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Archive for the ‘USMC’ Category

Mission First Tactical Introduces USMC Officially Licensed Drinkware

Monday, March 18th, 2024

Horsham, PA – (March 18th, 2024) – Mission First Tactical (MFT) manufacturers of state-of-the-art, USA made rifle/carbine accessories and holsters, is pleased to announce they have expanded their drinkware line to include all-new USMC Officially Licensed Drinkware in 3 popular sizes. This new USMC drinkware is not the same old design. MFT offers cool new modern designs on 32 oz. bottles, 16 oz. bottles and 12 oz. can coolers. Both the bottles and can coolers easily keep your drinks hot for up to four hours or cold for nine hours of maximum enjoyment.

“Whether it’s a refreshingly cold thirst-quencher or a piping hot brew, the MFT USMC insulated drinkware will keep your drinks at the optimum temperature,” said David Edelman, Vice President, Mission First Tactical. “The cool new designs are a perfect way to show your pride and support of our dedicated Marine Corps personnel.”

MFT’s 32 oz. bottles are large capacity, yet compact in size, making them perfect for your next mission. They feature a flip-top handle that makes them easy to carry. The 16 oz. bottles let you annihilate your thirst while keeping the elements from spoiling your favorite beverage. These vacuum-insulated bottles keep your drinks at optimum temperature. MFT Can Coolers allow you to crack open your favorite standard-size 12 oz. can and drop it in. These Can Coolers keep your beverages (not your hands) colder longer so you can always hit your target.

USMC drinkware features:

– Double-wall insulation, prevents condensation on the outside of the bottl
– Vacuum seal, locks in hot or cold temperatur
– Will not retain odor or tast
– 18/8 stainless stee
– BPA & toxin free

MSRP’s: 32 oz. $44.95, 16 oz. $29.95, 12 oz. Can Cooler $24.95

MFT Gear is designed specifically for bad-ass customers with a kick-ass mentality. Represent the USMC and look good doing so. From drinkware to apparel, MFT has you covered.

To learn more about the new USMC Drinkware and the complete product offerings from Mission First Tactical, please visit www.missionfirsttactical.com.

American Rheinmetall Vehicles Conducts Live-Fire Demo and Continues to Deliver Autonomous Ground Vehicles to the U.S. Marine Corps for Testing, Training, and Deployment

Friday, March 15th, 2024

American Rheinmetall Vehicles (Sterling Heights, MI) and Rheinmetall Canada have successfully conducted a live-fire capability demonstration for the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) in Fort Clinton, Ohio to highlight the unique capabilities of the Rheinmetall Mission Master SP autonomous, unmanned ground vehicle (A-UGV) paired with the Fieldranger Remotely Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS). This armed variant of the Rheinmetall Mission Master SP provides Marines a variety of remote operated capabilities including armed reconnaisance, sentry over watch, fire support, flank security, screening capability, and more. Having completed numerous test and evaluation events with the Mission Master SP, American Rheinmetall Vehicles continues to deliver ground-breaking advancements in A-UGV systems to the USMC. It first made deliveries to the USMC in early 2023, and several follow-on orders for A-UGVs are proceeding in 2024. The platforms have the potential to substantially enhance the way Marines fight. 


Mission Master SPs furnished by American Rheinmetall Vehicles were also extensively tested by the USMC during the Talisman Sabre Exercise (TS23) in Queensland, Australia, in summer 2023 and as part of the Apollo Shield exercise at Marine Corps Base, Twentynine Palms, California, in fall 2023, both in support of Marine Corps Warfighting Lab (MCWL) evaluations. The Mission Master SPs’ participation supported MCWL’s one year, crawl-walk-run, bilateral effort to test equipment capabilities and evaluate tactics, techniques, and procedures of Infantry squads equipped with A-UGVs. Tasks the Mission Master SP A-UGVs took on during the exercises included casualty evacuations (CASEVAC), resupply missions, fully autonomous road marches reaching ranges up to 50 kilometers, and operating in Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) environments. Feedback from the Marines and their Commanders drove A-UGV design modifications and solidified the benefits of A-UGVs among Marines.

In December 2023, American Rheinmetall Vehicles received an order to manufacture and deliver six Mission Master SPs which are slated for delivery to III Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) to support further training and evaluation. Four of the Mission Master SPs will support 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, who will be the first unit to conduct pre-deployment work-ups and deploy with the A-UGVs.


“Bringing the capabilities of the Mission Master SP A-UGV to today‘s Marines gives me great pride in knowing that lives will be saved and Marines will be better prepared for battle,“ said Mike Brooks, Gunner (CW05) USMC Ret., and Director of Business Development for American Rheinmetall Vehicles. 

“MCWL’s experimentation with state-of-the-art autonomous systems exemplifies our commitment to harnessing innovative technologies that enhance our tactical capabilities, ensuring our Marines are better equipped, more agile, and always a step ahead on the battlefield,” stated Maj Steven Atkinson, Robotics & Autonomy and Artificial Intelligence Branch Head for the Science and Technology Division of the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory. 

Rheinmetall PATH A-kit: A platform-agnostic, next-generation system that brings autonomous mobility to any vehicle 

Each of Rheinmetall’s Mission Master SP A-UGVs uses the Rheinmetall PATH autonomy kit (A-kit), a navigation system developed by Rheinmetall Canada that enables fully autonomous movement and mission planning for vehicles. It can be rapidly added onto existing legacy vehicles or integrated into the latest next-generation platforms. It is a core element of Rheinmetall’s exceptional Mission Master family of autonomous vehicles and combines advanced sensors, technology leading algorithms, and real-time data analysis to allow vehicle platforms to maneuver autonomously in a wide range of operating environments. Fielded and tested on this family of vehicles, but also a wide array of other platforms, the PATH A-kit is a mature, proven technology that stands out from the competition providing a high degree of autonomous mobility. 

American Rheinmetall Vehicles is leveraging the PATH A-kit technology to supply program specific vehicle solutions for the U.S. Army’s Common Tactical Truck program and XM30 program. 
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www.rheinmetall.com/arv 

Unmanned and Unmatched.

Mack Defense Awarded Contract by U.S. Marine Corps to Develop Medium Tactical Truck (MTT)

Thursday, March 14th, 2024

ALLENTOWN, PA (March 12, 2024) – The U.S. Marine Corps awarded Mack Defense a 12-month contract for the initial development of a new Medium Tactical Truck (MTT) fleet. The new family of vehicles will replace the Marine Corp’s 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 will focus on three 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 water up to five feet. The vehicles will feature a 10-kilowatt on-board power generator and will have the capacity to deliver 30-kilowatts of external power. Advanced driver safety and force protection systems will be key features.

“We were confident in our ability to meet the needs outlined by the U.S. Marine Corps,” said David Hartzell, president of Mack Defense. “Being chosen for the initial development phase of this program confirms that the U.S. Marine Corps recognizes Mack Defense has the proven experience in developing tactical vehicle platforms that incorporate the latest system designs and technologies to meet the strict requirements outlined for the MTT.”

As part of the initial development phase, Mack Defense will provide a detailed engineering technical data package for three MTT cargo variants. Mack Defense will incorporate an open systems architecture, ensuring the U.S. Marine Corps can integrate future technological advancements into the next generation of medium tactical vehicles.

“Mack Defense is uniquely positioned to design the MTT variants incorporating the latest hybrid propulsion technologies to achieve significant fuel consumption reduction,” said Brent Cring, director of engineering at Mack Defense. “Advanced driver safety systems provide military-grade mobility and ensure the safety of deployed Marines worldwide.”

Mack Defense is currently in the testing phase of another significant defense program. Recently, three Common Tactical Truck (CTT) prototype vehicles, based on the commercially available Mack® Granite® model, were delivered to the U.S. Army for testing and soldier evaluations. The vehicles will be evaluated to determine final requirements to modernize and replace the Army’s fleet of 35,000 heavy tactical trucks. The MTT program leverages technology developed for the CTT program including hybrid technology, active safety, open-systems architecture, and military grade mobility.

3d MLR| At the Forefront of Marine Corps Innovation

Thursday, March 7th, 2024

MARINE CORPS TRAINING AREA BELLOWS, HI —

With modernization and pacing threats challenging the Marine Corps to improve in new ways, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment remains at the forefront of innovation. One such advancement in the regiment’s training methodologies and warfighting tactics is the Littoral Reconnaissance Team concept. From January 18-25, 2024, Marines with 3d Littoral Combat Team spent a week at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, experimenting with the LRT concept.

“An LRT is a low-signature, easily deployable team that uses multi-discipline sensors and collection sources for reconnaissance and counter-reconnaissance in the littoral zone,” said Sgt. Jordan James, chief scout with 3d LCT. “During this field operation, the LCT used an LRT to test day and night data collection and share assets on naval vessels.”

Within an LRT are Signals Intelligence/Ground Electronic Warfare Marines, Scout Marines, a Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems team, and a Maritime Surveillance Team. Most of these elements are already organic to 3d LCT’s intelligence section. The sections traditionally work independently, but when employed together they can enhance 3d LCT’s capabilities in a way that better fits the requirements of stand-in force operations.

“We are using the landward portion of the littorals to establish an expeditionary base and conduct operations for maritime domain awareness in support of the Joint Force’s ability to conduct sea denial and sea control.”

CWO4 Corey Sullivan, Signals Intelligence and Electronic Warfare Operations Officer with 3d MLR

The Marines also made sure to have real targets by working with the U.S. Coast Guard to have vessels pass by at random throughout the day – their transportation routes and hull sizes unknown to the Marines. When the vessels were detected, the LRT locked-on visuals, sent the Stalker VXE30 sUAS to get surveillance imagery, used artificial intelligence object recognition to identify the type of vessel, pinpoint its exact location, and surveyed radio activity using electromagnetic spectrum radars – all while broadcasting live updates to its higher headquarters.

“A Marine can see a ship on the horizon and launch the sUAS in a couple of minutes or less,” said Sullivan. “These programs cut down the time required to relay information, thereby speeding up the sensor-to-shooter kill web.”

“We may be using computer programs and artificial intelligence to reduce some of our workload, but it still takes diligence and determination from the Marines,” said James. “We’re here, in the Pacific, ready to answer any call to action that comes.

In doing this training and having this skill and mindset, 3d MLR expands the potential of the LCT and pushes the bounds of what it means to be “in the air, on land, and sea.”

Story by Sgt Jacqueline Parsons | 3rd Marine Division

Marine Corps and Army Assess South Korean UGV, Eyeing Future Capabilities

Friday, February 9th, 2024

Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Hawaii —

In a strategic move meant to advance Force Design’s shift to the INDOPACOM Area of Responsibility, the Marine Corps partnered with partners from the U.S. Army and the Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of Korea to test cutting-edge autonomous vehicle technology—taking a significant step towards modernizing its advanced logistics capabilities.

In mid-December, against the picturesque backdrop of Honolulu, Hawaii, Marines from the 3d Littoral Logistics Battalion, or LLB, engaged in a pivotal Foreign Comparative Test, or FCT, of a South Korean Unmanned Ground Vehicle, or UGV, prototype—marking a critical juncture in the Corps’ exploration of advanced unmanned technologies.

This two-week test, the culmination of a collaborative partnership between Marine Corps Systems Command, III MEF, the Army’s Ground Vehicle Systems Center and its South Korean allies, demonstrated the commitment to advancing military capabilities.

Key to advancing military capabilities, FTC programs allow the acquisition community to evaluate high-readiness technologies from foreign allies to quickly and economically meet defense needs. FCT stands out by offering substantial savings, bypassing research and development expenses, reducing procurement costs, and accelerating the deployment of critical equipment. This approach not only minimizes risk but also enhances the operational readiness and safety of U.S. forces.

The FCT of the South Korean UGV prototype in Honolulu is a significant milestone in the Marine Corps’ journey towards embracing unmanned technologies. This test, rooted in the principles of Force Design, and the ever-evolving realities of contested logistics, has the potential to shape the future of Marine Corps logistics operations.

“The use of autonomy directly supports Force Design, as the emphasis on smaller operational units means personnel have to do more,” David Keeler, MARCORSYSCOM’s advanced technology integrator for the Logistics Combat Element Systems portfolio and project lead for the effort. “UGVs can supplement tactical vehicle operations since they are highly transportable, can be moved to points of need quickly and don’t require licensed operators.”

As modern warfare continues to evolve, the need for efficient, autonomous logistics solutions becomes increasingly vital—especially as the warfighter is called upon to operate within contested environments. Here, the UGV’s potential to operate effectively in such scenarios stand to revolutionize how the Marine Corps approaches logistics, a critical component of warfare.

“If you look at the war between Russia and Ukraine, you see each side is going after each other’s logistics support. That’s contested logistics,” explained MARCORSYSCOM’s International Affairs Specialist Steve Duong. “What you don’t want is a big platform with a big signature transporting something like a tire or ammo back and forth because it can easily be identified by enemy sensors. A capability like this can help Marines with their logistics while operating in dangerous environments.”

Foreign Technology as a Force Multiplier

The test’s primary goal was to evaluate the UGV’s artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities. The selection of the South Korean UGV prototype represents a leap in technological advancement, attributed to its maturity in utilizing artificial intelligence and machine learning to complete its mission.

“When we first started planning this effort, this was the most mature vehicle that uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to complete its mission,” noted Durgadath Nanan, III MEF science advisor, emphasizing the importance of these capabilities in current and future military operations. “This is an opportunity to get access to foreign expertise. Because, you know, we have great scientists, engineers and companies in the States, but that doesn’t mean we have the most advanced capabilities in all areas.”

This FCT is more than just an evaluation of a new vehicle; it’s a foray into a future where unmanned systems play a crucial role in military operations. The success of this test could lead to a transformative shift in how the Marine Corps conducts logistics, particularly in contested environments.

“Allied technology can provide tremendous benefits for not only the Marines and the DoD, but also to the vendors,” said Keeler. “Our vendors and allies get insight to our requirements and how their technology may be employed. Most importantly, it gives the vendors direct feedback and input from our warfighters so they can further refine and mature their technology.”

Joint Collaborative Effort

Keeler repeatedly emphasized the project’s foundation on innovative military technology and collaboration between Joint Forces and Allies. He acknowledged USMC’s International Programs Office for securing funding for the FCT from the Office of the Secretary of Defense and providing program support during the test cycle in Hawaii.

Nanan, a science advisor for the Office of Naval Research stationed at III MEF, played a crucial role as the liaison, ensuring ONR’s research align with Fleet requirements.

“We make sure that the R&D at ONR is working on requirements of the Fleet, not only short-term but longer-term,” Nanan said.

In Detroit, Michigan, DEVCOM’s Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC) was instrumental in planning and executing the testing for the UGV project.

Jason Bagnall, GVSC electrical engineer and UGV FCT test lead, described GVSC’s involvement, saying, “GVSC’s robotics group has expertise in UGVs design, integration, and testing, leading the USMC to seek our independent evaluation of the South Korean UGV prototype.” He added, “GVSC developed the test plan, coordinated onsite activities, and will publish a report on the platform’s suitability.”

Ultimately, the project highlights the Corps’ commitment to international collaboration and innovation. As Keeler noted, “The FCT has been a great tool for LCES. It’s given us the opportunity to generate data to inform requirements, make procurement considerations, and build relations with allied governments and businesses.”

Feedback from the Fleet

The collaboration with 3d LLB Marines in testing and operating the UGV was a pivotal aspect of the project. Their direct, hands-on experience with the vehicle provided invaluable real-world data, shedding light on the vehicle’s performance, especially its sophisticated AI and machine learning capabilities. This practical insight from those with frontline experience was critical to understand the real-world applications of the technology.

Bagnall emphasized the importance of this partnership, further highlighting the importance of obtaining feedback from the fleet.

“Our in-house engineers and commercial/academic partners are some of the best in the business,” he said. “That said, most of our engineers have never served in uniform, have never experienced combat. When a mission is completely understood, and the doctrine well-established, it’s often possible for the user community to deliver really good requirement sets for tech developers to work from.”

Defining Future Requirements

Another critical aspect of this test is the defining of requirements for future unmanned ground vehicles. As Duong pointed out, “It is the major function of this test to help define requirements for unmanned ground vehicles, for which we currently don’t have a program of record.”

This endeavor aligns with the broader goals of the Corps to integrate more unmanned systems into their operations, as envisioned in Force Design.

“I have conducted a few different FCTs, each evaluating different technologies–from medical, to mine clearance, and now autonomy and UGVs,” said Keeler. “In each case we were evaluating an allied technology that either could close a capability gap, enhance existing capabilities, or provide a new capability.”

Keeler noted, if the FCT has good results, further evaluation in operational environments may be considered, followed by a decision to procure the technology.

The Broader Perspective and International Collaboration

The test also highlighted the significance of international collaboration, particularly with South Korea, a key ally in the Indo-Pacific region.

“This program is important as it falls under the security cooperation umbrella,” Duong said, acknowledging the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-ROK mutual defense treaty and its impact on such collaborations.

Nanan encapsulated the transformative potential of testing such advanced technologies, saying, “In testing this vehicle, we’re pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and confirming our commitment to be technologically advanced. This can change the way we operate and fight, adapting to the evolving nature of warfare as seen in current global conflicts.”

Ultimately, the successful testing of the UGV prototype marks a pivotal advancement in military logistics and unmanned technologies. This collaboration not only showcases the potential of international partnerships in enhancing military capabilities but also sets a new standard for the future of autonomous operations in contested environments.

By Ashley Calingo, MCSC Office of Public Affairs and Communication | Marine Corps Systems Command

Marine Corps Selects Prototyping Participants for Medium Tactical Truck Development Program

Friday, February 2nd, 2024

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. — The Marine Corps has selected Mack Defense and Navistar Defense to participate in Phase I for the development of the Medium Tactical Truck (MTT) program. This pivotal phase, spanning an estimated 12 months, will see the performers leveraging the Corps’ top-level requirements to submit innovative design concepts and comprehensive project plan for Phase II (prototype build phase).

The Medium Tactical Truck is slated to replace the existing Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) fleet, including Cargo, Dump, Wrecker, Tractor, and Re-Supply Variants. The focus of the competitive prototype phase will be on the Cargo variant.

Key top-level requirements for the Medium Tactical Truck include:

Cargo Variants: The MTT Cargo variants consist of three configurations:

a 10 ft Cargo bed

b 15 ft Cargo bed

c 20 ft Cargo bed

Hybrid Electric Technologies: Integration of hybrid electric technologies for reduced fuel consumption, extended range, and a silent watch capability.

Onboard and Export Power: 10 kW on-board power generation to support all mission packages and scalable exportable power up to 30 kW to meet external system power demands.

Mobility: Continued robust all terrain mobility with a 70% off-road and 30% on-road mission profile, with a unique 60” water fording capability specific to the United States Marine Corps (USMC).

Safety and Stability: Advancements in safety and stability control systems, increased interoperability, and heightened mission flexibility through modularity and open systems architecture.

Armor System: Modular and scalable armor system that allows for the change/upgrade of force protection and survivability levels, considering ease of installation and maintenance.

Maintenance and Reliability: Advancements in condition-based maintenance systems, increased reliability, durability, and corrosion prevention.

The Marine Corps looks forward to collaborating with Mack Defense and Navistar Defense in this crucial development phase, working toward the common goal of delivering a Medium Tactical Truck that meets the diverse and challenging needs of Marine Corps missions.

Marine Corps Systems Command

USMC Photo by Sgt Christian M Garcia

MCTSSA Designated Corps’ First STRL, Accelerating Force Modernization

Tuesday, January 30th, 2024

Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Cali. —

Marking a significant advancement towards Force Design’s ambitious modernization goals, Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity, or MCTSSA, has been designated as the first Science and Technology Reinvention Laboratory, or STRL, within the Marine Corps.

Created by the Department of Defense to streamline existing federal acquisition processes, STRLs are historically designated through the National Defense Authorization Act or by the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.

Federal entities that receive such a designation are empowered with legislative authorities, including personnel flexibility, minor military construction capabilities, and discretionary funding control for their directors.

 “MCTSSA’s acceptance to the Naval Research and Development Enterprise with STRL designation occurred at the perfect time given the USMC’s current Force Design efforts,” Col. Craig Clarkson, commanding officer at MCTSSA

Although the Pentagon has granted 20 such designations since 2021, MCTSSA’s designation as the first for the Corps represents a monumental stride, signaling the Corps’ leadership in troubleshooting, innovating, and creating solutions to some of the most challenging problems faced by the warfighter.

According to Col. Craig Clarkson, commanding officer at MCTSSA, the designation represents a significant step forward in achieving the Corps’ ambitious Force Design modernization goals.

“MCTSSA’s acceptance to the Naval Research and Development Enterprise with STRL designation occurred at the perfect time given the USMC’s current Force Design efforts,” he noted. “We are now optimally positioned to support Service Combined Joint All Domain Command & Control initiatives and the development of other future capabilities.”

Furthermore, the STRL designation advances the Corps’ Talent Management strategy, positioning the Corps’ acquisition community to effectively compete with industry for top talent—ensuring a robust pipeline of highly skilled professionals adept at addressing the dynamic challenges of the modern battlefield.

“STRL designation enables MCTSSA to operate more like a Marine Corps Expeditionary Warfare Center, with the personnel and acquisition authorities to develop and scale a highly-skilled, technical workforce focused on delivering integrated Naval capabilities,” said Mr. Timothy Gramp, USMC chief engineer, deputy to the Commander for Systems Engineering and Acquisition Logistics, and executive director for the new STRL.

As the Corps continues its strategic shift to the Indo-Pacific, the new STRL designation stands to mitigate perceived limitations in the Pentagon’s existing acquisition architecture. By enabling MCTSSA to more effectively—and rapidly—adapt and integrate emerging technologies into the warfighter’s arsenal of capabilities, the Corps stands better equipped to face the evolving threats of the future battlefield.

By Johannes Schmidt, MCSC Office of Public Affairs and Communication | Marine Corps Systems Command

Galvion PDxT Integrated Helmet System: Accelerated Iterative Design & Direct User Collaboration

Tuesday, January 23rd, 2024

Understanding the operational needs of diverse end-user groups and developing unique solutions for specific customer requirements are critical to overall industry advancements.  This case study showcases Galvion’s commitment to user-centric design, illustrating how a specific solution meets the needs of the operational challenges.

Galvion’s Integrated Helmet System (IHS) is a customized solution to meet the unique operational requirements of the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC).  Developed over multiple years under the scope of an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) with Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC), Galvion collaborated closely with Marines to incorporate real-time feedback throughout the iterative development cycle, resulting in a purpose-built helmet system that provides an integrated head protection platform for the Marines.  

Galvion’s IHS is built on the foundation of its PDxT™ helmet, combining an ACH front shape for ease-of-integration with existing accessories and a ridged-back design that provides structural stability and additional coverage.  Galvion designed, built and tested prototypes demonstrating technical capabilities and integration with current USMC equipment including communication devices and visual augmentation systems, and has delivered over 1000 systems across two configurations to meet the Marine Corps requirements.

– ‘Block 0’ Baseline System:  PDxT™ helmet featuring NVD shroud with stabilization bumpers, IHS rails with NVG clips and O2 attachments, NVG bungees, External Loop Pattern, Battery Retention Straps, the latest APEX™ liner system, and a customized helmet cover with cable management.

– ‘Block 1’ Integrated System:  built off Block 0, with the addition of the E.D.G™ scalable power pack, single and dual cables to power SBNVG & SBNVG with E-Coti, Integrated Strobe, Task Light and optional HED.

The development of this helmet system marks a critical step forward in military head system equipment integration.

Evolution through Iterative Development

The development process for this system highlights the Marine Corps Systems Command’s commitment to engaging with industry in order to find the best solution for Marines.  The MCSC organized multiple Limited User Evaluations (LUE) and Ballistic Testing events and supported a dozen additional Galvion internal LUE sessions.  This direct collaboration is a fundamental pillar of Galvion’s design approach: using rapid prototyping capabilities in conjunction with direct USMC input to foster a fast-paced design-build-assess cycle. This mechanism ensured the system’s maturation responded directly to specific operational needs, resulting in innovative features and upgrades.

One of the critical priorities discovered during feedback sessions was the need for superior stability.  Marines voiced a willingness to trade comfort for stability and effectiveness, scoring NVG stability as essential.  Galvion’s Engineering and Human Factors teams used an iterative design process to adjust Galvion’s APEX suspension & retention system in order to ensure unmatched stability without compromising comfort, including a more robust fitband dial for easy adjustment even when wearing gloves, an improved harness camlock for quick adjustment, and a re-designed nape pad.

Galvion’s commitment to cultivating a close relationship with end-users and maintaining a continuous feedback loop instilled a sense of ownership amongst USMC users over the final product.  Kevin Gonzalez, Senior Business Development Manager, and a former Marine, acknowledged this, stating, “Many leaders and end-users throughout the IHS evaluation process directly stated how they have witnessed Galvion’s dedication and desire to provide the best possible system to the men and women of the USMC. This is a reflection of listening to the end-user and rapidly implementing changes that enhance their mobility, survivability, and lethality on the battlefield.”  

The spiral improvements made through intensive user feedback cycles benefit end-users beyond the Marines. Galvion will be releasing updates to its APEX™ liner driven by the USMC trials.  The E.D.G™ (Energy Data Grid) scalable power system will be available for Galvion’s Batlskin Caiman® helmet, introducing the transition from ‘helmet’ to ‘integrated helmet system’ to a wider global customer base.

Galvion’s USMC PDxT™ head systems and Caiman® with E.D.G™ system will be on display at Shot Show 2024 – Booth #32003