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GA Integrates Software for USMC Common Intelligence Picture WTI Course

Tuesday, May 20th, 2025

SAN DIEGO – 19 May 2025 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has successfully integrated the advanced Optix software—developed by General Atomics Integrated Intelligence, Inc. (GA-i3)—into the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) Common Intelligence Picture (CIP) for a multi-service Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course.

This milestone marks a significant enhancement in the USMC’s Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, delivering a unified operational view critical to the training of future aviation leaders. For the USMC, this integration directly supports the deployment and effectiveness of the GA-ASI-supplied MQ-9A Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aircraft System within the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF).

Achieved through close collaboration with Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) and Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron One (VMX-1), the integration brought together engineers from GA-ASI and GA-i3 alongside USMC unmanned aviation operations experts. Their combined efforts enabled the seamless deployment of the Optix software during the rigorous WTI 2-25 training cycle.

USMC MQ-9A operations during the exercise took place at Yuma, Arizona, and the Strategic Expeditionary Landing Field (SELF) at Twenty-Nine Palms, California—the Marine Corps’ only expeditionary runway in the U.S. The live-fire training environment provided an invaluable opportunity to evaluate the MQ-9A’s role in complex combat scenarios.

By introducing Optix into this high-demand setting, Marines gained access to real-time data fusion, a shared operational picture, and enhanced collaborative decision-making—tools critical for modern battlefield success.

“The integration of Optix software represents a key step toward the effective deployment of the MQ-9A MUX MALE platform within the MAGTF and joint operations,” said Doug Brouwer, Senior Director for USMC Programs at GA-ASI. “It enables near real-time situational awareness and improves the decision-making process across the battlespace.”

Andrew Majchrowicz, Project Manager for Department of Defense Programs at GA-i3, added: “Equipping Marines with advanced ISR tools like Optix enhances the common intelligence picture and operational readiness in live-fire environments. This is a critical milestone in our shared goal of enabling joint-force effectiveness and full operational integration of the MQ-9A.”

The successful deployment of Optix within the WTI course underscores General Atomics’ continued commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that empower the U.S. military with unmatched intelligence and operational capabilities for future multi-domain operations.

Posted in Industry, ISR, Press Release, USMC | No Comments »

Mack Defense Wins Prototype Phase of Medium Tactical Truck (MTT) Development for U.S. Marine Corps

Tuesday, May 20th, 2025

ALLENTOWN, PA (May 19, 2025) – Following the initial development contract awarded last year, Mack Defense today announced they won the contract to produce two prototype vehicles for the next phase in the Medium Tactical Truck (MTT) program with the U.S. Marine Corps. The new family of vehicles will replace the Marine Corps’ Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement fleet (MTVR), which includes cargo, dump, wrecker, tractor and re-supply trucks supporting air-ground task force combat support missions.

The Marine Corps’ initial development requirements for the MTT fleet focused on cargo variants consisting of 10-, 15- and 20-foot cargo bed configurations with hybrid-electric technology for reduced fuel consumption, extended range and reduced noise for silent watch capabilities. A 70% off-road and 30% on-road mission profile will be supported by a 60-inch fording capability to traverse through deep water typically encountered during Marine Corps missions.

The prototype phase includes the development of two variants: a 4×4 configuration featuring a 10-foot cargo bed and a 6×6 configuration with a 20-foot cargo bed. The trucks share DNA with the Mack® Granite® but are specially designed to meet the specific requirements of the U.S. Marine Corps. The MTT prototypes incorporate significant technological advancements in driver safety and operational capability. These include advanced driver assistance features such as collision avoidance, blind-spot detection and vehicle dynamic control systems incorporating enhanced traction control and anti-lock brakes. The vehicles also feature hybrid-electric technology delivering improved fuel efficiency while enabling critical tactical advantages such as silent watch capabilities using extensive onboard power storage and generation and exportable power for other military systems.

“These prototypes represent the next generation of purpose-built, specialty vehicles for the Marine Corps,” said David Hartzell, president of Mack Defense. “By leveraging our commercial vehicle technology expertise and adapting it for military applications, we’re delivering a highly capable platform that can perform in the most challenging terrains, while incorporating advanced safety features and hybrid propulsion systems that meet the Marine Corps’ rigorous mission requirements.”

The MTT program emphasizes enhanced off-road mobility with vehicles designed for cross-country operation while maintaining optimal weight for improved fuel efficiency and payload capacity. The purpose-built design incorporates an open systems architecture that enables future autonomous capabilities and technology integration.

Construction of the prototypes will begin in the second half of 2025, with completion targeted for early fall. Following assembly, the vehicles will undergo comprehensive contractor performance testing at the Nevada Automotive Test Center (NATC) in the first half of 2026 before delivery to the Marine Corps.

Following the initial development contract awarded last year, Mack Defense today announced the production of two prototype vehicles for the next phase in the Medium Tactical Truck (MTT) program with the U.S. Marine Corps.

Mack Defense, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mack Trucks, is responsible for the sale of heavy-duty trucks to federal- and ministerial-level customers globally. For more information, please visit www.mackdefense.com.

Posted in Contracts, Mobility, Press Release, USMC | No Comments »

Elbit America’s Night Vision Goggles Provide Marines Precision, Accuracy, Confidence

Friday, May 16th, 2025

Squad Binocular Night Vision Goggle systems will support USMC missions in low-light and no-light conditions world-wide

FORT WORTH, TEXAS – May 14, 2025 –Elbit Systems of America (Elbit America) recently received a delivery order valued at $112 million for Squad Binocular Night Vision Goggle (SBNVG) systems from the Marine Corps Systems Command. The SBNVG systems will be produced at the company’s facility in Roanoke, Virginia through December 2026. The delivery order was placed under a multi-year Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contract secured in 2023.

Elbit America’s SBNVGs are lightweight, helmet-mounted systems that combine a binocular with high -performance white phosphor image intensification tubes and an enhanced clip-on thermal imager. The thermal capability allows Marines to detect otherwise hidden targets, even in complete darkness.

The SBNVG provides unmatched depth perception, clarity and situational awareness – whether Marines are operating vehicles, maneuvering on foot, or navigating tunnels or dark buildings. Built for extended missions, the SBNVGs deliver exceptional performance and extra-long run times, no matter the environment.

“Production of more than 20,000 Squad Binocular Night Vision Goggle systems – and continued orders – demonstrate their impact and effectiveness for the U.S. Marine Corps,” said Erik Fox, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Warfighter Systems at Elbit America. “SBNVGs provide our Marines a decisive advantage. They can see, detect, and react more quickly than their adversaries – an edge that’s critical in today’s complex battlefield.”

“Elbit America’s Squad Binocular Night Vision Goggle system enhances the capabilities of our Marines, making them an unmatched force on the battlefield,” said Elbit America President and CEO Luke Savoie. “These advanced systems build on more than six decades of night vision innovation, enabling the U.S. Marine Corps to operate with precision, accuracy and confidence.”

More details on Elbit America’s Night Vision solutions are available at www.elbitamerica.com/night-vision.

Photos via DoD.

Posted in Optics, Press Release, USMC | No Comments »

USMC Scout Sniper Association Rifle Raffle

Sunday, May 4th, 2025

Mission Statement

The USMC Scout Sniper Association (SSA) is the only non-profit membership organization for Marine Scout Snipers in the world.
We exist to support the Scout Sniper community through programs that inspire brotherhood, encourage professionalism, and foster resiliency. Our community is comprised of those who have carried the long gun, those who have enabled our successes on the battlefield, and our families.
The USMC SSA also works and partners with other nonprofit Veterans Organizations to build and support the larger sniper community.

The Prize

The intrinsic value of this rifle can not be estimated. This was hand built, in same shop, every USMC Sniper rifle was built; by the same gunsmiths who built every sniper rifle. There are many rifles that look like this, but this is an actual brand new USMC sniper rifle.

USMC M40A5 Sniper Rifle

The M40A5 is a bolt-action sniper rifle utilized by the United States Marine Corps, building upon the legacy of the M40 series with enhancements tailored for modern combat requirements. Below is an overview of its primary components, parts, accessories, and the Standard Logistics (SL-3) kit.

Retail Value of Prize

This M40A5 Sniper Rifle prize package has an estimated value at auction of over $20,000.00.

To Enter, visit: rafflecreator.com/pages/90636/2025-m40a5-rifle-raffle

Posted in Contest, Fundraising, Guest Post, USMC, Veterans | No Comments »

GA-ASI Delivers MQ-9A Block 5 Extended Range UAS to USMC

Wednesday, April 30th, 2025

New UAS Delivered to VMX-1

SAN DIEGO – 29 April 2025 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) delivered an MQ-9A Reaper® Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC). The new MQ-9A Block 5 Extended Range (ER) UAS was delivered on April 22, 2025, and will be operated by Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 (VMX-1), a USMC operational test squadron based at Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, Arizona.

The new MQ-9A UAS will be used by the USMC to perform operational tests and evaluations, as well as create Marine Aviation tactics, techniques, and procedures through experimentation as the Marines fully implement MQ-9A as a critical part of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF).

“The Marine Corps is building out its ISR capabilities with this new aircraft,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “We are excited to see what VMX-1 does in terms of operational test in preparation for pushing new capabilities into the field.”

The MQ-9A ER is designed with field-retrofittable capabilities, such as wing-borne fuel pods and reinforced landing gear, that extend the aircraft’s endurance to more than 30 hours while further increasing its operational flexibility. It provides long-endurance, persistent surveillance capabilities, with Full-Motion Video and Synthetic Aperture Radar/Moving Target Indicator/Maritime Mode Radar. An extremely reliable aircraft, MQ-9A ER is equipped with a fault-tolerant flight control system and a triple-redundant avionics system architecture. It is engineered to meet and exceed manned aircraft reliability standards.

To date, GA-ASI has delivered 18 MQ-9A UAS to USMC. The USMC awaits delivery of two additional aircraft by the end of this year.

Posted in Press Release, UAS, USMC | No Comments »

MDM 25 – Mystery Ranch NICE Frame

Wednesday, April 30th, 2025

Many may not know it but Mystery Ranch was instrumental in the development of the Marine Corps issue Family of Improved Load Bearing Equipment and that the pack was actually designed for use with the NICE Frame.

The Nylinear Individual Carrying Equipment Frame features the Futura Yoke which is offered in three sizes with 8″ of adjustment in each size. Additionally, the framing allows for torsional movement, but its three vertical and horizontal composite stays are rigid in the vertical plane to transfer the load efficiently. Finally, it incorporates the Bolstered Ventilation Stability to keep the pack stable even when wearing a rear armor plate.

Posted in MDM, Packs, USMC | No Comments »

Marine Corps to Deploy Counter-Drone Systems Across Units in 2025

Monday, April 28th, 2025

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. —

The proliferation of small Unmanned Aircraft Systems presents a significant tactical challenge for modern military forces. As adversaries across the globe increasingly mature and employ low-cost sUAS for reconnaissance, surveillance, and attack missions, it is imperative for the Marine Corps to enhance its capability to counter these threats in a dynamic, contested, and distributed environment.

This year, the Marine Corps will field dismounted counter-sUAS capabilities across the entire MAGTF, which will allow deployed Marines to effectively conduct self-defense against threat sUAS. The Marine Corps will maintain operational superiority and safeguard Marines, maritime forces, and the Joint Force against this evolving threat in diverse operational environments.

The technologies being fielded will allow Marines to detect, track, identify, and defeat adversary sUAS with both kinetic and non-kinetic means.

These systems will be lightweight, easy-to-use, easy-to-train, military occupational specialty agnostic, and to the maximum extent possible use weapon systems organic to individual units.

Small UAS pose significant risks due to their agility, low signature, and ease of employment. These systems can disrupt operations, compromise security, and destroy critical assets, and result in loss of life. The Marine Corps must therefore prioritize the development and integration of organic CUAS solutions, consisting of both mounted and dismounted capabilities, that provide a comprehensive protection against these emerging threats. Effective countermeasures are essential for safeguarding personnel and critical assets ensuring mission success.

Current Ground Based Air Defense capabilities that are being fielded today predominantly focus on mounted platforms organic to the Low Altitude Air Defense Battalions and the Littoral Anti-Air Battalions, which encompass the entire air defense continuum up to and including defeating manned aircraft and cruise missile threats. Those dedicated air defense assets are not always practical or available at scale to support individual unit operations. The fielding of organic-CUAS capabilities will address this gap by providing essential self-defense equipment while not detracting from the operator’s primary duties.

This decentralization of defensive measures aligns with the Marine Corps’ emphasis on maneuver warfare and dispersed operations, ensuring that all elements of the MAGTF can operate effectively in all environments.

Furthermore, continuous evaluation and adaptation of these systems will be crucial to keep pace with evolving sUAS technologies and tactics. By addressing this need, the MAGTF will enhance its defensive posture, safeguard its operational integrity, and ensure mission success in an increasingly complex threat environment.

By CD&I Staff | Marine Corps Combat Development Command

Posted in Guest Post, UAS, USMC | No Comments »

Marines Surpass 1,000 MQ-9A Flight Hours As Capabilities Expand

Friday, April 25th, 2025

SAN DIEGO – 23 April 2025 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. is proud to announce that the U.S. Marine Corps has passed more than 1,000 flight hours with MQ-9A unmanned aircraft in support of service-level training exercises and weapons and tactics instructor courses. This accomplishment involved a combined aircrew of dedicated Marines and GA-ASI personnel, highlighting the seamless integration and operational effectiveness of the MQ-9A platform within the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) and the MAGTF Unmanned Expeditionary (MUX) Program.

These demanding exercises showcased the advanced capabilities of the MQ-9A by integrating cutting-edge technologies such as the SkyTower networking support pod, Automatic Identification System, latest-generation Lynx®multi-mode radar and various other tactical networks and capabilities. The joint teams successfully conducted satellite launch and recovery activities operating out of a strategic expeditionary landing field near Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., further demonstrating the platform’s precision targeting and reconnaissance abilities in realistic training scenarios.

Previously, an uncrewed aircraft required a crew positioned at the airfield where it was operating to fly it for takeoff via direct line-of-site radio link. Then a mission crew could take over the aircraft from anywhere via satellite. Today, satellite launch and recovery means the main Marine mission crew, which can be sited anywhere, flies the aircraft from takeoff via the satellite link. This capability, validated in the Marine Corps operations, enables huge flexibility and expands the locations from which units can operate.

A key element of these exercises also included not only live-fire training but also comprehensive mission planning, networked communications, and multi-domain coordination. These events provided invaluable experience in integrating the MQ-9A into complex, distributed combat scenarios across the full range of Marine Air-Ground Task Force operations. From supporting maneuver elements with real-time intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance to validating command and control networks, the MQ-9A consistently demonstrated its adaptability and operational value. This milestone underscores the platform’s critical role in enhancing situational awareness, mission execution, and overall effectiveness across the battlespace.

“Reaching 1,000 flight hours for these rigorous training exercises alongside our Marine Corps and Air Force partners is a testament to the reliability and adaptability of the MQ-9A platform,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “This achievement highlights the power of collaboration and the critical role the MQ-9A can play in supporting the MAGTF’s mission readiness.”

The successful integration of the MQ-9A platform across recent operations represents a major milestone in aligning capability with the MAGTF construct. These events showcased the MQ-9A’s ability to support distributed operations, extend sensor coverage, and provide persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance in support of dynamic mission sets. The coordinated efforts of Marines and GA-ASI personnel underscored the platform’s high degree of interoperability and its growing role in enabling expeditionary operations in contested environments.

To date, GA-ASI has delivered 17 MQ-9A UAS to USMC. The USMC awaits delivery of three additional aircraft by the end of this year.

Posted in Aviation, Press Release, UAS, USMC | Comments Off on Marines Surpass 1,000 MQ-9A Flight Hours As Capabilities Expand