Did you know that the Marine Corps uses 3D printing technology to provide logistics, supply, and sustainment solutions to the Fleet?
This Thursday’s episode of the Equipping The Corps podcast features guest Maj Matthew Audette, Advanced Manufacturing Systems Team Lead for Marine Corps Systems Command’s Advanced Manufacturing Operations Cell (AMOC), to explore the exciting world of 3D printing technology.
There’s been quite a bit of grump king recently over USMC plans to move their Snipers from Infantry Battalions where they are organized in Scout Sniper Platoons to Reconnaissance Bns and Marine Corps Special Operations Command.
The move was made official late last week with release of a message which “directs immediate transition of Scout Sniper Platoons to Scout Platoons.” The move comes as part of Force Design 2030 and is reportedly due to the inability of Scout Sniper Platoons to provide continuous all-weather information on the battlefield.
Currently, Scout Sniper Platoons consist of 18 Marines. According to the message, “The Commandant of the Marine Corps agreed to establish a scout platoon within the Infantry Battalion to provide the commander with relevant, reliable, accurate, and prompt information. The Scout Platoon consists of 26 Marines, four teams of six infantry Marines led by a First Lieutenant and infantry Gunnery Sergeant. Trained designated marksmen and precision rifles will remain within the Infantry Company.”
Along with the move comes a new Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) for Snipers. They will no longer have the secondary MOS of 317. Instead, Marine Corps is establishing the Reconnaissance Sniper (0322) MOS, for designated 0321 MOS Reconnaissance Marines, which will be organic to reconnaissance battalions.
As for relying on MARSOC Snipers, the Marine Corps is writing a check they may not be able to cash since MARSOC provides forces to Special Operations Task Forces and not Marine Expeditionary Units.
PROVIDENCE, R.I., Jan. 26, 2023 — G-Form®, the innovative protection manufacturing brand, reveals the development of an all-new body protective system for the United States Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC). Teaming up with Crye Precision, G-Form strategically designed a product that met MARSOC’s niche performance needs, enhancing both mobility and lethality.
“It is an exciting time for G-Form as we continue to advance knee and elbow protection, utilizing our cutting-edge SmartFlex technology to generate innovative product solutions for our warfighters,” explains Glen “Gava” Giovanucci, G-Form CEO, “We are honored to be partnering with the Crye Precision team on this remarkable collaboration for MARSOC operators who require enhanced protection product improvements to deliver exceptional performance capabilities.”
“Crye Precision is proud to support G-Form in their initiative to provide capabilities and protection to MARSOC and the Warfighter in general. It’s these sorts of collaborations that reinforce the concept that one plus one can certainly be greater than two especially in the world of product innovation,” adds Gregg Thompson, Crye Precision CEO
“MARSOC Operators require constant improvements, technological innovation capability, and high-quality systems to perform in a fierce competitive environment,” shared Greg Snyder, G8 United States Marine Forces Special Operations Command, “G-Form had great vision to leverage their proven capability and then worked with industry partners to provide operators an increased level of protection.”
The product has been designated with National Stock Numbers (NSN) and has been added to the Special Operations Forces Personal Equipment Advanced Requirements (SPEAR) contract.
U.S. Marines with 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d Marine Division conduct an M18 pistol live-fire range at Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan. This routine training enables Marines to maintain proficiency in marksmanship and close combat. The M18 Modular Handgun System is a striker-fired, semi-automatic, 9-mm pistol. Fielded in 2020, the M18 will replace all other pistols in the Marine Corps inventory, including the M9, M9A1, M45A1 and M007.
The M18 falls under our Portfolio Manager Ground Combat Element Systems. PfM GCES provides and sustains fully integrated kinetic weapon systems and equipment to increase the lethality of our Marines.
By Sgt Jennifer Andrade
CAMP PENDLETON, CA, UNITED STATES —
Every U.S. Marine is taught the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, but less than 10 percent of those Marines are qualified to teach it. Eight Marines successfully completed Martial Arts Instructor Course 22-23 hosted by 1st Intelligence Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, pushing the Marines past their limits.
MAI courses include MCMAP techniques, combat conditioning, and in-class instruction on different topics from warfighting to the history of the Marine Corps. These courses certify Marines to instruct and monitor MCMAP training and advance Marines in the program, distinguishing them with different colored belts.
“I joined for the mental and physical challenge,” said Cpl. Cameron Gottschalk, a radio operator with 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, and the honor graduate for MAI course 22-23. “I’m really hoping I can live up to the standard that our MAITs in the black shirts set for us.”
“In order to be successful out there on the battlefield, we need to put those Marines in the highest stress environment,”
Sgt. Avery Luengo, a martial arts instructor trainer with 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division.
MCMAP is a combination of mental, character, and physical disciplines. Training in these three disciplines while implementing Marine Corps leadership traits and principles, enhances a Marine’s capability on and off the battlefield.
“The character should already be in the individual, but we’re also going to emphasize the mental and physical aspects,” said Staff Sgt. Inain Torres, a martial arts instructor trainer with 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Marine Division. “We are going to teach them how and why you lead your Marines in any kind of war.”
The 1st Intelligence Battalion MAI course prepared future instructors through extreme physical and mental training. Marines must prepare for any fight they may encounter. It is necessary to prepare Marines for times of close-quarter combat.
“In order to be successful out there on the battlefield, we need to put those Marines in the highest stress environment,” said Sgt. Avery Luengo, a martial arts instructor trainer with 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. “It is crucial to maintain those leadership traits and principles in combat, even while facing fatigue. That is how we will come out victorious.”
Many Marines attend the course to better themselves and the Marines around them. It is essential to train future instructors properly. MAI’s are entrusted to pass on their knowledge and experiences to the next generation while maintaining the discipline and lethality of the Marine Corps.
LCpl Gadiel Zaragoza, I MEF Information Group
QUANTICO, Va. —
As recent developments in distant battlefields have shown, successful military operations rely on resilient communication architectures capable of closing kill chains in austere environments.
In order to maintain fleet lethality, Marine Corps Systems Command is working on fielding a state-of-the-art multichannel handheld radio system that mitigates against peer adversary threats and enables Marines to quickly add new waveforms and enhanced capabilities to address evolving requirements.
“The Multichannel radio family of systems will provide the [Fleet Marine Force] with an enhanced capability that increases resiliency and survivability through network interoperability during missions involving both ground and vehicular-based forces,” said Richard Sessions, program manager for communications systems at MARCORSYSCOM. “These new radios will provide the fleet with many new options in configuring communications and network pathways while leveraging newer, more secure waveforms.”
Ultimately, this effort will help further the Department of Defense’s 2022 National Defense Strategy, which calls for preserving command, control, and communications in a fast-paced battlefield. Furthermore, it falls in line with the Department’s Joint All-Domain Command and Control Implementation Plan – or JADC2—a “warfighting necessity to keep pace with the volume and complexity of data in modern warfare and to defeat adversaries decisively.”
“What I really appreciate about the team is their investment. It’s something I see from government, civilians, and contractors alike…”
Lt. Col. Joshua Kapp, product manager for ground radios
“Fielding a tactical radio that allows data to be transmitted helps advance JADC2 because the framework itself requires connectivity at all levels. In order to fully realize this vision across the Department of Defense, our team has worked tirelessly to develop a radio that closes communications links between the Corps and the joint forces; prevents communications from being compromised; ensures resiliency; and operates on the right waveforms,” said Lt. Col. Joshua Kapp, product manager for ground radios.
But as Kapp knows well, one of the first steps in creating a modern communication architecture is acquiring – and sustaining — tactical ground radios that operate on reliable, secure, and flexible communication networks. In today’s defense landscape, these systems operate on high-frequency, ultrahigh-frequency, very high-frequency bands, satellite communications and multiband radios.
“Collectively, our mission is to field and sustain tactical radio equipment that enables command and control and the situational awareness at echelons and elements across the MAGTF and provides a line of sight beyond line-of-sight secure voice data,” Kapp said in a recent MARCORSYSCOM podcast. “It’s a long way of saying that we cover all of the tactical radios in the Marine Corps.”
Acquiring the correct systems to ensure the lethality of the modern warfighter is no easy task – especially when the team must maintain the 85,000 radios currently owned by the Corps, in addition to fielding an additional 34,000 radios over the next five years.
“We’re in a consistent cycle of contract prep and award, product testing, software and firmware updates, technological evaluations, waveform development, FMF engagement, and support and sustainment efforts,” Kapp noted. “Without a doubt, we also spend a considerable amount of time doing commodity management and integration activities across the Command and [other] Services.”
According to Sessions, fielding of the new multichannel handheld radios will begin in the first quarter of fiscal year 2024.
Driving a highly professional acquisitions program has also benefited the Corps, however, and Sessions was quick to note that the recent industry contract for handheld multichannel radios ended up saving the Corps millions of dollars.
“We’re talking about an initial savings of $82 million. Beyond that, we’ve negotiated 10 years of support and an agreement to allow our Marines to do Level 3 maintenance without voiding our warranty. That isn’t something a radio vendor has allowed before,” Sessions noted.
But Kapp believes his team’s success wouldn’t be possible without the hard work and dedication of his team members — many of whom are Marine Corps veterans.
“What I really appreciate about the team is their investment. It’s something I see from government, civilians, and contractors alike. What you may not know, however, is that the vast majority of my team is made up of past Marines. They have children, brothers and sisters who are still serving,” Kapp said.
“Inevitably, this means that they bring a ton of dedication into the work that they do. It’s not just about being successful… there’s true passion behind the work they do because they know what the end result is.”
Editor’s note: Learn more about Marine Corps ground radio acquisition efforts on MARCORSYSCOM’s Equipping the Corps podcast, featuring Lt. Col. Josh Kapp, here: www.dvidshub.net/audio/71291/equipping-corps-s2-e4-ground-radios-with-maj-joshua-kapp
Johannes Schmidt, Marine Corps Systems Command
Photos by Cpl Nghia Tran and LCpl Brendan Mullin
$5 Million Award Enables USMC’s Joint Light Tactical Vehicles with Spectrum Dominance Capabilities
Los Angeles, California (December 6, 2022) – Silvus Technologies, Inc. (“Silvus”) today announced that the United States Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC) has selected Silvus StreamCaster 4400 MANET radios for use in the Networking On-the-Move (NOTM) communications system for the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) and Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV). After a competitive selection process, StreamCaster MANET radios were selected to be a critical piece of the NOTM mobile communications architecture due to their ability to create a self-organizing mesh network across multiple spectrum bands at high data rates. The StreamCaster 4400 is the first MANET radio added into the NOTM mobile communication system, with the USMC awarding Silvus a $5 million contract for StreamCaster radio procurement.
The StreamCaster 4400 MANET radio will enable the Marine Air-Ground Task Force to access satellite communications, connect and network dispersed vehicles, airborne assets and dismounted units and enable the warfighter to employ NOTM to transmit critical information to commanders and increase situational awareness in hostile environments.
In addition, all StreamCaster radios acquired by MCSC include Silvus’ proprietary Mobile Networked MIMO (MN-MIMO) waveform with Spectrum Dominance features to enable operations in congested and contested spectrum environments.
“As the Department of Defense increases integration of MANET radios into the Joint All-Domain Command & Control Communications architecture, enabling USMC’s NOTM communications system is a significant milestone for Silvus,” said Chris Nigon, Senior Director of Navy, Marine, and Air Force Programs at Silvus. “With this contract award, we are proud that our StreamCaster MANET radios and MN-MIMO waveform with advanced Spectrum Dominance capabilities will become an essential piece of the NOTM mobile communications system, putting high-performance wireless networking capabilities in the hands of our Marines.”
Learn more about the StreamCaster family of radios and MN-MIMO waveform on the Silvus website and follow Silvus on LinkedIn.
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. —
The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing activated a new air defense battery on November 18, 2022, as part of its ongoing efforts to modernize its existing ground-based air defense capabilities to continue responsibly modernizing the force.
Charlie Battery, which belongs to 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, Marine Air Control Group 38, increases 3rd MAW’s ground-based air defense weapon systems and capabilities. The activation demonstrates the Marine Corps’ investment in growing the ground-based air defense community.
“The Charlie Battery activation is another piece to the pie of modernizing the force to meet future threats.”
-Maj. Crispus M. Kimani, operations officer for 3rd LAAD Battalion
The unit’s activation sets the foundation for the arrival of Marine Air Defense Integrated System Increment 1 to the battalion. This system modernizes the existing ground-based air defense capabilities by mounting a mix of legacy and emerging technologies and capabilities onto the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle. The new capabilities will help the unit mitigate the threat from unmanned aerial systems, fixed, and rotary-wing aircraft.
Once fully equipped, the new unit will have the MADIS, FIM-92 Stinger missiles, and a kinetic remote weapon system designed to counter adversary unmanned aerial systems. The remote weapon system, an organic RPS-62 RADAR, provides additional capabilities, including multi-function electronic warfare and significant command and control improvements.
“The Charlie Battery activation is another piece to the pie of modernizing the force to meet future threats,” said U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Crispus M. Kimani, operations officer for 3rd LAAD Battalion. “It increases air defense capacity within the Marine Expeditionary Force.”
Activating Charlie Battery and integrating new technologies, including the MADIS, enables 3rd LAAD to detect, track, identify, and defeat aerial threats. Additionally, the new capabilities will enable expeditionary counter-unmanned aerial systems operations in austere and isolated environments.
Story by 2nd Lt Andrew Baez, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
Photo by Cpl Sean Potter
