There's been a lot of scuttlebutt about the integrity of the Marine Corps' pack frame. If you tell a Marine he can't break something, he's going to prove you wrong and then tell his buddies how to do it as well. But, this time MARCORSYSCOM is one step ahead, as Gunner Christian Wade demonstrates in this video.
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Virginia— Marine Corps Systems Command welcomed U.S. Congresswoman Niki Tsongas to the Gruntworks Squad Integration Facility aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico July 11. During her visit Tsongas received an insider view of advancements in personal protective equipment and load bearing equipment for Marines.
Massachusetts Congresswoman Niki Tsongas joins Marine Corps Systems Command acquisition experts aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, July 11, for a sneak peek at the latest gear for the 21st Century Marine. In a series of ongoing efforts, the Corps and the Army are collaborating to develop, test and deliver ever-better capabilities for Marines and Soldiers. From left: Brig. Gen. Joseph Shrader, MCSC commander; Lt. Col. Chris Madeline, program manager for Infantry Combat Equipment; Rep. Tsongas; and Mackie Jordan, an engineer in PM ICE. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Emily Greene)
Raised in a military family herself, Tsongas represents the Massachusetts Third District. She is also a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, and has been serving as the highest ranking Democrat on the largest HASC subcommittee, the Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee (TAL), since the beginning of 2017. The TAL Subcommittee is responsible for overseeing and authorizing the research, development, production and procurement of a large segment of the resources and equipment used by the military services. Rep. Tsongas has led the push for modernized body armor and is working to support military innovation, particularly when it comes to lightening the load for the Warfighter.
"The Marine Corps is always looking to improve on current equipment to make it lighter, provide additional capability, and make it fit better," said LtCol Christopher Madeline, program manager for Infantry Combat Equipment at MCSC. "It was important to us to provide Congresswoman Tsongas an interactive experience with our newest gear so she has a more intimate understanding of our capabilities."
The Marine Corps is collaborating with the Army in a series of efforts to develop, test and deliver enhanced capabilities for Marines and Soldiers. As part of these efforts MCSC is changing the sizing of clothing, uniforms, and personnel protective and load bearing equipment to provide better fit, function and form for Marines, Madeline said.
Plate Carrier Generation III: The Marine Corps and Army are closely aligned to ensure uniforms and personal protective equipment properly fit female and male service members in order to accommodate every individual Marine and Soldier. The services are partnering to develop the PC Gen III, a service-common vest that will provide better fit, comfort and mobility. The new prototype reduces the length of the protective vest by 1.25 inches; provides sports-graded shoulder straps to improve fit; and is about 23 percent lighter than previous models. The new sizes will provide small-stature Marines with a better fit and reduce the weight associated with wearing a larger plate.
Enhanced Combat Helmet: In May 2017, the Marine Corps awarded a contract to procure an additional 84,000 ECHs. Since 2014, Marines had only been issued the ECH prior to deployment. This purchase will enable Marines to use the helmet during training as well, eliminating the need to trade helmets before and after deployments. The Marine Corps currently manages three ballistic helmets but the future vision is a single helmet for all operating forces, which greatly simplifies logistics considerations and increases cost savings. Also used by the Army and Navy, the ECH provides the most ballistic protection beyond any other Department of Defense helmet. It exploits lightweight material technology to provide enhanced ballistic protection against select small arms and fragmentation. Fielding will begin in the spring of 2018, allowing Marines to train with the same equipment they use in combat.
Marine Corps Pack System: After extensive cold weather testing earlier this year, the Corps is working to re- enforce the frame of the pack system Marines use to carry equipment and gear on their backs. Although the frames were previously tested at temperatures ranging from -40 degrees to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, in accordance with North Atlantic Treaty Organization standards, it was found that real-world artic conditions caused the frames to become brittle and snap in extreme cold. During the test period, more than half a dozen MCSC experts worked to solicit feedback from Marines using the packs in order to identify how to improve the equipment.
MCSC is planning additional environmental and field testing for a more comprehensive evaluation of the reinforced frame’s performance in extreme cold temperatures. The testing will also determine additional root causes of the legacy frame failures, such as material aging and increased loads, to mitigate potential issues with the reinforced frame after fielding.
During Tsongas’ visit, MCSC experts briefed the congresswoman on the evolution of Marine Corps personal protective and load bearing equipment, allowing her to try on the PC GEN III, ECH and Marine Corps Pack System. Tsongas also received a behind-the-scenes demonstration of how engineers and specialists analyze and assess body types for equipment development.
“Since being elected to Congress, I have sought to ensure that our men and women in uniform are outfitted with the best life-saving equipment,” said Congresswoman Tsongas. “I appreciate the opportunity to visit Marine Corps Systems Command to see firsthand how they are seeking to improve the personal protective equipment issued to Marines. I look forward to continuing to work with the Marine Corps and the joint services to continue advancements in this most important equipment category.”
SSD Comments: While fielding of the Enhanced Combat Helmet is finally underway, an upgrade to the plate carrier shown is unfunded. Additionally, while much ado has been made about broken Pack Frames, investigation has revealed few actual breakages and those were under questionable circumstances.
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. — The Marine Corps’ next-generation marksmanship trainer is headed to the fleet. The Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer III adds three new weapons, 3-D imagery, and enhanced training modes, giving Marines a better, more realistic training experience as they prepare for the complexities of modern warfare.
Master Sgt. Jorge Carrillo, staff non-commissioned officer-in-charge at Marksmanship Training Battalion aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, fires an M72 Light Anti-Tank Weapon, one of the new additions to the Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer III. The ISMT III adds three new weapons, 3-D imagery, and enhanced training modes, giving Marines a better, more realistic training experience as they prepare for the complexities of modern warfare. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Ashley Calingo)
New weapons, better graphics
The Marine Corps adopted virtual training in the mid-1990s as a way to sharpen Marines’ marksmanship skills. This first system—the Firearms Training Simulator—was designed primarily to train Marines for rifle and pistol qualifications. Over time, FATS evolved into ISMT, which added new weapons and video scenarios for Marines. ISMT III ups the ante by providing wireless connectivity to the M9 service pistol, M4 carbine and adding three new wireless weapons—the M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle, M32A1 Multi-Shot Grenade Launcher and M72 Light Anti-Tank Weapons.
“In the evolution of this training system, it went from a specific one to two weapon system and now pretty much covers the full spectrum of small arms weapons that are used by the Marine Corps today,” said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Matthew Harris, ISMT III project officer in Marine Corps Systems Command’s Training Systems. “ISMT helps to build fundamentals of muscle memory for Marines so that when they hit the range, they are ready to respond to real-life scenarios.”
Harris also noted that ISMT III includes filters for the squad day optic and machine gun day optic Marines use with the M27 and M240 to alleviate the problem of pixilation when shooting in a virtual environment.
“Before, if Marines used the optic inside the ISMT, they could see all of the pixilation because the optic would magnify what’s on the ISMT screen. ISMT III incorporates a diffuser, allowing Marines to use the optic inside the simulation without the blurry pixilation of the screen,” said Harris.
ISMT III also improves the user’s experience by providing 3D graphics and imagery that is consistent with the graphic capabilities offered by most gaming systems today, said Harris.
“The old system had very rudimentary, two-dimensional graphics,” said Harris. “In the old system, if you were looking at a tree, it would look flat from any angle. ISMT III offers industry-standard graphic imagery. So, instead of having an outline of a figure, you can actually see the roundness of the shoulder, the front and back of them as he’s moving to and from.”
Marine Corps’ next-generation virtual marksmanship trainers hit the fleet Cpls. Noah Paul and Geovanni Martinez, combat marksmanship coaches and Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer operators, fire M27 Infantry Automatic Rifles at the ISMT III training range aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. The M27 is one of three new weapons offered with the ISMT III. The M27 comes with enhanced squad day optics, which enable Marines to see their screens more clearly in a virtual environment. The ISMT III adds three new weapons, 3-D imagery, and enhanced training modes, giving Marines a better, more realistic training experience as they prepare for the complexities of modern warfare. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Ashley Calingo)
Enhanced training modes, capabilities
ISMT III also improves the user’s training experience with collective training mode capabilities and additional, enhanced training and judgement scenarios. The collective training mode is new to ISMT III and enables Marines to train side-by-side and work on a common objective before heading to the training range.
“Say you’re going to Twenty-Nine Palms and are going to run a range for a platoon-supported attack,” said Harris. “I can bring in a machine gun squad and have them go through—in collective mode—training to work on communication, target identification and suppression, ammunition consumption. Marines can now go through some of the minor details that they typically couldn’t do unless they went out to the range and fired live.”
Perhaps one of ISMT III’s greatest training enhancements is the addition of several authoring stations across the Corps that enable Marines—in conjunction with combat camera troops and other skilled video personnel—to film and upload their own scenarios.
“If Marines are looking for a specific training scenario that isn’t currently available, they can use the authoring station to create that scenario,” said Harris.
The 10 new judgement scenarios enable Marines to immerse themselves in realistic environments and situations—such as a vehicle checkpoint, a room clearing, gate operations or an active shooter situation. Harris said the new judgement scenarios are not just infantry-specific; they are “Marine Corps-esque” situations in which any Marine could potentially find him or herself.
ISMT III can also simulate moving targets, one of the upgraded training enhancements from previous ISMT iterations.
“One of the scenarios in ISMT III that wasn’t in the older version is that of a moving target,” said Master Sgt. Jorge Carrillo, staff noncommissioned officer-in-charge at Marksmanship Training Battalion aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico. “In this scenario, the target simulates movement, like it’s closing in on the shooter. In real life, the Marine closes in on the target, but you can’t really do that indoors. But because the screen simulates movement, you’re actually able to execute training as if you were doing it outside in the real world.”
“The best marksmen the military can offer”
The Corps has fielded around 200 of the 490 ISMT III systems destined for major Marine Corps bases, reserve duty sites, amphibious transport docks and amphibious assault ships worldwide. Land-based installations of ISMT III are projected to be finished by September 2018. Amphibious installations will occur concurrently, but may take more time to implement than land-based installations due to the need to retrofit the system onto designated spaces aboard each ship.
“Marksmanship is embedded in the Marine Corps,” said Carrillo. “As technology advances and weapons get better and more accurate, we need to teach Marines how to use those weapons and improve their marksmanship, so that we can continue to be the best marksmen the military can offer.”
By Ashley Calingo, MCSC Office of Public Affairs and Communication | Marine Corps Systems Command
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Virginia— Marine Corps Systems Command fielded the last of 162 Joint Precision Airdrop Systems to the fleet in April, turning the page from acquisition to sustainment of the system for the Corps.
Marine parachute riggers with 1st Marine Logistics Group and a crew chief with Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron-22 (VMX-22) prepare to deploy a palletized load from above 10,000 feet during the Joint Precision Airdrop System testing Aug. 1, at the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground. The JPADS systems use GPS, a modular autonomous guidance unit, or MAGU, a parachute and electric motors to guide cargo within 150 meters of their target points. Marine Corps Systems Command fielded the last of 162 JPADS to the fleet in April, turning the page from acquisition to sustainment of the system for the Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Reba James)
When the JPADS 2K was introduced to the Marine Corps in 2008, it opened the door to a potentially life- saving capability for Marines on the ground and in the air. In 2013, the Corps upgraded to the 2K-Modular which included an improved modular autonomous guidance unit called the MAGU. JPADS 2K-M improved accuracy over traditional airdrops while simultaneously enabling aircraft to conduct drops at higher altitudes and longer distances from the drop zone.
“JPADS brings an important capability to Marines,” said Capt. Keith Rudolf, Aerial Delivery project officer with Marine Corps Systems Command’s Ground Combat Element Systems. “It’s not the answer for every situation, but the main goal is to keep people off the roads in an [improvised explosive device] environment or when small units are in locations that are not easily accessible by traditional logistic means.”
JPADS is ideal for cases where it is easier and safer to deliver equipment and supplies to ground units from the air versus using a convoy, Rudolf said.
“An average combat logistics patrol in Afghanistan that’s running behind a route clearance platoon may travel at only five to six miles an hour,” he said. “Depending on how much supply you have on there, you may have a mile worth of trucks that are slow-moving targets. [JPADS] negates a lot of that.”
The system also helps keep aircrews out of harm’s way.
“From the aircraft perspective, [JPADS] can be dropped from up to 25 kilometers away from the intended target, while still landing within 150 meters of the programed impact point,” Rudolf said. “Throughout testing, the systems often averaged much greater accuracy. That means the aircraft does not have to fly directly over a danger zone where they could be engaged with small arms or enemy threats on the ground. They can fly outside of that and because the system is autonomous, it will fly its best path down to where it needs to go.”
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. —
Marine Corps bases worldwide are gaining increased emergency response capabilities with the implementation of the Consolidated Emergency Response System, or CERS. CERS standardizes emergency dispatching capabilities and provides emergency first responders with enhanced command and coordination to support all hazardous response missions aboard Marine Corps installations.
Maj. Mark Simmons, systems engineer for Consolidated Emergency Response System, stands in front of a newly-installed CERS emergency dispatcher workstation aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va. CERS aggregates multiple capabilities—Enhanced 911, Computer-Aided Dispatch, and fire station alerting—into a single workstation, giving emergency dispatchers the ability to quickly dispatch the appropriate assets where necessary. CERS increases the effectiveness of emergency response operations aboard Marine Corps installations worldwide. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Ashley Calingo)
CERS was conceived following the 2009 Fort Hood shooting in which 13 people were killed and 43 wounded or injured. A Department of Defense review of the tragedy highlighted opportunities for improved emergency response procedures and capabilities throughout the DoD. In response, the Marine Corps created the CERS program of record, a multifaceted system that integrates modernized equipment and software to expedite and streamline emergency response activities.
“The Consolidated Emergency Response System standardizes and modernizes emergency dispatching capabilities across the Marine Corps,” said Maj. Mark Simmons, systems engineer for CERS and Enhanced 911 at Marine Corps Systems Command. “CERS aggregates multiple capabilities—E911, Computer-Aided Dispatch, incident records management and fire station alerting—into a single workstation, giving emergency dispatchers the ability to quickly, and more accurately, dispatch the appropriate assets where necessary in the shortest time possible.”
Modernized Capabilities
CERS was implemented in two phases. The first implementation phase involved the installation of the E911 system on Marine Corps bases worldwide beginning in 2014. E911 provides enhanced, GPS coordinate-driven caller location information to emergency dispatchers, enabling them to provide more precise location information to emergency responders. E911 also establishes 911 as the only number to call for emergencies aboard Marine Corps bases.
“Previously, a lot of bases had a standard base telephone number that they’d call for emergency, fire, law enforcement or emergency medical services, instead of simply dialing 911,” said Simmons. “Now, emergency calls are routed to a single place. Anytime there’s an emergency on base, dial 911.”
The second phase of CERS involved the installation of Computer-Aided Dispatch, incident records management and fire station alerting capabilities.
Computer-Aided Dispatch, or CAD, is the second major component of CERS. CAD is a computer application that allows dispatchers to accurately track and task available emergency responders to expedite response times.
“Essentially, CAD is going to help emergency dispatchers get the first responders to the incident in the quickest, most efficient manner,” said George Berger, Emergency Dispatch Services program manager at Marine Corps Installation Command. “CAD provides an incident records management system and will help emergency dispatchers provide resource management situational awareness.”
An emergency dispatcher uses the newly-installed Consolidated Emergency Response System emergency dispatcher workstation aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va. CERS aggregates multiple capabilities—Enhanced 911, Computer-Aided Dispatch, and fire station alerting—into a single workstation, giving emergency dispatchers the ability to quickly dispatch the appropriate assets where necessary. CERS increases the effectiveness of emergency response operations aboard Marine Corps installations worldwide. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Ashley Calingo)
The incident records management system enables dispatch center supervisors to easily retrieve data from past emergency events. Before the incident records management system, supervisors had to review logbooks and databases from different emergency response groups—such as law enforcement and fire—in order to collect all the details that occurred during an incident. Now, the supervisor may accomplish the research from their workstation, using a dedicated organized process not previously available, said Berger.
Enhanced fire station alerts streamline dispatchers’ ability to send emergency responders to the scene of an incident. Base fire stations are also outfitted with upgraded audio and visual cues that are deployable at the push of a dispatcher’s button, decreasing the time it takes for dispatchers to alert emergency responders.
Together, the systems in CERS match the capabilities found in civilian emergency dispatch centers, increasing the effectiveness of operations and lowering response time to incidents aboard Marine Corps installations.
Impacting Marine installations worldwide
The Marine Requirements Oversight Council selected 13 of the 24 Marine Corps bases worldwide to receive CERS. Currently, phase two of CERS is being implemented in emergency dispatch centers at the 13 selected installations. Before CERS, each base had its own method of emergency dispatching, said Berger.
“In many cases, the older emergency dispatch system may have consisted of a pen and paper,” said Berger. “CERS is a standardized solution, which will help coordinate all calls for service and support the moving parts of law enforcement, fire and emergency medical service activities.”
CERS is part of the Supporting Establishment Systems portfolio at Marine Corps Systems Command. The CERS team provides critical information technology solutions to emergency first responders at Marine Corps installations worldwide, heightening the safety and security of Marines, sailors, civilians and families who live and work on base.
“I want to say thank you to the Marine Corps Systems Command folks for going through this effort and fielding this solution,” said Berger. “It’s been a long time coming and the team has been working hard. As the headquarters advocate, I truly appreciate their efforts, as do each of the 13 Installations.”
By Ashley Calingo, MCSC Office of Public Affairs and Communication | Marine Corps Systems Command | June 13, 2017
Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va. — Marine Corps Systems Command has awarded a $51 million contract to provide Enhanced Combat Helmets to every Marine – a move that will help keep Marines safe throughout training and deployments.
Marine Corps Systems Command has awarded a contract to provide Enhanced Combat Helmets to the fleet. The ECH exploits lightweight material technology to provide enhanced ballistic protection against select small arms and fragmentation. The helmet consists of a ballistic shell, suspension pads, and four-point retention system. In addition to the above components, a reversible helmet cover, night vision goggle bracket and attachment hardware will be provided for wear. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Isaac Ibarra)
Gentex Corporation, of Simpson, Pennsylvania, was selected to produce and deliver the helmets. Gentex was awarded a five-year, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract.
Since 2014, Marines have only been issued the ECH when they prepare for deployment. This purchase will enable Marines to use the helmet during training as well, eliminating the need to trade helmets before and after deployments.
“Right now, we have three helmets fielded, but the future vision is a single helmet for all operating forces, which greatly simplifies logistics considerations and increases cost savings,” said Nick Pierce, team lead, Body Armor and Load Bearing Equipment.
Also used by the Army and Navy, the ECH provides the most ballistic protection beyond any other Department of Defense helmet. It exploits lightweight material technology to provide enhanced ballistic protection against select small arms and fragmentation. The helmet consists of a ballistic shell, suspension pads and four-point retention system. In addition to those components, a reversible helmet cover, night vision goggle bracket and attachment hardware will be provided for wear.
Helmets were tested as part of the source selection process in January 2017.
First Article Testing will begin in September 2017 and support delivery of the first order for 35,424 helmets. Fielding is scheduled for the spring of 2018 and will include I, II and III Marine Expeditionary Forces.
The ultimate future vision for the ECH is to safeguard Marines in training and deployments with one helmet, Pierce said.
“The ECH is the helmet of the future Marine,” said Maj. John Draper, ECH project officer. “It’s important for Marines to train with the same gear they will bring into combat.”
By Kaitlin Kelly, MCSC Office of Public Affairs and Communication | Marine Corps Systems Command |
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Virginia— Marine Corps Systems Command is realigning its organizational structure to rapidly equip the Marine Air Ground Task Force with the tools needed to adapt and overcome in any clime and place.
Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Robert B. Neller’s 2016 Fragmentary Order #1, “Advance to Contact,” ordered a comprehensive review of the Corps’ force structure and organization no later than the end of fiscal year 2017. Giving Combat Development and Integration the
office of primary responsibility with Manpower and Reserve Affairs in support, he said, “We will be willing to accept risk in the size and organization of our units in order to create the capabilities we need for the future.”
To that end, MCSC concurrently conducted its own force structure review, according to MCSC Commander Brig. Gen. Joseph Shrader. The last force structure review was conducted in 2001.
“We looked at MCSC’s nine program offices, supporting staff elements, and subordinate command Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity to determine if the command was optimally aligned around the nature of the products it provides to the MAGTF,” Shrader said.
U.S. Marines patrol during a live-fire raid training event, part of Mission Rehearsal Exercise, in southern Jordan Sept. 12, 2016. The MRX is a collective training event where the Marine Air Ground Task Force elements collaborate to refine individual and cooperative capabilities. Marine Corps Systems Command, the acquisition command of the Marine Corps, is realigning its organizational structure to more rapidly equip the MAGTF with information technology and ground weapon systems and equipment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Trever Statz/Released)
“Equipping the MAGTF is what makes Marine Corps acquisition unique,” he said. “It’s what makes us relevant.”
Everything MCSC does supports the MAGTF: command and control; force protection; maneuver; fires; logistics and intelligence. The command’s mission is to develop capability, provide equipment and integrate them throughout and beyond the MAGTF.
On June 1, MCSC reached initial operational capability—a
sea change in the command’s organization that is intended
to enhance MAGTF alignment across product lines. This change means the command will shift away from its former structure of nine program offices, with 32 product managers and 87 teams. The new MAGTF-aligned structure will feature four portfolios that are aligned across the MAGTF elements—with the exception of the Air Combat Element. This new structure will have 14 program managers, including two direct-report program managers.
The command is now realigned under the following portfolio managers: PfM Command Element Systems, PfM Ground Combat Element Systems, PfM Logistics Combat Element Systems and PfM Support Establishment Systems. Twelve of the 14 program managers are aligned under the portfolio managers, and the program managers for Training Systems and Light Armored Vehicles will continue to report directly to the MCSC commander.
Complete integration of the new structure is planned for Oct. 1. It will include refining and defining command relationships; aligning operations and customer interfaces with existing processes for prioritizing, resourcing and assessing work; and documenting and comprehensively supporting the organizational design.
“The future of Marine Corps ground weapons and information technology systems will continue to involve identifying and defeating complex and increasingly sophisticated threats,” said Shrader. “MCSC is prepping the battlefield with an eye on the future. Through our realignment, I am confident we will be better positioned to field the most advanced, affordable and relevant technologies; and increase the speed at which we deliver those capabilities to the MAGTF.”
The Marine Corps has issued a Sources Sought Notice to identify technologies for the upcoming Marksmanship Technology Demonstration (MTD) 2017 which will be held at Calvin A. Lloyd Range Complex, Weapons Training Battalion, Marine Corps Base Quantico from 19-21 September 2017 and is aligned with Modern Day Marine. This is a closed demonstration.
Weapons Training Battalion (WTBn), Marine Corps Base Quantico, is the proponent for marksmanship for the United States Marine Corps. As such, this demonstration will identify current and emerging technologies that demonstrate possible solutions to marksmanship gaps and inform Marine Corps future requirements development.
Last year, the Marines looked at Marine load and protection issues. This year, MTD 2017 will focus on five technology areas:
1. Small arms automated smart static targets
2. Small arms automated smart mobile targets
3. Infantry Rifle
4. Infantry Rifle Suppressors
5. Infantry Rifle Optics
1. Automated Smart Static Target Systems
The Marine Corps is interested in a target system that can be installed on current standard Known/Unknown- Distance Ranges and equipment that provide immediate, accurate shot to shot feedback to shooters and coaches on the firing line. The Marine Corps is interested in target systems that meet the following specifications:
* Able to accept any kind of target face
* Accurately plot shots on a display with a programmable target face
* Able to take in excess of 10,000 5.56mm impacts before requiring maintenance
* Networked to record each shot and display on tablet/computer located on firing line
* Able to support a 50 target frontage without interference from adjacent targets
* Able to run off of shore power
* Function in all weather conditions (i.e. rain, snow, mist, fog)
* System must be able to integrate with existing Marine Corps infrastructure, in order to ensure the original system may be used as a backup
* Centralized data collection system
2. Automated Smart Mobile Target Systems
The Marine Corps is interested in a target system that is a mobile, man sized 3-dimensional target that provides instant feedback to shooter and coach on a firing line. The Marine Corps is interested in a target system that meets the following specifications:
* A 3-dimensional man-sized target
* Able to move in any direction at variable /programmable speeds (2.5-10 mph)
* Provides accurate, immediate shot location detection as well as a means to provide shot feedback to shooters and coaches at the shooter’s position.
* A perimeter sensor system that could accurately depict misses around the target (6’x6′ example) that could be transmitted to a display located at the firing point for immediate coaching/shooter feedback.
* The target should react (as programmed) to hits or misses.
* The target could communicate with adjacent targets (Bluetooth example) and respond to each other to hits and misses (as programmed).
* Ability to place two target types on one platform that could be “presented” to the shooter (hostile/non hostile example) as programmed.
The target could generate heat for thermal optics.
* Able to take in excess of 10,000 7.62/5.56 mm round impacts before requiring maintenance
* Maintenance cycle that needs to take in consideration hours/days of training required to support up to 22,000 shooters a year.
* 10 hours sustained use before maintenance/recharging
* Centralized data collection system
3. Infantry Rifle
The Marine Corps is interested in rifles that incorporate technologies that are applicable to current and future battlefields. The Marine Corps is interested in a rifle that is guided by the following specific requirements:
Required Characteristics
* Upgrade package (URG + fire control group) or complete rifle with enhanced M27 like capability and features
* Free floated handguard 13” for use with 14.5” or longer barrel, 9.5” for use with 10.3/10.5” barrel. Accepts current authorized attachments (i.e., PEQ15/16, lights, etc.). System maintains accuracy and precision through all positons and means of support (free floated) be it sling, barricade, sandbag, etc.
* 14.5” barrel option, with 24,000 round life with AB49 – 2 MOA precision threshold, 1 MOA precision objective for majority of barrel life (Mean radius) (Army Capability Based Assessment requirements).
* Barrel may include low profile gas block but may not use taper pin
* Installation when using a barrel cartridge (i.e., barrel with gas block and barrel nut pre- installed) should take no more than 10 minutes threshold, 5 minutes objective (2nd echelon maintenance)
* Bolt carrier group optimized for M855A1 use with Picatinny Durable Solid Lubricant coating or any similar variations thereof
* Rail must maintain rigidity and alignment (to within 10 MOA) with the rifle’s zeroed point of aim when external pressures (up to 20 pounds) are applied 11” forward of the receiver (accounting for various means of supporting the weapon and weight of existing attachments and aiming devices)
* Rail must include continuous 1913 Picatinny rail at the 12 o’clock position with no interruption from the receiver rail to the handguard rail (semi-monolithic). Must include anti rotation features, may integrate into upper receiver.
* Rail must have integral forward 1913 Picatinny rail sections at the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock of 2-3” in length. Remainder of rail shall be M-LOK (like on SURG and ASR) at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock. Other surfaces may include holes/cutouts for air circulation and weight reduction.
* Rail must be field strippable in a manner similar to the M27 with captured bolts
* The rail may include a steel, or 7075-T6 aluminum barrel nut, but it must be non indexing in nature
* Rail must accept heat resistant rail covers of a similar nature and material to those found the M27
Desired Characteristics:
* Ability to fire AB39, .264 USA, .260 Remington, M80A1, etc.
* Modular bolt/barrel/magazine & magazine insert conversion packages for caliber changes (compatibility with A059, AB49, AB57, Mk255 Mod 0, etc) and optimized for respective caliber, charge, burn rate, and pressure curve (barrel threads can be 1/2X28 or 5/8X24)
* Novel approaches to lightweight rifle and ammunition
* Ambidextrous bolt catch and non-reciprocating charging handle
* Reversible magazine release and selector
* Adjustable length of pull stock, integral storage for spare bolt and QD sling attachment points
* Upper receiver will arrive with modular rail mounted sling attachment point
* Pistol grip sized for a 5th-95th percentile Marine
* Handguard sized 11-13” consideration to accessory use (lights, lasers, etc)
* Minimum mass cycling components to create no higher G-load than unsuppressed M110 SASS when fired
* High use of corrosion resistant alloys, coatings or treatments
* System deliberately built to perform at optimal level while suppressed – must divert gasses away from the shooter’s eye
* Bolt and barrel life greater than 15,000 rounds with no more than 200 FPS velocity loss
* Entire system serviceable at no higher than 2nd echelon maintenance level
* Coating or surface treatment in coyote brown in order to not stand out visually in combat environment, and desired reduction in IR signature.
4. Infantry Rifle Suppressor
The Marine Corps is interested in new and emerging suppressor technologies. The Marine Corps is interested in a rifle that is guided by the following specific requirements:
Required Characteristics
* Advanced venting to reduce back pressure, cyclic rate, and gas blowback
* Gas flow improvements to reduce or eliminate first-round flash
* Effective attenuation of noise and dust signatures – desired to be hearing safe
* Minimal and consistent point-of-impact shift of no more than 1.5 MOA
* Constructed of advanced high-temperature, corrosion resistant alloys with advanced coatings or treatments
* Service life of 24,000 rounds firing AB49 through a 14.5” barrel
* No longer than 6.5”, desired length 5” (overall length of suppressor), may fit over muzzle device
* Must include locking capability (fast QA/QD capability desirable, but primarily intended to prevent unthreading of suppressor and inevitable baffle strikes)
* May not weigh more than 20 oz.
* Suppressor shall not be capable of disassembly at 1st echelon maintenance level (cleaning interval shall be recommended by manufacturer on basis of weight gain due to carbon buildup if any)
* May include muzzle break/flash suppressor. If included, will utilize existing 1/2X28 threads. May use shims or washers to index properly. May require use of Rocksett to prevent unthreading during use. May not exceed 25 inch pounds of torque for installation. Signature reduction through mitigation of flash and blast overpressure (velocity of redirected gasses as well) is highly desirable.
* Existing NSNs, safety certifications, use or testing by other military agencies is highly desirable
5. Infantry Rifle Optics
The Marine Corps is interested in optics that incorporates technologies that are applicable to current and future battlefields. The Marine Corps is interested in upgrades that meet the specifications of one of the following items:
Required Characteristics
* Magnification from 0/1-8 power to PID threats (presence of weapon) out to 600M, and engage threats in close proximity
* Must possess large and forgiving eyebox and extended eye relief
* Included ambidextrous capable feature to rapidly adjust magnification with non firing hand
* Reticle features for engaging moving threats out to 150M and rapid ranging feature that accounts for average width of human head and of shoulders
* Compatible with clip-on current night vision or thrermal imaging devices (e.g PVS-24A, PAS-27, etc)
* Low profile elevation turret or cap – turrets locking or capped to prevent inadvertent loss of zero in combat conditions
* Scope base/rings must return to zero after removal
* Center of reticle must have daylight bright illuminated dot for close quarter use at 0/1 power.
* Must meet MIL-STD 810G environmental/durability requirements
Desired Characteristics
* Scalable and modular to accept future digital feature set and new reticles requirements
* Potential low end setting as red dot sight (RDS)
* Form factor comparable to existing COTS optics with similar mid range magnification
* Optimized for mounting height over rail at 1.54-1.93”
* Battery life comparable to that of Aimpoint M4S CCO (Army standard optic).
* Squad level networking and target designation capability
* Visually displayed point of impact cue (drawing information from laser rangefinder and ballistic solvers, integral and/or external)
Responses are requested no later than 14 July 2017. Visit www.fbo.gov for full details.
