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Polar Fleece: Past and Present Versions and How They Vary

January 30th, 2012

POLAR FLEECE:
It Rates Amongst The Greatest
Military Products of All Times

By: William McKinney
President, Bradley’s Military Enterprises

When I think of the Army’s most beloved products the P-38 can opener, the quilted nylon poncho liner, polypropylene underwear and Gore-Tex wet & cold weather products rates highly. Now this list needs to be expanded to include polar fleece products. Polar fleece is soft, warm and quiet. It softly conforms to the body without chaffing. When it is used in conjunction with polypropylene or grid fleece the combination is unbeatable in extreme cold weather settings.

The Evolution of Military Polar Fleece:

Generation I Polar Fleece Jackets & Trousers: Commonly known as the “Bear Jacket”

• 100% synthetic poly fiber interior will keep you warm
• Zipper front closure
• Two expandable breast pockets with Velcro snap flaps
• Two front insulated hand warming pockets
• Black nylon re-enforced shoulders and underarms
• Nylon panels under the arms to allow breathability
The generation I Gore-Tex parka & bear jacket combination was a step in the right direction. It was superior to the field jacket & quilted nylon liner in many respects, but the bear jacket had its shortcomings. This fleece jacket had a very snug fit. It ran 1 size smaller than what was stated on the label, and it was tight around the shoulders. Furthermore, the poly fiber material was less supple or less conforming to the body as the polar fleece generations to come. This tight clinging fit reduced comfort and restricted movement, but it was very warm. This warmth explains why it was also known as the “smoking jacket.” It was so warm it could make you smoking hot when active.

* Note: Bradley’s has a clearance sales on used bear jackets for only $9.95. We only have small and medium sizes, but if you have a slender build it’s an excellent deal.

Generation II Polar Fleece Jackets & Trousers: Commonly known as the “Spear Jacket”

• Polartec® Classic 200
• Polartec® Classic 300
• Light & warm
• Highly breathable
• Dries quickly
• Durable
• Machine washable
• 2nd Generation Extended Cold Weather Clothing System (2G ECWCS) includes two different layers made with Polartec® fabrics: Polartec® Classic 300 shirt and Polartec® Classic 200 overalls. When used in combination with other layers in the ECWCS system, the system will provide protection between 40°F and -40°F (4°C and -40°C).

The generation II polar fleece jacket; also known as the “Spear Jacket,” was another step in the right direction. The first generation jacket was thicker and warmer than the generation II model, but the spear jacket was softer, more comfortable, and was less prone to overheating. The latter generation had a looser fit, and it was less restrictive in nature. The arm pit zippers could be opened to reduce overheating. The polar fleece material used with the generation II jacket and trousers was significantly more supple and it conformed to make a better fit. In my opinion, the generation II model was grossly superior to the first generation.

Generation III High-Loft Fleece Jacket:
• Constructed with Polartec® Thermal Pro® material
• Traps air and retains body heat
• Increased warmth with significantly less weight than previous generation ECWCS
• Lower bulk with increased durability
• High collar with full zipper-front and wind protection flap
• Two internal chest pockets and two outer side pockets
• Nylon reinforced collar and elbows
• Polartec® Power Dry® Grid side panels for increased stretch and comfort
• Velcro fasteners for rank and name plates
• Color: Tan, Foliage Green
• Can be used as a jacket or jacket liner.
• Full front zipper.
• Armpit zippers that increases ventilation and prevents overheating.
• Drawstring waistband and hook & loop sleeve adjustments.
• Front slash zipper pockets.
• 2 inside mesh pockets.

The evolution of the Army issued polar fleece jacket has had a consistent trend. The material used to make each generation has become less thick and has provided less warmth. It should be noted that each generation had a looser fit, it conformed to the body better and it was more comfortable. I should also point out that each generation reduced the likeliness for overheating due to more breathable material and arm pit zippers. For most cold weather climates, the generation III model would provide enough warmth, and many would consider it to be the better jacket. Since I live in an extreme cold weather environment where the temperature commonly dips down to -20 F during the winter, I would prefer the generation II spear jacket model over the generation III high loft fleece jacket. I will confess that the high loft fleece jacket is the most comfortable and most breathable polar fleece jacket ever issued to US Army soldiers, but I would prefer the additional warmth of the generation II model. In the story of Goldie Locks the first bowl of porridge was “too hot” and another bowl was “too cool.” Likewise, the generation II spear Jacket was “just right.” It had the right combination of warmth, breathability, comfort and wind blocking ability. I feel the generation III jacket needs to be a little bit thicker, warmer and have more wind blocking ability. This is especially true for use in Afghanistan or at Ft. Drum New York.

Final notes, the generation I and II models had polar fleece trousers with built in suspenders. The generation III model doesn’t include polar fleece trousers, but the larger ECWCS system does offer new products known as grid fleece & soft shell trousers. I also want to point out that the Army uses a polar fleece watch cap during physical training. The new polar fleece model is softer, lighter, and more breathable than the older wool watch cap. All of the Army’s polypropylene, grid fleece and polar fleece clothing items are grossly superior to the older wool products.

MY OPINION:

The Army issued polar fleece jackets, trousers, and watch caps are all outstanding products. When polar fleece is used with silk weights, polypropylene, or grid fleece it only makes a good thing better. Polar fleece goes together with polypropylene or grid fleece like peanut butter and jelly. It’s a match made in heaven. Toss in a Gore-Tex cold weather parka with this fleece combination and you can survive prolonged exposure to bitterly cold weather. If you need more warmth the ECWCS system offers a generation III level 7 extreme cold weather jacket & trousers more commonly known as the “loft jacket & trousers.” These layers trap air creating warmth, and these layers can be added or subtracted to stay warm while avoiding overheating.

I know my customers that are largely comprised of 10th Mountain Division soldiers love their polar fleece products. I’m also aware that civilians such as hunters and survivalists also enjoy polar fleece because it’s quiet and doesn’t make noise when it comes in contact with various surfaces. If you are an active person that enjoys extreme cold weather outdoor activities you will cherish the military’s polar fleece clothing items. This is especially true when combined with silk weight, polypropylene and grid fleece under garments and a Gore-Tex parka on top. The polar fleece jacket serves as an excellent liner. When I go steelhead fishing in the heart of winter I always use this combination so I can enjoy myself when temperatures drop into the teens or even lower.

* Note: For more information about military polar fleece jackets & trousers there is a related article on Gen III ECWCS as well as more info at Ads Inc.

Sincerely;

William G. McKinney
Bradley’s Military Enterprises
President

A look at just some of the Polar Fleece items we have to choose from:

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Winter 2012 Customer Appreciation – or, The “Heck with Driving Through This Sludgy White Nightmare” Sale

January 27th, 2012

Good news, everybody!

To show our appreciation for last year’s success, we’re offering the following discounts on our website (and only online):

If you spend $50 or more, you’ll get a coupon code for 15% off your next order.

If you spend $100 or more, you’ll get a coupon code for 25% off your next order.

If you spend $200 or more, you’ll get FREE shipping, a coupon code for 25% off your next order, and a random free gift!

If you’re local to the Jefferson county area, In-store pickup is always available!

Thank you, and stay warm!

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Genuine Issue Base Layer Clothing Part III: Silk Weights

January 25th, 2012

Genuine Issue

Base Layer Clothing

Part III: Silk Weight Undershirt & Trousers

By: William McKinney

President, Bradley’s Military Enterprises

In my last article I spoke about how I disliked the older wool and mohair cold weather clothing items, and how I enjoy the newer polypropylene and grid fleece products. In this base layer clothing article I will discuss my opinions about another new product known as silk weight undershirts & trousers.

SILK WEIGHTS: Officially Known as Light Weight Undershirt & Trousers

Constructed with Polartec® Power Dry® Silk weight material
Highly breathable, fast drying next-to-skin level
Moisture wicking for evaporative cooling in warm weather
Insulates and stays dry in cool weather
Significantly lighter with less bulk than previous generation ECWCS
Thumb holes aid in donning multiple levels
Reduced chaffing and increased comfort during movement
Contoured long tail undershirt for additional protection from the elements
Color: Desert Sand

Soldiers Opinions & Buying Trends:

Silk weight products are well liked by soldiers although I sell more polypropylene and grid fleece products at my store. I also sell more used silk weight products than new. Most likely this is due to the inexpensive $5.95 price per garment when compared to the $19.95 per garment price for new products. The most common feedback I receive from soldiers is “I’m going to the field next week, and I have to get my silk weights!” Soldiers regularly use silk weight products in the field, especially during the winter.

My Opinion:

When I was a young soldier in my prime, I was a big man standing 6 foot 3 tall and weighing 225lbs. When people speak about silk weight undershirts and trousers they usually focus on its wicking properties and how it creates a dry barrier against the skin. Although this is true, I focus on the smooth texture of the material and its ability to prevent chaffing. As a big man, I had chaffing problems. Despite the fact that I regularly changed my underwear, after 4 or 5 days in the field my groin area was usually rubbed raw, and I suffered from jock itch. Prolonged exposure to dirt, sand, sweat and course uniform material rubbing against my skin caused my groin area to become really painful. In the early 80s and 90s we didn’t have silk weights so I experimented with lady’s nylons to prevent chaffing, but I didn’t like how it felt. I also experimented with Spandex boxer shorts and powders with some success. During the sizzling summers at Ft. Hood this combination was hot, but it prevented chaffing. On occasion I would run into soldiers who stated they didn’t wear any underwear to prevent chaffing, and they recommended this approach to me. I never could bring myself to experimenting with this method.

Today I’m a comfortable civilian. I no longer have to go into the field for 1 to 4 weeks, and I only camp for 1 or 2 days at a time. I will confess that I don’t like the feel of silk against my skin, and I have only used silk weights on 3 or 4 occasions. On one occasion when my wife purchased silky pillow covers I had them removed from my pillow. Obviously I’m not a big fan of silk or silk weights products, but I’m confident I would use the product to prevent chaffing if I was a field soldier once again. Most likely I would want to use a pair of trousers that are 1 size too small. I would want the material tight against my skin, and I would use antimicrobial powers. I sense a tight fitting pair of silk weight under trousers would be more effective at preventing groin chaffing than Spandex. Since silk weights are lighter, cooler, and drier than spandex this would be an additional benefit. I’m confident that I would have loved silk weight trousers on long field problems although I doubt I would use the undershirt.

Another interesting note about the evolution of silk weights. In the late 1990′s or early 2000 era Under Armour introduced silky UA Tech and Compression Wear shirts and trousers. These products were extremely popular with soldiers during this period. This is especially true for elite soldiers that were a part of Ranger and Special Forces units. In 2006 the Army introduced the silk weight undergarments as a part of a larger package known as the Extended Climate Warfighter Clothing System or ECWCS. Today soldiers are issued silk weights or you can purchase these garments separately at stores such as Bradley’s Military Surplus. I can’t say for certain, but I suspect that Under Armour’s high performance sportswear paved the way for the silk weight undershirt & trousers. Both of these products are very similar in nature.

In summary, if you want to increase coolness or warmth against your skin while increasing dryness I recommend silk weight products. I especially recommend this product to reduce chaffing or skin abrasion. All of these benefits make silk weight undershirts & trousers ideal for field use in hot or cold weather settings. If the weather drops into the 20s or lower I would suggest that you use this product with polypropylene and grid fleece underwear. If it is cold and damp you can add a Gore-Tex parka with a polar fleece liner for additional warmth. All of these new products associated with the ECWCS are outstanding field clothing. I highly recommend silk weights and other ECWCS products to keep you warm & dry in the worst cold weather settings that you can imagine. This is when you will appreciate them the most.

* Note: For more information about silk weight undergarments and ECWCS items there is a related article on ECWCS. You can also find information about Under Armour’s UA Tech & Compression Wear at UnderArmour.com

For more information regarding silk weights, including prices and colors that we have available, simply click
HERE

Sincerely;

William G. McKinney

Bradley’s Military Enterprises

President

A brief look at just some of the silk weights we have to offer:

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Genuine Issue Base Layer Clothing Part II: Grid Fleece

January 11th, 2012

Genuine Issue

Base Layer Clothing

Part II: Grid Fleece

By: William G. McKinney

President, Bradley’s Military Enterprises

In my last article I spoke about the Army’s cold weather clothing in the early 80′s and how I disliked the older wool shirts, field Jackets, and field pants. I especially disliked the mohair liners that were used in conjunction with field clothing. Wool clothing and mohair liners were itchy, bulky and very heavy if they got wet. I also expressed how much I appreciated polypropylene and Gore-Tex when it was first introduced. In this base layer clothing article I will discuss my opinions about grid fleece.

GRID FLEECE:

• Constructed with Polartec® Power Dry® Grid material that consists of 98%polyester and 2% spandex.

• Provides extra warmth and stays dry in cool weather.

• Highly breathable, fast drying next-to-skin layer.

• Moisture wicking for evaporative cooling in mild climates.

• Significantly lighter with less bulk than previous ECWCS.

• Thumb holes aid in donning multiple layers.

• Mid-chest zipper converts to a mock turtleneck with throat protection.

• Contoured long tail for additional protection from the elements.

• The Army issues this product in desert sand, but it is available in black as well.

The first time I was introduced to grid fleece was late in 2006 or the beginning of 2007. It was an experimental product being tested at Ft. Drum New York. This base layer clothing item was a part of a larger package known as the Generation III Extended Climate Warfighter Clothing System or ECWCS.

This ECWCS cold weather clothing system consisted of 7 levels and the following items:

• Level I: “Silk Weight” Tops & Bottoms (Light-Weight Undershirt & Drawers)
• Level II: “Grid fleece” Tops & Bottoms (Mid-Weight Shirts & Drawers)
• Level III: “Wind Shirt” (Wind Jacket)
• Level IV: “Polar Fleece Jacket” (High-Loft Fleece Jacket)
• Level V: “Soft Shell Jacket & Trousers” (Soft Shell Cold Weather Jacket & Trousers)
• Level VI: “Gore-Tex Jacket & Trousers” (Extreme Wet / Cold Weather Jacket & Trousers)
• Level VII: “Loft Jacket & Trousers” (Extreme Cold Weather Parka & Trousers)

* Note: In quotations I use the terminology commonly used by soldiers. In brackets I use the official titles given to the clothing items.

* Note: The silk weight and grid fleece items are desert tan and the remaining products are in Universal Camouflage Pattern (UCP), although soldiers commonly refer to this as “ACU pattern.” ACU is associated with the Advanced Camouflage Uniform.

When I first saw the ECWCS I was totally impressed. All I could say was “Wow! I wish I had this stuff when I was in the Army!” All of these clothing items are absolutely amazing. They are made with state of the art materials that provided moisture wicking and breathable waterproof properties. They are light, and you can tell they’re comfortable from a mere glance. It was unlike any military clothing I have ever witnessed before. In future articles I will go into further detail about the ECWCS items, but for now I want to get back to grid fleece products.

My Opinion:

Grid Fleece is an outstanding product. It is light and incredibly comfortable. I love the feel of the interior of the garment. It’s soft and gentle against your skin. Silk weights are designed to be worn underneath grid fleece, but I prefer wearing the Level II product by itself. From a casual glance you can see little squares in the material that make up a grid, thus creating its name. As mentioned earlier grid fleece has moisture wicking properties that draws sweat to the outside of the material. The outer garments then absorbs this moisture creating a dry barrier against your skin. In return, this dryness keeps you warmer than cotton or wool products. Overall, I highly recommend using this product when it’s cold, especially when it is both wet and cold.

How Does Grid Fleece Compare With Polypropylene?

• They are both light weight products.
• They both wick moisture away from the skin.
• Grid fleece is not as heat sensitive as polypropylene, and it doesn’t shirk as much.
• Grid fleece is more comfortable than polypropylene. The fleece interior is softer on your skin.
• Grid fleece doesn’t cling as tightly as polypropylene.
• Grid fleece is more stylish and appealing to the eye.
• Based on customer feedback, the average soldier likes grid fleece better than polypropylene.
• Polypropylene is a warmer product.
• Polypropylene is less expensive than grid fleece.
• I like polypropylene better than grid fleece.

Northern New York is bitterly cold and wet. Temperatures can fall as low as – 30F, and we regularly receive lake effect snow. Since I hate being cold and I’m frugal by nature, I prefer polypropylene over grid fleece. I feel polypropylene keeps you warmer than grid fleece, and it cost half as much. Although Grid Fleece is significantly more comfortable than polypro, I wouldn’t put down polypropylene’s comfort level. I would suggest that polypro feels nice, but grid fleece feels better. Due to issues associated with warmth and cost I prefer polypropylene products over grid fleece, but I will confess my opinion on grid fleece is not widely supported. Most people would prefer grid fleece. With this in mind, I recommend grid fleece in temperatures that are 20F and above. I also recommend grid fleece if you want to be warm, comfortable and money is not an issue. If the temperature falls below 20F; or if you are counting your pennies, I recommend polypropylene.

Overall, Grid fleece is an outstanding form of thermal underwear, and it’s a part of the Army’s most exciting new cold weather product line. I wholehearted recommend this product. I encourage you to check out Bradley’s grid fleece products that consist of tops, bottoms and hoods.

* Note: For more information about grid fleece and ECWCS items please read THIS related article from Wikipedia.

And be sure to stay tuned for my next article on ECWCS where I will be discussing Level III of the Extended Cold Weather System!

Sincerely;

William G. McKinney
Bradley’s Military Enterprises
President

Here’s a glance at what Grid Fleece looks like. We have a variety of brands to choose from including Peckham, Atlanco, and Rothco. To check out them out, as well as our other ECWCS gear, simply click HERE.

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Genuine Issue Base Layer Clothing Part I: Polypropylene

January 3rd, 2012

Genuine Issue Base Layer Clothing

Part I: Polypropylene

William G. McKinney

Former U.S. Army Lieutenant

President, Bradley’s Military Enterprises

When I joined the U.S. Army in 1982 as an enlisted soldier I wasn’t ready for the combat arms lifestyle. I was raised in a comfortable middle class family. I never was exposed to hunting, and I rarely went camping. My parents idea of roughing it was to travel 8 hours to Maine, get a hotel room and to stroll along the beach. I spent significantly more time at bistros and cafes than developing my survival skills. Before I went on my first field exercise I thought it would be an enjoyable experience similar to camping. Boy, was I in for a big surprise! Going to the training facilities at Grafenwohr Germany in January was a far stretch from having a relaxing camping experience.

I quickly discovered that staying warm and dry was critical for field survival. This may sound easy to accomplish, but it wasn’t an easy task. Back in those days we were issued waffle thermal underwear, wool shirts, field jackets, and wool field pants. The field jacket and pants also had removable mohair liners. This type of clothing was heavy, bulky and uncomfortable. Soldiers regularly overheated while road marching. Later we froze in our sweat drenched clothing. In those days we didn’t have products that were breathable or had moisture wicking properties such as Gore-Tex, polypropylene, grid fleece or silk weights. Until these products were introduced we had no other option but to suffer or make the best of it.

From August 1982 to July 1986, military clothing changed very little. To tell the truth our clothing and equipment was very similar to what was issued in World War II. We still had steel pot helmets, C-Rations, standard web gear, wool clothing, and waffle style thermal underwear. I was even issued olive drab fatigues although the BDU uniform was being introduced. During my first tour of duty the big changes in the Army was the BDU uniform, MREs (Meals Ready to Eat), and the PGST Kevlar helmet.

When I depart the Army in 1986 I didn’t anticipate any big changes in the near future, but I was wrong. When I joined the Army again in 1990 I was issued 2 new clothing items I had never used before. These new clothing items were Gore-Tex jackets and polypropylene thermal tops and bottoms. I will not go into details about the Gore-Tex Jacket in this article, but I will briefly say I loved it. What I loved even more was the new polypropylene thermal underwear. When I went to the field during the winter I always made sure that I brought my “Polypro,” but there were times when I would accidentally mix in an old waffle style thermal underwear set. Believe me when I tell you there is a big difference in comfort and warmth between polypro and waffle thermal gear. This is especially true in cold wet environments or when the temperature falls below freezing. Eventually I threw away the old white cotton blend “waffles” so they couldn’t find their way into my rucksack.

The reasons why I love polypropylene:

Polypropylene dries quickly.
It wicks moisture away from the skin.
It creates a dry barrier that increases warmth.
It is an ideal product to use while road marching on bitter cold days.
If you get sweaty polypro will quickly dry and help you stay warm.
I like the soft feel of polypro on my skin.
Cotton blend thermals absorbs moisture and it results in being cold. This explains why the Army has a cold weather training motto that states: “Cotton Kills.”
Wool dries slowly, it tends to make you itch and it is heavy when wet. Polypro; in contrast, is light, comfortable and surprisingly warm.
Polypropylene is significant less expensive than newer products such as grid fleece thermal underwear.

Polypropylene draw backs:

Polypropylene is basically spun plastic. Therefore, it is very heat sensitive.
Polypro shrinks in the drier, especially in high heat.
You should wash polypro items in cold water and hang dry. This is the best bet to avoid shrinkage.
If you use a drying machine place your settings on low heat for 30 minutes.
If you briefly have contact with a hot source polypro can melt in the blink of an eye. Once I melted a huge hole in my shirt by slightly touching a hot electrical generator.
If you accidentally put a polypropylene item in the dryer on high heat, and allow it to remain in the colander after the machine stops, it will create small circles on the material. These circles are caused by the colander branding or melting the material. It will also shrink the item by one size or even more.
Regardless of shrinking, polypro clings to the skin. It isn’t as tight as Under Armor’s compression wear, but it feels snug against the skin. Some customers don’t like this feel, but I think it is very comfortable.
Over time polypro forms small peal balls. Some say this is caused by exposure to heat. This may be true, but I think rubbing and friction causes the fine polypro hairs to ball up.
On occasion my customers will tell me polypropylene holds body odor. I don’t feel polypro stinks, but I have heard customers make this claim. It isn’t a common complaint. Usually if there is any negative feedback about this product it is usually associated with shrinking.
My recommendation about polypropylene products is twofold in nature. First, buy polypro products one size larger than you would normally wear. Second, don’t put your polypro items in the dryer machine.

Despite the long list of draw backs I have mentioned, I still suggest you try polypropylene. In fact, I enthusiastically recommend using this product in extreme cold weather settings. I use it regularly, and I wouldn’t think of going on a winter field exercise or camping without it. Polypropylene products are nice to use when the weather falls below 50 degrees. You will like it more when the temperature falls below freezing, and it is a life saver in subzero weather. Since Bradley’s is located in Northern New York, and we regularly have subzero weather in the winter, polypropylene items are some of my best selling products. If you live in a cold weather region, and you are a highly active person, I encourage you to buy a set of polypropylene thermal underwear. I’m confident you will feel it is money well spent.

Bradley’s Selection of Polypropylene Items:

Thermal Underwear Shirts Thermal Underwear Trousers Glove Inserts

Glove Liners “Contact Gloves” Socks Sock Liners

Neck Gators Hoods

A look at just some of our Polypro merchandise:

And to browse our FULL line of Polypropylene products, simply click HERE!

* Note: Polypro works well in conjunction with wool and polar fleece. It wicks sweat to the outside of the garment and then the outer layers will absorb this moisture. I recommend using wool gloves with polypro glove liners and wool socks with polypro sock liners.

*Note: In my next article I will discuss an outstanding new extreme cold weather product called grid fleece.

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Important Memorial Day Announcement

May 26th, 2011

To all Bradley’s Surplus customers:

We just want to let you know that we’ll be closed on Monday, May 30^th, in observance of Memorial Day. As a result, the latest time at which we can ship packages will be 3:00 PM on Friday, May 27^th for UPS, and 12:00 PM on May 28^th for USPS. We will resume normal operations on Tuesday, May 31^stat 9:00 AM. Thank you for your business, and we hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend!

Sincerely,

Bradley’s Mail Order Team

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Bradley’s Sponsored Event – Operation Pine Plains V

May 10th, 2011

Operation Pine Plains

BRADLEY’S MILITARY IS SPONSORING OPERATION PINE PLAINS V
THE PREMIER MIL-SIM EVENT IN THE NORTH EAST

Contact: Bradley’s Military
Telephone: 1-800-503-4954
Email: service@bradleysurplus.com

In anticipation of New York’s Premiere Airsoft Event Operation Pine Plains V, Sponsor of Operation Pine Plains I, II, III, and IV, Bradley’s Military, is offering a Discount on their website as well as their store from 4/1/11 to 6/17/11 for Operation Pine Plains Participants.

This will be the fifth installment of what has become one of the most revered Military Simulation Airsoft Events in the country!

The Operation Pine Plains website www.oppineplains.com is the #1 source for OPP V information and news.

-Quoted from the Op Pine Plains Website,
“Experience has proven that squads who organize and train prior to this event are successful. Ad-hoc squads rarely succeed at this event. Operation Pine Plains is the marathon event in the airsoft world. I personally would not run a marathon without some serious preparation. You should have the same attitude towards Operation Pine Plains. This event is not for the weak in mind, body or spirit. It will push you to your limits and beyond. As the players have increased their tactical proficiency, you challenge me to make this event more challenging. I hope you agree that the event has grown with you.

OPPV is focused on squads. Squad registration. Squad tactics. Squad logistics. Squad stamina. The winner of OPP is determined during the early hours of Sunday morning – when most squads seek rest – others fight to control the city. Will your squad be the one sleeping? Will your squad be the one fighting? OPP is not about brute force or even how many kills you get. OPP is about water, ammunition (batteries and BBs), food, weapons, casualty management, work/rest cycles, communication, tactical proficiency and much more. Squad leaders win or lose this battle for the company!”

Please help BlackSheep Mil-Sim Productions LLC and Bradley’s Military make the Operation Pine Plains series the best Mil-Sim events in the North East.

For any direct questions about OPP IV please refer to the Pine Plains website or use the contact us form located here, www.oppineplains.com/opp5.

If you need to contact Bradley’s Military and have any questions about ordering products for Operation Pine Plains feel free to call us at 1-800-503-4954 or email us at service@bradleyssurplus.com.

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Operation Climb to Glory Taking Place Oct. 8-10

October 7th, 2010

As close to Military Experiences as you can get. The Op will start for most on Friday night and run through Sunday.
Coalition will have the “City” Main MOUT site and the Airfield (people from OPP IV will know last missions).
The Insurgents will have the 2 small MOUT sites with Mosques and the 2 miles between the MOUT and the airfield. There are 8 small villages and a small cave.

If you sign up with the Coalition you will live in the “Hotel” at the MOUT, if you sign up with the Insurgents you will be assigned a house in one of the villages.
No camping in tents. Unload car at your assigned living location, park car at soccer field, game on.

Expect the newest level of Military Experience!

The Leader of the Coalition Forces will be
Jeff “Soldier Boy” Froelich, Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army (Retired)
Infantry, Airborne, Air Assault, Jungle Warfare Specialist

Units include:
82nd Airborne Division
101st Airborne Division Air Assault,
The United Nations Security Force – Joint Security Area Korea,
The 1st Battalion Airborne
508th infantry Panama,
4th Infantry Division,
2nd Infantry Division Korea
Senior Instructor with the 1st battalion 314th infantry

Numerous deployments to include:
Operation Enduring Freedom (Iraq)

The Leader of the Insurgent Forces will be
Bill Gaudette, Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army (Retired)
Infantry, Air Assault

Units include:
The 101st Airborne Division Air Assault
10th Mountain Division
132nd Infantry
508th Infantry Panama
503rd Infantry Fort Bragg

Numerous deployments to include:
Kosavo
Panama
Operation Enduring Freedom (Iraq)
Afghanistan:

3rd Generation 101st Airborne.
Grandfather was Sgt. Denver “Bull” Randleman who served with Easy Company, 506th Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division (the real “Band of Brothers”).
Bill’s father was also with 101st and his son is currently with the 101st currently serving in Afghanistan.

For more information, visit http://www.opclimbtoglory.com/

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GORE-TEX Footwear Technology Improves Comfort in Military Boots

September 23rd, 2010

ELKTON, Md.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., has introduced a footwear technology for the U.S. military with optimized breathability in extended climate ranges. Specifically designed for hot climate conditions, GORE-TEX® Extended Comfort Footwear protects feet from exposure to rain and inclement weather, while allowing moisture vapor to escape from the boot, keeping feet dry and more comfortable. Boots made of this construction also pick up less water and dry out faster, in addition to reducing boot weight.

With a single-wall construction, GORE-TEX® Extended Comfort Footwear has been engineered specifically to ensure maximum breathability without compromising durable waterproof performance. Unlike other jungle or hot weather footwear, boots with this new technology have proven to provide waterproof protection and breathable comfort. Lab tests showed that these new boots retained 90 percent less water than comparable boots and that breathability over time was excellent. In field tests, participants perceived that these boots kept feet as cool as both the current desert boot and the temperate weather boot.

This new technology provides the opportunity to have one pair of boots for the widest range of climate conditions. According to Bill Candy, Gore’s North American footwear product specialist, Gore works closely with each manufacturer as each new boot design is developed. Candy explains, “We work with our customers to deliver the best product for their intended application, which in this case was to increase the comfortable climate range, particularly on the warm to hot side, of waterproof boots. We also work with customers to understand their requirements, develop a solution, and test the final designs to ensure that each product meets the unique environmental challenges that the military is faced with today.”

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Infantry USAF Fixes It’s Color Conflict, Adopts MultiCam

September 20th, 2010

U.S. Air force personnel in Afghanistan have been buying (or scrounging from kindly army supply sergeants) the new MultiCam pattern uniforms. That’s because the air force uses a different camouflage pattern for their field uniforms, and when air force air controllers (who call in air strikes) move through the hills with army troops, it’s obvious from a distance who the air force personnel are. Actually, it makes all the troops more visible, because the MultiCam is pretty good at hiding those wearing it, but the difference between the air force camo and the MultiCam is so striking that the entire group of troops becomes more visible. The air force brass eventually got the message, and have started buying MultiCam uniforms for air force troops operating in combat along with army troops.
This was not the first problem of this sort. While the MultiCam was a an improvement on the older ACU pattern uniforms, the troops did not get new packs (which also use cano pattern cloth) at the same time they received the MultiCam uniforms. Thus when troops went off into the hills, the combination of MultiCam uniforms and ACU pattern packs did a lot to ruin the camouflage effect.

The U.S. military has been having a tough decade when it comes to camouflage uniforms. Since September 11, 2001, the U.S. Army has changed camouflage patterns for their combat uniforms twice. First it was the adoption of digital patterns, then the current move to MultiCam.

It was SOCOM (special operations command) troops who first had second thoughts about the older digital camo pattern. The digital camouflage pattern uses “pixels” (little square or round spots of color, like you will find on your computer monitor if you look very closely), instead of just splotches of different colors. Naturally, this was called “digital camouflage.” This pattern proved considerably more effective at hiding troops than older methods.

For example, in tests, it was found that soldiers wearing digital pattern uniforms were 50 percent more likely to escape detection by other troops, than if they were wearing standard green uniforms. What made the digital pattern work was the way the human brain processed information. The small “pixels” of color on the cloth makes the human brain see vegetation and terrain, not people. One could provide a more technical explanation, but the “brain processing” one pretty much says it all. Another advantage of the digital patterns is that they can also fool troops using night vision scopes. American troops are increasingly running up against opponents who have night optics, so wearing a camouflage pattern that looks like vegetation to someone with a night scope, is useful.

But digital doesn’t rule, at least not when price is no object. The runner-up in the competition was a non-digital pattern called MultiCam (cleverly designed to hide troops in many different environments). Many in the army preferred this one, but the difference, in tests, between it and the winner, digital ACU, was not that great. Moreover, MultiCam was about three times more expensive.

However, SOCOM operators have their own budget, and had many of their guys out in the field wearing MultiCam, rather than the digital ACU. Now SOCOM has always had a larger budget, per capita, than the rest of the army, and its operators had a lot of discretion to use whatever weapons or gear they thought best for the job. Apparently, on some jobs, MultiCam was considered more suitable than digital ACU. That said, there have been few complaints from soldiers about ACU, which measures up to MultiCam in most particulars, and it a lot cheaper.

Eventually, the services decided that if MultiCam provided even a small advantage over digital, than MultiCam was the way to go. The British Army thought the same thing, and are now sending new uniforms, using a version of MultiCam, to their troops. But for the new MultiCam to work, everything the troops wear has to be MultiCam. And everyone out with the troops, especially air force air controllers, need to be dressed in MultiCam as well.

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