The OBEY Commuter Pack is made from 100% nylon and rolls up for easy storage. It features an interior notebook sleeve and an exterior pocket that can hold a pair of sneakers or up to three cans of spray paint, not that TFB condones tagging. Seen above is the Woodland variant, but it’s also available in black, blue/grey, and tan/yellow.
Mad Catz has created another excellent third-party controller in the ‘Ghost Recon: Future Soldier’ PrecisionAIM Pro Gamepad. Decked out in ‘Future Soldier’ imagery with backlit analogue stick modules and “non slip pistol grips”, the Pro Gamepad is as great looking as it is functional. The quick fire triggers are very responsive, as is the d-pad and face buttons, while the sticks offer a degree of accuracy not found in the standard 360 pad. This can be further assisted by activating the PrecisionAIM feature, which slows down on-screen movement for more precise shots.
XL combat buttons on the rear of the pad can be programmed via selector switches (found above the buttons) to function as either face buttons (right combat button) or directions on the d-pad (left combat button). This feature was developed in conjunction with the Ghost Recon development team to best work for use with Future Soldier, although it’s more than useful enough for a wide variety of games. Finally, it features a 3ft braided cable, so no batteries required.
Pricing is in the $40-50 range, so it’s around the same cost as a wireless 1st party controller. Despite this, the controller is a worthy edition to any gamer’s collection of peripherals, if only because it boast a number of noticeable improvements over the vanilla 360 pad. Plus, it just looks pretty damn cool.
Ghost Recon: Future Soldier drops May 22, 2012 (June 12, 2012 for PC)
Tactical Fanboy: Hot tattooed chick and at least part of the Constitution! Not much better than this.
Declaration of Independence...Constitution.
And THAT, boys and girls, is why you don’t write when you’re so hung over you can barely see.
Continuing the proud tradition on TFB of announcing any shoe we can find with a camouflage pattern, we present the Air Force 1 Low Max Air VT. It features a full-length vis air unit (insole) with “total orange color”, and a canvas Vac-Tech constructed upper in Woodland camouflage. It also features wax laces, embossed leather tongue and heel tabs, and distinct cushioning.
No word on pricing or availability yet.
One thing this excellent article fails to mention is the beard…you have to grow a big beard, and you should grow your hair at least until it touches the top of your ears (see #3, which is good but could be expanded imho).
How to look like you’re Special Forces
by Anonymous, courtesy of BusinessWeek.com
1. First, go to EMS and buy the biggest watch you can find. A foreign special services officer asked me once whether we recruited guys based on the size of their watches or whether we bought everyone a big watch as a reward after training.
2. Cut the sleeves off your shirt. It’s hot in the Middle East, and guys would cut the sleeves off their operational uniforms. It makes sense in certain situations, but I had to tell my team, “Look, I know it’s hot, but I need you to meet safety parameters. You’re gonna get scratched.”
3. Make it your boss’s job to tell you to get a haircut and a shave.
Tactical Fanboy: You have to cut off your sleeves, grow a beard and wear a huge watch if you REALLY want to look like a steely-eyed Special Forces snake-eater.
4. Wear sunglasses. Everywhere. I’ll tell my team, “Hey, we’re inside. We can take off our sunglasses.” But they don’t.
5. Keep quiet. The baddest guys I know are also the quietest. The guy who’s talking about doing badass stuff? He’s probably not the biggest badass in the room. It’s a little like that guy on the football team who wears his letterman jacket all the time.
6. Never say “no.” Your first reaction has to be, “Yes, I can do that,” and then you figure out how. If the president asked me to go to the moon tomorrow, I’d say yes. Then I’d say, “I’ll need some training. And someone who can fly a rocket.” — As told to Brendan Greeley
I was invited to attend a recent press event for ‘Ghost Recon: Future Soldier’ which included, among info on other exciting features, a first-hand look at the multiplayer. In case you’re wondering, it’s even better than the video makes it out to be.
Multiplayer Overview
Multiplayer pits two teams of 6 against each other in one of four game types: Conflict, Decoy, Saboteur, and Siege. There’s also the obligatory ‘Horde’ mode (with a twist) called Guerrilla. Ten maps will be available shipped with the game. Gametypes are largely team and objective based, so don’t expect anything akin to vanilla deathmatch. The gametypes are as follows:
Conflict
In Conflict, multiple objectives pop up on the map one after the other as the two teams fight to capture, defend, or destroy them. A typical match might start with both teams trying to, say, secure a data probe, followed by the victor trying to activate an EMP bomb while the loser tries to prevent that action, ect. This continues until the time limit expires. Most objectives captured at the end of the round wins. In the event of a tie, kills serve as the tie breaker. This gametype lasts for one round.
Decoy
In Decoy, one team tries to defend three objective sites from the attacking team. In an interesting twist, only one of the objectives is the actual true objective, with the other two acting as decoys, hence the gametype name. Also, neither team knows which objective is the true one. If the true objective is discovered by the attacking team, a final objective opens up for them to complete. A round ends if either the defending team runs the clock down or the attacking team completes the final objective. This gametype lasts for best two out of three rounds.
Saboteur
Both teams try to capture a bomb case that spawns in the center of the map and deliver it to the enemy’s base. If a player picks up the bomb, they lose mobility and are restricted to their side arm, but gain unique bombcase melee takedowns. It’s highly advised that the other players escort the bomb carrier to their objective. If time runs out, the round ends in a tie. This gametype lasts for best two out of three rounds.
Siege
Siege is essentially Search and Destroy. One team attacks while the defending team tries to protect two bomb sites. There are no respawns, and a team wins if they kill the entire enemy team, manage to set off one of the bombs (attackers), or run the clock down before a bomb can be set off (defenders). This gametype lasts for the best two out of three rounds.
Guerrilla
Guerrilla pits a squad of 4 against increasingly difficult waves of enemies and vehicles. Subsequently successful rounds lead to the players being awarded with support actions, from UAV coverage to airstrikes. The twist mentioned earlier is that every ten rounds or so a new position is highlighted on the map. The players have to capture and hold that position against enemies. If any enemy units occupy the space for a short period of time, the round is lost despite how many players are still alive. This mode lasts to 50 rounds.
Class Overview
Character selection is class-based, and each character can be customized with unlockable head gear. Each class has access to unique weapons and special abilities that suit all manner of playstyles. The two factions, the Ghosts and the Bodarks, have faction specific weaponry: the Ghosts favor NATO firearms (higher accuracy, lower damage) while the Bodarks stick to Russian, Eastern European, and Chinese weaponry (lower accuracy, higher damage). It’s also worth mentioning that unlike many other recent games, characters can only take a few bullets before dying (and while there is the presence of regenerating health, it’s extremely slow), so proper use of cover and teamwork is essential in winning most matches. The classes available are:
Rifleman
Unique ability: Chest Armor – allows you to take a bit more punishment from torso shots.
True to his name, the Rifleman class can wield assault rifles. Additionally, they can also wield LMGs, which can suppress the enemy. While suppressed, a player’s screen narrows and darkens, and they lose the ability to attack at all unless they move out of the line of fire, making them extremely vulnerable to flanking maneuvers. Standard thrown equipment is grenades. They can also unlock a medic kit that allows them to revive incapacitated allies.
Scout
Unique ability: Active Camo – allows the user to become partially invisible while practicing low mobility.
The Scout wields sniper rifles and, for those who are more CQB inclined, PDWs and SMGs. The active camo automatically kicks in when the player stays still or is slowly moving. It is especially helpful for concealing your position from a distance or in thick vegetation (camping). An equipment upgrade unlocked later on can further improve the camouflage to a level of near complete invisibility. Standard thrown equipment is flashbangs.
Engineer
Unique ability: Scope Detector – this lets the player know if an enemy is sighting in on them with a scoped rifle via a sound indication.
The Engineer wields personal defense rifles, carbines, and shotguns. Can choose to equip several types of drones, including a man-portable UAV and sentry gun. Standard thrown equipment is motion detectors.
Multiplayer Progression
New equipment and weaponry is unlocked through level progression. In an interesting twist, at unlock milestones, the player often has to choose between one of two rewards. For example, at level 20, an engineer may have the option to unlock either a drone or a movement sensor, and can only have one through the rest of their class progression. At every level up, the player also earns a Gunsmith token for each faction that they can use to modify any weapon of their choosing. Any spent Gunsmith tokens spent are exclusive to that part and weapon only. As an example, if the player chooses to purchase an AFG for their ACR, then the AFG is unlocked for the ACR only, and can’t be used on the other Ghost weapons.
There is a way to reset which choices the player selected, however. In lieu of a “prestige” option, where the player resets all their unlocks and starts again from level 1, they earn a token at level 50 that allows them to respec their character. Additionally, an additional class slot is unlocked and the player can choose one Bodark weapon for a Ghost to use and vice versa.
Multiplayer features tons of unlockables and the gameplay is of a well-paced variety that caters better to teamwork than rushers, so it might not hurt to get a party together instead of playing with randoms. Despite this, it’s definitely one of the better designed multiplayer games I’ve played in recent memory. I’m eagerly awaiting the game’s release so I can give it another go [and maybe beat another player’s head in with a bomb case after flashbulbing them like the first time I played Saboteur; good times].
‘Ghost Recon: Future Soldier’ drops May 22, 2012 (June 12, 2012 for PC).
http://www.ubi.com/US/
Battle Systems LLC is selling an interesting series of morale patches: USMC MOS “patches”, specifically the 03 series (no 0311s yet, sorry grunts, but give ’em time). The owner of Battle Systems LLC was with 2/8 CAAT from ’02-’05 and did the OIF invasion in 2003, OEF ’03-’04 and OIF again in ’05. His partner in crime in the business was a west coaster who did time with 5TH Marines and 7TH Marines.
Check ’em out. Like ’em on Facebook and tell ’em TFB Knuckledragger at Tactical Fanboy sent ya.
That LEO really loves him some guns…
Long-time Tactical Fanboy reader and frequent smartass comment-putter-inner Red2Alpha has done a review of the High Speed Gear Inc. tactical baseball cap on Military.com. We’ve got some op-ed coming up from R2A here ourselves, all featuring startlingly big words and they’re not even drawn out in crayon. Watch for that next week. Read the review; buy a hat.
Judging from the eyebrows and hair, this is either Sam Elliot or Mean Gene Higdon.
Personally, I want to see one of these on a technical, driven by a bunch of mean, bearded sumbitches from Ft. Benning rocking their way through a hostile village in Pashtunistan. But that’s just me.
The GAU-19 Gatling .50 Cal is one serious piece of hardware which I thought I’d mention today in light of it’s renewed interest for Naval deployment. Many have never even heard of it or seen it deployed, which is a shame because this monster can lay down the hate.
Read the whole story at the Loadout Room.
From Tactical Gear News. I figured you might like this. One thing: don’t wear tactical pants on the airport to SHOT, or to walk around a gun show just because. You look a little silly, unless you’re just longing to return to the days of walking the diamond in Asscrackistan. In that case, go ahead. Jack Idema needs a fan club.
iPad 3 Meets Tactical Pants
Nora Holloway
When Apple unveiled its next generation of iPad, we looked down at our tactical pants and wondered if that awesomely oversized pocket could hold our beloved mobile computing device. With the dimensions remaining the same, we remembered the Tactical Pants Blog‘s quest for the perfect iPad 2 pocket. In this experiment, they tested the pocket capacity limits of the biggest brands in operator apparel.
Luckily, they photo documented the experiment, so you don’t have to take our word for it.
One of the clear winners, Genuine Gear’s tactical pants ($29.99) would easily holster the newest addition to the iPad family. Pictures don’t lie… the iPad 2 fits in not one, but two pockets—the cargo pocket and the front pocket with the flap open. However, if you aren’t paying attention at all times, that pricey Apple investment could come crashing to the ground.
The iPad 2 didn’t quite fit in the 5.11 Taclite Pro Pants or the original weight. No amount of shoving will make that iPad 3 slide into either styles’ pockets.
The discontinued Blackhawk Warrior Wear Tactical Pants were proclaimed the best fit. Unfortunately, it’s not an item that can easily found, well, anywhere. Sorry dudes.
While the more expensive trousers on the list, Kitanica’s tactical pants had two pockets that could carry the iPad. However, the test subject shared that it didn’t feel 100 percent safe for that Apple.
Perhaps in a perfect world without jostles or pickpockets and absolute surefootedness, the iPad could be securely stowed in your fave pair of tactical pants. Sadly, until a pocket is tailored to the cradle that fragile device, we would suggest sticking to that backpack, briefcase or oversized purse (or murse).
What is Ghost Recon Network? Well, in layman’s terms, it could be called the Ghost Recon equivalent to Call of Duty ELITE, but that wouldn’t be doing the service justice. It boasts more than enough unique features to distance itself from its competitors.
You anywhere in driving distance of Phoenix? Like knives? Beer? Girls? BBQ? Live music? If you answered yes, then you need to check out the Medford Knife Real Steel Showdown. If you answered no, chances are you’re a hippie and you shouldn’t be reading this anyway.
Impact Weapons Components has announced the release of their new TRC – Tactical Refreshment Carrier, a convenient rail-mounted rifle accessory that eleminates PFD (Premature Fluid Discharge). Another signature IWC product (IWC has many, and they’re good), the TRC is designed to meet the needs of Civilians, LEO’s, Neighborhood Watch or rifle/carbine Students attending certain celebrity trainers classes who are unable or unwilling to set their beverage down. [You know the type; many of us have trained with metrotacticals. Some of us ARE metrotaticals.]
Premature fluid discharge is eliminated, thanks to the TRC Dynamic Unidirectional Proximity Engagement System. The Dynamic Unidirectional Proximity Engagement System isIWC’s Pat. Pending mounting solution which securely holds beverage level while on the range, out hunting or on a Stakeout. Polymer construction is ultra-lightweight and easy to clean. Price: $12.95. Place you order now! Shipments begin April 1, 2012.
The BK-3B Bottleneck is a collaborative effort between Mantis Knives and Hawk Designs of Idaho City, ID. This unique butterfly-style knife features a 2″ modified tanto edge blade machined from 400 series stainless steel. The handle, also machined from 400 series stainless steel, has a latch lock with integrated handle springs. The Bottleneck also includes a functioning bottle opener when folded and a pocket clip for easy carry.
Long-time loyal Tactical Fanboy reader and snarky peanut-gallery commentator Red Two Alpha has posted a review of his TAD Gear jacket over on Kit Up! I figured I would send you thataway, if you’re like me and you’re a gear whore. Read the article.
Red 2 Alpha on the range in a TAD Gear Spectre.
When you’re talking true nightvision vs. thermal, which is more effective vs. zombies? Will walking corpses maintain heat signature substantially different than their surroundings, and if so will it be sufficient to identify them in a fight? These are the questions that keep me up late at night…that and wondering where Carl is. This video is US Night Vision Gen III Night Vision & Thermal Imaging Video Shot In HD On iPhone 4S. PVS-14 / PVS-7 Camera Systems. Follow ’em on Facebook.
Oh, and yes, I am using an old term. When I was a boot, any sort of night vision/thermal device was referred to as a NOD (Night Optical Device).
Check out this video walkthrough of a Co-op mission in the upcoming Ghost Recon: Future Soldier. Come for the invisible camouflage, stay for the awesome gameplay.
Ghost Recon: Future Soldier drops May 22, 2012.
Then don’t forget to pick up a limited edition SSD ‘Keep Calm and Return Fire’ t-shirt from Tactical Distributors today! Available in Black or Tan in sizes S-XXL.
This video by YouTuber FirstManOnTheSpoon demonstrates flaws in the lightsaber fight choreography in The Phantom Menace in the form of a humorous Jedi training video.
This little gem from the Perfect Measuring Tape Company measures up to 80 inches and has the names and heights of top international terrorists marked along its length. Aside from being a pretty kick-ass tape measure, a portion of the profits also goes to helping Paws And Stripes, so if you buy one you’re not only getting a great tape measure but you’re also helping out a great charity.
Check out this video of Meg Turney cosplaying as Pricness Leia for a shoot at Gentle Giant Studios. FYI, there’s a bit of crass language and suggestive dialogue, so this one’s probably better off not seen while at work.
http://www.megturney.com/
Looking for an ambi-selector for your AR? Battle Arms Development several ambidextrous selector variants, with five lever options. All are CNC machined ambidextrous selector and levers, with included KNS Precision selector detent. BADASS: Battlefield Arms Development Ambidextrous Safety Selector. They’re for AR15s and the like, and will shortly be available for the MP15-22.
“MP15-22 has a reversible selector, but reversible isn’t ambidextrous. Soon 15-22 owners can outfit their 15-22s like their high powered cousins and train with similar controls,” says BAD.
Note: currently non-dovetailed selectors are back ordered, but only for a few days. They do have the dovetailed, BAD-CASS-SA (Combat Ambidextrous Safety Selector, Semi Auto) in stock and available. Also, since mid-February, all selectors have shipped with two extra screws and an extra selector detent spring. If you’re like me, that’s good news, I can’t hang on to a damn thing smaller than a bowling ball for any length of time.
Battle Arms Development is on Facebook and of course has a homepage.
I’m a huge fan of BattleComp. I’m one of the many who’ve suffered the ‘Startled BattleComp Tourette’s Syndrome’ on the range the first time I used one.
Anyway, this photo is courtesy of Kevin Mah of BattleComp. I thought it would make a cool poster.
Check out this announcement trailer for the upcoming Medal of Honor Warfighter, the sequel to 2010’s Medal of Honor. If its anything like its predecessor, Warfighter will be the perfect blend of action and realism set in actual modern day conflicts. Its also worth mentioning that Danger Close, the developer, will be handling multiplayer duties along with the campaign this time around, and the game is running on the latest version of Frostbite 2 instead of a modified Unreal 3 engine.
Medal of Honor Warfighter drops October 23, 2012.
