HSGI Sure-grip Battle Belt

I recently had need of a new battle belt for work and decided that I'd like to upgrade beyond what was offered in the military stock system, so I purchased a HSGI sure-grip padded belt.  I have used quite a few different battle belt rigs over the years, from a standard duty belt to my unit standard Tactical Assault Gear (TAG) belts.  I have worn belts with no sub-load panels, with both leg panels, with holster attached to the belt and not.  So many ways to solve the problem.  

Hit the jump and have a look.

INFORCE APL SALE, 39% OFF ($92)

The popular INFORCE APL (Auto Pistol Light) is currently on sale from Ares Armor at 39% off from their price of $150.  Their version is branded with their logo on the flat opposite the rail and is $92 with the sale.  As of writing, only 286 are in stock remaining.  I have used INFORCE lights in the past and they are outstanding, very bright and with excellent features.

I have the 9vx light and have been seriously considering getting the APL due to its size and bright 200 lumen output.  I was turned on to this light when Snake Hound Machine decided to produce a Glock package utilizing these and I love the look of it mounted.  The profile of the slide matches up with the light shape giving a very neat and clean appearance.  I can't wait to see this light paired up with the Silencerco Osprey, I think that will be quite a pretty package.  I'm going to wait until the end of the month to bite on this one, but I want one despite my intent to also get a Viridian C5L (100 lumen for comparison) if that tells you anything.

US Cavalry Ch. 11 Filing

I just saw an email come in from US Cavalry stating that they have filed for a Chapter 11 Bankruptcy.  This while I'm patiently waiting for an order I placed almost a month ago.  At least that order was partially filled, 1 of 3 pieces shipped, I do hope the rest get here quick now...

I've visited their store in Kentucky outside of Fort Knox quite a few times on training trips, and usually found my wallet beaten and bruised after.  Don't get me wrong, they usually had decent and sometimes great prices, but I suffer from 'That-would-be-nice-itus' and snatched up some good kit.  I've been getting their catalogue in the mail for years and I'm going to miss getting that surprise nugget in the mail.  Let's hope they come out of this for the better, I would hate to see them go under.  I think with the sequester more of us will be paying out of pocket for decent kit again, and it would've meant some continued business for them.

**UPDATE** Well, I guess they sent out some courtesy emails regarding delayed orders.  I should have my remaining goodies in about 15 more days.  In all, 2 months total time if it arrives when they say.

News... and Happy Independence Day!

So...It has been longer than a year since my last post here.  So much has happened and changed.  I had a deployment of my detachment, now returned.  All were safe and whole, only injuries sustained were from being the rowdy bunch they are.  They still have some post-deployment hurdles to meet however with the command change and mergers.

I've been slipped into a new military project that has devoured an enormous amount of my time.  It's just me and a select group of other choice individuals.  12 of us in all, and thankfully we all know each other from previous work (mostly) so we've become very family-like in our endeavours.  We just had a major set-back yesterday (No fault of our own! Contractors and Engineers...) that may allow us some room to recoup, reform, and breathe.  I'm committed to this thing until 2016 at a minimum.  It's early but so very busy already, and we expect the pressure to continually ramp up.  Sorry I can't go into much detail here, maybe later on.

As if that wasn't enough, I've had a personal setback that I'm just getting back up from.  Due to an accident, I've suffered a broken neck.  It's been over 3 months now and I'm still in more pain than I feel I should be.  There were some nerve damage concerns early on that seem to have resolved thankfully.  I'm finally out of the brace and allowed to drive but that's been a bit of a challenge.  I've had to play desk-jockey for a bit at work, and I've been chomping at the bit to get back to doing what I do.  I have to remind myself constantly to take this slow and easy and not rush it, but there's that part of me that refuses to listen to reason.

And for the best news of all of it...I've got a baby on the way!  We are expecting for late December or early January.  I'm terrified!  I want to do the best I can, and want to be there when I'm needed.  I have military obligations that demand attention first and I know that's going to be difficult for us.  I always planned to have kids AFTER the military but I've since realized that there's no better time than now, it won't get easier by waiting.

Hit the jump for more about the painting and the crossing.