The 2014 Special Operations Forces Industry Conference (SOFIC) and the International Special Operations Forces Conference (ISOF) — held at the Tampa, Fla., Convention Center from May 20-22 — featured a gear exhibition, as well as several symposiums, all geared toward the improvement of American and allied special forces.
This year’s SOFIC conference theme was “Strengthening the Global SOF Network,” which provided a forum for military and industry stakeholders to network and discuss current and future challenges, and how to best support our special operations forces.
Without any further ado, here are 12 noteworthy items I saw during the SOFIC gear exhibition that can help warfighters as well as law enforcement officers and even private citizens who want to protect their homes and families.
FLIR identiFINDER R500
To counter the threat of nuclear or dirty bombs used by terrorists, FLIR has developed the identiFINDER R500, a digital, handheld, gamma radiation identification device (RIID) that displays exactly which isotopes it is sensing and can transmit that data and its GPS location via Bluetooth. This means a unit passed over a shipping container or stationary at a checkpoint will provide immediate feedback if it senses weapons-grade or medical radionuclides. A series of units can track the movement of any radiological material through a terminal, structure or building to help.
For more information, visit gs.flir.com.
General Atomics Self-Destructing Electronics
General Atomics’ new self-destructing technology can destroy deployed circuits and electronics in the field via a number of different triggers: self-destructing remotely, when tampered with, when they run out of battery power or when exposed to extreme temperature changes. This renders them unusable for forensic recovery, and the systems can be retrofitted to existing electronics or built-in to new ones. This ensures that electronics could be made useless if stolen or lost, which is important for civilians who carry laptops with sensitive business, medical or corporate information that could be compromised.
For more information, visit ga.com or call 858-455-3000.
IROC Muzzle Brake
Carbine shooting in enclosed structures is getting to be common for operators, multi-gun competitors and LE. The amplified concussive effect to nearby teammates causes involuntary reactions (flinching) as well as long-term hearing loss- conventional ear protection does not safeguard against concussive force. To counter the side blast from carbines, IROC Tactical now offers a muzzle device that sends the entire muzzle blast in a tight cone forward of the weapon. For entry teams, that means close supportive fire without disruptive and overlapping blast zones from typical muzzle brakes. The IROC Muzzle Device (IROC MD) is hand-adjustable to control the cyclic rate and regulate the gas fed back to the action.
For more information, visit iroctactical.com or call 321-385-7374.
KynSHOT Recoil Dampers
Reducing recoil in an AR allows for a more stable sight picture and faster follow-up shots. The stainless steel KynSHOT is a hydraulic recoil damper that replaces standard AR buffers. Available for several chamberings and stock configurations—even shotgun stocks—the KynSHOT is designed and made in the U.S.A. by people whose business is kinetic-energy management, and the company is committed to supporting shooters with the best equipment.
For more information, visit kynshot.com or call 716-204-7350.
LaserMax Glock 42 Light
One of the most sought-after pocket pistols right now is the Glock 42 in .380 ACP. To give its users an even more complete self-defense package for clearly identifying a threat, LaserMax is now offering a 115-lumen light that mounts just forward of the triggerguard. The light can be used in strobe or steady-on modes for up to 75 minutes using ergonomically convenient controls.
For more information, visit lasermax.com or call 800-527-3703.
LaserMax Green Guide Rod Laser for the Beretta 92
Brand new for Beretta 92 shooters is a powerful new green guide-rod laser from LaserMax, which is a drop-in replacement for the 92’s standard guide rod and spring. As an added benefit, the metal body of the laser gives the recoil spring a more consistent recovery, aiding in accuracy. The new Beretta guide rod laser has a runtime of 45-50 minutes of continuous use.
For more information, visit lasermax.com or call 800-527-3703.
Leatherman Raptor
Look close at a lot of operators’ vests and you’ll notice one item commonly carried: a pair of heavy-duty surgical shears. Time is life when it comes to treating trauma, so one of the first necessities is clearing the wound area of clothing. The Leatherman Raptor is a collapsible tool that unfolds in seconds, becoming a full-size pair of heavy-duty shears with a built-in ring and strap cutter that can slice through webbing. The Raptor also has an oxygen tank wrench and a glass breaker. It is made of stainless steel and comes with a nylon holder that can be mounted on MOLLE or webbed gear for immediate access.
For more information, visit leatherman.com or call 800-847-8665.
Streamlight TLR-2 IRW
Streamlight’s new TLR-2 IRW gives an operator the choice of blinding 300 lumens of tactical light down the barrel of a rifle or pistol or an eye-safe infrared laser for targeting with night-vision optics. The TLR-2 IRW uses a white C4 LED light that is impervious to shock with a 50,000-hour lifespan. The unit is equipped with a paddle switch to activate the strobe feature and a remote switch is available that fits Glock pistols.
For more information, visit streamlight.com or call 800-523-7488.
Streamlight TLR-VIR
Law enforcement operators are beginning to use night-vision devices all over the country for surveillance and structure-clearing duties. With the new weapon-mounted TLR-VIR, Streamlight is offering a 850nm infrared illuminator with a 300-lumen, white, C4 LED light, giving operators two easy-to-use methods for identifying suspects or threats in dark structures. The TLR-VIR features an anodized, machined aircraft-grade aluminum body with a high-impact, chemically resistant polymer IR LED housing.
For more information, visit streamlight.com or call 800-523-7488.
STRYKR Covert Carry Pants
For more information, visit strykrusa.com.
