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Solicitation for Qualified Marines to Lateral Move (LATMOVE) into the Reconnaissance Primary Military Occupational Specialty (PMOS) 0321

Thursday, October 31st, 2024

R 301506Z OCT 24
MARADMIN 524/24
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MM//
SUBJ/SOLICITATION FOR QUALIFIED MARINES TO LATERAL MOVE (LATMOVE) INTO THE RECONNAISSANCE PRIMARY MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY (PMOS) 0321//
REF/A/MSIGD: DOC/CMC/TECOM/20240207//
REF/B/MSIGD: DOC/CMC/RECONNAISSANCE TRAINING COMMAND SCREENING
CHECKLIST VER 4/20191203//
REF/C/MSIGD: MSG/CMC/MPP/092051ZOCT24//
NARR/REF (A) IS NAVMC 1200.1K, MILITARY OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES MANUAL. REF (B) IS THE RECONNAISSANCE TRAINING & ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (RTAP) AND BASIC RECONNAISSANCE COURSE (BRC) COMMAND SCREENING CHECKLIST. REF (C) IS MARADMIN 483/24, FISCAL YEAR 2025 SELECTIVE
RETENTION BONUS PROGRAM AND FISCAL YEAR 2025 BROKEN SERVICE SELECTIVE RETENTION BONUS PROGRAM.//
POC/S.UZIEL/LTCOL/POF RECONNAISSANCE OCCUPATIONAL FIELD MANAGER/TEL: 703-692-4494/STEVEN.UZIEL@USMC.MIL//
POC/M. EATON/MGYSGT/POF RECONNAISSANCE MOS SPECIALIST/TEL: 703-692-4305/MICKEY.EATON@USMC.MIL//

GENTEXT/REMARKS/1. Purpose. This MARADMIN solicits qualified Marines to apply for LATMOVE into the 0321 PMOS during Fiscal Year 2025. Manpower and Reserve Affairs (M&RA) has categorized the 0321 PMOS as a critical career force skill shortage. The demand for qualified Marines to LATMOVE to this PMOS will remain high for the foreseeable future.
2. Background. Marine Reconnaissance Battalions and Force Reconnaissance Companies are specialized units trained to conduct multi-domain reconnaissance, surveillance, and specialized limited scale raids in support of the Ground Combat Element, Marine Air Ground Task Force, or Joint Task Force. They are responsible for gathering and reporting information about the enemy, terrain, and
weather conditions in contested maritime environments as part of an integrated naval campaign.
2.a. Reconnaissance Marines represent the epitome of physical fitness and mental aptitude and are part of a highly trained force that is critical to the Marine Corps’ mission against
global threats. They must possess a range of skills unique to reconnaissance formations and thrive in politically sensitive or geographically denied operational environments. They must have strong communication skills and be able to operate independently or as part of a small team under austere circumstances.
2.b. Reconnaissance Marines undergo extensive training in amphibious reconnaissance, combat diving, parachuting, sensor operation, and advanced combat marksmanship. They may also receive qualifications as snipers, Army Rangers, explosive breachers, additional Joint Terminal Attack Controllers, and advanced Survival,
Evasion, Resistance, and Escape specialists.
2.c. Reconnaissance Marines serve in both the Active and Reserve Components (RC) and may be assigned to a variety of units across the Fleet Marine Force, Supporting Establishment, and external Special Missions Units.
2.d. Reconnaissance LATMOVE applicants must meet the following
criteria:
2.d.1. Must be a U.S. citizen.
2.d.2. Must be a volunteer.
2.d.3. No derogatory page 11 entries within the last 12 months.
2.d.4. No NJPs within the last 12 months and with no more than one NJP during the current contract.
2.d.5. No courts martial convictions.
2.d.6. Security requirement: must have minimum interim secret security clearance based on National Agency Check, Law Enforcement
and Credit Check.
2.d.7. Must possess a minimum General Technical score of 105 or a minimum Clerical score of 105.
2.d.8. Marines must possess a Water Survival-Intermediate, water survival qualification to enter RTAP.
2.d.9. Must possess a Water Survival-Advanced, water survival qualification to enter BRC.
2.d.10. Must obtain a passing score in all following land and aquatic events during RTAP:
2.d.10.a. Max set pullups–min 8/target reps 15+ 2:00 minute rest.
2.d.10.b. Max set crunches–min 75/target reps 85+ 2:00 minute rest.
2.d.10.c. Max set pushups–min 42/target reps 60+ 10:00 minute rest.
2.d.10.d. 3-mile run–min 22:30/target 19:30-10:00 minute rest.
2.d.10.e. Obstacle course x2–min 8:00.
2.d.10.f. 500-meter swim-15 minutes (side or breaststroke, continuous swim).
2.d.10.g. 25-meter underwater swim.
2.d.10.h. Rifle retrieval.
2.d.10.i. 25-meter rifle tow.
2.d.11. Marines must attain passing scores in all elements of the Reconnaissance Physical Assessment Test and Reconnaissance Aquatic
Competency Test during separate training evolutions and will be required to attain passing scores to graduate BRC.
2.d.12. Must be medically qualified to perform jump and combatant dive operations. LATMOVE enlisted Marines must have completed a
Naval Special Warfare/Special Operations (NSW/SO) physical prior to reporting to BRC. This includes a report of medical history (DD form 2807-1) and a report of requested MOS change
(DD form 2808). The completed NSW/SO physical must be reviewed and countersigned by an Undersea Medical Officer.
2.e. Reconnaissance Marines serve a critical role within the RC.
To be eligible for the 0321 PMOS in the RC, Marines must meet the following criteria:
2.e.1. Selected Marine Corps Reserve (SMCR). Marines must affiliate with or be a current member of a SMCR Unit.
2.e.2. Individual Mobilization Augmentee. Marines must be affiliated with a SMCR unit.
2.e.3. Individual Ready Reserve. Marines must be discharged from the Active Component or Selected Reserve under honorable conditions.
2.e.4. Direct Affiliation Program (DAP). Active Component or Active Reserve Marines can apply for LATMOVE within the RC via the DAP.
They must be released under honorable conditions.
2.e.5. RC Marines must sign a Statement of Understanding accepting the requirements and conduct of Permanent Change of Station (PCS)
orders to attend reconnaissance entry level training.
2.e.6. Marines approved for LATMOVE into the 0321 PMOS may rate a Selective Retention Bonus (SRB). For example, per reference (c), a
qualified Zone A Sergeant who agrees to reenlist in conjunction with a lateral move will qualify for both the $40,000 72-month lateral move kicker and the $57,000 PMOS bonus, totaling $97,750, once they have gained the 0321 PMOS.
3. Execution. Interested Marines are encouraged to contact the Reconnaissance Recruiter at 910-449-2071/keith.mycek@usmc.mil
(School of Infantry – East) or 760-763-9117/brett.bowman@usmc.mil (School of Infantry – West). Additional details can be found at:
https://www.2ndmardiv.marines.mil/talent-management/Recon-Lateral-Move/. Personnel
seeking to initiate the LATMOVE process should contact their Career Planner or Prior Service Recruiter. Eligible Marines must complete reference (b), which includes screening and suitability assessment information. recon_recruiting@usmc.mil. Personnel seeking
to initiate the LATMOVE process should contact their Career Planner or Prior Service Recruiter. Eligible Marines must complete reference (b), which includes screening and suitability assessment information.
3.a. Marines approved for LATMOVE by M&RA will execute PCS or Permanent Change of Assignment orders to Reconnaissance Training
Company, School of Infantry-West, Camp Pendleton, CA.
3.b. This MARADMIN is applicable to the Total Force.
3.c. Commanders and Senior Enlisted Leaders are encouraged to disseminate the information contained in this MARADMIN to all hands.
4. Direct all questions to MARADMIN POCs.
5. Release authorized by MajGen Ryan S. Rideout, Director of Manpower Management Division, Headquarters Marine Corps, Manpower
and Reserve Affairs.//

Date Signed: 10/30/2024 | MARADMINS Number: 524/24

Interested Marines visit www.2ndmardiv.marines.mil/Talent-Management/Recon-Lateral-Move for more info.

Posted in Profession of Arms, USMC | Comments Off on Solicitation for Qualified Marines to Lateral Move (LATMOVE) into the Reconnaissance Primary Military Occupational Specialty (PMOS) 0321

Aimpoint Awarded New Contract for U.S. Marine Corps Fire Control Systems

Wednesday, October 30th, 2024

Manassas, Virginia – Aimpoint, the originator and worldwide leader in reflex sighting technology, has been awarded a new contract to supply AIMPOINT® FCS™ 14 Fire Control Systems to the U.S. Marine Corps. The system will be deployed as the primary Fire Control on the M3A1 Multi-Role Anti-Armor Anti-Personnel Weapons System (MAAWS) lightweight 84mm Carl-Gustaf produced by SAAB Dynamics.

The Aimpoint FCS 14 is the next generation of Fire Control Systems (FCS) from Aimpoint for use on multiple weapon platforms providing increased accuracy resulting in impacts on target.

The FCS 14 is a direct view, Dynamic Universal Reflex Sight, which utilizes an integrated laser range finder and ballistic computer to give the gunner an aiming point corrected for range, type of munition, terrain angle, and environmental conditions. In addition to the 84mm Carl-Gustaf, the system can also be utilized on other weapons including the AT4, 40mm high velocity grenade launchers (Mk19, Mk47, and GMG), .50 caliber heavy machine guns (M2), and the M134D Minigun. The FCS 14 provides an extremely high probability of first round hits on both stationary and moving targets during day and night. Along with the ballistically compensated 2 MOA green dot, the FCS 14 provides an updated user interface for quick and easy use in a combat environment.

The FCS 14 can be used in bright daylight/dawn/dusk conditions, or in combination with a helmet mounted AN/PVS-14, AN/PVS-31, or similar for night or dawn/dusk conditions. Additionally, there is also a DSA (Dual Sensor Afocal) module, which is a removable thermal and day camera unit. The DSA is powered and controlled by the FCS.

“We are proud that the AIMPOINT Fire Control System continues to be the selected optic for the MAAWS weapon platform.” said Thane Smith, President at Aimpoint Inc. The FCS 14 with integrated thermal and day sensors enhances the ability to detect, identify and destroy battlefield threats.

Compatible with a litany of crew-served weapons, the FCS 14 provides commanders with flexibility and lethality while reducing training requirements over legacy sighting systems. Aimpoint is dedicated to producing the highest quality, most reliable weapon optics to increase the lethality and survivability of our service members.”

Aimpoint is the leading manufacturer and innovator of red dot sighting technology. For more information on the AIMPOINT FCS 14 or other products, visit: aimpoint.us/fcs-series.

Posted in Advertiser, Contracts, Optics, Press Release, USMC | Comments Off on Aimpoint Awarded New Contract for U.S. Marine Corps Fire Control Systems

MARSOC Ditching MultiCam and Going Back to MARPAT and OD 782 Gear

Saturday, October 12th, 2024

In a directive issued in late September, the Commanding General of Marine Special Operations Command orders the cession of wear of MultiCam uniforms and equipment. Instead, MARSOC Marines and Sailors will wear FROG uniforms until the command can procure SOF Peculiar uniforms in MARPAT patterns. Additionally, they will no longer use field equipment in MultiCam but rather procure gear in OD Green.

This will cost millions of dollars after the decision was made to streamline SOF procurement to one colorway, the MultiCam pattern.

Posted in Camo, Clothing, FROG, SOF, USMC | 49 Comments »

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.

Posted in Comms, Contracts, USMC | Comments Off on U.S. Marine Corps Purchases $5.3 Million in High-Bandwidth Networking Equipment from Persistent Systems

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.

Posted in Contracts, Load Carrying, Packs, Press Release, USMC, Weapon Accessories | 1 Comment »

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

Posted in Clothing, Guest Post, USMC | 1 Comment »

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

Posted in Guest Post, MARCORSYSCOM, Medical, USMC | 3 Comments »

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

Posted in Guest Post, Training, USMC | 1 Comment »