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.

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^st at 9:00 AM.  Thank you for your business, and we hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend!

Sincerely,

Bradley’s Mail Order Team

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.

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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Article taken from the July 22, 2010 edition of Sioux City Journal

STORM LAKE, Iowa — Two waiters from Baltimore, Md., quit their jobs this year, determined to bring happiness to people they’ll never meet.

Their trail brought them to Storm Lake on Wednesday. They’re expected to hit Sioux City today.

Paul Lebelle and Adam Burkowske are riding bikes east to west across the country in an attempt to raise money and awareness for children of military personnel serving overseas. It’s fitting they’re in Iowa this week, not only for the launch of RAGBRAI, the world’s oldest and longest continuous cycle ride.

No, they like being here this month as some 2,800 Iowa soldiers are being deployed for service in the Middle East, representing the largest single call-up of Iowa soldiers since World War II. It will leave thousands of children across the state feeling lonely at times, unsure at others.

“The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have taken a heavy toll on kids growing up in military families. Parents come back wounded or don’t come back at all,” Burkowske said. “Kids are also facing parents’ multiple deployments.”

Like the quilts that offer a bit of comfort to children who face a year without Mom or Dad, a bicycle and helmet can help in another way.

“We know that being outside in the fresh air, sunshine, and having physical activity is not only good for your health, but also raises your spirit,” said Lebelle.

So, the pair founded the Bike Free charity with hopes of securing enough donations to buy 1,000 cycles and helmets for children identified through the USO (United Service Organizations). The group’s web site is found at www.bikefree.org.

The two left Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay on June 10 and plan to pedal at least 5,000 miles before reaching San Diego in mid-October. They’re hanging out in Sioux City this weekend to swap stories with 10,000 cycling enthusiasts who will take off Sunday in Iowa’s annual river-to-river ride. If they pick up a check or two from a fellow biker, all the better!

They plan to appear Friday with Sioux City Mayor Mike Hobart during his weekly press conference.

“My mother raised four children on her own and if it weren’t for people who helped us, we wouldn’t have had bicycles,” Burkowske said.

A child without a bike — or without the freedom to ride — is losing a valuable part of childhood, he noted.

“When you can ride around, you explore, you meet friends,” Burkowske added. “Having a bike as a kid was integral. We want to make sure that the kids who are having a tough time will have that opportunity.”

Both avid bikers, Lebelle and Burkowske talked about this quest over a few beers after the restaurant they served closed one evening this spring. Burkowske had thought about walking across the U.S. this summer to see how the nation had changed in the decade after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Lebelle said if Burkowske took a bike, he’d follow.

“Usually, you talk yourself out of ideas,” Lebelle said. “I’m 34 and I’ve let a number of opportunities go by.”

Burkowske, who turns 30 next week, thought back to his days as a volunteer in various youth camps. He liked the satisfaction he received in giving something back.

“It’s not important to cross the country on a bike,” he said. “What is important is to enjoy yourself while promoting health and fitness.”

Even more important? Putting two new wheels under a child and adding a spring to his or her step.

 

Article taken from the July 26, 2010 edition of Wicked Local

A new beer just started showing up on Massachusetts store shelves with an uncommon selling point: A portion of the profits will go to one of several military and veteran-related charities.
   In fact, that portion – 50 percent – is reflected in the name of the beer, 50 Back. Pepperell residents Kimberly Rogers and Paige Haley started selling the beer, an American-style lager with a recipe that they created, on Memorial Day weekend.
   The focus so far has been on shops north and northwest of Boston (Rogers tells me the beer is in about 60 restaurants and 200 retail outlets). Rogers says they’re hoping to expand the beer’s availability within the city of Boston and to secure a distribution agreement for the South Shore and Cape Cod soon. Eventually, they’ll look to build a distribution network that would allow them to expand into other states.
   The beer is brewed out-of-state, at the Olde Saratoga Brewing Company in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. They have already distributed 1,600 cases of 50 Back (that’s 38,400 bottles of beer) and recently received their second batch of 1,600 cases.
   Rogers, a tax attorney, and Paige, a real estate broker, are hoping to turn 50 Back into new full-time jobs. They’re both amateur home-brewers who wanted to start a business that could make its own contribution to society.
   50 Back Beer had its big launch party on Sunday in Charlestown, drawing more than 200 friends, family members and beneficiaries to a wind-whipped pier in the Navy Yard.   Even though 50 Back hasn’t made any profit yet, Rogers and Paige used the party to announce initial donations of $1,000 apiece to five charities: the USO, Homes for Our Troops, the Ahern Family Charitable Foundation, America’s VetDogs and the Massachusetts Soldiers Legacy Fund.
 Rogers and Paige said they plan to post their tax returns at the end of the year, so customers can see exactly how much profit the company is making and verify that half of that profit is indeed going to charity.
   It’s an unusual step for a for-profit company to share that kind of information (nonprofit tax returns are a matter of public record). It will be interesting to watch Rogers and Paige prove that giving back to others can be a profitable – and fun – endeavor.

To locate a store near you that sells 50 Back, visit their website:

http://www.50back.com/the-beer/where-to-buy/