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Our VIRTUS Soldier System has been issued in the past years to 10,000s of British Army soldiers in a growing number of units deployed all over the world. The SOURCE Virtus UK Instructors Team is lead by Phil and Al, former Royal Marine soldiers. They visit the units, instruct, and are always approachable for questions. Of course, they also relay feedback to our developers.

Members of the SOURCE Virtus instructors team in the UK have traveled from the UK to Israel, Cyprus, Estonia, and other places, and covered nearly 20 thousand miles visiting Units around the UK. One week they present to an audience of 500, the next they could be crawling through a swamp trialing equipment.

VIRTUS Soldier System

Experience Shows: Follow These 4 Tips

Virtus looks quite complex as there are so many components – but it’s actually pretty simple to use. Having said that, it is a completely new kit, and especially the use of the Dynamic Weight Distribution (DWD) needs to be explored and takes a bit of getting used to. Our instructors compiled 4 top tips from experience that will help get the most from VIRTUS:

Tip 1: MOLLE Belt

Wear the MOLLE Belt on the hips and securely fastened to provide increased comfort, stability and support to the lower back, to enable load to be transferred to the hips. Make sure the belt is correctly routed to prevent the buckle from slipping undone.

Tip 2: Scaling the Vest

When scaling the Virtus Scalable Tactical Vest (STV) from a Body Armour Vest to a Plate Carrier make sure the Soft Armour Filler (SAF) is removed. Leaving the SAF in will negate the benefit of reduced weight and thermal load, and folding the sides will seriously damage the SAF by creasing it – creating a critical vulnerability.

Tip 3: The Pack

Put the tactical backpack on properly! Done correctly the pack will sit properly giving better stability and comfort. It is not complex, it is just different to what users are used to. Fit the sternum strap first, then tighten the shoulder straps.

Tip 4: The DWD

Learn how to use the DWD. The DWD is not magic and does not make the load lighter but it does allow you to carry weight more efficiently and with greater comfort by varying the load distribution. For the DWD to work you need a tight MOLLE belt – use it like you would a civvy walking rucksack on top of the hips. Being able to vary the load distribution is proven to delay the onset of fatigue and improve cognitive performance. The advantage of the DWD is when you need maximum agility you can just put it in Assault mode.

For questions and comments related to Virtus don’t hesitate to contact us but please understand that it is not possible to discuss Virtus details by email. If you are serving in the British Army, please make use of your official communications channels. 

Phil and Al both support SOURCE in the UK, delivering training and expertise for the VIRTUS Soldier System. They both compete in this year’s Telemark Championships and we took some time to chat about Telemark and their job, instructing units in the British Army about the new VIRTUS Soldier System by SOURCE.

How did you get into the job?

Phil – I was lucky and spent time working at Infantry Trials and Development Unit in Warminster. I really enjoyed the work and being able to make a difference. The opportunity came up helping roll out the SOURCE VIRTUS system so I jumped at the chance to use my experience to pass it onto others.

Al – The success of using an experienced ex-service member and a revised fielding model became very clear, this led to the MOD wanting to expand the team. Having spent the latter part of my career as a weapons instructor I quickly discovered I had a passion for teaching, this combined with a good knowledge of solider systems and my interest in “perfecting equipment” (known in the military as a kit pest!) made me a strong fit for the role.

What is your average day?

Phil – There is no average day. We can spend time briefing on VIRTUS, teaching how to best use the kit to yomping over the Brecon beacons and bivvying out in the kit to see how it performs when living with it.

Al – As Phil’s said it’s an incredibly varied role, in my first year I have spent time out in Israel, Cyprus and Estonia and covered nearly 20 thousand miles visiting Units around the UK. One week I could be presenting to an audience of 500, the next I could be crawling through a swamp trialling equipment.

What is the best part of your job?

Phil – Getting the best kit for the soldier. We spend a lot of time testing, evaluating and developing the system to ensure it works when needed. We will spend time using the kit in realistic situations and wear it in demanding conditions. Running an assault course in 38oC whilst wearing Body Armour and equipment weighing 32kg was pretty miserable though!

Al – Interacting closely with the end user and assisting them in getting the most from the equipment in their bespoke roles. As VIRTUS is now being issued to a very broad spectrum of UK armed forces, we see many different user groups and their requirements; for instance a configuration that works for an infantryman will be different to that of a medic or AFV crew.

What have you learned about the MOD and kit procurement?

Al – Whilst I was still serving, the general feeling from the troops was that the MOD would go for the cheapest option when it came to equipment. Having now seen a procurement process from the invitation to tender through to trial phase, this is not the case. The list of requirements the equipment must meet (a lot of which are unseen to the end user) is extensive and thus the challenge faced by a manufacturer to meet all of them is huge.

If they make it through this selection then it’s on to a trial phase where the equipment will be extensively tested in various environments by the end user. I think it is safe to say, the end user is getting the best equipment available at that time.

Now last but not least: Why telemark?

We are are both ex Royal Marines and Telemark Skiing is a transferable skill used by the RM in the Arctic. Phil spent quite a few winters in Norway with the Royal Marines and learned to Telemark (badly) on military planks! During Al’s time with the Royal Marines, the Arctic deployments ceased due to operational commitments, hence his being new to the sport.

The Telemark Championships give the opportunity to learn how to do it properly with some really great tuition. Ultimately though it is because Phil is always looking for the perfect turn.

Thank you Al and Phil, and good luck for the upcoming races!!

 

Phil Finding The Perfect Turn
Phil Finding The Perfect Turn

Registration for competitors at the British Royal Navy and Army Telemark Skiing Championship 2019 has begun. Over 100 racers attended the kick-off event at Pralognan-la-Vanoise in the Savoie region, France.

Uk Army Winter Sports Telemark
Uk Army Winter Sports Telemark

Competitors were greeted at the registration with a gift bag provided by SOURCE containing useful items to be used during the event. Racing is hard work so each competitor received a SOURCE Liquitainer to ensure they are all rehydrated and at their best when racing.

The Liquitainer is especially handy as it folds flat and can be rolled up and stowed in a pocket when empty. Other useful items are the neck warmer and Sandal Bag (great for keeping trainers in). The Source key ring makes a great wallet for loose change for the all-important Après-Ski!

Army Wintersports Sponsored By Source
Army Wintersports Sponsored By Source

The race training begins now with competitors being divided up into race training groups depending on ability. Actual racing starts on Friday with the Qualification Race. We will keep you posted as the event progresses.

The Championships also termed Ex Telemark Titan 2019 is sponsored by SOURCE and attended by members of SOURCE’s UK agent, Phil Craigie and Al Kendrick, who both plan on racing at the champs. We will hear more from Phil and Al in the next blog, and we will keep you up to date here, and on our Source Tactical Gear Facebook Page.

For more detail visit Army Winter Sports Association Official Page (awsa.org.uk).

As with all good things – they evolve to become better. We are proud to announce new components developed by Source for the VIRTUS Soldier System, and to take a short look at the main features here in our blog.

With the ground breaking step in how the soldiers gear is designed – treating the soldier as a system – SOURCE have continued to improve the VIRTUS Soldier System to meet the changing demands of the modern soldier. New components available for the SOURCE Virtus Soldier System include a new Bergen, the Assault pack, and updated MOLLE Belt and Yoke.

Source Virtus Bergen

Short Back Bergen

The Bergen has undergone a significant redesign and now offers the same load capacity in a short back frame with a removable hip belt that allows use of the DWD for when the MOLLE Belt is worn. A much simpler design with a large top flap the bergen is significantly lighter further reducing the soldier burden. The side pouches capacity is increased from 5 litres to 7.5 litres.

Source Virtus Packs

Assault Pack

A small pack designed to carry the essentials needed by the soldier on the assault, our Assault pack offers a hydration pocket, NVG Padded pocket and a main compartment for communications equipment, ammunition and rations or other essential items. The pack can be worn with its own shoulder straps or used attached to the new H Yoke with the integral zips or attached directly to the STV via the MOLLE Zips – Zips that attach to the rear of the body armour vest enabling even simpler load carriage attachment.

Source Virtus Soldier System

MOLLE Belt & Yoke

The Virtus MOLLE Belt and Yoke finally have had other improvements made to it with the Jungle Yoke being introduced. The Jungle Yoke offers increased padding, MOLLE on the front straps, 4 Point connection to the MOLLE Belt, Rear zips to attach the Hydration Side Pack, Side Pouch or Assault Pack to and the option to route the straps like a rucksack; providing greater comfort and stability when the Assault Pack is worn. The Jungle Yoke can be worn under or over the STV, dependent on the users preference.

SOURCE VIRTUS – SOLDIER AS A SYSTEM

Virtus forms the core of a scalable soldier architecture. Designed as a system to address the challenges of the current and future operating environments.

Viewing the “Soldier as a System” enables an integrated approach to reducing the cognitive physiological and mechanical impact on the individual. Enhancing the operational effectiveness of the combat infantry.

The Royal Marine Operational Shooting Competition (RMOSC) has one standout feature: competitors are required to carry 31 pounds of gear. Royal Marine Reservist Cpl Al Kendrick won this year’s RMOSC edition – thanks, in part, to the smart load distribution features of SOURCE Virtus.

SOURCE Tactical Gear is all about providing you with smart and excellent gear enhancing your performance, lessening burden, reducing stress and enabling you to go further and achieve best possible results. Last week, Cpl Al Kendrick, Royal Marine Reservist and one of the Virtus Fielding Instructors for the UK Armed Forces, excelled in what he does: winning the prestigious Royal Marine Operational Shooting Competition (RMOSC) – utilizing VIRTUS to carry the required 31 pounds of gear.

Virtus Range Rmosc

100M Sprints, Stretchers and a 1.5 Mile March …

The different stages and shoots in the two-week RMOSC involve 14 pistol and rifle shoots, replicating different combat scenarios, some more some less physical, involving different types of targets and directives. In all of the shoots, participants are required to carry armor, helmet, webbing and gear weighing in at over 30 pounds.

Virtus Range Rmosc

Advantage: VIRTUS Soldier System with DWD Load Distribution

“The VIRTUS Tactical Vest in combination with the DWD Load Distribution System was definitely a massive advantage over older gear” Cpl Kendrick confirmed after his win. VIRTUS gives you “more range of movement and the weight is spread almost unnoticeable around the body”. Also the possibility to easily shift weight from shoulders to hips and back – depending on mission, situation and position – adds freedom of movement and comfort.

Congrats Al from all of us at SOURCE for the outstanding achievement, we’re proud to have you as a member of the Virtus team!

Two years ago we proudly introduced features and concept of our VIRTUS Soldier System for the first time to the SHOT Show audience. This year our booth was no less busy.

Two years and 1,000s of fielded VIRTUS Soldier Systems later, we showed some of the VIRTUS updates and additions, as well as information about our SOURCE Hydration, Packs and Protective Vests product lines. Find a selection of booth pictures below. Get in touch with us here if you have any followup inquiries or if you didn’t make it to our booth.

Visit SourceTacticalGear.com for SOURCE Tactical Vests, SOURCE Virtus, SOURCE Combat Clothing and more.

For online orders visit:

Our Virtus Soldier System had its premiere in 2015 at the last Milipol Show. We’re happy to be back at Milipol this year to display our Tactical Packs and Hydration line and to talk about new versions, components and upgrades to the original Virtus Soldier System.

At the last edition of Milipol in 2015 we presented Virtus for the first time to a wider audience (including the DWD Load Carrying System and modules). Today – 25,000 fielded Virtus Soldier Systems later – we are looking forward to answer your questions regarding the latest additions and upgrades to the system.

Our Hydration Packs and market-leading Hydration Technology will be on display as well as Virtus components like the Scaleable Tactical Vest and Knee Protectors. Stop by our booth at this year’s Milipol Show in Paris (Stand 6 P 037) to see our Hydration Technology and to hear about the latest in Virtus Soldier System!

Mailstamp Milipol 2017

Presenting our latest release of the Virtus at the DSEI this year was one of the much anticipated events, also due to the fact that by now 25,000 units (and counting) of the Virtus are fielded with the British Armed Forces.

The Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) show in London, UK took place this month with our Virtus Soldier System in our SOURCE Booth, as one of the much talked about products. We are constantly in touch with the UK MOD and all units using the Virtus, working on PDS tasks turning the feedback from the field into further refining and updating our Virtus. Here’s a few pictures of our busy booth, where we displayed the latest version of Virtus and its components.

DSEI London 2017 SOURCE Soldier System
DSEI London 2017 SOURCE Soldier System
DSEI London 2017 SOURCE Tactical Gear
DSEI London 2017 SOURCE Tactical Gear
Dsei London 2017 Source Virtus 1024x768 1
DSEI London 2017 SOURCE Virtus
DSEI London 2017 Virtus Soldier System
DSEI London 2017 Virtus Soldier System

This week we had the great opportunity to exhibit our products – including SOURCE Hydration, SOURCE Packs and of course focus on the groundbreaking VIRTUS Soldier System – at ISDEF 2017, Israel’s largest International Defense, Home Land Security & Cyber Expo and Conference in Tel Aviv.

For three busy days, we met with international and Israeli professionals for conferences, meetings, discussions and product demonstrations in Tel Aviv. A high quality defense & security show right in front of our doorstep. Thanks to all the visitors for the engaging and interesting conversations.

Source Tactical Gear Isdef 2017 1024x576

Virtus Soldier System Isdef 2017 1024x576

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