Tag: Afghanistan

This Bag Might Blow You Away

ClaymoreClaymores are something you never ever want to encounter as these nasty bombs will ruin your day and a whole lot more. However, it could be a fitting name for the new line of bags developed by Combat Flip Flops, a company that was set up to support a growing Afghan-based economy.

While the company looked to manufacture in Afghanistan they had some difficulties with deliveries and have since set up shop in Issaquah, Washington where they produce military-inspired products. The Glaymore bag features a very military styled construction that includes MOLLE webbing and nylon ripstop materials. It was developed in a hostile LZ and thus will endure the daily commute.

Combat Flip Flops The Claymore

Weekend Reading List (03.02.2013): Kabul Skateboards, E-Bike Increase in Europe, Goal Tech

Kabul Skateboards

From Good Is: Students of DIY Workshop Make First Skateboards in Afghanistan
Skateistan began as a Kabul-based NGO, and now operates projects in Afghanistan, Cambodia, and Pakistan, with a second facility opening in Mazar-e-Sharif, Afghanistan, in 2013. Skateistan focuses on reaching out to girls and working children, using skateboarding as a tool for developing leadership opportunities, and building friendship, trust, and social capital among its students. While skateboarding is the initial way to get students involved, Skateistan is then able to provide access to education and platforms for self-expression that help break the cycles of poverty and exclusion. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (03.02.2013): Kabul Skateboards, E-Bike Increase in Europe, Goal Tech

Military-Inspired Casual Footwear Helps Afghan People, Economy

The AK-47 from Combat Flip Flops are inspired by the founders’ military service in Afghanistan, and are made by the Afghani people.

Many consumer products were born out of the military. Satellite-positioning systems, clothing fabrics, furniture, computers, and even the Internet that you are using now to read this page are some of the things that can trace their roots back to military use. So, would you ever expect to see a pair of sandals making that list?

That’s the story from NBC News, which profiled a group of former servicemen who started a business creating flip-flops. Now, unlike the products we just mentioned, the Combat Flip Flops are not created for the U.S. military (and they’re definitely not recommended for use in battle); they are, however, military inspired in design, based on the men’s service and experience in Afghanistan (flip-flops have names like AK-47 and Bombshell). What makes this footwear company unique is the humanitarian aspect: although the company is headquartered in Washington state, the flip-flops are manufactured by Afghans in a shoe factory in Afghanistan, helping to boost and stabilize the local economy.

Combat Flip Flops Official Website
[Via: NBC News: Bond of brothers: Ex-soldiers enlist Afghans to craft military themed flip-flops]

Skateistan Book Chronicles Skateboarding in Afghanistan

While many American skateboarders probably feel that are unnecessary restrictions in the United States – such as a ban in the West Hills of Portland, Oregon and a new Laguna Beach ordinance that requires youths riding a skateboard to wear a helmet – skateboarding was an activity that was essentially banned nation-wide in Afghanistan under the Taliban.

It wasn’t that the Taliban actually singled out skateboarding but that all forms of sport were restricted or banned. However the new book Skateistan: The Tale of Skateboarding in Afghanistan chronicles how the group – known as Skateistan – was founded by Australian Oliver Percovich, who first traveled to Afghanistan in early 2007. He had traveled to the country with three skateboards and what began as informal skateboarding lessons with local children turned into a project that saw the construction of the Skateistan park in 2009. Video after the jump

US Army to Deploy Smartphones

While the troops are coming home, or mostly have come home from Iraq, a large presence of U.S. soldiers still remains in the field around the world. The time in Iraq and Afghanistan no doubt made it clear to military planners as to what technology worked and more importantly what likely needed improvement.

Last week The Army Times reported “Army expects to field smartphones next year,” and this will include Army-issued handsets. According to the story these will include a secure version of the Android operating system, which will get certification from the National Security Agency. Additionally, the iPhone and iPad iOS is being considered as another option. Continue reading US Army to Deploy Smartphones