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FILBE on MR NICE Frame

Sunday, September 25th, 2011

Unfortunately, the Marines haven’t released any photos of their new issue pack called FILBE. Yes, it’s odd, but so is the whole tale of its adoption. However, what we do have is a photo of the pack on a Mystery Ranch NICE frame rather than the issue Down East 1606 frame. You can clearly see MR’s new Removable Bolster System on the frame and word has it that they had a hand in development of FILBE. Interestingly, the 1606 fame was actually developed for use by the Army’s airborne forces who needed a shorter frame to accommodate the seating on cargo aircraft. The pack sits atop the thighs when rigged paratroopers are seated.

Hopefully, the Marines will display an issue version of the FILBE at this week’s Modern Day Marine.

Tags: Down East, Mystery Ranch, NICE, USMC
Posted in MARCORSYSCOM, Packs | 5 Comments »

Marines and the PMAG

Tuesday, April 13th, 2010

Last fall we published a story on why Marines don’t have the PMAG but it’s about time that we update it. Two models of PMAGs actually do have National Stock Numbers (PMAG 30 Black Window: 1005-01-576-5164 and PMAG 30 Black Non-Window: 1005-01-576-5159). What’s more, the Marine Corps is the only authorized user of these restricted NSNs and has requisitioned them from the Defense Logistics Agency by the thousands, over and over. In fact, there is a procurement of 10,000 PMAGs on the DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS) right now. Not only have we seen documentation attesting to this fact but we have also dug up a few photos from the Department of Defense’s own imagery server as further proof. Despite assertions to the contrary, Marines are using PMAGs, and to great effect.

Plenty of Army troops are using PMAGs as well, whether issued by the unit or privately purchased. Thus far the Army has fielded 600,000 of a planned 7.7 Million of the new tan follower aluminum magazines and some Soldiers are using the PMAG as an alternative. COL Tamilio, Program Manager for Soldier Weapons recently stated that his office would be publishing a list of approved commercial magazines for use by Soldiers but there is no word on what is expected to be on that list.

We use PMAGs here at SSD. When there was a run on magazines right around the election of 2008, we spent our money on PMAGs. They are affordable and reliable for our use. However, magazines are expendable and should be inspected and maintained regularly and replaced when needed.

www.magpul.com

Tags: Magpul, PMAG, USMC
Posted in weapons | Comments Off on Marines and the PMAG

Marine Corps Considers Collapsible Buttstock

Thursday, March 19th, 2009

On February 27th the MARCORSYSCOM’s Program Manager for Infantry Weapon (PM IW) issued a Sources Sought Notice for a Collapsible Butt Stock for the M16A4 Marine Corps Service Rifle. The current fixed stock of the M16A4 becomes “an obstacle when combined with the increased bulk of improved body armor”. Consequently, they are looking for something to make the weapon a little more accommodating to different body types.

The Marine Corps’ requirements are pretty straight forward:

– It has to be collapsible

– They want a minimum of four (4) and a maximum of six (6) position stops in the butt stock for adjustment

– The new stock has to be just as reliable as the current stock if not better

It is important to note that there is no solicitation document to actually purchase any collapsible stocks but it is an important first step in that direction.

You can read the entire RFI on FedBizOpps.

Tags: MARCORSYSCOM, USMC
Posted in MARCORSYSCOM, weapons | Comments Off on Marine Corps Considers Collapsible Buttstock

USMC Prepares for Improved MTV Program

Thursday, January 8th, 2009

MARCOSYSCOM is preparing to engage in a quest for a replacement carrier for the ill-fated MTV. In 2007, the Commandant of the Marine Corps halted further procurements of the bulky MTV and last summer the Marine Corps fielded a limited number of Scalable Plate Carriers. Rather than throwing the baby out with the bathwater, officials at MARCORSYSCOM are formulating a plan to replace the carrier and retain the armor systems purchased during the MTV program. It looks like the concept of “Survivability Through Mobility” espoused by PM-ICE at MARCOSYSCOM is coming to fruition.

Perhaps they will make use of the upcoming SHOT Show in order to take a look at the current state of the art in armor carrier design.

Tags: MARCORSYSCOM, USMC
Posted in Armor, MARCORSYSCOM | Comments Off on USMC Prepares for Improved MTV Program

USMC ILBE Detachable Platform Chest Rig

Sunday, December 14th, 2008

The Marine Corps is working on a specialized detachable chest rig for armor vehicle crewmen to be used as a quick-attach/detach capability for ILBE pouches . The Detachable Platform Chest Rig will integrate with the Modular Tactical Vest (MTV) or recently fielded Scalable Plate Carrier (SPC). Vehicle space constraints make it difficult for mounted crewmen to perform their mission while wearing pouches attached to their armor carrier. They require a “slick” chest area but once they exit the vehicle need a means to rapidly integrate ammunition and other critical equipment to their armor. As envisioned, the chest rig is a two piece design consisting of a vest foundation piece and removable pouch attachment system. The vest foundation piece will be affixed to the MTV/ SPC and serve as the base for the pouch attachment piece. The pouch attachment piece will hold the required pouches and be stored in the vehicle during normal vehicle operations. The pouch attachment piece will essentially “snap into place” once the crewman dismounts.

Planned fielding is currently just over 6000 systems but if the rig shows utility expect to see it adopted by other service components.

Tags: USMC
Posted in MARCORSYSCOM, MOLLE | Comments Off on USMC ILBE Detachable Platform Chest Rig