Jan/100
Weekly Drill Down: SHOT Show Swag, milBook’s Social Networking Secrets and More
- Guess what the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen does to stay in tune with young soldiers … he tweets! Watch him talk about Twitter in the video above. (Milblogging)
- ITS Tactical holds another reader appreciation contest, and it’s a doozy. Find out how to get your hands on some SHOT Show swag. (ITS Tactical)
- Ever see a $40,000 gun? Now you have. (Gun Values Board)
- There’s a new satellite Internet service for military personnel in Afghanistan. (Bouhammer)
- Heard of milBook? Take a peek at the Facebook for DoD folks. (Not Your Average Brooklynette)
- Top 10 Videos from SHOT Show 2010. (Tactical Pants Blog)
- CJ’s battle with the Huntsville City School’s continues. (A Soldier’s Perspective)
- U.S. Military to remove biblical citations from Trijicon sights. (Defense Tech)
- Here are some man-on-the-street opinions about the Bible scopes — straight from The Onion. (Vet Voice)
- What was the coolest thing at SHOT Show? Find out. (Soldier Systems)
- Pin-up girl raises money for Vets with a 2010 calendar. (OPFOR)
- The time has come … to pay for The Times? (Line of Departure)
- Carry your dog in a canine assault vest? It’s now possible. (Gear Scout)
Dec/091
Weekly Drill Down: ‘Merry Christmas from Afghanistan’ Song, Best of 2009 Lists and More
- “Merry Christmas from Afghanistan” takes original singer/songwriter/warrior to a whole new level. (Bouhammer)
- Discover the top stories in the milblogosphere of 2009. (Milblogging)
- Fight terrorism. Get paid? That’s what the Christmas day plane bomb hero did. (Hearts And Minds)
- Sad, sad news in 2009 is a painful reminder of the realities of war. (Stars and Stripes)
- C.J.’s gives us a rather straight-forward year in review (with an even more straight-forward illustration). (A Soldier’s Perspective)
- Abu Muqawama slips out of daily blogging retirement to share this. (Abu Muqawama)
- Take a real shot to ring in 2010 from the inventor of the AK-47 assault rifle. (Danger Room)
- It’s a bird; it’s a plane. No, it’s Russia to the rescue?! (Defense Tech)
- Boeing expecting $31 billion in defense business from India. (DoD Buzz)
- Can you guess what the top 3 Soldier Systems shockers were for 2009? Didn’t think so. (Soldier Systems)
- Tis the season for … snow camo! (Strike – Hold!)
- Oh, and lots of holiday cheer from ITS Tactical, General Petraeus and OPFOR.
Dec/091
Are You Tweeting about Military Boots?
People tweet about a LOT of things — probably too many things. And apparently those things include military boots.
But does that really surprise you? People have been uploading their inappropriate thoughts and too-much-information scenarios since microblogging’s inception.
Naturally, we searched the web to track down the most recent boot tweets. What did we find? People sporting combat boots to shovel driveways, to run six miles in the snow, and, of course, to make (at times rather unfortunate) fashion statements.
@judypink: Can I wear military boots to the Ritz in London tomorrow for lunch? I say no: but @iamecks begs to differ…
@Cyberbod: Six mile run in thick snow and military boots. Let the training begin…
@Delomaximum: Had to break out the military issued boots! Long a** driveway seems even longer with just one shovel #fml
@chelseablobs: #ifIseeonemore pair of All Saints military boots… so help me.
@beautifulbatch: tomorrow im ‘daring to be different’ for work – military boots, burberry trench, handbag, oliver peoples glasses, braces etc etc
@joped: WTF !! This place won’t allow a friend of a friend in because he has military issue boots .. He’s on leave and drove a f***** hour here!\
@allegedlyfff: @fashionface13 Normal cut jeans are out, along with big bags and apparently the only acceptable boots are those godawful military styles…
@angelaatrocious: so for one skirt, two dresses, a pair of military boots, and a pair of rain boots…it’ll be $154…but free shipping…lol.
@JessicaDHughes: Dear 21 you look sexy today in your Ray Bans and military boots
@emma_kelly_: 2) oversized Blondie t-shirt, leggings, black military boots and red cardigan. Edgy jewellery. sorta edgy outfit
@caitlinbeaumont: wants some proper nice leggings to go with my military boots!
@PunkStar697: I have a bunch of military uniforms blues bdu’s, abu’s, and boots and also PT Gear I’m throwing away if nobody wants it . Also have brand
@NicoleeyColeeey: Hmm £56. Damn i need to organise. But i really need them military boots. LIKE NEED them. This is Rihanna vs All Saints jeans all over again!
@rantsandraveskc: Jack-boots are really cool thigh high military boots – -no – I don’t pee in them
(Image via Bouhammer)
Dec/090
Rihanna’s Military Look
Counterculture groups like punks and goths have always embraced combat-style boots and dress. The look possesses that very extreme, fight-the-man edge, which typically scares the bejesus out of any little old lady crossing the street.
And then every so often the traditional soldier appearance mixes in with these extreme fashion statements, and it injects its sexed-up self into the mainstream. Such is the case in R&B star Rihanna’s new music video for “Hard.” She explained the music video’s concept to MTV as “couture military. … We have tanks, we have troops, we’ve got helicopters, we’ve got explosions.”
In the video, the controversial singer sports an army-green mesh helmet and fatigues, aviator sunglasses, high-waist hot pants, military boots and what appears to be black Sonic the Hedgehog shoulder pads. While some of her outfits are very loosely based on modern soldier uniforms, the gold bikini, which appears later in the video, seems more likely inspired by Xena Warrior Princess or Princess Leia’s infamous metal bikini.
What do you think of her Lady Gaga-esque military look? Would anyone serving our country actually wear any of these styles? We’re gonna have to doubt it.
Dec/090
Weekly Drill-Down: ‘Empty Boots,’ Tactical Coffee and More
- “Empty Boots” provides powerful imagery to remind us of those who won’t be spending the holidays with their families. (A Soldier’s Perspective)
- Protect the troops from cancer-causing gun lubricants. (Army Technology)
- So sad, but so true: Women veterans struggling for acceptance. (Associated Press)
- An Australian Navy shipbuilder spices things up for its 2010 calendar. (Danger Room)
- First there was tactical teddy bears and tactical Snuggies … and now tactical coffee!? When will the madness end! (Tactical Gearhead)
- U.S. Army makes the list of 10 Biggest Social Media Stories of 2009. (Milblogging)
- Don’t miss Heroes Week on Wheel of Fortune! Episodes featuring military personnel will run through Dec. 18. (Scoop Deck)
- Ever seen a split barrel before? Now you have. (Line of Sight)
Nov/090
Footwear Technology: How Do Your Boots Compare?
With the technology revolution in full swing, companies are constantly patenting and updating ways to make things work better and more efficiently, especially when it comes to footwear. Check the glossary of boot technology terms below to see how your boots measure up.
Aegis – This environmentally friendly microbe shield prevents odor by controlling bacteria and fungus growth. It bonds to the surface and stops unsightly stains and product deterioration.
Gore-Tex - Perhaps one of the most talked-about breathable waterproofing materials, it’s seen on many boots (combat, hiking, etc.) as well as outerwear and gloves. Most all the major boot brands use Gore-Tex.
YKK® Zipper - Considered the gold standard for zippers, YKK is featured on some boots like Belleville’s Men’s Hot Weather Tactical Side Zip Boots and Wellco’s Tactical Side Zip Safety Boot.
True-Flex Technology - Gives optimal flex where you want it by providing dual anatomical formed PE and PPE lasting board with an integrated composite shank as seen on some Smith and Wesson boots.
SBR Bioform Tongue - Another technology used on many Smith and Wesson boots, this material made out of rubber controls how the tongue sits on your foot, allowing for absolute comfort.
Vibram - A material often seen on hiking boots, Vibram has spent seven decades perfecting its rubber soles . Its patented FiveFinger system builds strength, range of motion and enhances proprioception.
SympaTex - Another type of waterproof fabric that is deemed breathable. SymapaTex is a membrane that is laminated to the inner surface of fabric or placed in between two fabric layers.
Dri-Lex - A climate-control fabric that is extremely quick drying, breathable and, like Aegis, resists odor and mildew.
Cordura - Mostly seen on luggage, backpacks and boots, this ultra light-weight fabric is three times more durable than standard polyester.
(Images via Wikimedia Commons)
Nov/090
Weekly Drill-Down: DoD Goes Social, TAD Gear Gets Hacked And More
Missiles with spy drones inside? Possibly maybe. (Danger Room)- TAD Gear gets hacked. Double yikes!! (ITS Tactical)
- Ever wonder how the media embed process worked? Now you know. (Michael Yon)
- Watch out social media: Here comes the Department of Defense! (Milblogging)
- Defense Commissary Agency’s scholarship program is now accepting applications. (The Paycheck Chronicles)
- Army suicides hit a new and unfortunate high in 2009. (Vet Voice)
(Image via FreeMilitaryPhotos.com)
Nov/090
60 Minutes: How Hackers Infiltrated Department of Defense and Other Government Facilities
On Sunday, 60 Minutes provided an extensive report uncovering just how unprepared America is when it comes to cyber attacks. Moreover, the report discussed an “electronic Pearl Harbor” that took place in 2007.
“It was an espionage Pearl Harbor,” Jim Lewis, director of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told 60 Minutes correspondent Steve Kroft.
“They broke into all of the high tech agencies, all of the military agencies, and downloaded terabytes of information,” Lewis said. “Every day a little bit more of our intellectual property, our innovative skills, our military technology is stolen by somebody. And it’s like little drops. Eventually we’ll drown.”
Watch the entire news segment “Sabotaging the System” below to find out how the cyber criminals can and do attack.
Watch CBS News Videos Online
After the segment aired, DefenseTech gave themselves a (much deserved) pat on the back for previous coverage on cyber warfare. Want to read more about the previous attacks? DefenseTech’s post on the segment listed some excellent resources.
Nov/090
Weekly Drill-Down: The Warrior Song, Fort Hood Coverage and More
- Hey veterans: Don’t miss out on these awesome Veterans Day deals! (Bouhammer, Paycheck Chronicles)
- Ah, memory lane: One of the most prolific military bloggers recalls his 10 favorite experiences doing what he does best — blog. (Milblogging)
- So long, A Soldiers Perspective. You will be totally and completely missed!! (A Soldier’s Perspective)
- Today the Marine Corps turns 234 years old. Happy Birthday, Marines! (SpouseBUZZ)
- Photo essay: See Afghanistan through the eyes of a U.S. Army National Guard member. (DoD News via Milblogging)
- Attack of the droid armies? Perhaps. (Custom Gear Report)
**Special Fort Hood Coverage**
- What Fort Hood did for Muslims in the military. (Stars & Stripes)
- A look at a gun — aptly dubbed a “cop-killer” gun — that has killed so many. (Danger Room)
- Want a minute-by-minute account of the horrible events as they transpired? (Vet Voice)
Nov/091
Are Your Military Boots Hungry?
Aside from protecting feet from all the extreme elements, some have found new (and fairly unusual) uses for their military boots. Namely, they “feed” their boots delicious foodstuffs, and, well, other not-so-delicious items — hungry for a keyboard case, anyone?
Check out these six boot-crushing videos where military boots mash french fries to modems in less than a few minutes.
1. The title of this first video “Military Mountain Boots Having a Sandwich” is no lie. These hungry, hungry boots indulge (a.k.a. squash) on a pickle and what looks to be cheese and bologna on white bread. Yummy. And messy. Click here to view the video since the user disabled embedding. Or view the rest of his food stomping videos where he pulverizes fruit with military hiking boots, slams a moon pie with Nikes and more!
2. In the next video (below), the rather health-conscious boots crush an ice cube and apple. It also pulverizes a water bottle, which we do not recommend eating.
3. For the fast food junkies, there’s “Lunch Leftovers for Combat Boots,” where an order of McDonald’s fries are compressed to a greasy pulp by US Speedlace boots. It’s a sight that would make even Ronald McDonald cry.
4. Is it a squash? Is it an oversized lemon? A yellow pumpkin? Bootsguy1984 doesn’t specify what this giant yellow mystery fruit is, but it’s almost as big as his foot. However, he does manage to almost flatten it with his Ranger boots. Success!
5. Recommended for a wholesome breakfast, Rice Krispies also make excellent stomping fodder for Harley Slash boots. While some might call this food destruction wasteful, others say it’s a great way to show off the awesome power of military boots.
6. “Death of a Modem” documents the quick destruction of a “noncooperative German DSL modem” by German combat boots. This striking video certainly sends a stern message to all those other modems out there considering an uncooperative route in the future. Watch out!
Not enough boots squishing stuff for you? Continue the destruction here.
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