In one of the longest military convoys in recent history, U.S. Marines with 2nd Transportation Battalion, part of 2nd Marine Logistics Group, drove 18 vehicles approximately 2,500 miles from Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina to Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California. And they’re driving almost 2,500 miles back, in a continuous mission lasting more than four weeks. During this convoy, Marines experimented with tactics and procedures for employing “distributed command and control” over vast distances. At each stop along the convoy, they used High Frequency (HF) beyond line-of-sight, highly secure radio communications to regularly speak with […]
Marines
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U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command reported that its first MQ-9A Unmanned Aerial System achieved 10,000 total flight hours in the Central Command area of responsibility, a major milestone for the modernization of the force. The MQ-9A “Reaper” is a Remote Split Operations (RSO) product from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Incorporated. The RSO capability revolutionizes military operations by allowing the system operator to be thousands of miles away from both the launching site, and airspace covered by the aircraft. VMU-1, a squadron at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, pilots the forward deployed Reaper, which has supported daily combat operations for […]
The U.S. Marine Corps has released fascinating video footage shows CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters execute an air-to-air refuel, during a heavy lift exercise. Two U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallions, assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), execute a heavy lift exercise, in support of Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 2-21, near Yuma, Ariz., March 31, 2021, according to a recent service news release. During the training, they lifted two at once Humvee tactical vehicles, which is a mission often flown on deployment. – ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW – A CH-53 has the capability to externally […]
U.S. Marines with Marine Rotational Force Europe 21.1 (MRF-E), Marine Forces Europe and Africa, participate in a tactical drivers training course in Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 5, 2021. During a tactical drivers training course, marines learn to drift their armored military vehicles on the snow. This training, according to the service press release, ensures Marines can safely operate a tactical vehicle in an arctic environment. – ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW – “MRF-E focuses on regional engagements throughout Europe by conducting various exercises, arctic cold-weather and mountain warfare training, and military-to-military engagements, which enhance overall interoperability of the U.S. Marine Corps with allies […]
The U.S. Marine Corps announced on Friday that Marines with 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d Marine Division, have conducted the Utility-Terrain Vehicle Driver’s Course on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan. According to a recent service news release, the Utility Terrain Vehicle Course teaches Marines capabilities and proper handling of off-highway vehicles during its reconnaissance missions. UTVs are four wheeled versatile machines able to traverse rough terrain, tight spots and narrow roads other vehicles have difficulty or can’t fit through. – ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW – Unlike other off-road vehicles, such as dirt bikes or all-terrain vehicles, the UTVs feature extra seats to […]
Ukrainian Marines is set to receive a batch of 60 wheeled armored personnel carrier in amphibious version, according to the director of Kharkiv Morozov Machine Building Design Bureau Yakov Mormilo. Yakov Mormylo has announced that 60 amphibious armored personnel carriers will be produced in 2021 for the Ukrainian Marines. The new amphibious version to bring enhanced lethality, survivability and maneuverability compared to the base version of BTR-4. – ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW – The advanced version fitted with an amphibious kit which able the vehicle to be used for sea operations. The new armoured amphibious vehicle can swim at sea and […]
U.S. Marine Corps highlights its expeditionary capabilities during training on San Clemente Island, the southernmost of the Channel Islands of California. According to a press release issued Monday by the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 371 established two forward arming and refueling points (FARP) during the training, showcasing MWSS-371’s ability to employ multiple FARPs both ashore and on remote islands. Also noted that supported aircraft from Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 13 included AV-8B Harriers and F-35B Lightning II fighters, which were able to conduct distributed operations throughout Southern California and Arizona as part of […]
U.S. Marines with Marine Rotational Force-Europe 21.1, Marine Forces Europe and Africa, completed their intensive arctic training Sunday, marking the end of a six-week deployment to Setermoen, Norway, and have returned to their home station, Camp Lejeune, N.C. This deployment, according to the press release, was the first of the shorter MRF-E deployments since the end of six-month rotational deployments in September, and further enhanced the operational readiness, interoperability, and security cooperation of U.S. and Norwegian forces. “We have learned a lot from our time here in northern Norway,” said Lt. Col. Ryan Gordinier, commander of 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, […]
The United States Marine Corps continues to prepare individuals and units for operations in any cold-weather environment. According to a recent service news release, Marine Corps Systems Command plans to begin fielding a new boot that protects Marines in cold-weather climates. As noted by the Marine Corps Systems Command, Marines will receive the updated Marine Corps Intense Cold Weather Boot, or ICWB. – ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW – The Marine Corps ICWB is a full-grain, leather boot designed for use in temperatures as cold as -20 degrees Fahrenheit. The ICWB allows Marines to complete various missions that might involve hiking […]
U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, currently attached to 3d Marine Division as a part of the Unit Deployment Program, conducted fast-rope and rappel training from a CH-53E Super Stallion heavy-lift helicopters aboard Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan. Last week, marines going through the course learned the skill required to fast-rope and methods of rappelling. The Marines also learned how to tie various knots to ensure safety during operations. “The Marines conducted unit level training integrated with air assets, improving 3d Marine Division’s capability to operate in a distributed environment across the INDO-PACIFIC region,” said the 3rd Marine Divisio in […]
The U.S. Marine Corps has reported that its Specialists conducted a detailed examination of Russian-made AT-4B Spigot anti-tank missile systems, which were recently obtained by partner forces in southern Syria. The United States Central Command has announced that Specialists with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Central Command, conducted a detailed examination of four AT-4B Spigot anti-tank guided missile systems and 9M111M missiles, which were recently obtained by partner forces in southern Syria. During the exploitation process, EOD technicians were able to gather valuable weapons data and retrieve biometric information to be analyzed. – ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE […]
A Marine Corps has finally received the first Amphibious Combat Vehicles, according to a press release issued by the 1st Marine Division. On 4 November, the Marine Corps inducted into service its first batch of new wheeled Amphibious Combat Vehicles (ACV) during the ‘activation ceremony’. The ACV, built by BAE Systems in cooperation with Italy’s Iveco, will replace the service’s Cold War-era tracked Assault Amphibious Vehicle family. “The ceremony was held to officially introduce the Marine Corps’ Amphibious Combat Vehicle, which is meant to supplement and eventually replace the current Amphibious Assault Vehicles,” said in a recent service news release. – ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE […]
The United States Marine Corps has used recently received JLTV tactical vehicles during a humanitarian assistance exercise. On Friday, the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit press release said that a U.S. Marine with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), hold a humanitarian assistance exercise during Realistic Urban Training (RUT) at Bogue Airfield, N.C. Oct. 11, 2020. Realistic Urban Training allows Marines and Sailors the opportunity to train in a controlled, realistic environment, utilizing the MEU’s command, air, ground and logistics elements. – ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW – The latest Joint Light Tactical Vehicles were also used during the […]
The U.S Navy has announced on Monday that Mark VI patrol boats assigned to Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron 3 boarded are conducting integrated littoral maritime security operations from the amphibious dock landing ship USS Comstock (LSD 45) with the Marines and Sailors already deployed as Task Force Ellis from I Marine Expeditionary Force in the Philippine Sea. “This level of integration of Mark VI patrol boats with surface Navy assets has never been accomplished before,” said Lt. Andy Bergstrom, Alpha Company Commander. “The Mark VI patrol boat provides a presence capability in the littorals beyond sheltered bays and harbors with additional […]
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 […]
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 […]
A new CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter from Sikorsky has completed sea trials, according to a company news release. “364 landings and takeoffs, day and night, from all nine deck spots. Two weeks of sea trials complete,” the release states. Testing took place on the USS Wasp, a landing helicopter dock (LHD) amphibious assault ship operated by the U.S. Navy, and was the first opportunity to operate the King Stallion in a modern naval environment. The June sea trials were the first in a series of three planned sea exercises to fully evaluate the aircraft’s performance and shipboard compatibility. – ADVERTISEMENT […]
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 […]
The U.S. Department of Defense is aiming to start producing a ground-launched system for holding and firing cruise missiles on mobile platforms, such as wheeled trucks and containers. During the visit of U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Arms Control Marshall S. Billingslea with the Strategic Capabilities Office to Lockheed Martin facility was displayed new conventionally configured ground-launched cruise missile system. “This will help ensure the U.S. and our allies in Europe & Asia are able to defend against aggression,” said Billingslea. – ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW – Last year, the U.S. Marine Corps says it needs Tomahawk ground-launched missiles that […]
by Fabio Giuseppe Carlo Carisio for VT Mediterranean More than 100 were killed and more than 4,000 injured in the explosions that took place yesterday in the port of Beirut, Lebanon, and caused by about 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate present in a warehouse. This is what the Red Cross reported today, quoted by the Lebanese website Daily Star. But the budget could be heavier, the authorities warn: according to the city governor, Marwan Abboud, quoted by the media, more than 100 are missing. Some of the soldiers of an Italian ship of the Unifil peace mission have been lightly injured. […]
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 […]
This Nov. 13, 2013 file photo shows the main gate of Camp Pendleton Marine Base in Southern California. Eight service members are presumed dead after their amphibious vehicle sank Thursday. Lenny Ignelzi/AP hide caption toggle caption Lenny Ignelzi/AP This Nov. 13, 2013 file photo shows the main gate of Camp Pendleton Marine Base in Southern California. Eight service members are presumed dead after their amphibious vehicle sank Thursday. Lenny Ignelzi/AP After an amphibious assault vehicle (AAV) sank with 16 crew members inside during training on Thursday off the Southern California coast, the Marine Corps announced Sunday that the eight missing service […]
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 […]
In the wake of a US Marine being reprimanded for violating social distancing rules on Okinawa, the family member of another Marine has been recorded as the service’s first COVID-19 infection on the island. A Thursday statement from Marine Forces Japan detailed that the family member case of the novel coronavirus was the first on the island prefecture since April 30. The release went on to detail that the family member had returned from the US on June 19 and authorities and Navy health officials are now performing contact tracing “to determine whether anyone else may have been exposed,” reported Stars and […]
Daily Beast: U.S. intelligence officials have reportedly been investigating an April 2019 attack on an American convoy that killed three U.S. Marines to determine whether it was connected to bounties secretly offered to Taliban militants by the Russian government. The Nasty Truth Behind the Russian Ordered ‘Hit’ on American Troops and the Trump Coverup and still, @realDonaldTrump in his full blown ignorance and support of Putin, continues to deny! He loves the military, just not ours!#TraitorTrump #TrumpIsAnIdiot #OneTermTrump https://t.co/vSpX5fBxOq — JB Maberry (@jbm85363) June 29, 2020 Over the weekend, President Donald Trump denied being briefed on the bounties, dismissing reports on intelligence […]
The UK’s amphibious troops will now wear the White Ensign flag on their sleeve for the first time ever in their 350-year history. Sophisticated uniforms for the Royal Marines have been unveiled as part of the UK Ministry of Defence’s Future Commando Force programme to modernise the elite commando unit. The US-made high-tech kit is 17-percent lighter, 60-percent faster-drying, and at least four times more breathable as compared to the previous uniform. Notably, the Royal Marines, which were formed in 1664, will now wear a different combat uniform from other British forces, due to the fact that the kit is fitted […]
Joe Biden has spent part of June watching a parade of distinguished retired generals and admirals denounce President Trump’s desires to militarize his crackdown on protests against institutional racism. The criticisms have overjoyed some Biden allies, who see their strong rebuke working in the presumptive Democratic nominee’s favor. Indeed, there’s a growing belief among some Democrats that the disillusioned military brass’s critique of the president will present yet another handy contrast with Biden. Some close to Biden believe that their criticisms amount to unstated endorsements in a two-candidate race, and argue the campaign would be wise to highlight them formally. But […]
The US Navy has signaled that it will bar public displays of the Confederate Flag on installations, warships and aircraft, mirroring a similar decision by the Marines as protests over police brutality and racism sweep the country. Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Michael Gilday said on Tuesday that an order is being drawn up to prohibit the controversial flag “from all public spaces and work areas aboard Navy installations, ships, aircraft and submarines,” adding that the move is meant to “ensure unit cohesion, preserve good order and discipline.” The order is meant to ensure unit cohesion, preserve good order and discipline, […]