POLICE Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

5.11 Tactical Launches 'Passion Forward' Campaign to Celebrate Women's Tactical Community

5.11 Tactical, manufacturer of tactical apparel and gear, today announced the launch of its "Passion Forward" initiative. Passion Forward will offer fans and followers access to training videos, exclusive ambassador tips, covert solutions, product recommendations, contests and giveaways, and more.

July 7, 2015
5.11 Tactical Launches 'Passion Forward' Campaign to Celebrate Women's Tactical Community

Photo: 5.11 Tactical

5 min to read


5.11 Tactical , manufacturer of tactical apparel and gear, today announced the launch of its " Passion Forward " initiative. A campaign dedicated to women everywhere, Passion Forward is debuting in tandem with a continued surge of women's participation in shooting sports, hunting, public safety, and an overall global desire for tactical preparedness. According to the National Sporting Goods Association, more than five million women actively participated in target shooting in the U.S. during 2011, resulting in a 51% increase between 2001 and 2011. Furthermore, countries around the globe have seen up to a 60% spike in women's participation in hunting.

Celebrating today's tactical-minded, active and aspirational woman, as well as those women striving for greatness in public safety fields, Passion Forward will offer fans and followers access to training videos, exclusive ambassador tips, covert solutions, product recommendations, contests and giveaways, and more.

Ad Loading...

To kick off the campaign, 5.11 Tactical unveiled its esteemed program ambassadors and will be showcasing its expanding line of women's tactical gear and apparel. Accomplished professionals in each of their respective fields, the ambassador team includes the below trio of women who embody the powerful spirit and determination that Passion Forward aims to promote:

Janna Reeves—a devoted shooting competitor, Janna works full-time in the firearms industry. In her rookie year with the Noveske shooting team, she secured multiple high lady titles, and also qualified for a spot on the televised 3-Gun Nation Pro tour, making it to the championship shoot off. Throughout her career she has participated in several defensive shooting training programs, which played a role in her becoming a NRA-certified instructor.

Jolie Gentry Macias—a police officer and her department's first female Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team operator, Jolie won the inaugural Crossfit Games in 2007. In the 2009 Crossfit Games, she won the Viking Tactic top performing Law Enforcement or Military athlete of the games. Jolie is currently focused on training for Olympic Weightlifting and is looking to lead her team at Catalyst Athletics to the national title.

Katie Francis—at 16-years-old, Katelyn (Katie) Francis is an avid competitive shooter. Katie began shooting with a 22 revolver at the age of five, and by the age of eight she began shooting a 9MM pistol. When she was 10, Katie started shooting in local United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA) pistol matches. That same year, she competed in the Monster Match in St. Louis, Mo. and was the third place junior. Katie will be representing the U.S. at the International Practical Shooting Confederation Shotgun Match this coming September in Italy.

"We are proud to develop products that are made for women, by women," said 5.11 Tactical CEO, Tom Davin. "Women have demanded a superior product, and we've long understood that the fit of women's products is a key element of high performance. Our Passion Forward campaign is dedicated to honoring women who maintain an 'Always Be Ready' mentality, and we're thrilled to team up with Janna, Jolie and Katie, who truly personify the Passion Forward mission."

Ad Loading...

According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), more than 50% of women in the U.S. said they intend to purchase at least one firearm in the next 12 months. As it relates to public safety, there are some countries, such as the U.K., where women make up more than 25% of today's police force. With steady growth of the women's segment as it pertains to shooting sports, gun ownership, and law enforcement, 5.11 Tactical will continue efforts to extend its women's line of tactical apparel and gear—designed by women, for women—to support the expansion.

"Conversations around women's specific products first began as women started to vocalize their frustrations with the fit of their tactical pants and uniforms. As we began developing our Women's Stryke Pant, we focused on function, improved fit—which is critical—and adding a touch of feminine detail so that it wasn't a carbon copy of the Men's Stryke Pant. We built it for a woman's body, " said Tiffany Yerby, Director of Design at 5.11 Tactical. "Product testing on all shapes and sizes, and getting end user feedback, was paramount to the success and expansion of the women's line you see on the shelves today."

Adding to its increasing selections of women's products, 5.11 Tactical will unveil a variety of purpose built gear and apparel intended for the female customer, expanding the line to 2016 and beyond. Introduced earlier this year, the  Lucy Tote  and  Sarah Satchel  hide a wealth of tactical features while also providing a chic, yet inconspicuous, exterior which mimics the silhouette of a classic, feminine handbag. Both bags feature a strategically positioned TacTec System compatible pistol compartment intended for accelerated sidearm access or access to self-defense tools, such as pepper spray.

To learn more about each Passion Forward ambassador, access exclusive video interviews and photos, training tips and product recommendations, click  here . 5.11 Tactical will also be offering Passion Forward-hosted contests and giveaways this summer. For more information on 5.11 Tactical and its product offerings, visit  www.511Women.com  and follow the #PassionForward hashtag on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

About 5.11 Tactical

Ad Loading...

With offices globally, 5.11 Tactical collaborates directly with end users/operators to create purpose-built apparel and gear designed specifically to enhance the safety, accuracy, speed and performance of first responders worldwide. 5.11 Tactical products exceed rigorous and exacting standards, which have allowed the brand to establish a reputation for innovation and authenticity, and cement itself as the premier choice for Purpose-Driven professionals and enthusiasts worldwide. Learn more about 5.11's best-selling tactical gear and accessories at  www.511tactical.com . Connect with 5.11 Tactical @511Tactical on  Facebook Twitter Instagram  and #511Tactical.

More Patrol

Thumbnail for video series POLICE Topics, Tactics & Tips with yellow headline 10 Tips for Felony/High-Risk Stops.
Sponsoredby Wayne ParhamDecember 3, 2025

10 Tips for Felony/High-Risk Stops

What steps can officers take to stay safer during felony or high-risk vehicle stops? Here are 10 tips from Mike Willis, Law Enforcement National Training and Program Director for the US Deputy Sheriff's Association.

Read More →
Screenshot of compute screen showing a blurred license plate compared to an image where the image has been enhanced to show the numbers and letters.
Patrolby Edited by StaffNovember 25, 2025

Amped Highlights Power Behind Amped FIVE Software

Amped FIVE empowers you to advance your investigations with confidence and precision, from the crime scene all the way to the courtroom.

Read More →
Background orange tinted image of southern California with pushpin marking Burbank. Headline reads K-9 Killed by Gunman, Burbank Police Department
PatrolNovember 24, 2025

Police K-9 Killed, Suspect Dies in Shootout with Cops

A Burbank Police Department K-9 was fatally shot over the weekend by a passenger who fled on foot from a traffic stop. The armed suspect was killed in a shootout with officers.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Thumbnail image with blue and red police lights against a black background, large POLICE logo, headline for From the Show Floor: InVeris
Patrolby Wayne ParhamNovember 23, 2025

From the Show Floor: InVeris

In this video, learn about how InVeris provides training to law enforcement, including customized augmented reality scenarios. The augmented reality system can scan up to 10,000 square feet of real-life environments and create a curriculum based on those spaces.

Read More →
Thumbnail image for video series POLICE From the Show Floor featuring Polaris Government & Defense.
Patrolby Wayne ParhamNovember 19, 2025

From the Show Floor: Polaris Government & Defense

Learn about Polaris Government & Defense in this video as POLICE visits their show booth to discover their side-by-sides and the advantages they provide for agencies.

Read More →
black background width image of police lights in middle and headline Dashcam Video Officers rescue Man from Burning Car
PatrolNovember 17, 2025

Dashcam Video Shows Officers Rescue Man from Burning Car

Dashcam video released by a New Jersey police department shows two of its officers rescuing an unconscious man from a burning car after a crash.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
blue background with image of a red dot sight and also second image of the red dot on a handgun lower right
PatrolNovember 17, 2025

Aimpoint COA optic + A-CUT Named Red Dot of the Year

The Aimpoint COA optic + A-CUT system has been named Red Dot of the Year by Guns & Ammo magazine. The new optic system was introduced in January 2025.

Read More →
Thumbnail for video series POLICE From the Show Floor, with headline text featuring Axon
Patrolby Wayne ParhamNovember 16, 2025

From the Show Floor: Axon

Join POLICE as we visit with Abi Stock, of Axon, to learn about the company’s latest technology offerings, such as Axon Assistant, Form One, and the DFR integration with Skydio.

Read More →
side view of a ballistic helmet in studio setting, black background, with sparks and smoke
PatrolNovember 16, 2025

Back Face Deformation, Brain Injury and Ballistic Helmets – Why the “Dent Doesn’t Matter” Claim Ignores Science

Alex Poythress, co-founder and CEO of Ballistic Armor Co., explains why ballistic helmet buyers should insist on full test data, including BFD measurements, standoff distance, and padding configuration, rather than rely solely on penetration ratings.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Pink Streamlight Wedge XT flashlight.
PatrolNovember 13, 2025

Streamlight Marks 15 Years of Support for Breast Cancer Research Foundation With $20k Donation

In its 15th year of supporting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Streamlight donated $20,000 to help in the fight against cancer. Donations were generated through the sale of special Wedge XT models and other pink flashlights.

Read More →