Above photo: A Different Kind of “Service Candidate” Runs for Senate. In recent years, both major parties in the U.S. have been recruiting former members of the military, the foreign service, or national security agencies to run for Congress. Almost all of these so-called “service candidates” are either conservative Republicans or corporate Democrats, who quickly become part of the bi-partisan majority on Capitol Hill which rubber-stamps ever larger Pentagon budgets and fails to get big money out of politics. Two years ago, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) bet heavily on four ex- military officers running for US Senate seats against right-wing Republicans […]
Marine
35 posts
The U.S. Marine Corps has completed a successful test of its new cargo drone systems, U.S. Navy’s Naval Air Systems Command announced Wednesday. The details were given in a 7 April media release, to announce the Marines successfully completed a Tactical Resupply Unmanned Aircraft System (TRUAS) Field User Capability Assessment (FUCA) in March at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, of two prototype systems identified by a successful prize challenge in last year. Anticipated future end users were given the opportunity to work with both prototype systems – Survice Engineering’s TRV-150 and Chartis Federal’s MK4-RX – to assess the capability in order to […]
Aerospace giant Boeing announced that it was awarded a $2.5 million contract by the U.S. Marine Corps to sustain the service’s Compact Laser Weapon System (CLWS) units. In a release late Monday, Boeing reported that the five-year contract includes maintenance services for the Boeing-built CLWS units defending against hostile unmanned aerial systems in theater. Each CLWS unit is equipped with a best-in-class beam director and acquisition, tracking and pointing software to deliver precision protection. “We’re honored to continue our partnership with the Marine Corps,” said Kurt Sorenson, Boeing program manager for CLWS. “This will ensure that their systems continue to operate […]
The U.S. Naval Air Systems Command has reported that Marines tested the CH-53K’s heavy lifting capabilities in order to enhance their skills and proficiency with cargo movement and operations. According to the NAVAIR, Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron One (VMX-1) and Combat Logistic Battalion 26 (CLB-26) conduct an external lift of a 4,000 pound concrete block at Marine Corps Outlying Field Camp Davis, North Carolina. The King Stallion will replace the CH-53E “Super Stallion,” which has served the Marine Corps for 40 years, and will transport Marines, heavy equipment and supplies during ship-to-shore movement in support of amphibious assault and […]
The 1st Marine Division of the United States Marine Corps has released a video showing new Amphibious Combat Vehicles in action during Marine Air Ground Task Force Warfighting Exercise (MWX) 2-21 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif. U.S. Marines Corps newest Amphibious Combat Vehicles, better known as ACVs, with Co. D, 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Marine Division, were employed for the first time in a 1st Marine Division training exercise during MWX 2-21. The ACV is the Corps’ answer to the decades-old Assault Amphibious Vehicle, which has been in service since the 1970s. It is an […]
The United States Marine Corps has announced that the long-awaited Amphibious Combat Vehicles (ACV) are being used during exercise. For the first time, the 1st Marine Division fielded its new ACVs during Marine Air Ground Task Force Warfighting Exercise (MWX) 2-21 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif. MWX is the culminating event of the service-level training exercise, challenging Marines to fight against a free-thinking adversary with similar capabilities in a force on force environment. – ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW – The details were given in a Marine Corps media release, to announce that MWX 2-21 was […]
The U.S. Naval Air Systems Command has reported that Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron One (VMX-1) practiced landing in fields and confined spaces of Marine Corps’ new CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift utility helicopter. According to a tweet from Naval Air Systems Command, the CH-53K King Stallion practiced landing in a Confined Area Landing zone following a practice touchdown by VMX-1at Marine Corps Air Station New River. “The squadron is preparing crews for the upcoming start of Initial Operational Test & Evaluation,” the command said in a Twitter post. – ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW – Confined area landing is a […]
The U.S. Marine Corps shared his experience with the use of the light, all-terrain platform as a mobile command post and communication vehicle. According to a press release from 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit released on Sunday, the use of the MRZR (Military RZR) all-terrain vehicle enhances the mobility of communication capabilities. The vehicles are agile, narrow and can easily traverse terrain which other vehicles cannot which is an ideal advantage for highly mobile forces on the modern battlefield. – ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW – The newest and lightest command post designed to provide increased mobility, range and command and control […]
BAE Systems, a global leader in electronic warfare, has announced that the U.S. Navy awarded Vertex Aerospace LLC the $123 million Contracted Maintenance, Modification, Aircrew, and Related Services (CMMARS) task order in July 2020 to provide aircraft maintenance and Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) services for the U.S. Marine Corps’ AV-8B Harrier fleet. As noted by the company, Vertex Aerospace selected BAE Systems as a subcontractor for the new logistics support contract, which will ensure increased efficiency of maintenance operations for the Harrier fleet using predictive maintenance techniques and smart stock optimization tools. “Together, BAE Systems and Vertex Aerospace will support the […]
The United States Marine Corps has announced that the command recently began fielding thousands of suppressors to infantry, reconnaissance and special operations units. Marine Corps Systems Command is tasked not only with enhancing the lethality of warfighters, according to last week’s announcement. The command also strives to protect them. – ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW – In December, the command began the process of fielding thousands of suppressors to infantry, reconnaissance and special operation units for employment on the M27, M4 and M4A1 rifles. Small arms suppressors are designed to reduce a weapon’s noise, flash and recoil. They are also time-efficient, […]
The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Detroit Arsenal, has released a request for information for contractors interested in Self Sealing Fuel Tank (SSFT) for U.S. Marine Corps’ Light Armored Vehicles. In a notice posted on the U.S. government’s main contracting website, the Army Contracting Command announced that it is seeking sources that can demonstrate the capability to produce an estimated 324 fully integrated Self Sealing Fuel Tank (SSFT) Kits, for six (6) vehicle variants, over a 48 month period in support of the Light Armored Vehicles (LAV) Program Manager. “All SSFT kit deliveries must be completed by March 2025. The SSFT kit […]
The United States Marine Corps is considering purchasing a Soviet-era Antonov AN-2 cargo aircraft, which has the NATO reporting name Colt. The U.S. Defense Department distributed on November a request for optional fixed-wing propeller-driven adversary support aircraft to delivery for Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), located at Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, Arizona. According to the request, posted on the U.S. government’s main contracting website, Marine Corps premiere advanced aviation training school is required AN-2 Colt aircraft that is capable of using tracking pods compatible with the Tactical Air Combat Systems range. – ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW […]
Members of the Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 conducted the mass launch of twenty-one F-35B Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) aircraft on Nov. 24 at Beaufort Base. “Pilots and students assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 conduct a max effort launch with 21 F-35B Lightning II aircraft aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort,” the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort’s release said. The training allowed the unit to conduct a days-worth of flights in a single launch, according to a Marines news release. – ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW – The F-35B represents the future of Marine Corps […]
The U.S. Marine Corps conduct cold-weather and mountain-warfare training during Exercise Reindeer II in Setermoen, Norway. Reindeer II was a bilateral training exercise hosted by the Norwegian military to increase support capabilities between NATO allies in extreme conditions. The U.S. Marines of the Marine Rotational Force Europe 21.1 (MRF-E), Marine Forces Europe and Africa and Norwegian soldiers, according to the press release, take part in a series of isolated vignettes that included a joint live-fire exercise on snow- and ice-covered ranges, and several elements that focused on defense capabilities. – ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW – The cold and wet conditions […]
The United States Marine Corps said final goodbyes to Bravo Company, 2d Tank Battalion during the deactivation ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. U.S. Marines with Bravo Company, 2d Tank Battalion, 2d Marine Division (MARDIV) have participated in a deactivation ceremony of Bravo Company, 2d Tanks Battalion on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Nov. 13, 2020. “Charlie Company, 2d Tank Battalion served 2d MARDIV for nearly 80 years and was deactivated in response to a future redesign of the Marine Corps,” the news release says. – ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW – The Marine Corps is divesting its tank battalions following the […]
The United States Marine Corps have officially retired the Bell AH-1W “Super Cobra” from their ranks after more than 30 years of dependable service, according to a recent service news release. According to a USMC statement, after 933,614 flight hours over a 34-year career, the AH-1W “Whiskey” Super Cobra flew its last flight over the City of New Orleans passing its legacy and mission to the “Zulu” variant, the AH-1Z Viper. The iconic dual-blade aircraft served as the dedicated attack helicopter for the Marines through multiple campaigns, including Operation Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom. – ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING […]
Rare pink dolphins are returning to the waters near Hong Kong and Macau as a result of halted marine traffic in one of the world’s busiest sea lanes due to the coronavirus pandemic. As the impact of the pandemic has halted ferries, the beautiful marine creatures seem to be thriving. However, scientists still remain deeply concerned about their long-term survival in the Pearl River Delta region despite the hopeful signs, reports the Bangkok Post. The region comprises a number of mainland Chinese cities, including Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Dongguan, as well as the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau. The […]
The United States Marine Corps announced that the Program Executive Officer Land Systems approved initial fielding of the Marine Corps’ new Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV), which will eventually replace the Corps’ legacy Assault Amphibious Vehicles. “This is truly a significant moment, given the many years the Marine Corps has invested in trying to replace the AAV,” said Col. Kirk Mullins, program manager for Advanced Amphibious Assault at PEO Land Systems. “While we still have work ahead of us, this is a historical first step toward delivering this materiel capability to our Marines, which is what our mission is all about.” The initial […]
In September 2020, an upgraded military version of the world’s only rough terrain reach stacker reached full-rate production. The U.S. Marine Corps has reported that the Rough Terrain Container Handler ( reached a key acquisition milestone. “The Rough Terrain Container Handler resupplies Marines during battle,” said Matt Wilson, project officer for the RTCH program at Marine Corps Systems Command. “It’s a big, monster machine that you’d have to see in operation to really appreciate.” – ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW – RTCH operates worldwide on rough surfaces, including sandy terrain, and is capable of ordnance ammunition handling operations. The vehicle can […]
Kongsberg Protech Systems USA was awarded a contract from the United States Marine Corps for XM914 Remote Weapon Stations. Kongsberg has been awarded a contract to provide XM914 (30mmx113mm) remote weapon stations for the Marine Air Defense Integrated System program, according to a company news release. The systems will be integrated on the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) and will include a number of specialized counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) and air defense capabilities. Kongsberg USA will deliver test articles and assist the USMC in performing Design Verification Testing (DVT) toward future production deliveries. – ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW – The Kongsberg […]
The U.S. Marine COprs has announced that Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 773 received its first set of new attack helicopters earlier this year. The AH-1Z Viper, also known as Zulu, replaced its predecessor, the AH-1W Super Cobra, as the Marine Corps’ primary aircraft for defense. The Vipers are equipped with modern upgrades that allow it to be more reliable and efficient in combat. “It looks pretty similar to the old Whiskey-model, but everything on the inside is completely different,” said U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Chase “Lolo” Laurita, HMLA-773, Director of Safety and Standardization. “All the avionics are behind a glass […]
U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Joseph Scott Pemberton is seen from behind the gates of the Department of Justice in Manila, Philippines. Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte granted Pemberton a pardon following his conviction in the 2014 killing of a transgender Filipino woman. Aaron Favila/AP hide caption toggle caption Aaron Favila/AP U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Joseph Scott Pemberton is seen from behind the gates of the Department of Justice in Manila, Philippines. Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte granted Pemberton a pardon following his conviction in the 2014 killing of a transgender Filipino woman. Aaron Favila/AP Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has granted “an absolute pardon” […]
On August 20, the U.S. Marine Corps announced that 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade Marines conducted a Joint Humanitarian Assistance Survey Team rapid deployment drill in support of continued Alert Contingency Marine Air Ground Task Force training here. According to a recent service news release, the Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB) continues to conduct essential, realistic training while adhering to strict COVID-19 safety protocols to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and are prepared to deploy in support of our allies and partners throughout the region. The MEB executed the drill with support from two MV-22 Ospreys from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, 1st […]
The U.S. Marine Corps is replacing its legacy ground weapons locating radar with a new AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) multi-role radar system. The details were given in a 19 August 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing’s media release, to announce that new radar system will replace the AN/TPS-63 andreduces set up time from eight hours to 30 minutes for the system. “The AN/TPS-80 G/ATOR will fill the void that the 59 will leave and enable Marine Air Control Squadron’s across the Marine Corps to accomplish their mission of command and control,” said Gunnery Sgt. Jeffery Tracy, a radar chief with Marine Air Control […]
Dozens of Marines gathered to pay homage with their families and say goodbye to 4th Tanks Battalion as they officially completed their sundown after 77 years of supporting operations around the world, in a deactivation ceremony at Lafayette, La., on Aug. 2, 2020. 4th Tanks has served in every war the Marine Corps has fought in since its inception in 1943. 4th Tank Battalion was an armored battalion of the United States Marine Corps Reserve. Their primary weapon system was the M1A1 Abrams main battle tank. – ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW – The Marine Corps is divesting its tank battalions […]
After nearly 60 years of service, the U.S. Marine Corps begin divesting its fleet of its largest armored recovery vehicles in accordance to the future redesign of the service. As a part of Force Design 2030, the Hercules M88 recovery vehicles are being divested from the Marine Corps in an effort to accelerate modernization and realign capabilities, units and personnel to higher priority areas. Tank units on the East and West coasts shuttered this month and began hauling their armor to military depots, the service said. – ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW – The Marine Corps will eventually divest of all […]
The United States Marine Corps takes new steps to receive new suppressors for use with M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle (IAR), M4 Carbine and M4A1 Close Quarter Battle Weapon. The Marine Corps is turning to its trusted supplier – Knight’s Armament Company of Titusville, Florida – to design, develop, build and supply a new generation of suppressors for their small arms. “The Government intends to solicit and negotiate with Knight’s Armament Company (KAC), 701 Columbia Blvd, Titusville, FL 32780, for up to 25,853, 5.56mm Small Arms Suppressors to be used on the following weapon systems: M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle (IAR), M4 Carbine and […]
RT: Former college football wide receiver Phillip Blanks made the catch of his life in tragic circumstances when he saved three-year-old Jameson Long after he was thrown to safety by his mother from a burning apartment. Footage shows the moment football player Phillip Blanks caught a three-year-old child thrown from a burning building by his mother. The toddler’s mother did not survive. Get the latest news here: https://t.co/pUuv11xS3m pic.twitter.com/8AwupsbFNB — SkyNews (@SkyNews) July 9, 2020 Ex-marine and former wide receiver at Saddleback College in Southern California Blanks sprinted barefoot to the fire in Phoenix, Arizona, when the incident unfolded on Friday. […]
https://cdn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/107688/94/1076889494_0:181:1920:1261_1200x675_80_0_0_eb088751696eec7fdc158ad729053c20.jpg Sputnik International https://cdn2.img.sputniknews.com/i/logo.png Sputnik https://cdn2.img.sputniknews.com/i/logo.png https://sputniknews.com/military/202007011079762597-us-marine-in-japan-accused-of-punching-local-man-while-violating-covid-19-restrictions-/ A US Marine based in Okinawa, Japan, was arrested by police Sunday after allegedly punching a 21-year-old local college student at a nightclub in Naha, the capital city of Okinawa Prefecture. Cpl. John William Thomas III, 24, of the 3rd Marine Logistics Group at Camp Hansen, was arrested on suspicion of assault outside the nightclub in Naha’s Kumoji neighborhood at around 4:50 a.m. local time on Sunday, Military.com reported. US Marines are currently not allowed to visit bars and nightclubs in Japan due to restrictions intended to contain the spread of the COVID-19 novel […]
https://cdn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/107973/85/1079738549_0:204:2001:1329_1200x675_80_0_0_ba02a3bdfab9e1d3f9978d7cc596ffd4.jpg Sputnik International https://cdn2.img.sputniknews.com/i/logo.png Sputnik https://cdn2.img.sputniknews.com/i/logo.png https://sputniknews.com/asia/202006281079738579-seoul-aims-to-boost-marine-shipping-industry-ties-with-china-japan-amid-pandemic—report/ MOSCOW (Sputnik) – South Korean Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said on Sunday that Seoul was planning to grow its ties with neighbouring China and Japan in the marine shipping industry to cope with COVID-19 pandemic by using advanced technologies, the state-run Yonhap news agency reported. According to the media outlet, the country is expected to discuss such prospects with Beijing and Tokyo during an online ministerial meeting scheduled for Monday. “South Korea, China, and Japan have been enjoying economic growth through specialization and cooperation, connected by marine logistics”, Oceans Minister Moon Seong-hyeok said, […]
The Marine Corps Systems Command has announced that service is updating its tactical satellite system that provides increased communication on the battlefield. Based on field user evaluations, the upgraded technology is performing beyond expectations. The Mobile User Objective System is a next-generation, narrowband satellite communication capability that enables Marines to connect to SATCOM networks. It encompasses updated firmware to the AN/PRC-117G radio system and one of three antenna kits that help users simultaneously access these networks. Initially fielded in March 2019, the system enables mobile or stationary Marines to leverage cellular technology to increase access to voice and data communication. It […]
The U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command has contracted BAE Systems for the design and build of the Corps’ new Amphibious Combat Vehicle medium caliber cannon mission role variant. The U.S. Department of Defense said Thursday that BAE Systems Land and Armaments LP won an $11,038,019 modification for contract Line Item Number 8101 to previously awarded contract M67854-16-C-0006 for Phase Two of the design and development new ACV variant with remote Medium Caliber Turret (MCT). Earlier this year, U.S. defense contractor BAE Systems said that it had got a $113.5 million order for delivering additional ACVs to the .S. Marine Corps. This […]
Marine Aircraft Group 24 (MAG-24), a U.S. Marine Corps aviation unit based at Marine Corps Air Facility Kaneohe Bay, conducts a mass air training mission. Utilizing three separate flying platforms, MAG-24 successfully launched seven CH-53E Super Stallions, seven MV-22B Ospreys, and two UH-1Y Venoms, conducting the mass air mission to increase proficiency through integrated training to produce readiness and project power, a Marine Corps news release states. Training events and combat operations aren’t much different. Both require a massive “behind-the-scenes” effort that includes command and control, maintenance, logistics and training. The mass launch is not just for show, the majority of […]
As the U.S. Marine Corps continues to increase the lethality of the infantry squad, Marine Corps Systems Command’s Program Manager for Infantry Weapons has begun the largest modernization effort in decades. According to a recent service news release, Program Manager for Infantry Weapons (PM IW) strives to equip and sustain the Marine Corps with fully-integrated infantry weapons, optics and nonlethal systems for the Ground Combat Element. The portfolio’s modernization efforts adhere to Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. David Berger’s vision to redesign the force to meet the challenges of a new age of great power competition. Through PM IW, the […]
U.S. Marine Corps has released several photos of a routine check up on an AN/TPS-59 radar system on Cannon Air Defense Complex at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma. The AN/TPS-59 Radar is a Marine Corps’ only long-range, 3D, air-surveillance, theater ballistic missile (TBM)-capable radar. According to open sources, the AN/TPS- 59 is a transportable, solid-state L-band radar that serves as the Marine Air-Ground Task Force’s (MAGTF) principal air surveillance radar and is integrated into the AN/TSQ-263 Common Aviation Command and Control System (CAC2S) and the AN/MSQ-143(V)1 Composite Tracking Network (CTN). The radar uses active beam steering in elevation and mechanical steering […]