Gear & Kit

An article from Military.com reminded about a new viewing system for individual soldiers that has been in development and testing since about 2018 or so. The new system is referred to as ‘Integrated Visual Augmentation System’ (IVAS).

The foundation of IVAS is a Microsoft commercial product called HoloLense which is referred to as ‘mixed reality smartglasses’. The Microsoft HoloLense program is also known under the name ‘Project Baraboo’. The Microsoft product has evolved to more of a goggle set which is the foundation for IVAS. IVAS provides the soldier two advantages…improved situational awareness through heads-up display (HUD) functionality and target reticle projection/integration into the HUD.

The heads-up display improves situational awareness by showing things such as map data. The weapon reticle data is transmitted from a sight unit mounted on the soldiers M4A1 carbine via Bluetooth to the IVAS HUD.

The website ‘Breaking Defense’ did an article back in April of 2020 discussing how Ft. Bragg was using some of the thermal capabilities of the goggles for COVID-19 mitigation. Base personnel were checking soldiers temperatures by just looking at them. You can read the Breaking Defense article here:

https://breakingdefense.com/2020/04/covid-19-army-ivas-goggles-now-take-temperatures/

The IVAS program is consisting of four Soldier Touch Points (STP’s) so far. STP one (squad level testing) and STP two (platoon level) are completed. Touch Point 3 began on October 17th with roughly a company of soldiers with network integrated IVAS sharing data amongst users. STP 4 is supposed to occur in the spring of 2021 with fielding taking place the same year.

The Military.com article has interesting comments from soldiers involved in testing and can be read at this link:

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/11/24/armys-sci-fi-infantry-goggles-change-mechanics-of-shooting-soldiers-say.html?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=EBB%20Mil%2011.25.20&utm_term=Editorial%20-%20Military%20-%20Early%20Bird%20Brief

With UAV’s fully integrated into air warfare, it was only a matter of time until technological improvements for the ground-pounder began to appear. In addition to IVAS, there are testing programs underway for robot ‘donkeys’ to carry gear and supplies for soldiers on the battlefield. I’m glad I retired in May of 2020. The battlefield is becoming increasingly lethal for personnel on all sides…technological improvement for the warfighter isn’t one-sided anymore.

Aimpoint, in collaboration with Larry Vickers, has released a limited edition Micro T-2 red dot reflex sight. This limited edition sight is product #200714 on the Aimpoint USA website (see link at the bottom of this post). This offer is exclusive to the Aimpoint USA website. The Aimpoint.us price on a standard AR-15 ready T-2 is $910.00. The price for the Larry Vickers Limited Edition is $949.00. Not too bad of a difference.

• 2 MOA red dot for fast target acquisition

• 50,000 hours (over 5 years) of constant operation on one battery

• 12 intensity settings for use in daylight and low light conditions

• Weight 3.0 oz (sight only)

• Submersible to 80 Feet (25 meters)

INCLUDES: Special numbered sight with Vickers Tactical logo, Scalarworks 1.57’” Quick Detach LEAP Mount, Aimpoint case, Scalarworks Lenspen & T10 Driver Bit, Vickers Tactical Decal, CR2032 battery, Micro tool

You can see the product details at the link below:

https://aimpoint.us/limited-edition-aimpoint-micro-t-2-vickers-tactical-red-dot-reflex-sight/?showHidden=true&utm_campaign=201122_Vickers%20Tactical_VIP-early-access%20%282020-11-22%29&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Klaviyo&_ke=eyJrbF9lbWFpbCI6ICJtaW51dGVtYW4xNjM2QGhvdG1haWwuY29tIiwgImtsX2NvbXBhbnlfaWQiOiAiTGtid3JoIn0%3D

The Aimpoint T-2 Specification Data Sheet is available at this link:

I splurged and bought something. Picked it up today.

It came well packed in a nice box, this box was packed in a discrete unmarked box for shipping.

Inside was this Ruger weapon case. It feels lightweight, so I don’t know how well it will stand up to abuse, but I like how it feels.

The zippers have a place a lock so you can lock the bag closed(not that someone couldn’t rip/cut it open).

Opening the case, you can completely unfolded it. You can even fold it back over to have the insides facing out should you want too. One side has two large flaps and three zippered pockets. The other size has some padding, and is covered with hook and loop material. There are also several various accessory attachments that come with the case.

There are three large velcro straps so you can secure items in place. One small velcro strap, and one small loop. I think the loop could fit the end of a barrel. There is a round pocket that can fit a barrel, or flashlight, perhaps a pistol mag. There are two spacers with foam inserts you can use to support the items in the case. I think you could easily slide out the foam and might be able use them to hold double stack pistol mags or similar sized items.

There was a bunch of little items and Ruger paperwork in the case, I almost missed the sling carrying strap for the case that was at the bottom of the pocket. They also include a safety lock and chamber flag for your gun of choice.

I’m really liking this case. As I was moving around the velco attachments, I was thinking I might use the case a fair bit. My only complaint was going to be the Ruger logo on the front. I’d rather be more discrete.

But Ruger already thought of that. They made their logo on the front a velco tag you can remove or replace.

You could easily have a compact gun secured in the case, and have mags, a little ammo, perhaps a pistol or two in the zippered pouches. If you really wanted, you could stuff another gun on the other side of the flaps. But the flaps don’t provide 100% separation between the sides, so if you did the guns would rub up against each other a bit. Wouldn’t be the best choice for two expensive guns, but it would work for some cheap beaters.

I’m looking forward to using this case.

I think this sort of things helps prove that this isn’t the Ruger of Bill Ruger’s days.

Oh, and the case also came with a gun.

I was surfing the web, shopping around for something I need, and I found this for sale. In a moment of weakness, I bought it.

Initially when I carried the SAW, we used M60 spare barrel bags for our spare barrels. Later those were replaced with this bag. Why I bought one, hell if I know.

Much to my surprise, the bag I received was new in wrap. I almost felt bad ripping the plastic off it.

It was nicely folded and buckled up. I was worried for a moment that the carry strap was not included.

Opposite the buckles, you have a briefcase handle, and two additional sling loops. I prefer to use these loops over the ones at the end of the bag as I felt it kept the bag more stable. But it is always nice to have options.

Opening it up, the heavy duty carrying strap was tucked away inside. You can see the insulated lining, and a pocket for your cleaning kit. Cleaning instructions (of the barrel bag) are sewn to the bag.

Unfortunately this bag is just short enough that many short barreled AR15 will not fit it. It is just a touch too short for any of my ARs assembled, or my breacher shotgun.

But it is perfect fit for my stand alone M203.

Yea. . . that must have been the reason I bought it, to have a case for my 203.

Yeah.