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Archive for the ‘USMC’ Category

U.S. Marine Corps Purchases $5.3 Million in High-Bandwidth Networking Equipment from Persistent Systems

Thursday, September 19th, 2024

Purchased mobile ad hoc networking (MANET) equipment will support U.S. Marine logistics in EUCOM Theater

September 18, 2024 – Persistent Systems, LLC (“Persistent”), a leader in mobile ad hoc networking (MANET), announced today a $5.3 million sale of MPU5 MANET devices, Rugged Display & Controllers (RDCs), and Integrated Sector Antennas to the U.S. Marine Corps in support of the 2nd Marine Logistics Group.

The sale of the MANET equipment, including C-Band and L-Band RF cards, follows a similar acquisition of S-Band RF cards by the Marines in January 2023 to advance their logistics networking capabilities in the EUCOM and CENTCOM regions.

“The Marine Corps is undergoing a force design and modernization effort to deal with near-peer competition,” said Luke Wood, Persistent Systems VP of Business Development, U.S. Navy/Marine Corps. “They are looking into reliable high-bandwidth commercial technologies to solve their operational requirements, and we’re supporting that campaign of learning, both at the headquarters and operating forces level.”

Purchase of the MPU5 provides the Marines with access to the Wave Relay® MANET algorithm for peer-to-peer sharing of voice, video, text, sensor, and GPS data. The MANET provides immediate network access and interoperability with other network-based platforms fielded by the Marine Corps and international partner forces.

All network data stored on the MPU5 is viewable on the RDC for increased situational awareness and command-and-control of unmanned systems. Additionally, rapidly mounted Integrated Sector Antennas (to poles, masts, or towers) extend the range of the MANET “bubble” created by the MPU5s.

“The MANET equipment will go to a few logistics battalions for vehicle-to-vehicle and dismounted security force communications,” said Wood. “The rest will be deployed as needed for advanced expeditionary bases, logistics hubs, and other logistics missions.”

Extended network range will allow Marines to share video more widely from previously disconnected EO/IR video cameras, unmanned aircraft systems, and explosive ordinance disposal robots.

“All this enables the Marines to make sense of the battlefield and coordinate against adversary platforms and formations,” he said.

Persistent will continue to support the service’s manned and unmanned ground combat vehicle efforts, as well as manned and unmanned maritime vessels.

Haley Strategic Partners Awarded Contract by USMC for Carl-Gustaf 84MM Recoilless Rifle Program

Thursday, September 19th, 2024

September 10, 2024 (Scottsdale, AZ) – Haley Strategic Partners is a premier global Defense Manufacturer specializing in trusted, innovative, high-quality safety and survivability products for military, first responders, federal agencies, and outdoor/consumer markets worldwide. The Company is honored to participate in outfitting the United States Marine Corps (USMC) with munitions packs and weapon system slings in support of the Carl-Gustaf®84MM Recoilless Rifle, Multi-Role Anti-Armor/Anti-Personnel Weapon System (MAAWS) indefinite-delivery / indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract (W15QKN18D0076).


Carl-Gustaf Pack (NSN: 1015-01-719-1642)

Haley Strategic Partners was awarded the USMC contracts and began delivering in FY2024. The awards include Carl-Gustaf Packs (NSN: 1015-01-719-1642), Carl-Gustaf X Slings (NSN: 1015-01-718-2887), Carl-Gustaf Two-Point Slings (NSN: 1015-01-718-2871), Aimpoint FCS13RE Pouches (NSN: 1220-01-721-2885), and FlatPack Plus Packs (NSN: 8465-01-678-6204).


Carl-Gustaf X Sling (NSN: 1015-01-718-2887)

The Carl-Gustaf weapon system and munitions carriage solutions were developed in direct collaboration with SaaB and USMC professional end users utilizing the latest in rugged composite and nylon laminate materials to create truly innovative load carriage solutions increasing the efficacy of USMC infantry warfighters.

“We are honored to be able to support the USMC community on the Carl-Gustaf program, and to provide a true tactical advantage to those operators who depend on them,” said Travis Haley, CEO and founder of Haley Strategic. “By working closely with SaaB and the customer over the last couple of years, our applied research and development teams have kept the needs of the end-user at the forefront of their efforts every step of the way, ensuring that their needs were met. We are grateful for the opportunity to deliver these key solutions increasing the lethality and combat effectiveness of Carl-Gustaf fire teams”.

For sales information on Carl-Gustaf Packs, Carl-Gustaf Slings, and other innovative tactical equipment solutions from Haley Strategic Partners, please visit haleystrategic.com or connect with us at sales@haleystrategic.com.

Marine Officers Gain Access to Maternity Uniforms with East Coast Expansion

Thursday, September 19th, 2024

Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va. —

Although Marines have never defined themselves by their equipment, maintaining readiness in any clime and place—from the icy reaches of the Arctic to the steamy jungles of the Indo-Pacific—means ensuring that all Marines, whether on the frontlines or providing critical support from behind the scenes, are equipped with the right gear to accomplish the mission whenever they are called to serve.

To better support pregnant Marine Corps officers, Marine Corps Systems Command, in partnership with Marine Force Storage Command’s Consolidated Storage Program (CSP), is expanding the Maternity Uniform Pilot Program (MUPP) from Quantico to include East Coast bases such as Camp Lejeune, New River, Cherry Point, Beaufort, and Albany.

This expansion—driven in response to feedback from Marines across the Corps– ensures easier access to maternity uniforms, promoting both comfort and readiness, while also addressing equity between enlisted Marines and officers.

Enlisted Marines receive a one-time issue of maternity uniforms, while officers have been required to cover the full cost, which can run up to $500. The MUPP allows the Corps to issue and recover maternity uniforms for officers at no cost, easing the financial burden and ensuring all Marines are equipped for duty.

“There are Marine officers across the Corps who will need maternity uniforms, so expanding this program to the East Coast is essential,” said Ana Ayala-Spivey, CSP East Coast Regional Project Officer. “I stressed to the MARCORSYSCOM team that it’s our responsibility to ensure we capture valuable data and feedback from as many Marines as possible. Limiting the program to Quantico wasn’t enough. Expanding it allows us to gather the insights we need while better supporting our officers in maintaining readiness and comfort during pregnancy.”

Since March 2021, the program has already seen significant success at Quantico, where it was first introduced, providing essential support to pregnant officers stationed there.

“I’ve been pregnant twice during my time as a Marine officer, but only had access to the Maternity Uniform Pilot Program once,” recalled Maj. Desiree K. Sanchez, assistant chief of staff (G-4) at Marine Corps Training and Education Command. “The first time, I had to purchase all of my uniforms out of pocket because the program didn’t exist. By the second time I was pregnant, the Corps had made significant improvements, adding adjustable tabs to the shirts and smock for a better fit. Instead of having to buy the updated uniforms, I was able to borrow them here in Quantico through the program, saving me from the expense of buying new items again.”

The program provides pregnant Marines with a full set of essential maternity uniforms, including three sets of MARPAT work uniforms (blouses and trousers), one green tunic, two short-sleeve and two long-sleeve service blouses, two service skirts, one pair of service slacks, one blue dress skirt, one pair of blue dress slacks, and three sets of service tapes.

The East Coast expansion improves accessibility for pregnant Marine officers by providing timely access to essential maternity uniforms at key installations, all without adding any extra financial burden to the taxpayer. Besides the financial benefit, this program also addresses the practical challenges pregnant officers have long faced in uniform availability and consistency.

According to Maj. Sanchez, “I was serving at Headquarters Marine Corps as the aide to General Glenn M. Walters, the ACMC at the time, during my first pregnancy. I often found myself discussing the challenges we faced as pregnant officers—having to pay out of pocket for uniforms that were not always available. There were countless times when I couldn’t match my boss in uniform because certain maternity options simply didn’t exist in the Marine Corps inventory. It was a constant reminder of the gaps we had to navigate.”

Ultimately, the MUPP’s expansion to include key East Coast bases serves as a strong signal of the team’s commitment to acting on feedback from the fleet– a critical component of Force Design, the Corps’ strategic blueprint for modernization.

“We actively use the [Interactive Customer Evaluation] program to gather feedback from Marines on improvements or concerns with the maternity uniform,” said Ayala-Spivey. “This input is essential for shaping decisions that affect the readiness and capability of the Future Force. As part of our commitment to Force Design, it’s crucial we recognize that Marines in a maternity status are a vital component of that future. Ensuring they have the right equipment supports both immediate operational readiness and long-term sustainability of the force.”

To participate in the program, pregnant officers can schedule an appointment with East Coast CSP personnel via email or phone, using the POC information available on the CSP site. Participants will then visit their respective Individual Issue Facility (IIF) to try on uniforms based on their pre-pregnancy sizing, with adjustments made as needed throughout the course of their pregnancy.

Although the expansion focuses on East Coast installations, pregnant Marines from other locations—including those OCONUS– can participate by contacting ana.ayala.civ@usmc.mil or william.j.wrightington.civ@usmc.mil.

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

Marine Training Systems Mitigate BOP Concerns, Enhance Fleet Lethality

Monday, August 26th, 2024

Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va. —

When Lt. Gen. Lewis “Chesty” Puller famously quipped, “Hit hard, hit fast, hit often,” there’s a good chance he had Marine Corps mortarmen in mind.

From the Spanish-American War through the 21st-century War on Terror, the Marine Corps has consistently employed artillery and other fire support systems to achieve decisive results. Today, as the Corps continues to modernize with Force Design as its strategic blueprint, its focus remains squarely on agility, precision, and rapid response—with capabilities like mortars and the Multi-Role Anti-Armor Anti-Personnel Weapon System– serving as proven force multipliers ahead of the future fight.

At Marine Corps Systems Command, the Program Manager for Training Systems (PM TRASYS) is fielding cutting-edge capabilities that allow Marines to train seamlessly on these fire support systems, prioritizing safety while ensuring the highest levels of readiness through training that closely mirrors real-world conditions.

In recent years, there has been growing concern that Marines and other servicemembers regularly exposed to heavy blasts—or blast overpressure (BOP) —have suffered a higher rate of adverse effects on brain health and cognitive performance.

In an August 8 memorandum, the Pentagon announced plans to strengthen the monitoring of cognitive health among service members through regular assessments and issued policy guidance to establish procedures and standards for training and operations.

As stated by Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks, “This policy is not meant to preclude or unreasonably restrict commanders from conducting mission-essential weapons training. Rather, this policy establishes requirements for practical risk management actions to mitigate and track BOP exposures across the DoD.”

Understanding the risks associated with repeated blast exposure, PM TRASYS has fielded the Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer, which allows Marines across the installation to maintain their proficiency with various weapons systems without the need for live ammunition. This cutting-edge system is an advanced interactive audio/visual simulator that offers both basic and advanced marksmanship training, weapons employment drills, and tactical decision-making exercises for a range of weapons, including the M252 81 mm mortar and the iconic M3A1 MAAWS. The ISMT also offers shooting with Night Vision Goggles (NVGs), and the Annual Rifle Qualification (ARQ) courses fire was recently added to the database

“We developed the mortar and MAAWS ISMT in close collaboration with all stakeholders, including PM Infantry Weapons and the Navy’s Occupational and Environmental Medicine team, to ensure the form and fit are precise,” said Todd Butler, project officer for ISMT. “The goal is to provide Marines with ample repetitions to maintain and sharpen their skills. The simulated weapons are designed to closely replicate real ones, allowing for multiple repetitions and the firing of rounds without the cost of live ammunition. This approach ensures that Marines can sustain their lethality in the ISMT at any time, seven days a week.”

Central to the Marine Corps’ Project Tripoli—a groundbreaking initiative aimed at delivering a persistent, globally accessible Live, Virtual, and Constructive Training Environment (LVC-TE) across all domains and echelons—the mortar and MAAWS ISMT capabilities help sustain unit readiness in locations where range or training facilities are not available while also mitigating BOP concerns.

“From a safety perspective, we are committed to preventing negligent discharges,” said Tripp Elliott, MCSC System Safety Director. “We’re also focused on mitigating the impacts on hearing and preventing traumatic brain injuries. This has a huge impact. It’s crucial that while training, personnel do so correctly. For instance, when they drop a round into the mortar system, they must remember to move their hand, as in real life, a mortar will soon shoot out of that tube, and we want to avoid injuries like losing fingers.”

Ultimately, the ISMT exemplifies how constant communication between the fleet and the acquisition community allows for proactive adaptation to evolving Pentagon guidelines. By providing Marines with realistic training experiences that closely mimic live fire exercises—while mitigating the most significant risks, such as BOP exposure and potential injuries—the ISMT enhances safety and operational readiness. Additionally, each use of the ISMT conserves valuable resources, reducing costs without compromising the Marine Corps’ lethal capabilities. In an era where every shot counts, ISMT ensures the warfighter remains sharp, ready, and as lethal as ever.

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

U.S. Marines with Littoral Craft Company Charlie complete the Colombian Fluvial Operations Course

Wednesday, August 14th, 2024

Apartado, Colombia —

U.S. Marines with Littoral Craft Company Charlie, 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion, 4th Marine Division, graduated from the Colombian Fluvial Operations Course, at Centro Internacional Excelencia Avanzado Fluvial (CIEF), Aug. 2, 2024.

Littoral Craft Company Charlie is the first group of U.S. service members to participate in the Colombian Fluvial Operations Course as 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion is gradually making the switch from Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAV) to Littoral Craft, which are maneuverable small boats.

“As we enter the infancy of littoral craft training, we are seeking knowledge and training from any and all sources,” said U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Lance Sutton, the Inspector-Instructor with LCC Charlie.

The Colombian Marine Corps is highly regarded as world class experts in facilitating and executing littoral exercises because their geography and security challenges heavily emphasize maneuverability and quick reaction on the nation’s waterways.

“They are the best in the world at riverine operations and it’s a great match for our training,” said Sutton.

The Fluvial Operations Course consists of multiple training exercises such as swim qualification, classroom lectures, weapons handling and maintenance, and littoral craft maneuvers.

“We came here and trained with the Colombian Marines on gunnery and piloting littoral crafts,” said Sutton. “We learned a lot from them. We hope to take this knowledge back to the United States and implement them into our tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) and our standard operating procedures (SOPs).”

“They are the best in the world at riverine operations and it’s a great match for our training”.

– Maj. Lance Sutton, Company C, 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion

For the Marines of LCC Charlie, the Fluvial Operations Course was a three-week course. The first week comprised classroom training and familiarization with the different classes of Colombian littoral crafts, the second week comprised isolated training between the gunnery and pilot groups, and the final week comprised integration of all coursework. The Marines of LCC Charlie endured and graduated from the course and are now more knowledgeable and confident in their abilities to maintain, operate, and execute missions with littoral crafts.

Providing expert-level instruction in riverine warfighting was something the Colombian Marines were happy to do.

“For years, the Marines of Colombia have received training from the United States Marine Corps,” said Major General Jorge Federico Torres Mora – Commandant of the Colombian Marine Corps, “and I am pleased that we are now able to provide them with this training, demonstrating reciprocity and strengthening our relations as friendly countries.”

Teniente Coronel de IM (Colombian Marine Corps Lt. Col.) Juan Pablo Lozano Borrero, Head of the Department of Instruction, Training and Doctrine for the Colombian Marine Corps, said of the training: “It fills us with pride and satisfaction to see the Marines of Colombia and United States training together, complementing each other, as if they were the same force. This means that we are getting closer and increasing interoperability between the two Marine Corps.”

The 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion is steadily and efficiently working in accordance with Force Design 2030. With the phasing out of AAVs, Marines of LCC Charlie aim to modernize, compartmentalize and become a more maneuverable and lethal fighting force in order to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving future operating environment.

By Cpl Trystan Taft | Marine Corps Forces South

Tried, Tested, True: 5th ANGLICO Completes Certification Exercise 24.3

Saturday, August 10th, 2024

OKINAWA, JAPAN —

Marines with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, trained across Okinawa to conduct their Certification Exercise 24.3.

CERTEX 24.3 was designed to assess and evaluate 5th ANGLICO’s ability to coordinate fires and effects, integrate with ally and partner forces, establish command-and-control nodes, and operate independently in challenging environments.

Multiple 5th ANGLICO detachments (ADETs) were evaluated during the training evolution. These detachments often operate as small, self-sufficient units that integrate with joint, ally and partner forces to plan, coordinate, and employ multi-domain fires and effects. This mission set means it is vitally important that ADETs constantly test, maintain, and reinforce their ability to operate as highly capable and independent teams.

“The success of our Marines during CERTEX 24.3 is a testament to the tough and realistic training they do every day to stay in a constant state of readiness. The training, evaluation, and certification of our Marines ensures we are always ready to provide a certified and capable force that can rapidly support operations in competition through conflict at a moment’s notice.” said Lt. Col. Matthew R. Ashton, commanding officer of 5th ANGLICO

The training evolution was divided into multiple phases, each presenting a new set of challenges and dynamic scenarios that tested the full range of the ADETs capabilities. The phases ranged from field training, where Marines demonstrated proficiency in land navigation, foraging, and signature management, to long-range communications, fire coordination and integration of multiple common operating pictures and systems.

The ADETs utilized a combination of all these skills to successfully demonstrate their ability to evade simulated oppositional forces, sustain themselves independently, and liaise with ally and partner forces. The training reinforced their capability to critically think, assess complex situations, and accomplish the mission in austere environments.

“CERTEX 24.3 challenged my Marines to employ all the skills they have learned and trained throughout the year,” said Capt. Michael S. Edelen, commander of ADET 1 – 3. The exercise built the confidence of our team and allowed us to demonstrate our ability to be self-sufficient and operate forward as a highly capable, cohesive unit.”

The successful evaluation and certification of 5th ANGLICO once again demonstrates the unit’s ironclad commitment to maintaining the highest levels of readiness and capability to support III MEF in its mission to respond quickly to any crisis or conflict in the Western Pacific region.

By 1st Lt Keyon Whyte | III MEF Information Group

Galvion Recharges USMC with the Receipt of Multiple Power and Data Product Orders

Wednesday, August 7th, 2024

Galvion, a world leader in the design and manufacture of integrated power and data management solutions and innovative head protection systems, has received a number of orders from the United States Marine Corps (USMC) for its Nerv Centr® power and data products. Galvion has recently received an order for 5000 SoloPack™ II lithium-ion rechargeable batteries and a USD $1.5M order for additional ancillary cables to further support the USMC’s in-service Portable Power Scavenger Systems (P2S2).

The SoloPack™ II batteries ordered will support the USMC’s Fire support and coordination systems using portable, handheld devices to employ supporting arms in consonance with maneuver elements used by Marines. Galvion’s original 98Wh SoloPack™ batteries were included in kits when fielded in 2018. This new order for 5000 SoloPack™ II will provide more power to better sustain these critical systems. Small, lightweight and energy-dense, the SoloPack II offers 140Wh of energy (40% more power storage capacity than the original SoloPack), while maintaining the familiar, compact form factor users expect from the Nerv Centr® suite of products. SoloPack II fits into a magazine pouch for ease of storage and weighs only 1.65lbs (750 grams).

In December 2022, Galvion announced an order valued at USD $11 million to supply a customized Squad Power Manager™ (SPM) kit to each Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) within the Marine Corps, including Reserve Forces. The USMC’s Portable Power Scavenger System (P2S2) kits include Galvion’s SPM and a selection of cables, connectors and accessories that provide the ability to scavenge, distribute, and manage power from multiple power sources including solar, Alternating Current (AC), Direct Current (DC), military batteries, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) plugs, and vehicle cigarette lighter/alternator attachments. The SPM kit can scavenge power from partially discharged batteries, vehicles, and standard electrical outlets and convert that power into a usable format for powering devices and recharging batteries. The recent order received for additional ancillary cables will extend and further enhance the functionality of the USMC’s in-service P2S2 kits.

Todd Stirtzinger, CEO at Galvion said: “The United States Marines are some of the world’s toughest warfighters, and we’re incredibly proud to supply them with equipment that supports their missions.

The power supply and management solutions that we provide contribute to a reduction in physical and logistical burden by sustaining power for longer with less weight.” He continued: “The fact that these orders extend and enhance capabilities that Galvion has already supplied to Marines is an example of our commitment to responding to the ever-changing needs of our customers. We’re seeing a number of repeat orders from partners across the globe, which means we’re doing something right; this latest round of orders from the USMC is a proud moment for our whole team.”

Unveiled: Minted USMC Coins For 250TH Anniversary

Monday, July 29th, 2024

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, VA —

The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation and the U.S. Mint unveiled a trio of commemorative coin designs honoring the 250 years of Marine Corps service and sacrifice during a minting ceremony July 17, 2024, at the National Museum of the Marine Corps.

The last coin minted in honor of the Marine Corps was for the Corps’ 230th anniversary in 2005, and the generated funds enabled the construction of the NMMC, where the 250th commemorative coins were officially revealed.

“This is a way for everyone in America to recognize the importance of 250 years of what the Marine Corps means to this country,” said retired U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. James W. Lukeman, the president and CEO of the MCHF.

The images on the coins, he said, cover 250 years of “every Marine is a rifleman.” The gold coin depicts the Marine Corps Color Guard while the flag raising of Iwo Jima is on the silver coin, and the clad coin features two Marines: one dons the continental uniform of 1775 with a musket, and the other in modern-day camouflage utilities wielding a M4 service rifle.

“Next year will mark 250 years of the Marine Corps making Marines and winning battles on behalf of our great Nation. These coins represent the cultural significance of our Corps and will directly contribute to the telling of our history and preserving our institution in the hearts of future generations.”

said the Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Eric M. Smith.

On July 26, 2023, President Joe Biden signed into law the 250th Marine Corps Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act following its passing through congress, authorizing the minting of over 1 million commemorative coins.

“It’s so special for each of us, because there is so much care that goes into the design of these coins,” said Kristie McNally, the deputy director of U.S. Mint, regarding all the people involved in the design process of the coins. “It’s exciting to actually get to share them with the public.”

All surcharges generated from coin sales will support the MCHF and the NMMC’s future educational, historical, and cultural programs that preserve, showcase and educate the public on Marine Corps history, traditions and culture.

The commemorative coins become a part of the next year’s national celebration of the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary, and this set will be the only commemorative coins minted in 2025.

Specifically, the signed legislation authorized the Department of Treasury to mint 50,000 five-dollar coins, 400,000 one-dollar coins, and 750,000 half-dollar coins.

“I am grateful to the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, congressional leaders, and all those who made this coin possible,” said Smith. “We are honored that they would bestow this symbol of appreciation upon us.

To view the Marine Corps’ 250th Anniversary Commemorative Coins, please visit www.usmint.gov/learn/coin-and-medal-programs/commemorative-coins/us-marine-corps-250th-anniversary.

Sales will be available early 2025, at www.usmint.gov.

Story by Shaemus Sawyer, Marine Corps Base Quantico

Photo by LCpl Joaquin Carlos Dela T