SYRACUSE, N.Y. , June 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Utilizing Fiscal Year 2008 (FY08) Department of Defense funding, the US Army's Rapid Equipping Force (REF) recently requested over 250 Defenshield Mobile Defensive Fighting Positions (MDFPs) be deployed to high-threat combat zones in the Middle East . With this award, the largest single order to date for MDFPs, over 750 units will be actively deployed in war zones throughout the region.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080617/MDFP )
In November 2007 , funding for the project was included in the FY08 Defense Appropriations Bill approved by President George W. Bush . Congressman James Walsh and Senators Charles Schumer and Hillary Clinton were instrumental in securing the funding needed for this critical life-saving equipment for US soldiers fighting the war on terror.
"Without the support of Congressman Walsh, and Senators Schumer and Clinton, getting this protective equipment in front of our soldiers would be far more difficult," said Collins White, President of Defenshield. "Funding is always a challenge. We appreciate their recognition of the importance of bringing our brave men and women home to their families alive and well."
In early 2007, the Army REF deployed 50 units throughout different combat zones in Iraq , including Baghdad , Tikrit and Balad , where they have proven to be valuable for rapidly establishing anti-sniper and return fire positions. The highly effective design and mobility of the units make them valuable in situations where force protection requirements change frequently and without warning. Footage of the MDFP's in combat use, defeating building-top snipers in Iraq , have appeared on Military.com video files. Links to the videos are available on Defenshield's website at http://www.defenshield.com/protection_in_action/video_gallery.php
In addition to combat use, within the past year, the US Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines have all deployed Defenshield MDFP's to reinforce and harden overwatch positions at base entry control points, providing a higher level of protection that maximizes deterrence and minimizes the chances of attack by persons attempting to breach a secure area.
The Defenshield product line is available via the GSA Schedule to all federal agencies and to state, local, and municipal law enforcement under the Justice Department 1122 program. Additional funding is available through the DHS Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP).
Defenshield Inc. is a veteran-owned, New York corporation producing bullet, blast and fragment resistant products for the military, public security, homeland defense, and law enforcement. The Defenshield product line offers the highest level of security, defeating armor-piercing weaponry, assault and sniper rifles, as well as handgun and shotgun rounds. Non-ballistic tactical product lines are also available. Uses include fortified security stations, riot control, combat personnel protection, and the immediate establishment of security checkpoints whenever and wherever a higher level of personal protection is necessary.
SOURCE Defenshield Inc.
