Kit: Israeli Mitznefet

The Israel Defence Force(IDF)'s Mitznefet, is a doubled sided helmet cover, and is fairly said a rather goofy looking item that is unique to this country. Issued first in 1994 this now standard piece of kit is designed to break up the distinctive outline of the infantry man’s rigid round helmets. It does this rather well, also covering up large portions of the soldiers neck and face if arranged properly; this helps immensely when trying to avoid the sun as well. With its elastic band this helmet cover can be used by its self or with a ball cap to achieve an over all better camouflaged state. This is a great piece of kit which is not all together hard to get out side of Israel; I highly recommend it to all people serious about effective camo yet unwilling to commit to a full gillie suit.

Additional Resources:
Nahal’s Elite Unit Field Exercises Israel FEB 2013
Israel

Camouflage: Japanese Ground Self-Defence Forces

The Japanese Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF) is the Army of Japan in all but name(which is directed by the Japanese constitution). In 1985 this camouflage pattern, a 4 color variation of the German Flecktarn, was introduced as standard issue. This camo is presented in two cuts, summer and winter weight, with the only differences being fabric thickness and the addition of vent panels on the shoulder blades of the blouse for the summer weight. An addition variation exists only for the winter field jackets and gortex gear, these feature more brown in the pattern then the standard variation. Theoretically this simulates the absence of foliage, which is typical for the winter season. There is no Desert version of this Camouflage.
Overall I really like this camo, it suits the green non urban zones of Japan and would be well suited in many other woodland regions of the world. However, due to the limited GOV only issue of these camies it is nearly impossible to get your hands on an authentic set unless you are willing to settle for chinese knock offs. I was lucky enough to find one of my coworkers who was a JGSDF reservist and now this camo mixed with German Flecktarn are my forest go to camies.

Additional Resources:
Flecktarn
Kamouflage.net Article
Japan

Military News: Russian Foreign Legion

The Russian Foreign Legion (RFL)is a new idea (2010) for the former Soviet power house, and is aimed primarily at recruiting the 25million or so Ethnic Russians that currently reside in former Soviet states. While bringing these Ethnic Russians back into the fold is the primary goal, any one who does not already hold duel citizenship can join (Provided they meet the requirements). Contracts will be for 5 years, and members will be eligible for Russian Citizenship after 3.

Opinion:While learning Russian would be cool, and serving in a Foreign Legion is always great for the adventurous among us who lament in the posh western lives we live, one must never forget that this is Russia we are talking about. Russia, while it has come leaps and bounds in terms of military professionalism and modernization since the since the 2008 Russian-Georgia War, the pay is still poor, the equipment antiquated, and moral is usually abysmally low due to a culture of abuse and alcoholism. If you are seeking adventure, the French Foreign Legion (FFL) is still going to be your better option.

Side note:
Currently no Internet or English related websites that substantiate recruitment or requirements for the RFL.

Additional Resources:
Foreign Legions
Russia