clips for ease of attachment to military equipment.

For those interested in supplementing their own cleaning kits or stockpiling replacement supplies at their base of operations, Atlanco Tru-Spec delivers with a variety of GI-spec gun cleaning accessories for proper firearm care. The 5.56 mm / .223 Remington round has served our nation’s military as well as sportsmen and huntsmen for decades, and is one of the most common rounds available; as such a bore brush, chamber brush, cleaning patches, or better, a complete cleaning kit should be a component of any owner’s arsenal.

Posted in Law Enforcement, Military, American Outdoor Gear, Articles | 1 Comment »

March 8, 2011 by Austin Cushing.

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If you’ve been traveling through a high-security area, you’ve likely seen military personnel, bomb squads, and security checkpoints using metal detectors and X-ray scanners, as well as something you may not recognize - a trace detector, a handheld device that can detect explosive compounds so that they can be neutralized before they can kill hundreds or thousands of people. But how does it work? To answer that question, we’re going to be taking a close look at the Scintrex E3500, the most commonly seen type of trace detection unit available on the market today.

The Scintrex E3500 is manufactured by Scintrex, the leading manufacturer of explosives and contraband detectors worldwide and a division of Control Screening, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of security checkpoint and detection equipment overall, and is remarkably easy to use. It uses Luminol Chemilux chemiluminescence technology to detect military, commercial, and homemade explosives compounds, whether liquid or powdered, while screening out weather and environmental interferences to sharply reduce the possibility of false positives or false negatives. You don’t need to be a forensics expert to operate the E3500 - once you’ve calibrated the device, you can simply press the button to perform a scan, with results reported to you in seconds on the unit’s LCD screen, with visible alerts if a hazard is detected. The device scans both by measuring vapors taken in through the
front of the unit, and by examining particulates ’swiped’ inside, allowing flexible scanning options depending on security needs.

Because the Scintrex E3500 uses Luminol Chemilux instead of radioactive isotopes, basic operation of the device requires no certificates or licenses, and the device manages to be incredibly rugged and self-contained while still maintaining a weight of less than six pounds. This basic change in the way trace detection systems function also sharply increases the accuracy of the unit, reducing false positives from environmental factors while detecting even nanogram traces of explosive compounds. A single battery charge allows the unit to operate for up to six hours uninterrupted, and its consumable components are minimal and typically only need to be replaced on a yearly basis. Furthermore, its durable design and unique sensitivity allows it to resist the effects of hostile environments (exhaust, humidity, rain, sand, aerosols, pollutants, and the like), making it a viable tool for real-world applications as opposed to a high-tech laboratory toy.

The Scintrex E3500 is no bigger or heavier than a housecat, yet it can reliably scan for explosives in luggage, mail, trucks, vehicles, clothing, electronic devices, backpacks, documents, and other containers, or practically anywhere that a swab or air sample can be taken. Its sensitivity and portability makes it, and devices like it, a vital component of security screening by military forces, law enforcement agents, customs officers, bomb squads, government facilities, security checkpoints, hotels, palaces, embassies, power plants, courtrooms, sporting events, and TSA officials at rail stations, airports, and seaports. Airport security might still be a nightmare, but with developments like these, the practical necessity for invasive personal searches will become a thing of the past as soon as reliable scanning technology is commonly adopted.

For more developments in security screening, check out our AUTOClear / Control Screening section or contact our sales department for more information and to request quotes.

Posted in Law Enforcement, Police and Security, Military, Articles | 1 Comment »

August 6, 2010 by Austin Cushing.

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The NIJ Standard 0101.06 is a comprehensive standard for testing the protective values of ballistic armor such as that used by law enforcement and military personnel. In order to qualify under this standard, ballistic armor must pass a series of rigorous performance tests to ensure that they live up to expectations.

Ballistic armor is rated by level of protection, with higher levels offering increasingly effective protection against penetration and blunt trauma impact from larger caliber rounds; in order to pass certification, a vest must prevent penetration by the test bullet at the test firing speed, and more importantly must prevent deformation as a result of blunt force trauma on the test surface. Soft armor (such as the concealable vests worn by law enforcement) consists of Level II-A, Level II, and Level III-A, and is meant to protect mostly against small arms fire. Hard body armor consists of rigid plates that can be inserted, and are rated Level III or Level IV, for protection against rifle rounds.

The important points of the NIJ standard can be explained by pointing out the changes in testing requirements from the 0101.06 standard and the interim NIJ 0101.05 standard; after reviewing tests of the previous standard, as well as performance in the field, the National Institute of Justice has determined that more strenuous testing requirements are needed to ensure a minimum lifespan of five years, and to protect against larger and faster bullets than in previous testing.

Under the NIJ 0101.05 standard, for IIA through IIIA testing, a total of six panel samples were required for testing purposes. Each panel was to be of a standard size, with six shots per panel and a minimum spacing between shots of 2 inches. Two shots (#4 and #5, specifically) were to be performed at a 30-degree angle from the armor, to test angled impacts. To test the effects of water on the material, armor was subjected to a six minute spray before testing. All test shots were performed on areas a minimum of 3 inches from any edge. Four tests of ballistic limit testing were performed to test its resistance to penetration; two tests of backface signature testing were performed to test for deformation of a test material (soft clay) behind an impact point, with a maximum allowable deformation depth of under 44 millimeters. Body armor would fail testing if it allowed greater deformations from the test bullets, or if the first test bullet completely penetrated the ballistic armor.

The NIJ 0101.06 standard provides more rigorous testing of these requirements. Specifically, 28 test samples are required - 22 large samples, and 6 small samples. Each panel still receives six test shots, but the spacing is more rigidly defined - shots one through three are spaced a minimum of two inches apart, with a minimum distance from edges of 2 inches. Shots 4 through 6 must be grouped in a circle with a max spread of 3.94 inches. Shot 4 is still tested at a 30 degree angle, but shot 5 is tested at a 45 degree angle. Wet testing is performed by completely immersing the armor for 30 minutes. Ballistic limit testing is performed on both the first and second rounds per type, with ten tests performed per type. Backface signature deformation testing requires three measured deformations of less than 44 millimeters, with a second measuring of any result over 40 millimeters, and one outlier permitted. Failure occurs if greater deformations are recorded, or if the armor is perforated by any portion of the projectiles tested.

The NIJ 0101.04 standard required that vests to be certified to level IIA withstand testing from a 9mm round traveling at a relative velocity of 1120 feet per second and a .40 caliber round traveling at 1055 fps. Level II armor had to withstand a 9 mm round at 1205 fps (+/-30) and a .357 magnum round traveling at 1430 fps. Level IIIA armor was required to stop a 9mm round at 1430 fps and a .44 magnum round at 1430 fps.

The NIJ 0101.06 standard increases requirements at all levels; armor to be rated level IIA must now withstand a 9mm round at 1225 fps, and a .40 caliber round at 1155 fps. Level II armor must now withstand a 9mm round at 1305 fps, as well as a .357 magnum at 1430 fps. Level IIIA armor must now be able to withstand a .357 SIG round at 1470 fps, as well as a .44 magnum at 1430 fps. These tests must all be performed according to the requirements listed above.

In addition, NIJ Standard 0101.06 tests for the effects of environmental conditioning from water, long-term use, and temperature exposure. These tests put one batch of eight panels (six large and two small) into a rotary tumbler set at 149 degrees Fahrenheit with 80% relative humidity. This batch is cycled for 72,000 cycles at five revolutions per minute over a period of roughly ten days, then removed and tested against both threat calibers at a reduced test velocity (Level IIA requires testing of 9mm rounds at 1165 fps and .40 caliber rounds at 1065 fps after conditioning; Level II requires testing of 9mm rounds at 1245 fps and .357 magnum rounds after conditioning; Level IIIA requires testing of .357 SIG rounds at 1410 fps and .44 magnum rounds at 1340 fps after conditioning.)

The level of protection one wears is typically based on one’s need for concealability, comfort, and overall protection. Level II-A is the thinnest and lightest armor available, and stops penetration from a majority of threats, but is less effective against blunt trauma injury. Level II armor provides a balance between blunt trauma protection against high-velocity rounds, cost, and thickness while remaining concealable. Level III-A armor provides the best protection in soft armor and minimizes blunt trauma injury to the wearer, allowing them to respond more quickly to imminent threats, but is less concealable, heavier, and more expensive.

With the new standard comes new products, so look forward to new concealable ballistic armor that meets NIJ Standard 0101.06 from GatorHawk Armor Systems and Max Pro Police and Armor this month, and contact us for more information on purchasing these and other tactical armor solutions.

Posted in Body Armor, Police and Security, Military, Articles | 1 Comment »

June 8, 2010 by Austin Cushing.

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Anchortex Corporation prides itself on serving our nation’s military forces by providing them the widest selection of mission-critical military equipment and optional support gear available. Now we are pleased to announce our new flame-resistant Army Combat Uniforms and Airman Battle Uniforms manufactured by Propper International, leaders in quality mil-spec uniform apparel.

For our Army and Marine soldiers, we offer our Propper F5468 Flame Resistant Army Combat Uniform Coat and F5268 Flame Resistant Army Combat Uniform Trousers. These are sewn to military specifications GL/PD 07-13 and 07-14 using Defender M, a flame-resistant combat fabric used by the United States Army and Marine Corps that exceeds ASTM D 6413-99 flame resistance standards. This fabric contains Lenzing FR, allowing it to absorb and evaporate perspiration faster, improving durability and resistance to wear, and giving it the ability to self-extinguish without melting or dripping. Both are fully NIR-compliant and meet all standard requirements as a part of the Army Combat Uniform.

For our Air Force soldiers, we offer the new NFPA 1975 certified F5257 Airman Battle Uniform Trousers and F5457 Airman Battle Uniform Coat. These are both sewn to mil-spec FQ PD-06-11B and PD-06-08B, are fully NIR compliant, and manufactured from 100% cotton ripstop fabric. Importantly, they are fully certified to NFPA 1975 (Standards for Station/Work Uniforms for Emergency Services - 2009 Edition) by Underwriter Laboratories, Inc., and can be used upon approval by unit commanders by personnel requiring a fire-retardant fabric.

The men and women who serve our country deserve equipment that meets and exceeds their expectations for durability and survivability under the most extreme conditions nature and man can throw at them, and thanks to Propper, Anchortex Corporation is capable of delivering with fire-retardant uniform apparel that can keep our uniformed men and women safe while retaining a regulation appearance.

Are you deploying soon and need new uniforms - for yourself or the entire squadron? Contact Anchortex Corporation with your size, rank, and nametape specifications to receive a customized quote for your uniform supply needs.

Posted in Flame-Resistant, Military, Articles | No Comments »