by familymwr

What Else Can One Buy From an Army Shop Apart From Survival Kits and Jackets?

A lot more peculiar than a regular store, an army shop could be a very nice experience for anyone interested in military equipment. From clothing to special gear and even weaponry, an army shop brings the movie-like picture to life in front of one’s eyes. There are many people who by the nature of their work or hobbies would rather buy their apparel from an army shop, and the reasons to do so are manifold. First of all, you’ll only find some very special camouflage colors for the products: tan, brown, army green, black as well as their combinations are among the regular variations.

The boots one would purchase from an army shops meet all the quality requirements for trainings and outdoor activities on whatever kind of rough terrain. To give you just an example, for desert operations there is special footwear that imitates the sand color and which ensures great adherence and easiness of movement on a very treacherous soil. Furthermore, the special layers in the structure of such footwear don’t allow excessive heat accumulation in the soles of the boots. Though there is a lot of original stuff in an army shop, there is also plenty of room for poor quality imitations.

What else can one buy from an army shop? From jackets to glasses and survival kits, there is almost anything that would serve one in tough conditions. Let’s take for instance the camouflage jackets you can purchase here: depending on the nature of the army shop, the price for such an item could vary from high to medium. If the jacket you are interested in comes from an army surplus, then you’d be very lucky to get it, since its price must have been double if not triple when it was first sold.

Then, in case you want to get a pair of gloves from an army shop, you’d better expect a pretty spicy price. Gloves are among the military equipment items that require most special conditions; they need to be anatomical and warm without being too thick, since they cannot prevent the proper use of the ammunition. You can order such products as well as many others directly online once you find an army shop with quality products; from time to time there are also sales periods when prices drop or when you can benefit from very advantageous offers. Consequently, regardless of the fashion trends, an army shop will always have plenty of customers and no fear for stock creation.

by US Army Africa

Campers Hunting Kit Knife Set

The Campers Hunting Kit Knife Set is an inexpensive generic set of knives that is perfect for the young camper, hunter, or hiker in your life. The set includes two knives: a folding single-edged knife, and a Swiss Army style knife.

The folding knife is 4 ½ inches long and both the blade and handle are camouflaged. So whether the owner plans on going camping, fishing, hunting, or just wants to play army, this knife will suit him well. The knife can either be carried in the pocket, or clipped on using the detachable pocket clip.

The Swiss Army type knife has 13 functions including two blades, a bottle opener, scissors, a toothpick, and other various tools. It also includes a compass and an LED light. It is 4 inches with all the tools closed, thus making it easily transportable either in a pocket or a backpack. Many sites advertise this as a Swiss Army knife, but it can easily be seen that this inexpensive knife is just not up to the standards of a genuine or original Swiss Army knife. (Please read my previous article on the difference between a “Genuine” Swiss Army knife and an “Original” Swiss Army knife.)

While these knives are not suitable for the serious hunter or camper, it would make a perfect gift for a child. As with all knives, these also can be potentially dangerous if the young owner is not taught the proper use of a knife. However, based on the fact that the Campers Hunting Kit Knife Set is not expensive, it is camouflaged, and the multi-functional knife has a “cool” factor to it, any child would be proud to be its owner.

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by US Army Africa

Heroscape – Disposable Pharyngeal Mirror – Disposable Dental Kit

About the game

Heroscape was released in 2004. The game designers are Craig Van Ness, Rob Daviau, and Stephen Baker at Hasbro Games. Hasbro’s subsidiary, Milton Bradley also developed HeroQuest and Battle Masters. Heroscape is designed for 2 or more players ages 8 and older, although it can easily be adapted to more players, particularly if more than one master set and expansion sets are used. There are additional expansion sets that can be purchased (see: Master Sets and Expansion Sets, below).

The game comes with two sets of rules. The basic rules allow for simpler games accessible to younger players. The advanced rules are designed for more experienced gamers but are still very simple compared to most wargames. Each figure or group of figures has a card, called an army card, with basic game statistics printed on one side and advanced game information on the other. Advanced game information includes species, class, personality, size, special powers, and the point value of the card.

The master set that is not required for play contains enough tiles to build a nearly limitless number of scenarios, but experienced players often combine sets to create larger and more elaborate playing surfaces. The master set includes grass, rock, sand, water and ruins to make the playing surface; various expansions add lava, road, trees, snow, ice, glaciers, swamp, jungle, a castle, a bridge and more.

Gameplay

At its essence, Heroscape is an epic battle between and among characters from multiple cultures, periods, and genres, taking place on a three-dimensional gaming surface of various elevations and terrain types. Although the game manual contains ideas for scenarios, many players combine multiple sets of terrain tiles to create large playing surfaces, and manufacture their own house rules and custom scenarios. The heroes are inspired heavily by popular science fiction and fantasy, as well as the Old West, the Roman Empire, ancient Greece, feudal Japan, the Scottish highlands, the Nordic sagas, American history, medieval Europe, and classic mythology, among others. A single team may consist of heroes from many genres, with dragons, elves, robots, kyries, dinosaurs and wizards fighting alongside (and against) soldiers, vikings, knights, samurai, cowboys, agents, Marvel characters, Romans and more.

Building the scenario

Heroscape requires players to construct the three-dimensional playing surface for the game. Scenarios that come in the game, in master set and some large expansions, include detailed instructions for board setups, but many players enjoy designing their own. There are also separate expansions such as Volcarren Wasteland containing lava and lava rock surface tiles along with obsidian guards, Thaelenk Tundra containing ice, snow and glacier surface tiles plus the dzu-teh (yeti-like creatures armed with stone clubs) miniature, and Road to the Forgotten Forest containing roads, bridge and tree surface tiles and a dumutef guard. Ticalla Jungle based on jungle and tree surface tiles with fylorg spiders was supposed to be available in early 2008, but was delayed during the transition of making Heroscape a Wizards of the Coast product instead of a Hasbro product. It was instead released on June 13, 2008. A Desert based expansion, with desert tiles and repainted glaciers, was rumored to be released but it was canceled due to the fans rejecting the idea.

Two new master sets were released in 2007. One called The Swarm of the Marro was released on August 2007, and the Marvelscape Master Set called The Conflict Begins which was released on July 2007 and contains five heroes and five villains from the Marvel Comics universe. The Marvel edition is fully compatible with the regular Heroscape figures.

Selecting armies

Each player selects one or more “units,” where a unit may be a unique and distinct hero, or an entire squad of generic figures. “Army cards” that explain the various attributes and special abilities are packaged with each unit. There are five types of units in the game: Unique Hero, Common Hero, Uncommon Hero, Unique Squad and Common Squad. Hero cards are associated with a single figure and squad cards are associated with a set of two or more figures. A given player may only have one of a unique unit, be it hero or squad, in his army, but there is no limit on how many copies of a common unit may be selected.

All basic game scenarios and some advanced game scenarios specify the units for each player. Most advanced game scenarios allow players to choose units based on the points values printed on the army card. Depending on the scenario, players may be required to place their team in a specific location, or they may randomly select where each player begins.

Structure of a round

The flow of play in Heroscape is broken up into rounds and turns. The terms are often used interchangeably in board games, but there is a key distinction in Heroscape with each round including 3 turns for each player.

At the beginning of the round, each player must place order markers on his/her armies. Order markers determine which armies will be used during that round and what order they will be utilized. These markers indicate the turn in which each unit will be activated, but the numbers are hidden from the table. A fourth “dummy” marker may also be placed to add some ambiguity as to which units one will be activating. The same unit may be activated multiple times in a single round by placing multiple order markers on it.

After order markers have been placed, each player rolls a twenty-sided initiative die. The highest roller takes the first turn and play passes to the left.

Syvarris and Theracus command the high ground in a snowy forest atop the mountains.

The player with the highest initiative roll begins his first turn by revealing which unit contains his first order marker. A turn usually consists of moving and then attacking. For squads, each figure in the squad is moved before any may attack. The number of hexes that each figure may move is listed on its card. Typical movement amounts range from 4 to 8 and normally moving one hex costs one point movement. Certain types of terrain are dangerous (e.g. lava), impassable (e.g. glaciers), slow you down (e.g. snow) or speed you up (e.g. roads). Moving up, but not down, in elevation also costs additional movement points. Some figures’ special abilities, such as flying, may also affect movement.

After movement has been completed, each surviving figure in the unit may attack any figure within its range and line of sight. Melee units are those with a range of one, and ranged units typically have a range of four or more.

The number of dice rolled for offense is listed on the army card, but may be improved by various bonuses, including terrain bonuses, elevation bonuses, or special abilities. The attack dice contain skulls on three surfaces (in 1st edition) giving a 50% chance at scoring a hit for each die. The defender likewise calculates how many defense dice he may roll, based on his unit’s natural defense value and any other bonuses (terrain, elevation, special abilities, etc). The defense dice contain only two shields, giving a statistical advantage to the attacker. In the second edition the defense and attack dice are combined into one, with three chances for attack, two chances for defense, and one chance for a blank roll.

If the defender rolls a number of shields equal to or higher than the number of skulls rolled by the attacker, nothing happens. If the number is lower, the defender receives a number of wound markers equal to the difference. Once a unit receives a number of wound markers equal to its total life points, it is destroyed and removed from the playing surface immediately. Heroes usually have multiple life points; squads always have one life point per figure in the squad. In the basic rules version of the game the wound marker system is not used, and each unit simply has one life point; hero units usually have exaggerated defense to compensate.

Various abilities by specific units may modify these rules to some degree (e.g., the samurai may counterattack and inflict damage while defending), but this move/attack/defense flow is typical of a turn.

Once the player has finished all of his attacks, play passes to the left, and that player then reveals his first order marker and takes his turn. Play continues in this manner until the final player has completed his first turn, and then play resumes with the first player, who reveals his second order marker and takes a turn with that unit. This process is repeated for the third order marker, and then the round is completed. Sometimes a player will lose a turn if the unit he had placed an order marker on was destroyed on a previous player’s turn.

Victory

The conditions for victory vary with some scenarios involving quest-like goals and others simply being the last player with any surviving units. Time limits, round limits, and points for first to or holding certain locations are all common. In tournament settings, there is often a “Fractional Scoring” system used when time expires. The player with the most points at the end of the time limits wins.

Characters

Generals

There are six Valkyrie Generals on the world of Valhalla (the planet where Heroscape takes place):

Utgar, whose army is fighting to take control of the mysterious wellsprings and use their incredible power to conquer all of Valhalla. Utgar’s army consists of Marro and Orcs along with soulborgs, undead, the dragon Mimring, and a scattering of other creatures and beings. He is currently the only evil general.

Jandar’s army fights to stop Utgar from misusing the wellsprings and their incredible power and to prevent him from conquering all of Valhalla, the universe, and possibly time itself. Jandar is allied with Ullar, Einar, Vydar, and Aquilla, and leads the alliance of good generals. Jandar’s army is made up of the Sentinel faction of Kyrie and humans, along with a scattering of Omnicrons, Dzu-Teh and a white dragon named Nilfheim.

Vydar, who is currently aligned with Jandar, Ullar, Aquilla, and Einar. His army consists mostly of humans and soulborgs; Dund, a Doggin; Sudema, the undead queen; and Braxas, the dragon. The former Heroscape website showed that he had been allied with Utgar, but new pages of Thormun’s journal showed Sentinels going to ask for Vydar’s alliance. Although Vydar is skeptical and annoyed at Jandar’s alliance attempt, he seems to hate Utgar for reasons of pollution.

Einar, who is allied with Jandar, Ullar, Vydar, and Aquilla. His army consists almost entirely of Humans with only the exceptions of the Einar Imperium Kyrie, the dragon Zelrig, Empress Kiova (a Kyrie), and an Ogre named Gurei-Oni. Einar makes no mention of having been allied to Utgar, and has the most disciplined army. Thormun’s Journal shows that Einar’s warrior Shiori, who helps other heroes to infiltrate the Marro Hive, was not going on Einar’s orders, but was running away because she didn’t want to follow anyone’s authority.

Ullar is allied with Jandar, Vydar, Einar, and Aquilla. His army consists of elves, vipers, Shaolin Monks, a giant named Jotun, a Gryphillin named Theracus, a ninja named Moriko, Ullar Kyrie Protectors, and a dragon named Charos.

Aquilla, who is a new (as of 2007) and mysterious general. Little is known about her except that she is allied with Jandar, Ullar, Vydar, and Einar, all fighting against Utgar. Aquilla’s army is made up of squads of Fyorlag spiders, the Mohican River Tribe of Native Americans, Axegrinders of the Burning Forge who are a group of dwarf fighters and their leader, Migol Ironwill, and Sujoah, a large, flying insect. In the new Dungeons and Dragons Master set, Aquilla’s forces are joined by Darrak Ambershard, a dwarf rogue who hides in the shadows.

Heroscape game sets

Main article: List of Heroscape supplements

Master sets

A Master Set is required to play the game. The first master set is titled Rise of the Valkyrie. This set contains 30 pre-painted miniature figure warriors (all unique but a mixture of hero and squad), cards with the stats of the different warrior figures, a large amount of interlocking hex-based tile terrain, and the rule booklets, which include battlefield plans and scenarios for both basic and master games. The master set comes with enough order markers to play a 2-4 person battle.

There are two versions of the Rise of the Valkyrie set available. The first edition is sought by some collectors mainly because it has sparkly translucent blue water tiles rather than the solid blue ones in later runs of the first edition, and all runs of the second edition. The first edition came with two sets of six-sided dice: a set of 10 red “attack” dice (skulls) and 10 blue “defense” (shields) dice. The second edition edition combines these into a set of 12 unified dice that are rolled for both attack and defense; 3 sides of each die are skulls, 2 are shields, and 1 is blank. The second edition is more common and also has slightly different packaging and a revised rulebook.

Multiple set purchases are common among devoted players, as the Master Set is the only way to obtain significant numbers of terrain tiles, which are generally used to build bigger battlefields.

A themed master set (labeled on the Box as Game Set “The Conflict Begins”), based on the Marvel Comics license Hasbro acquired, was released in 2007. Marvel Legends Heroscape includes 10 unique figures (Captain America, Red Skull, Silver Surfer, Thanos, Hulk, Abomination, Spider-Man, Venom, Iron Man, & Dr. Doom) and urban style terrain, and is currently available in stores. The Marvel characters follow no generals (Jandar, Utgar, Vydar, Einar, Ullar, or Aquilla). The Marvel Heroscape set IS compatible with other sets, but Marvel characters are generally higher in points in comparison to other Heroscape figures.

A second Master set, Swarm of the Marro, was released in Fall of 2007. It was revealed at Toyfair 07. Most of the figures included are from the Marro, which are an alien race designed for the game. Two remakes of figures from the Rise of the Valkyrie master set (Raelin and Sgt. Drake Alexander) and several other heroes are also included. Swarm of the Marro also features a “hive” which can rebirth fallen Marro figures and a new “swamp” terrain tile type.

The third master set, “Dungeons & Dragons: Battle for the Underdark”, released January 4th, 2010. Using the setting from the ‘Forgotten Realms’, Battle for the Underdark introduces the new dungeon tiles, along with new rules and game play dynamics. Instead of one-of type games, the new campaigns use a “dungeon crawl” experience (similar to a RPG type video game or the ‘real’ Dungeons and Dragons game). A game played on one map, is connected to another map, in that way the party is ultimately trying to reach the end map and survive the dungeon. 10 new figures are included, along with 50 new terrain tiles and rock outcroppings.

Expansion sets

Expansion sets have been released regularly since the game debuted. The most common expansion set releases consist of four different booster packs, each containing 3 – 8 figures. At least one pack in each series contains unique heroes and/or squads, while the other two or three contain two common squads or one common squad and one common hero, the exception being Wave 5, which did not contain a Expansion Pack with only unique heroes.

Most sets contain extra terrain hexes, and Wave 1 packs contain special power glyphs that grant bonuses in-game. These booster pack expansions are sometimes referred to as the wave expansions, as opposed to the expansions which come in larger boxes (Large figure sets or large terrain sets). There are 11 waves of expansions so far, including the to be released, Champions of the Forgotten Realms (Wave D1), in March 2010.

Two five-figure expansion sets for Marvel Heroscape were displayed at the 2007 Comic Con in San Diego. They included the following figures: Sandman, the Human Torch, Beast, Bullseye, Doctor Octopus, Punisher, Black Panther, Super Skrull, Invisible Woman, and the Thing. A Marvel Heroscape master set was released, including other figures, as well as some city-themed terrain. Another Marvel set is scheduled to be released in 2010, including those figures. [<-- This has not been verified by anyone at Wizards of the Coast]

Due to the way these expansions extend the game experience, some have referred to Heroscape as a collectible miniatures game (CMG) and compared it to games like Mage Knight and Dungeons & Dragons Miniatures Game. However, the designers of Heroscape have stressed repeatedly that the game is not collectible per se, because purchasers can see exactly what they are getting with every pack they buy. Also, Heroscape expansions are not intended to go permanently out of print, although frequent stock shortages and lapses in the availability of certain sets have made them difficult enough to obtain that sellers can often demand a premium price. This differs from the marketing tactic of CMG’s, which rely on the purchaser not knowing what they have until they’ve already purchased and opened the package, and limited availability to drive their sales.

Fan-generated content and materials

Heroscape Created much fan-generated content and material, including custom terrain, like jungles made out of aquarium plants, battle boards, ruins, buildings, and sci-fi terrain. Also created are custom figures, which permit fans to include elements from their favorite films or stories.

Software

Battleplan for Heroscape is a free third-party, web-based application for viewing official unit stats and building armies.

LandSCAPE , currently on its third version, is a free third-party software product for designing and printing battlefields and scenarios. It is web-based or downloadable (Mac OS X and Windows). This software appears to no longer be in development. It does not include data for Tundra, Castle, or any expansion newer than Collection 3.

VirtualScape is a free third-party software product that permits fans to plan, build, and view virtual scenarios in a full three-dimensional environment. You can use unlimited hexes and print the landscape off so you can build a 3-D battlefield. (Windows)

HS Manager is free third-party software for planning armies and viewing official unit stats. It allows searching on unit details like Attack, Defense, or personality. There are both web-based and downloadable versions (Mac OS X and Windows)

External links

Hasbro’s Official Heroscape website

Wikia’s Heroscape Wiki

Heroscape at the Open Directory Project

Official FanSite [[[Media:http://www.heroscapers.com]]]

UnOfficial Terrain Building

Categories: Board wargames | Board games with a modular board | Collectible miniatures games | Fantasy board games | Milton Bradley gamesHidden categories: Articles lacking sources from November 2007 | All articles lacking sources

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by jeffreyuk

Abacus Army Kit and Personal Accident Insurance

Military personnel have extremely different needs when it comes to insurance than that of the average person seeking insurance. Military personnel need to be concerned about insurance issues such as army kit insurance and even common insurance, such as personal accident insurance, have different specifications and requirements than those of other such insurance problems. Abacus realizes these differences and has many insurance policies that take into consideration these special needs and tailor policies to perfectly suit those serving in the military. The personal accident insurance and army kit insurance that Abacus provides are only two examples of how the company goes above and beyond serving those that serve us, but these examples are some of the best.

Upon entering the military, soldiers are given a standard-issue army kit for which they are solely responsible for. These kits include things such as bullet-proof vests, ammunition, basic survival items, and weapons. Because carrying these kits around just about everywhere an individual goes is necessary, not only for survival purposes but also for training exercises, there’s little question that a person will be able to keep the army kit on them without ever having to replace part of all of the kit. But doing so can cost hundreds and even thousands of dollars and so, if part of the kit needs to be replaced, a soldier can find they are unable to pay for other necessities, such as their mortgage or providing food for their family. This is why army kit insurance is so very important as it will help to cover the costs of repairing or replacing any part of their kit. Abacus has army kit insurance that will not only help a person to do this without feeling any real negative effects themselves but the army kit insurance Abacus provides also covers other costs such as protection against liability should a person become injured on their property. Abacus army kit insurance can also help protect the belongings in someone’s home, which is just another reason why Abacus is such a wonderful insurance company for military personnel.

There’s little doubt that military personnel often find themselves in dangerous situations, where they are likely to become injured, such as during times of war. Abacus provides comprehensive personal accident insurance plans that will cover not only the person serving in the military, but also their spouse should they choose this option. The personal accident insurance that Abacus provides not only covers the policyholder for things such as the loss of use of a limb or other bodily part but it also provides special coverage, specific to military personnel that will cover things such as injuries from shrapnel, flesh injuries, or blast injuries. Standard personal accident insurance policies generally provide hospitalization benefits after a person has spent 5 consecutive nights in the hospital but being a leading insurance company, Abacus is able to provide this same coverage to military personnel after only 4 nights in the hospital. Abacus also shows that they cater to the military by not creating any exclusions during time of war, which is often when those serving need it the most.

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by U.S. Army Materiel Command

Army Kit and Military Insurance

Abacus have been providing first class Army Kit Insurance for serving personnel for many years and we know what it takes to give the right kit insurance to each individual soldier.

 When you get your kit you will be responsible for it. You will have to make sure that it is never lost or damaged or you could be forced to pay thousands in costs. This is why you need an excellent deal on your Army Kit Insurance and why you can trust Abacus to provide it to you.

 Some of the key benefits that you will discover when you take out kit insurance with us are:

1)        1.         A great piece of mind as you will be able to concentrate on the job at hand and not worry about expenses. This can make you more focused and allow you to be safer and more secure in your daily activities when out in the field. This is one of the major benefits that choosing Abacus to provide your army kit insurance provides.

2)        2.         The coverage for our kit insurance policies means that you will be covered wherever you are in the world. No matter where you get deployed or when, the coverage of all your kit is taken care of.

3)        3.         You can get accidental coverage options to cover you if any accidents happen in your living quarters or other accommodation.  There is no need to worry if an accident occurs, your kit insurance will cover it. We can also provide cover for your household contents, so you are truly covered for all aspects of your living arrangements.

4)        4.         The option of 3rd party coverage means that under your army kit insurance policy, if anything happens to somebody else or their property then you will not have bills to face or liability claims to deal with. Abacus will be able to deal with all aspects of 3rd party coverage details.

5)        5.         Your kit insurance can include some specific items. These could be things like money, credit cards or your bicycle. We will provide coverage so that if anything happens you will be able to recover quickly.

6)        6.         We will pay to replace any item of your kit that is lost wherever you are in the world and we will also pay to replace each and every item that is damaged in your kit. Wherever you are in the world Abacus can provide excellent coverage for all your kit needs, all of which are covered under our army kit insurance policies.

7)        7.         The payment is monthly and there are no fees to set up. The army kit insurance works for you as and when you need it, and we will always be there to lend a helping hand.

There are many reasons why you should trust Abacus when it comes to buying kit insurance. We have dedicated professionals located near each and every base and they are always friendly and understanding to the needs of serving members of the armed forces. There are also 24/7 dedicated support help-lines, so you will be able to get advice when and as you need it. Choosing Abacus to provide your army kit insurance army kit insurance is one of the best decisions you can make, we look after all of our customers and we give the best level of service possible, so you can live your life and not worry about the expense of serving your country.

by plastereddragon

Army Kit and Military Insurance

Abacus have been providing first class Army Kit Insurance for serving personnel for many years and we know what it takes to give the right kit insurance to each individual soldier.

When you get your kit you will be responsible for it. You will have to make sure that it is never lost or damaged or you could be forced to pay thousands in costs. This is why you need an excellent deal on your Army Kit Insurance and why you can trust Abacus to provide it to you.

Some of the key benefits that you will discover when you take out kit insurance with us are:

1. A great piece of mind as you will be able to concentrate on the job at hand and not worry about expenses. This can make you more focused and allow you to be safer and more secure in your daily activities when out in the field. This is one of the major benefits that choosing Abacus to provide your army kit insurance provides.

2. The coverage for our kit insurance policies means that you will be covered wherever you are in the world. No matter where you get deployed or when, the coverage of all your kit is taken care of.

3. You can get accidental coverage options to cover you if any accidents happen in your living quarters or other accommodation. There is no need to worry if an accident occurs, your kit insurance will cover it. We can also provide cover for your household contents, so you are truly covered for all aspects of your living arrangements.

4. The option of 3rd party coverage means that under your army kit insurance policy, if anything happens to somebody else or their property then you will not have bills to face or liability claims to deal with. Abacus will be able to deal with all aspects of 3rd party coverage details.

5. Your kit insurance can include some specific items. These could be things like money, credit cards or your bicycle. We will provide coverage so that if anything happens you will be able to recover quickly.

6. We will pay to replace any item of your kit that is lost wherever you are in the world and we will also pay to replace each and every item that is damaged in your kit. Wherever you are in the world Abacus can provide excellent coverage for all your kit needs, all of which are covered under our army kit insurance policies.

7. The payment is monthly and there are no fees to set up. The army kit insurance works for you as and when you need it, and we will always be there to lend a helping hand.

There are many reasons why you should trust Abacus when it comes to buying kit insurance. We have dedicated professionals located near each and every base and they are always friendly and unSderstanding to the needs of serving members of the armed forces. There are also 24/7 dedicated support help-lines, so you will be able to get advice when and as you need it. Choosing Abacus to provide your army kit insurance is one of the best decisions you can make, we look after all of our customers and we give the best level of service possible, so you can live your life and not worry about the expense of serving your country.

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by familymwr

Three Important Factors to Consider When Shopping for Army Kit Insurance

An ever increasing number of military servicemen and officers are taking up army kit insurance cover. Before the advent of such army kit insurance cover, military life for many soldiers was fraught with unspoken anxiety, as one had to live with the knowledge of the fact that they were fully responsible for their army kit, and would have to pay for it were it to get lost or damaged in one way or another. This was an anxiety-inducing thought, as the cost of army kit can be rather high, often running into thousands of pounds (think several months’ pay) for the whole kit.

            Then came army kit insurance. By taking up such army kit insurance, a soldier can live with the peace of mind of knowing that they are covered (at least financially speaking) in the event of their losing their army kit in one way or another. Army kit insurance is one of the specialized military insurance products, alongside military life insurance and personal accident insurance cover (also referred to as pa insurance) which were greeted with the most enthusiasm by both servicemen and officers in all branches of the military. The enthusiasm with which military insurance products like military life insurance like army kit insurance and pa insurance covers were met with led to the growth of specialized military insurance providers like Abacus, which was among the pioneers. Today, as more and more companies offering military insurance products spring up, many soldiers are finding themselves spoilt for choice on which provider to opt for, and what criteria to use in sorting through the various products on offer, as they all look so similar. Here then are three important factors to consider, when you are shopping for army kit insurance.

1.      The cost structure of the cover: Taking any form of insurance cover is seen as a serious financial commitment, and military insurance is no exception. You need to carefully consider the cost of the army kit insurance cover you are taking, and see how that fits into your overall budget. You also need to ensure that the premiums you pay for your army kit insurance cover compare favorably with the benefits you stand to get in the event of your losing or having your army kit damaged. Of course, don’t approach your army kit insurance cover shopping with cost as the only shopping criteria as such an approach often blinds you to other important factors. Simply put, the cheapest is not always the best, though cost is still an important consideration. In looking at the cost, you will also need to consider other elements that are not explicitly mentioned, like annual fees for example. Some army kit insurance providers charge such fees (in addition to the normal premiums) whereas others don’t charge such fees. You need to look at such fees as implicit costs, as they still have to be paid for ultimately.

2.       The benefit-structure of the cover: Alongside the cost structure of the army kit insurance product you are considering taking up, you also need to consider its benefit-structure. This often involves combing through the fine print carefully, looking for catches. Some of the questions you might ask include whether the army kit insurance cover only covers for lost army kit – or whether it also includes damaged military kit for example. You might also want to know whether the army kit insurance comes with worldwide coverage – or whether the coverage is only local (keeping in mind the ever-present possibility of being called up overseas duty).

3.      The product provider: You also need to carefully examine (and compare) military insurance providers providing army kit insurance before committing yourself to one. Some of the things to look at in an army kit insurance provider include their experience (you might, for example consider going for an experienced army kit insurance provider like Abacus, or opt for the relatively newer, less experienced providers), the track record of the army kit insurance provider, and of course the financial stability of the insurance provider you are considering committing yourself to. You might also consider looking at what other products (besides army kit insurance) they offer, and how these other products might appeal to you. As it were, it is often better to get all your military insurance products from one insurer, as they often given great ‘discounts’ for multiple purchases. A company like Abacus for example, offers army kit insurance at greatly reduced rates if it taken alongside personal accident insurance (pa insurance) cover.