Do you have a police officer in your family? Have you been wracking your brain for holiday gifts? If so, consider one of these top ten items this season.

1. Footwear
Police officers are on their feet for the better part of their shift and can be terribly hard on their footwear. Walking, running and climbing can wear out boots quickly, making them ill-fitting and uncomfortable. A new pair of tactical boots can be a welcome relief to sore feet.

2. Watches
Having a rugged watch is essential for any officer. The most popular styles are those with canvas or rubber bands, making them both comfortable and functional.

3. Knives
Police officers use knives for various purposes throughout their work day and a good quality folding knife is always an appreciated gift. From cutting seatbelts to removing flexi-cuffs, knives are useful and essential to duty performance.

4. Night Vision
Night vision monocles and binoculars are sometimes provided by departments and sometimes not. If your officer doesn’t have access to these handy sight tools, why not buy them their own this holiday season?

5. Field Gear
From flashlights to first aid kits, making sure the officer in your life has the proper field gear will keep him or her safe. Check out their current inventory and replenish it if needed.

6. Protective Eyewear
Whether driving into the midday sun or firing rounds on the range, protective eyewear can be an officer’s best friend. Update their eyewear this holiday and they’ll be sure to thank you for it. From sunglasses to protective goggles, the choices are virtually endless.

7. Tactical Gear
Organizer bags, gloves, hats, headgear and belts all comprise what officers and soldiers call tactical gear. If you’re at a loss for a holiday gift, a great bag makes a wonderful gift and will help keep your officer or soldier organized.

8. Handcuffs
Handcuffs are typically provided by departments and military organizations but you may find that he or she has a particular preference. Hinged cuffs are popular choices and often not the handcuff of issue. Consider having the handcuffs engraved with a unit number or last name to add a personalized touch.

9. Unit T-shirts
If your officer is in a special unit, let them display their achievement proudly off-duty with a unit T shirt. Great for casual weekends and for training days, unit T shirts are a popular gift choice.

10. Surveillance Equipment
Digital recorders are an excellent tool, both for recording interviews and personal liability protection when riding with a subject in the back of your patrol car. Slipped into a breast pocket, digital recorders are less bulky than their ancestors and easily concealed.

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The United States Army Special Forces are also known in the military as the Green Berets. They earned this nickname because of the special headdress they wear, the green beret. This makes them standout against all other soldiers and military employed individuals. In general, they are charged with six types of missions. These missions are tantamount to maintaining peace in the United States of America, as well as around the world.

General Tasks and Duties:

Because of the nature of their work, which is often more clandestine when compared to other branches of the military, the US Army Special Forces completes unconventional warfare, allowing them special access to and in places of interest. Their tactics are different than what would be used by other squads and platoons, dependent on the situation. These small, elite teams are allotted more liberties than other groups might. Part of this overlaps with their additional tasks, especially foreign internal defense and special reconnaissance.

Getting around the Red Tape:

Some of their work is self-explanatory. Key among these would be direct action and hostage rescue. There is less ‘red tape’ or official paperwork when it comes to SF work. They are given a job and do what they can and must to meet their objectives. They are not held up at every point to deal with the politics and bureaucracies of every action.

Education

Due to the nature of their work, individuals involved in the Special Forces must study a great deal in order to be successful in maintaining peace around the world. They are required to learn about the language and culture of the areas in which they may be immersed.

Where Have the Special Forces Been Seen?

In recent years, the Green Berets were actually the first military individuals on the ground. This was the case not only for the war in Afghanistan, but for the War in Iraq. The Green Berets were, in both cases sent in country to help prepare for the arrival of additional troops. They helped to secure areas and get a read on the local area. Without their assistance, it would have been much more difficult to set up in either country and attempt to help defend citizens from insurgents.

The Selection Process for the SFs

Soldiers train consistently as Green Berets. However, they are divided into four quadrants. Collectively, this is known as the Q Course. The Q Course can last anywhere from 55 to 95 weeks and depends on the particular jobs at hand. Once the Q Course is completed, SF soldiers are then eligible for additional training, advancing them in certain skill courses, including, but not limited to, the Military Free Fall Parachutist Course (MFF) and the Combat Diver Qualification Course.

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At some point in everyone’s life, they are going to have to interact with the police. Depending on the situation, these experiences may be good or bad. However, one thing you may learn is that the police do have a lot of cool stuff. Some of these things also do have uses outside of the law enforcement. Below is a list of five different kinds of law enforcement gear that ordinary citizens may find a use for.

1. Mace

One form of law enforcement gear that may be very valuable to women is mace. Mace is actually a form of tear gas. It comes in a very small aerosol canister. When the nozzle on the canister is pressed, a small dose of tear gas is sprayed out. This can have the effect of very quickly disabling an attacker. For this reason, many women find owning mace very comforting when they have to travel alone.

2. Surveillance Equipment

Regular citizens may also be able to find good uses for police surveillance equipment as well. For one, it can be used to keep tabs on children. Bugs can be placed inside a child’s room. This can allow the parents to listen in to make sure a baby is safe. When a baby sitter watches a child, a hidden camera can also be used to make sure the sitter is not abusing the child.

3. Nightsticks and Batons

Another piece of law enforcement equipment that could come in handy is a police nightstick or baton. Nightsticks and batons are very efficient blunt weapons. For this reason, they can be used for self defense. They are also smaller than other similar weapons such as a bat or golf club. For this reason, they can be stored in a drawer in a bedroom. The baton or nightstick can then be pulled out if a person suspects that someone has broken into the home.

4. Uniforms and Clothing

Another option you may be interested in investing in are police uniforms and clothing. Once you purchase a police uniform, you should be careful about how you use it. Impersonating a police officer is a crime. However, it can be a very fun option for a Halloween costume. Role-play with a romantic partner in such a costume can also be quite fun. Just make sure to also purchase handcuffs.

5. Police Walkie-Talkies

Another item that many people may find useful are police walkie-talkies. While the use of a walkie-talkie may seem kind of quaint in the age of the cell phone, there are a number of different situations they may be useful in. For example, if you go on a hunting trip with some buddies, walkie-talkies can provide easy communication in areas that may not receive cellphone service.

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Movies, TV shows, and comic books have been produced on the subject of invasions either by terrorists, zombies, the Russians, or aliens. While it may seem unlikely, perhaps some day invaders will come for you and your family members.

As we have learned from zombie movies like Dawn of the Dead and Day of the Dead, military personnel are usually the most prepared for this kind of invasion. However, you too can be prepared with the same kind of military equipment. Below is a list of three different kinds of military gear that can come in handy in the event of a terrorist onslaught or zombie plague.

1. Knives and Swords

One mistake many people may make when preparing for an invasion is only stocking up on guns and ammunition. While shooting an invader will likely kill him, there’s one problem. Eventually, there may be more invaders than bullets. At some point, you will run out of ammo and there won’t be any stores open to sell you more.

The solution is simple. Knives and swords must also be purchased. While not as efficient as firearms, a knife or sword can’t run out of ammo. Lobbing off the heads of terrorists or zombies with a sword can also be an effective way of offing them. Knives can also be used for close quarter combat and can be used as cutting tools when needed.

2. Night Vision

Another thing that can be extremely valuable during an invasion is night vision. This is due to the fact that invaders can come at all hours of the day. If you need to go outdoors for some reason at night, being able to see everything can be the difference between life and death. Without the aid of night vision, you may end up being stabbed, shot, or bit on the neck when you least expect it.

Night vision is also great when used as surveillance equipment. If you have more than one person in your group of survivors, it may be a good idea to keep a person posted outdoors at all times to tell you when the invaders are coming. One way to make that person’s job much easier is to supply him or her with night vision goggles.

3. Military Uniforms and Clothing

Lastly, another thing you may want to invest in for such an apocalyptic scenario is military uniforms and clothing. There are very good reasons for making such an investment. Above all else, military clothing is extremely durable. While normal clothes may be torn very easily, an actual combat uniform will not be.

You may also be forced to march for hours through barren woods to find shelter. If that is the case, having military footwear can be extremely beneficial. Army boots can also come in handy when trying to kick an enemy.

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Some of the most exciting divisions of the Unites States armed forces are the ones referred to as Special Forces. The members of Special Forces run top secret tactical missions. One such mission was the one that took out terrorist leader, Osama Bin Laden.

After this raid, the US Special Forces have become even more popular. What many people do not know, however, is that regular citizens can own different kinds of Special Forces gear. Some of this gear also has uses at home outside of missions as well. Here is a list of a number of different kinds of Special Forces gear that ordinary civilians may find a use for.

1. Tactical Gear First Aid Supplies

One thing that many people could find a use for are the kinds of first aid items that Special Forces use while on missions. Some of these things may be able to save a person’s life in case of emergency. This includes obvious things like wraps and bandages used to stop bleeding after a massive injury.

However, it also includes useful items many people may not be familiar with. One such first aid tool is the “smart bag.” This can be placed over the mouth of a person that has stopped breathing. It can then be breathed into and squeezed to provide a person with oxygen.

2. Camouflage Uniforms and Clothing

Another thing many people may be interested in purchasing is camouflage uniforms and clothing. Such clothes can be excellent for hunting. They can allow a person to blend in with trees and shrubbery so he or she can get the drop on a deer or other game.

These clothes are also some of the most durable on the planet. Due to this fact, they are excellent for outdoor activities such as hunting, hiking, fishing, and more.

3. Night Vision Goggles

Another thing that many people may be interested in purchasing are night vision goggles. Night vision goggles actually have plenty of uses off of the battlefield. For example, a person may own a lot of property. At some point, that person may need to go out into that property in the dark for some reason. Night vision can provide that person with the ability to see. This way, injuries due to trips or falls can be avoided.

It can also be used to provide home security. If a person hears someone moving around his or her house in the dark, night vision can be used to spot the perpetrator without turning on the lights.

4. Bullet Carriers

Another thing that people may want to purchase is a bullet carrier. This usually comes in the form of a pouch that can be worn over the shoulder. Inside, a person can store bullets. This comes in extra handy for hunters that don’t want to mess with boxes of bullets when reloading.

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Humans, compared to many other animals, have very poor night vision. We have evolved to become highly dependent on artificial sources of light in order to see after the sun sets. Once we go outside these means of artificial light, and we must rely on advanced technology in order to see.

There are three kinds of night vision technology currently available, all of them relying on different imaging techniques.

Image Intensification – this technology works by amplifying whatever available amount of natural visible light there is, such as starlight or moonlight. There must be some source of light available – this technology does not work in complete darkness.

Active Illumination – this combines image intensification technology with the use of another source of illumination in the near infrared spectrum (NIR) and shortwave infrared (SWIR) – two regions of infrared, both of which are forms of electromagnetic radiation undetectable to the human eye.

Thermal Imaging – the use of the differences in heat temperature between background and foreground objects. Regardless of ambient light available, thermal imaging can detect (“see”) everything, since all objects above absolute zero emit thermal infrared energy. The warmer a thing is, the more visible it appears – animal objects like humans stand out conspicuously against cool objects like trees and buildings. A disadvantage is that due to low volume, thermal imaging cameras are very expensive (often upwards of $4,000).

There are different kinds of gear in which night vision technology is used. Three main kinds are: scopes, cameras, and goggles/binoculars.

Scopes – these are monocular (used for one eye only), and can be used either mounted on firearms, or simply handheld. This is beneficial in that they can quickly be brought to the eye and removed with ease, allowing the user to amplify the image, but still able to see afterwards in the normal viewing conditions.

Cameras – night vision technology is built into a recording device that can either record the images to memory, or send to a monitor for immediate display. Cameras are commonly used as permanent fixtures for indoor and outdoor security installments on buildings. There are also handheld consumer cameras that have a night vision feature, but these are often of poorer quality compared to the technology actually available.

Binoculars – two eyepieces are used, and these can be stereoscopic or single lens. They can be handheld, but are most frequently worn around the head. They are most useful for when constant night vision is needed, as in moving around and operating in a dark location.

Recently, night vision technology has become widely available and affordable to many people outside the specialized military and survival niche. However, it is regulated by the American government in that night vision devices with extremely high performance are not exportable outside the US. In Germany, night vision devices are illegal if they are to be used mounted on firearms. Some other countries in Europe, like Hungary, regulate possession entirely.

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Every specialized hobby or recreational activity has its own specific gear and equipment necessary for success and enjoyment. Of that gear, shoes are often the least glamorous and exciting; yet improper footwear is a leading cause of failure and disappointment in many activities. Rock climbing is no exception. Choosing the correct pair of rock climbing shoes can often be difficult and confusing, especially for beginners. Below are a few tips designed to ease the process.

1. Buy a Generic Shoe.

Many rock climbing shoes are designed with specific with a specific terrain in mind, or with Read the rest of this entry »

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One thing that many people have decided to invest in is survival gear. While survival gear is certainly good to have in case a worst case scenario were to occur, many people don’t know a whole lot about field and survival gear. To help, here are answers to four questions you may have about survival gear.

1. What is the Purpose of Purchasing Survival Supplies and Gear?

To put it simply, the point of purchasing such gear and supplies is to stave off the possibility of being caught unprepared in the event of a catastrophe. Such a catastrophe could occur due to an economic collapse, political unrest, or war. The point of having survival gear is giving yourself the ability to survive when civilization, order, or life as you know it dissolves and you are forced to fend for yourself.

2. What Is a Survival Kit?

A survival kit is a set of survival supplies and gear that is stored in a safe place. This kit can then be accessed when needed during an emergency.

The things that can exist in such a kit can vary. However, certain things should be included. First is food and water. The food included should be non-perishable. Bottled water should also be included. Other items that should be in a survival kit are a solar blanket, a tarp, a poncho, a radio, an LED flashlight, matches, penicillin, a gas mask, and a thorough first aid kit.

3. Should Weapons Be Included?

Indeed, weapons are an important part of any survival kit. This is due to the fact that if a worst case scenario were to occur, institutions like the police may now longer be there to protect you.

A number of different kinds of weapons can be included in a person’s stash of survival gear. This can indeed include guns and riffles However, firearms have certain draw backs. For one, they can run out of ammo. As a precaution, things like knives and swords should also be included.

Knives and swords do not require ammunition. They can also serve other functions such as being used to hunt or as cutting tools if need be.

4. Is Military Equipment the Same Thing as Survival Gear?

Military equipment is issued to soldiers during war time. Due to the extreme conditions soldiers must face while at war, the things included in this equipment are also some of the most durable goods there are. For this reason, including military gear in your survival cache is certainly a wise idea.

This can include military uniforms and clothing. These military issued clothes are some of the most durable in existence. Their camouflage can also come in handy under certain situations. Other military items you should consider purchasing for your survival cache can include military footwear, military issue knives, night vision, and tactical gear.

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A knife is often the single most important piece of survival equipment that someone can have in an emergency situation. Unfortunately, Hollywood and a general lack of knowledge have lead to an overall aura of misinformation when it comes to selecting an appropriate knife. Luckily, choosing the correct piece of survival equipment is a simple process.

Full Tang.

A knife’s tang is a solid piece of metal that extends from the end of the blade, serving as a reinforcement point and an attachment point for the handle. In the case of an average kitchen knife, the tang is a thin strip of metal, reflective of the low level of kinetic stress that the knife will be under during regular use. However, when it comes to selecting survival gear, most people don’t want something that the manufacturer skimped on to save a few extras bucks.

A survival knife is going to be subjected to a variety of stressful situations and trying circumstances. When exposed to the rigors of survival, or even just average camping and hiking situations, a blade with an overly narrow tang is extremely susceptible to breaking.

Fixed Blade.

While there are numerous folding knives that are extremely well constructed and perfect for most survival situations, when it comes selecting the perfect or ideal piece of survival gear, a knife with a fixed blade is the preferred instrument. Every moving part in any situation increases the likelihood, no matter how slight, of experiencing a mechanical failure. Additionally, folding knives are designed primarily with convenience and portability in mind and are not suited to certain tasks necessary for survival.

Blade Size and Shape.

It is an unfortunate reality that many manufacturers design and market knives as survival gear based more on what people think the equipment should like look than based on what is actually effective.

Though it is relative to every person, the ideal knife blade should be between 4-6 inches in length and light enough so that the user can manage intricate tasks during adverse weather conditions. While a monstrous knife looks great in a friend’s garage, attempting to strike a spark with a machete during sub-zero temperatures in more likely to result in a missing finger than a successfully started fire.

Additionally, the blade should be constructed with a basic clip point construction method. While tanto shaped or double bladed styles are great for stabbing or self-defense, in the field, they are more of a liability. The same is true of serrated edged blades which are extremely difficult to sharpen and maintain during adverse conditions.

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One thing that collectors and survival experts love to purchase is military equipment. While military gear and gifts can be fun to purchase without any underlying motivation, there are some very good reasons to consider purchasing military goods. Here are fives kinds of military equipment you may find useful.

Military Footwear

Military footwear is known for being extremely durable. Military boots are in fact designed to be used in a multitude of different harsh environments and conditions. These can include the scorching desert, freezing snow, wet beaches, and mucky swamps.

Due to this fact, you are very unlikely to find higher quality boots for sale anywhere. Military boots should last several times longer than regular boots. This can save you a lot of money in the long run.

Military Uniforms and Clothing

Much like military footwear, military uniforms and clothing are renowned for their durability. They are designed to sustain the harshest conditions imaginable that a soldier could possibly face on the battle field.

Due to this fact, military uniforms have many uses off of the battle field as well. One such use is for hunting. It can keep a person warm during the cold weather that hunters often confront in early morning hours tracking game. The camouflage of such military uniforms is excellent for blending in with trees and shrubbery to avoid being seen by animals.

Military Knives and Swords

Knives and swords designed for military use are also of extremely high quality. A military sword is unlikely to come in handy under most circumstances. However, such a sword can make a handsome display.

Military knives have many more off-battlefield uses. Due to their quality, they are excellent for outdoor activities. This can include hunting and fishing. Such a knife can more easily skin and clean an animal than other choices on the market.

A military issue knife is also likely to be stronger than other knives available to civilians. For this reason, it will more easily cut through different materials that other knives may have trouble with.

Night Vision

Night vision is another kind of military equipment that can be very useful for civilians. For one, it can help a person better protect their home. If a noise is heard inside a house at night, a person can use night vision to spot the intruder.

Night vision can also help a person safely pass through areas outdoors that would otherwise be dangerous at night. With night vision, a person will be able to spot obstacles that could result in a trip or fall. Night vision can also be very useful for hunters as well. With night vision, a hunter is able to spot deer and other game during nighttime hours. Without night vision, hunting at night is nearly impossible.

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