If you need to stick to your principles and quite simply can not or will not sacrifice what your stand for then Rietti’s latest addition to the world of folding bikes (or more specifically the ‘Army recon’ style of folding mountain bikes) has got your name written all over it.

In your case money may or not be an option or it just may be a case of refusing to compromise your ideals. Let’s face it what you drive or what you ride says a lot about who you are; there’s just no getting around that in today’s society. Personally I always have been and always will be a sports car kind of guy. My sports car is my identity and it says as much about me as does my leather jacket, my watch, my sneaker collection and my girlfriend. It’s sleek, stylish, fast, changes gears and changes pace in a hurry and on the fly and maneuvers in and out of traffic and around current and potential obstacles in the blink of an eye. If I want to get downtown from my office on the outskirts of the city then I just crank up some classic ‘Prodigy’ on my top of the line stereo system and I’m there in twenty minutes.

Now what does this have to do with an Army Recon folding mountain bike you ask… Everything.

I’m about as likely to trade in my sports car for a truck, van, station wagon, family sedan or even an SUV as I am to start wearing corduroys and Dockers or boat shoes and crocs; it’s just not going to happen, not now, not later, not ever. My sports car defines my style and YES style matters, it’s who I am and how I relate to my world.

Now personal history tells me lots of people either don’t know what they want and who they are or are too willing to compromise those things without a moment’s hesitation. I can speak from personal experience. Some years back before I’d discovered the world of mountain bikes never mind the folding mountain bike or better yet the Army Recon folding mountain bike by Rietti I bought an Eagle Talon. Now being a bit of a trend setter and possessing a clear sense of personal style I also, before the fad, picked up a thin, supple lambskin button up ¾ black leather jacket on a business trip to London, England. Although I was the first of my friends to own both a black leather jacket of this cut and style and also the first to buy an Eagle Talon I would not be the last. Shortly afterwards two of my friends proceeded to buy the coat and the car and then there were three.

Now for me my Eagle Talon served my purposes perfectly. It had decent gas mileage for a high performance machine, was relatively easy to park, could comfortably take one passenger (my girlfriend) and was uncomfortable enough to discourage unwelcome, tag-a-longs thanks to the microscopic back seat. Also importantly the back seat folded down and I could remove the wheels from my Kona ‘Lavadome’ mountain bike and although somewhat dirty and somewhat inconvenient in the days prior to folding mountain bikes I was able to take my mountain bike on regular off-roading weekend adventures. As for my two friends, well, six months after buying an Eagle Talon they traded it in for an SUV, a mortgage and a white picket fence with the wife and 2.5 kids. Of course I’m exaggerating for effect but it does make me wonder if some people really know what they’re looking for if they’re willing to change their mind faster than I change gears.

Now to be honest I’m not much of a gearhead or even much of an extreme/adrenaline athlete or enthusiast and I’m not keen on adding more war scars like the ones I picked up in the year that I squeezed my mountain bike into the back seat of my sports car. You see long before the good people at Rietti designed their Army Recon folding mountain bike, a weekend warrior had to compensate for the lack of a suitable folding mountain bike by folding his backseat instead.

While I sold my Eagle Talon long ago and my Kona mountain bike is somewhere in Thailand at my father’s house the endearing message is the necessity of a folding mountain bike versus a standard issue mountain bike; especially one that is durable, reliable and delivers performance and style like the Army Recon folding bike from Rietti. I choose to travel light on my life journey now and neither my mother nor my sister has any extra storage space in their Vancouver apartment so your typical non-folding mountain bike struggles in this scenario. It appears that as big, beautiful and untamed as Canada’s outdoors may be nobody downtown or in the suburbs has any space to spare these days.

Now let’s talk a bit more about Rietti’s folding mountain bike. While I’m not the type brave or crazy enough to buy a racing motorcycle or even a high performance road bicycle (like my friend who snapped his collarbone last weekend), I’ve got no interest in an SUV in terms of gas prices, highway performance or environmental consequences and I’m not about to stick a roof rack on my sports car, it doesn’t mean I don’t harbor a fantasy or two of my own.

What guy doesn’t like toughness, performance and panache and the Army Recon folding mountain bike has all of those qualities and then some. Personally I go for vintage motorcycles and Rietti’s Army Recon look has that covered and for all of my GQ inspired style aspirations what beer drinking, hockey fight loving, steak eating, air guitar wielding self respecting red blooded Canadian male wouldn’t love to get hold of the keys to a Hummer for a day. That’s what the Army Recon mountain bike is to folding bikes. In a word the ‘Hummer’ of folding bikes. It’s big, strong and durable yet somehow it possesses the classic cool of a Harley Davidson ‘Fatboy’, the smooth gear shifting of my Eagle Talon and the clean, crisp lines of my black leather jacket.

If you’re looking for a folding bike and not just any folding mountain bike but the one with the power, style and finesse reminiscent of your very own independent, individualistic spirit of non-compromise then there’s only one choice. The Army Recon from Rietti is the only folding mountain bike on the market that possesses the same strength of character and strength of purpose that you do.

Recommended: Absolutely!

It’s understandable for adults to be interested in having a Swiss Army knife. After all, it’s useful, convenient and can do a pretty good job in making us feel safe. But this interest in knives isn’t exclusively for adults. Some children, even the very young ones, want to have their very own knives. Maybe they saw their parents or older siblings have one or they might be the adventurous type who likes to tinker around machines. It’s actually not a bad idea for kids to have their own Swiss Army knife.

There are actually some Swiss Army knives for kids out in the market today. One of the cutest ones around is ThinkGeek’s Kids Swiss Army Knife. It goes without saying that this is a toy that children 3-7 years old can safely play with. The Kids Swiss Army Knife is a Victorinox product with 6 plastic “tools”, a spoon and fork that’s big enough for kids to really eat with, a blunt knife blade, a saw blade, a can opener, a plastic magnifying glass and even a tiny carabiner.

Older children who’re into camping or who’ve joined the boy scouts or girl scouts would need a good Swiss Army knife for all those extracurricular activities. Premier Swiss Army knife company Victorinox has come up with a whole line of Swiss knives for kids. One of the most popular is the My First Victorinox Swiss Knife. This useful multi-tool is a compact 3.25″ that has been designed to be safe but functional. The pocketknife’s blade is quite short and lacks the pointed tip seen in other Swiss knives. It’s still handy but not too challenging for young kids. My First Victorinox has a screw driver, a combination blade and cap opener, a wire stripper, tweezers and a toothpick. It also comes with a lanyard and chain so kids can easily get it from their pockets or they can hang it around their necks.

Another knife perfect for kids is the Boy Scout Classic Swiss Army Knife which also comes from Victorinox. This can be the perfect gift for your little scout since it comes with the official Boy Scout insignia. You can also have it engraved with your child’s name or initials. The Boy Scout Classic provides them with everything they need at their fingertips. It’s small enough to fit any pocket and has the classic tools carried by most Swiss knives. Another perfect gift for your boy scout is the Swiss Army Boy Scout Sentry. This sleek knife is the official knife of the Boy Scouts of America and is known for having only one large blade.

Lastly, the Boy Scout StayGlow Climber is the perfect companion for any scout camping trip. It’s packed with all the necessary tools one needs to survive in the wild and it also glows in the dark, making it easy to find. The knife is 3.5″ and carries 2 blades, a bottle opener with a large screwdriver and wire stripper, a can opener with a small screwdriver, a corkscrew, a key ring, multi-purpose hook, a reamer, scissors, tweezers and a toothpick.

1000 yd. Bulls eye rifle target 1 case- Now if this isn’t something worth getting excited about I don’t know what is. This beautiful case is a prize in and of itself. If you have a rifle that good, then having a case to match is a must have.

Rubberized gun muzzle cover- Muzzle covers are a necessity with the sport. These rubber ones are both fashionable and they get the job done. The army surplus has a way of offering things at a reasonable price, but they are also a scarce accommodation.

Artillery Cleaning Brush w/ bag- Everyone will have to clean their guns. Now a person can leave the gun a mess, but that will mess with the performance of it. In order to keep your weaponry good, you must clean it. Investing in a cleaning brush is a necessity. The bag is an extra bonus, but it comes in handy because you can keep your cleaning materials in one place. They will always be where you want them when you need them.

Case, revolver ammo, 38 cal pistol- Man sometimes you are going to need the perfect case for a pistol. If you have a 38 caliber pistol Uncle Sam has a case for you. Not everyone will be able to boast about the army surplus case they have, but you can do just that if you take advantage of the opportunity that is staring you in the face.

Pistol Case w/ magnetic pouch 25-0017- This is not just an ordinary pistol case, but it has a magnetic clasp. You can feel like an authentic law enforcer with this one. I am telling you that you can get the finest shooting supplies from this surplus. The clasps is magnetic. It is designed with the next step in mind.

Government Issued Ear plugs/ 5485- Now the one thing that can become annoying about shooting is the fact that it is hard on your ears. There are good ear plugs available, but the army has the best. So just imagine that on your next shooting trip you will not be able to hear the loud shot. That is the perfect fit for every shooter. It is also the hardest thing to find the right ear plugs for yourself.

So all you shooters out there should become familiar with what the army surplus is offering. You can find yourself content with what you have, or you will find those little things that make a big difference, and it is all thanks to Uncle Sam.

Army patches are used to signify a soldier’s association, rank and distinctions.

Patches are usually located in the shoulders, the sleeve area, the combatant’s hat or beret or in the area of the chest. The placement and attachment of these patches on the Army Combat Uniform and the Army Service Uniform, is determined by Army Regulation 670-1 or the “Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia.”

Patches Attached to the Army Combat Uniform (ACU)

The Unit Patches

Unit patches are attached to the ACU jacket. Velcro pads are located on both shoulders; the left shoulder space is for the unit to which you are assigned while the right is reserved for the any previous unit you have served under in other combat zones.

The Skill Tab Patches

The skill tab patches are patches that indicate further study and training received while in the Army such as training for the Rangers or Special Forces. These skill tab patches are located on the left shoulder above the unit patch. Soldiers are allowed up to three army skill tabs on their ACU.

The US flag

Perhaps one of the most distinctive patches to be placed on the ACU jacket, the flag identifies the combatant as a citizen of the USA. To attach the flag, press it onto the right shoulder pocket flap above the unit patch. The flag patch, as well as the skills tabs and unit patches should all be in subdued colors as to not attract unwanted attention in combat zones. They should blend in with the color scheme of the ACU jacket.

The Name Tape

The name tape with the army combatant’s last name is located on the right breast pocket. There is a thin and horizontal Velcro pad attached to it for this purpose. It should be in the same color scheme as the rest of the ACU jacket.

The Branch Tape

The branch signifies which part of the Department of Defense the soldier belongs to. The US Army Patch is attached using a thin Velcro strip to the left breast pocket of the ACU jacket. It should read “U.S. Army” and be of the same color scheme as the ACU jacket.

The Rank Tabs

There are two rank tabs. One will be attached to the front zipper seam of the ACU jacket while the other is attached to the patrol cap.

Patches Attached to the Army Service Uniform (ASU)

Tthe Enlisted Rank Patch

The enlisted rank patch is one of the most important components of an ASU jacket. This patch signifies the rank of each enlisted personnel. It can be attached through sewing the patch on by hand or taking it to a tailor to be professionally-done. As for placement, it is supposed to be located on the outer part of each sleeve (not just on one) and centered halfway between the elbow and shoulder.

The Service Stripes Patch

Service stripe patches are diagonal yellow bars that stand for three years of service in the Army. This is attached to the ASU jacket and located four inches above the cuff of the left sleeve and strategically positioned to slant forty five degrees from the bottom of the cuff.

The Overseas Service Bars

The overseas service bars are affixed to the ASU jacket. For this particular military patch, one bar symbolizes six months of service in a combat zone like Iraq or Afghanistan. The placement of the overseas service bars is centered on the right sleeve and located four inches above the jacket cuff. The overseas service bars may be hand-sewn or taken to a tailor for a more professional look.

Embroidered military patches are a crucial element to uniforms. When choosing a supplier for them, it is important to look for quality of stitching and attention to detail in their work.

Army Birthday Parties – now there’s a concept that sounds a bit foreign. No one ever associates the army with parties. With that being said, it’s a very novel way to celebrate a birthday for children who love to pretend they are in the Army. Your “soldiers” will absolutely love the theme, as well as the fun that can be had at such an event.

Draft Notice Invites – Create some unique invitations, while capitalizing on the theme. Invites can be done in such a way that it looks like a draft for basic training.

For example, you could write on the front of the invite “(Guest’s Name), You Have Been Drafted!” On the reverse side put, “Report for duty on (Date of Party) at (Time). To make the event more authentic, you could also invite your guests to come in costume and add, “Wear your camo’s and prepare to be a soldier for the day!” Be sure to write “Top Secret” somewhere on the front of the envelopes.

If you really want to go the extra mile and create a truly memorable invitation, have Dad dress up like Uncle Sam and hand-deliver the invites to each of your guests.

Lastly, depending upon your activities, if you decide to have your soldiers get down and dirty, you might want to let the parents know that they should have their children bring a towel and a change of clothing, along with a bag to put the dirty clothes in.

Anything Army Invites – Another option is to create your invitation on a piece of green card stock. Then tie it, using twine, to anything that is Army-related. For example, a mini Army truck, an Army man, a parachute Army man, would all be perfect choices. Your child could then hand-deliver the invitations. This would also provide each of your guests with a little Army favor before the big event.

Stars & Stripes Invites – Cut a piece of white card stock into four pieces and decorate one side to look like the American flag. Create red stripes using a red marker and a blue marker to color in the star area background. Affix white sticker stars on top of the blue background or use glitter glue to create the stars. On the reverse side, write out your party details.

PARTY LOCATION – Ideally, if at all possible, a party of this nature could be held at venues that host war games. This would instantly create the proper environment and backdrop.

Aside from having this party at a war games venue, you could also host it at your home. With a little magical Army transformation, your home and/or backyard can be turned into Fort Bragg.

Lastly, you could opt to hold your party at a local park or camp ground. However, be warned, you will definitely have other kids wanting to join in on the fun.

Remember, the first step to hosting successful Army birthday parties is to draw your guests in with a compelling invitation. Make them not only want to attend your party, but entice them so they will be counting down the days ’til they hit the trenches!

Most people know about veteran’s benefits. It’s heavily advertised that you can sign up for the US Army and they’ll give you a VA loan and money for school after you’ve served your term. Few people, even the Army’s own soldiers, realize that you can get a university education, even a graduate degree, for free online while serving your country.

Welcome to E Army U, the military answer to educating soldiers in the 21st century. Via the web, and at times through a free laptop for soldiers, it offers university degrees on flexible schedules. Soldiers complete the work in their off-duty hours, just as their civilian counterparts might work full time and go to school in their off hours. This program is available to all soldiers.

It actually consists of two related programs, Go Army Ed and E Army U. Go Army Ed is a tuition reimbursement program for distance education courses offered by civilian colleges and universities. This covers 100% of the soldier’s tuition, fees, and books, up to a semester hour cap of $250 and an annual cap of $4,500. The school the soldier chooses must be accredited in the US; there is a list of approved schools on the Go Army Ed website.

E Army U is a web portal that consolidates the distance learning offerings of dozens of colleges and universities, allowing soldiers to log on to a single site to manage their entire college education. As an officially recognized university itself, it allows the soldier to bypass the residency requirements that traditional schools have. It also allows the soldier to apply for tuition reimbursement, do all paperwork filing, and track transcript information, all in one place.

There is a single application for all 25 universities and 140 degree programs that participate in E Army U, and credits earned are guaranteed to be two-way transferable between all of the institutions. Soldiers who have been able to get into the Laptop Program (suspended indefinitely for new applicants) can also access unlimited tutoring. The accredited university grants the degree the soldier earns.

Since the program was specifically designed to reach soldiers regardless of their duty station, thousands have transferred to new posts without interrupting their studies. More than 31% of E Army U students either extend service or reenlist specifically to access this benefit. In some cases, non-commissioned officers have finished their bachelor’s degree through E Army U, and then reenlisted as an officer in order to pursue a master’s degree.

Kid’s army tents are a must have for any young army fan and whether your kids plan on having a party in the backyard or their own private place while camping with the family there are many advantages to the inexpensive and easy to use kids army tents. I have one word…CAMO!

If you have young kids who live in camo pants in the winter and camo shorts in the summer you are not alone. There is just something about this pattern that kids go crazy for. So why not make their shelter camo as well? Most kid’s shelters for camping are made of nylon (easy to care for) and are reinforced with a polyethylene floor so they are not laying on the ground.

The cost is typically less than a regular family tent and you can often find authentic ones at army surplus stores either in your area or online at very reasonable prices. This can make them a great option for a back yard military style birthday party / sleep over.

Another great idea for using these smaller camo style shelters is as a private “residence” for your kids when you take a family camping trip. Your kids will feel grown up when they have their own space, even if they are only inches from your shelter.

If you want easy set up I recommend the dome style tents over the ones that have aluminum poles. The dome style typically come with the interlocking poles so nothing gets lost and the set up is literally minutes long. However, your kid’s might like the style that is in a angular style that can have each end strung up to a tree. For some kids this might feel more army like.

When most people think of education and the Army they immediately think of the GI bill, but veterans and US Army active duty personnel are entitled to more. With choices including the Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP), the Post Vietnam Era Veterans’ Educational Program (VEAP), and the Montgomery GI Bill you will be able to pursue your professional dreams with Army support. Protecting our country is an important job, and the time you give the US Army should not keep you from reaching long-term professional goals. Your Army service can actually become the doorway to an educational future that might not otherwise be in reach.

Respecting Our Army Veterans

The US Army is committed to honoring the service of its dedicated service people and has tools available to guide you step-by-step to the best choice or combination of benefit programs for you. Some of the important determining factors in selecting the right combination are the length of your active service, whether you desire to attend school full or part time, and if you need a housing allowance. Take advantage of the planning tools the Army offers on its easy to navigate site to consider different combinations.

Since the Army made changes in 1984 to the GI Bill, creating the Montgomery GI Bill, benefits available to veterans have only improved and choices expanded. In exchange for active duty US Army personnel forfeiting $100 pay per month for a year to the Montgomery GI program they receive a significantly increased educational benefit for 36 months.

The Army makes this option even more attractive by including a buy-up option. While on active duty US Army service personnel can contribute up to $600 toward their Montgomery Bill. The Army matches this contribution 8 to 1, for every dollar the service person contributes, the Army contributes 8. What investment has a return of this magnitude!

US Army Support

The Army understands the importance of having time to adjust to life outside the service. Reconnecting with family and finding jobs and housing can be a challenging adjustment when leaving. US Army veterans have up to 10 years to use these benefits. There are informal and formal educational opportunities while in the Army that simply can’t be measured.

Training experienced during your Army service would cost you thousands of dollars in the civilian world. When you add to that the significant educational support the US Army offers for its active personnel and veterans and the Army is a choice that simply can’t be beat.

Army Basic Training is designed to give each candidate all of the initial skills they will need to be an effective warrior in today’s fight against terrorism, natural disasters and all forms of piracy. Soldiers in today’s Army face technologies and circumstances unheard of less than 20 years ago. Army Basic Training is the first step to learning how to effectively and safely combat the evils and dangers of life today. It is both physically and mentally challenging. Army basic Training candidates push themselves to gain greater levels of strength, stamina and knowledge under the harsh and demanding tutelage of professional Drill Instructors.

Army Basic Training is anything but easy. Candidates are challenged physically and mentally to do their very best for nine solid weeks. Candidates wake up every day at 5:00 a.m. and be exercising by 5:30, breakfast at 6:30 and more training at 8:30. Lunch is at noon and more training at 1:00 p.m. At 5:00 p.m. candidates eat dinner and 6:00 p.m. means time with the Drill Sergeant. From 8:30 to 9:30, candidates get some personal time. Lights are out at 9:30 p.m. Candidates who get used to this regime before they arrive perform all that much better.

Phases Of Training

Army Basic Training is divided into three distinct phases that cover many aspects of military life, combat training and personal development. These phases are called the Patriot Phase, the Gunfighter Phase and the Warrior Phase. Each level of Army Basic Training requires a commitment of time, effort and dedication rarely seen in the civilian world. Completing each phase of Army Basic Training is a major life accomplishment.

Patriot Phase

In the Patriot Phase, candidates are trained in drill and military ceremony, military customs and courtesies, and the Seven Army Values. These Army Values represent the core beliefs held by all Army soldiers. They are loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage. These values center around the integrity and dedication required by all soldiers to perform their duties in an effective and efficient manner, under all circumstances. Army Basic Training gives candidates the abilities they need to accomplish these tasks.

Gunfighter Phase

During the Gunfighter Phase, candidates are given weapons training. They learn how to use the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW), the M-16 rifle, the AT4 anti-tank weapon and the M203 grenade launcher. They are also trained in hand-to-hand combat, unconventional wartime tactics and modern day technologies related to their military career.

Warrior Phase

The Warrior Phase focuses on the individual job skills candidates will master. With so many career paths to choose from within the Army, these jobs can range from plumber to postal worker, mechanic to missile launcher and everything in between. During this phase, candidates begin a process of life long learning in their chosen career path.

Army Basic Training prepares candidates and helps them to develop physically, mentally and professionally into a modern day warrior in an elite fighting and rescue force.

One of the biggest concerns of the military is the maintenance of their equipment. Just like the rigorous training that the army puts its soldiers through, in order to make sure that they are prepared, they have always done the same with their equipment, in order to make sure everything and everyone is ready when they are called upon.

This maintenance has even been even more important in the field of aviation, since if aviation equipment fails, people’s lives are in danger. Through the years there have many different versions of army maintenance as it pertains to the aviation equipment. In the early days it was called corrective maintenance, or fix it when it breaks.

This system had its limitations, as the only way to know when something needed fixed was after it failed. Next came preventative maintenance, which was constantly running through check lists to look for things that are about to fail, this improved the ability to detect problems before a piece of equipment was being used, however it was still not exactly efficient.

The next form of army maintenance was the latest and most efficient and that is called Time Before Overhaul, which meant that equipment was not only constantly checked but certain high wear equipment would be replaced based on manufacturers recommendations.

This meant that all equipment was in good working condition, however this was very labor intensive and it also caused aviation equipment to be offline for repairs at a very high rate.

Today there is a new type of maintenance system that is not only being tested, but is showing promise as the way maintenance will be performed moving into the future and that is Condition Based Maintenance or CBM, with this maintenance system aviation equipment has test run using newly available technologies that can detect when something actually needs fixed.

CBM is changing not only the amount of labor needed to keep aircraft in good working condition, but it also reduces the amount of money that is needed for labor and replacement parts. This system makes aircraft as battle ready as possible and there is no more need to replace parts till they have actually lasted for their entire lifespan.

As army maintenance improves the equipment that the soldiers depend on for their missions is becoming more and more reliable. These simple improvements based on using the available technologies, is changing the face of the military. Nothing could be better than making sure this important equipment is always ready for action.