The Fuel Handler Coverall has been replaced with a new two-piece design made from GORE-TEX PYRAD Technology and procurement is well under way.
Offered in Coyote, it is being used by both Army and Marine Fuel Handlers and intended to be worn over other garments. In addition to it’s FREE properties, the suit also provides weather as well as contaminant protection. Thanks to the GORE-TEX membrane, it’s also breathable, water and wind proof, and is quick drying.
On the first day of Modern Day Marine 2022, Marine Corps leaders provide updates on Force Design 2030, focusing on experimentation, logistics, an maritime operations in the littorals. Throughout the day, speakers described the concepts and initiatives currently underway, while maintaining a focus on the individual Marine and the role human factors play in the future success of the Marine Corps.
The Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro, and Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. David H. Berger, provided introductory remarks on the current state of the Marine Corps and Force Design 2030 efforts. Berger described the technological fluency and experience of Marines who join the Marine Corps today and how the Service can leverage these personal characteristics and translate them into operational success.
“What we’ve learned over the past three years is that we can do much more to identify those skills, those interests, and then align them individually to the needs of the Marine Corps,” said Berger.
The Commandant of the Marine Corps also emphasized the unique role an operational capabilities of the Marine Corps, particularly those provided by a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) embarked on the U.S. Navy ships of an Amphibious Ready Group (ARG). Coupled with emerging technologies like Uncrewed Surface Vessels and underwater drones, the welldeck of an amphibious ship enables a host of capabilities, including reconnaissance and counter-reconnaissance.
“The MEU has been the crown jewel of the Marine Corps for decades, and will continue well into the future,” said Berger. “They have capabilities that cannot be replicated by any other part of the joint force. No platform, no unit, is capable of a more diverse set of missions across the range of military operations than an ARG/MEU.”
At the Congressional Breakfast, the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Sgt. Maj. Troy E. Black, reiterated the importance of the human element of warfare, and the requirement to ensure the Marine Corps invests not only in systems, but in people. “Warfare is a human activity,” said Black. “Machines don’t do it.I would argue that our strategic advantage is in our Marines, in our people.”
Lt. Gen. Karsten Heckl, Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration, and senior leaders from Combat Development and Integration gave an update on the Force Design Annual Update and the many ways the Marine Corps is currently experimenting to ensure a more combat capable force exists tomorrow.
Lt. Gen. Edward Banta, Deputy Commandant for Installations and Logistics, spoke about how the Marine Corps is sustaining the future force and modernizing Marine Corps logistics.
During his remarks on capabilities and the way ahead for Marine Forces Special Operation Command (MARSOC), Col. Ian A. Fletcher, the Director of Combat Development & Integration (CD&I) for MARSOC, identified MARSOC operators as having unique capabilities and being an integral part of the vision for the future of special operations forces.
“One of the unique things.that MARSOC has always had in our DNA, is the integration of a special operations capabilities specialist. So, an intel analyst, or a truck driver, or a mobility specialist, you name it: we have a whole enterprise of individuals who are trained to a Special Operation Forces standard. They are built purposely to go out on the tactical edge at various different levels with our special operators.”
The Marine Corps is innovating today to win tomorrow’s battles. The theme of human performance as an essential element and key enabler for Force Design was echoed throughout the first day of Modern Day Marine 2022.
For additional coverage of Modern Day Marine or attend in person, visit:
marinemilitaryexpos.com/modern-day-marine/home
For more information on Force Design 2030 and associated modernization efforts, visit: www.marines.mil/Force-Design-2030
Headquarters Marine Corps
The IG-Interceptor RIB Extreme Purpose Intereiction Craft is an interesting mobility solution that combines a rigid inflatable boat with tracked “landing gear” to self-deploy the boat into the water.
Featuring a carbon fiber hull it can reach surface speeds of 50 knots once in the water.
Designed to be worn as a stand-alone waist bag or in conjunction with a plate carrier dangler-style, the Two-4 Waist Bag integrates an adjustable strap and a removable plate carrier attachment placard seen below.
It has a water resistant zippered opening with the lid integrating ten-speed tourniquet storage. Inside there are slots for organization while externally there are PALS webbing. At the front the PALS is made from loop. At the rear, there is a slot which will accept sideways mounted mini tripods.
FN America has unveiled their new Mid Range Gas Gun. While it definitely shares DNA with the SCAR, it’s enough of a new gun to warrant a new name.
Offered in two variants MRGG-A for Assault and MRGG-S for Sniper Support. The most glaring differences between the two variants are a 14.5″ barrel for MRGG-A and 20″ MRGG-S as well as different pistol grips and buttstock for the two versions. However, the side-folding adapter fits with an M4 standard buttstock so the shooter can configure the stock as he sees fit.
Controls are ambidextrous. Additionally, only MRGG-A offers full-auto fire. Otherwise, it’s semi and safe selectors for both, but it is more ergonomic than on the SCAR. There’s also a two-stage trigger which was designed in house.
A very interesting feature is that there are non-reciprocating side charging at both left and right as well as a rear AR-style charging handle. These are all user configurable.
They have also introduced a combination forward assist and brass deflector as well as ejection port cover.
The two rifles are offered with swappable cold hammer forged barrels in 6.5 Creedmoor and 7.62 NATO. MRGG accepts SR25 pattern magazines.
The optic package on this MRGG-A is a Gen 3 Vortex Razor 1-10×24 in a Badger C1 mount and Leupold Delta Point Pro back up sight.
The optic on this MRGG-S is a Gen 2 Vortex Razor 4-27×50 in a Spuhr 4002 mount with FN ELITY.
To mount enablers, there’s a a full length Mil Std 1913 rail along the top to a point where the handguard steps down to offer an MLOK compatible perch for a laser pointer below the line of sight of the optic. There are MLOK slots at 3-6-9 O’clock as well as at lower 45 degrees.
There is an adjustable gas block with suppressed and unsuppressed settings while the Gas Regulator is now buried in the receiver assembly and redesigned to reduce flash while shooting under NODS.
Finally, both MRGG models are fitted with HUXWRX Safety Co suppressors.
Look for more information during next week’s SOFIC as well as a follow-on range report.
Gentex is displaying their candidate for the Marine Corps’ Integrated Helmet System program.
A true system, they offer a scalable approach with a high cut ECH level protection helmet but at 12% lighter than the current helmet. To this bolt-less shell is added ARC rails and modular bungee shroud. It will also accommodate AMP headset with rail arms.
This baseline configuration can be further upgraded to the RAILINK, a powered system we’ll discuss in-depth during next week’s SOFIC.
Currently under evaluation by the USMC.
Getting ready to kick off the first Modern Day Marine Expo held at the Washington DC Convention Center.
The Marine Corps’ goal is to make sure they don’t get into any fair fights and defeat the enemy before he knows what’s going on. I can’t wait to see what industry is offering to help with that goal.
Selected and purchased by the US Marine Corps, the SMASH technology increases the accuracy, lethality, and situational awareness of small arms
Modern Day Marine 2022, Washington, DC, Booth 1368
[May 2022]: SMART SHOOTER, a world-class designer, developer, and manufacturer of innovative fire control optic systems that significantly increase the accuracy, lethality, and situational awareness of small arms, will display its SMASH Fire Control Systems at the Modern-Day Marine (MDM) Exhibition in Washington, DC – booth 1368.
Both the US Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory Rapid Capabilities Office and the Fixed Site Ground Based Air Defense have selected the SMASH 2000 Fire Control System for dismounted counter UAS purposes. The SMASH 2000 can adapt to any rifle and be adjusted to accommodate a standard back-up iron sight if desired or needed by the end-user.
Deployed and combat-proven by different ground forces worldwide, SMASH is a Fire Control System (FCS) for small firearms equipped with an onboard computer to perform complex targeting solutions. Once the user identifies the target (independently or using the detection system guidance) and locks on it, SMASH tracks its movements and synchronizes the shot release to assure a fast and precise hit on the target. SMASH can be operated as a stand-alone solution as well as combined with other systems to provide an effective multi-layer defense solution.
Smart Shooter will present its SMASH Family of fire control systems at the MDM exhibition booth 1368, including handheld operated, robotic mounted, and drone-mounted platforms.
Scott Thompson, SMART SHOOTER Inc. GM: “We are honored to be chosen by the US Marine Corps as a C-UAS solution and see this as a sign of proof for the SMASH technology and the added value it provides. Handheld operated, remotely controlled or robotic mounted, the SMASH technology allows tactical forces to be smart, precise and connected.”
