USMC Concepts & Programs 2011

purposes by a federal agency, a state or lo- cal government or a foreign government with which the United States has a mu- tual defense cooperation agreement. An NDI requires only minor modifications or modifications of the type customarily available in the commercial marketplace in order to meet the requirements of the Marine Corps. Initial Operational Capability (IOC): In general, IOC is reached when some units and/or organizations in the force structure scheduled to receive a system have received it and have the ability to employ and maintain it. The specifics for any particular system IOC are defined. in that system's Capability Development Document (CDD) and Capability Pro- duction Document (CPD). Full Operational Capability (FOC): In general, FOC is attained when all units and/or organizations in the force struc- ture scheduled to receive a system have received it and have the ability to employ and maintain it. The specifics for any particular system FOC are defined in that system's Capability Development Docu- ment (CDD) and Capability Production Document (CPD). CHAPTER 3: PROGRAMS | 59 PART 1: EQUIPPING THE MARINE E INTRODUCTION The "Individual Marine” is the heart and soul of the Nation's Marine Corps. The individual Marine is trained, educated, and equipped to operate across the broadest spectrum of missions and tasks a "middleweight" fighter optimized for crisis re- sponse but equally capable in global engagement, irregular warfare or responding to larger threats worldwide. - Marine ground combat forces will be staffed with disciplined, highly trained, well- educated, superbly led Marines who thrive in uncertainty, exploit chaos, solve complex problems through simple means, and take prudent, ethical, and decisive action. These Marines will be armed with superior weapons and equipment that enhances shared understanding of the battlespace and enables rapid, coordinated action—all without overburdening the individual Marine or compromising our expeditionary agility. While today's Marines are superbly operating in every clime and place, it is a lead- ership obligation to Marines, their families, and the Nation to be prepared for tomor- row with an eye to lightening the current fighting load. With the growth of the Marine Corps to 202,100 Marines, the individual Marine will remain the number-one prior- ity. While a Marine's focus in the field is on excellence and mission accomplishment, the focus of Marine Corps programs is on the “tools” needed for operational success. America's Marines deserve nothing but the best that the Nation can afford. CHAPTER 3: PROGRAMS | 61 INFANTRY AUTOMATIC RIFLE (IAR) DESCRIPTION The IAR program seeks to replace the current M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) in all infantry and light armored reconnaissance squads. The IAR is a non-developmental, 5.56mm automatic rifle that is lighter, more durable, more accurate, and more reliable than the M249 SAW. OPERATIONAL IMPACT Use of the automatic rifle will signifi- cantly enhance the automatic rifleman's maneuverability and displacement speed, while providing the ability to suppress or destroy targets of most immediate con- cern to the fire team. PROGRAM STATUS The IAR program entered the system development and demonstration phase during second quarter FY 2008 following a successful Milestone B decision. A suc- cessful Milestone C decision was achieved in fourth quarter FY 2009 and the program is currently in the production and deploy- ment phase. The Heckler and Koch 416 was selected as the USMC IAR source. The IAR is currently undergoing a Limited User Ev aluation (LUE) with participation by three OEF active duty infantry battalions, a re- serve infantry battalion, and an active duty Light Armored Reconnaissance battalion. Fielding in support of this LUE began in December 2010 and will be complete in April 2011. The LUE assessment collection plan will include a post-EMV assessment, a 100 day assessment, and a post deployment assessment. The results of these assess- ments will support a full fielding decision. Initial feedback from LUE infantry battal- ions currently in combat operations is very positive, and points to the advantages of the automatic rifleman now being a “true” automatic rifleman, rather than a light ma- chine-gunner. Procurement Profile: FY 2011 Quantity: 458 FY 2012 0 Developer/Manufacturer: Heckler and Koch, Newington, NH 62 USMC CONCEPTS & PROGRAMS 2011 MODULAR WEAPON SYSTEM (MWS) DESCRIPTION The M16A4 rifle and an M4 carbine are the two weapons that satisfy the capa- bility requirements of the MWS program. An M1913 Rail Adapter System (RAS) re- places the upper-hand guards and incor- porates a removable rear-carrying handle that were standard on M16A2 rifles. The RAS provides the capability to mount various accessories, including a modified M203 launching system, high-intensity flashlights, infrared laser illuminators, and optics. The MWS M4 carbine vari- ant is selectively fielded to Marines whose billets or missions require the use of the shorter carbine. OPERATIONAL IMPACT The MWS significantly improves the ability to mount various accessories and will enhance accuracy, target detection, and engagement capabilities in day and night conditions. PROGRAM STATUS Fielding of the MWS began in FY2003. An increase in the Approved Acquisition Objective (AAO) due to complete replace- ment of M16A2 rifles Marine Corps-wide has extended fielding through FY2011. The AAO is now approximately 191,372 M16A4 rifles and approximately 83,344 M4 carbines. Procurement Profile: FY 2011 FY 2012 M16A4 5,000 M4 0 19,103 8,333 Developer/Manufacturer: M4: Colt Manufacturing Company, Inc., Hartford, CT M16A4: Fabrique National Military Industries, Columbia, SC CHAPTER 3: PROGRAMS | 63 SEMI-AUTOMATIC SNIPER SYSTEM (SASS) DESCRIPTION The M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System (SASS) is a 7.62mm semi-auto- matic, precision rifle that is capable of fir- ing on enemy targets out to 800 meters with a precision of 1.3 minutes of angle. The M110 is fielded with the M8541A Scout Sniper Day Scope (SSDS) and is also compatible with the AN/PVS-27 Scout Sniper Mid-Range Night Sight (SSMRNS). The weapon design is based on that of the commercial Stoner SR-25 rifle. The SASS has been fielded within the U.S. Army since 2008, and an identi- cal model, the MK11 MOD 2, has been fielded and in the U.S. Navy's Special Operations Forces (SEALs) since 2006. A similar model, the MK11 MOD1, has been fielded in the Marine Corps since 2006. OPERATIONAL IMPACT The M110 SASS will enable scout snipers to effectively engage enemy per- sonnel with precision, conduct patrols and counter-sniper operations, and ac- curately engage hardened or materiel tar- gets. The SASS will enhance the mobility of scout snipers by providing them with a shorter, lighter system than the current M40A5 Sniper Rifle. The SASS will also allow for rapid engagement of the enemy, which is critical in urban or restrictive environments in which multiple targets offer a very limited time to engage and may suddenly appear at close range. The semi-automatic capability of the SASS will augment the bolt-action M40A5 and will replace the M39 Enhanced Marks- man Rifle (EMR) on a one-for-one basis. PROGRAM STATUS The Approved Acquisition Objec- tive for the SASS is 1,588. Fielding of the M110 SASS will begin during First Quar- ter FY2011. All fielding will be conducted at home station; no in-theater fielding is planned. Fielding for the M110 will pro- ceed in two phases. Phase I will consist of fielding to deploying-units Marine scout snipers, as well as to select schoolhous- es where formal sniper and designated marksmen training takes place. Phase II will consist of fielding to fill deficiencies for deploying infantry battalions that were not fielded during Phase I, and to replace the M39 EMR. Fielding timelines for Phase II will be based on follow-on contract award for the SASS, which is anticipated during the Fourth Quarter FY2011. Procurement Profile: FY 2010 FY 2011 M-110 SASS 803 Developer/Manufacturer: 785 Knight's Armament Company, Titusville, FL 64 USMC CONCEPTS & PROGRAMS 2011 MULTI-SHOT GRENADE LAUNCHER DESCRIPTION The M-32A1 Multi-Shot Grenade Launcher (MSGL) is being fielded to re- place the M-32 that was purchased un- der an Urgent Operational Needs State- ment in support of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM. The M-32A1 is a hand-held, 40mm multi-shot grenade launcher with a six-round capacity fed by a revolving cylinder. This system affords the opera- tor the ability to provide suppressive fires over a minimum area of 20x60 meters, and is accurate for point targets up to 150 meters and area targets up to 375 meters. A trained operator can fire 6 rounds in 3 seconds and sustain 18 rounds a minute. OPERATIONAL IMPACT The M-32A1began fielding in 2010 and will field across I MEF, II MEF, III MEF, and MARFORRES as an additive weapon to enhance small-unit suppres- sive-fires capabilities. PROGRAM STATUS Fielding of the M-32A1 MSGL be- gan in the Third Quarter of 2010 and will continue through June 2011. Procurement Profile: FY 2011 M-32A1 1,659 FY 2012 0 Developer/Manufacturer: Milkor USA, Inc., Tucson, AZ CHAPTER 3: PROGRAMS | 65 SHOULDER LAUNCHED MULTIPURPOSE ASSAULT WEAPON (SMAW II) DESCRIPTION SMAW II is the material solution to the FOTS capability requirement defined in the capability development document. The SMAW II system will consist of a new launcher to replace the existing SMAW MK153 Mod 0 launcher, and a multi- purpose, fire-from-enclosure (FFE) en- cased round. The SMAW II launcher will be functionally and physically compatible with existing SMAW legacy rounds. OPERATIONAL IMPACT The SMAW II provides the Marine Corps Assault Team the ability to engage targets from inside an enclosure or in a confined space (e.g., alleyway), which significantly improves the team's tactical flexibility and survivability. The system provides a lighter, more maintainable, and more reliable launcher, which incor- porates state-of-the art technology not resident in legacy system. PROGRAM STATUS Milestone B was achieved in August 2008 and Milestone C is scheduled for the Fourth Quarter FY2011. Initial Op- erational Capability is planned for the Fourth Quarter FY2012, with Full Opera- tional Capability in the Fourth Quarter FY2016. FY 2012 750 2,500 130 798 Procurement Profile: FY 2011 FFE Rounds Launchers Developer/Manufacturer: FFE Round: Nammo Talley, Incorporated, Mesa, AZ Launcher: Raytheon Missiles Systems, Tucson, AZ 66 USMC CONCEPTS & PROGRAMS 2011 HANDHELD RADIOS FAMILY OF SYSTEMS (FOS) DESCRIPTION The Handheld Radios FoS has sev- eral non-developmental, tactical hand- held, and amplified vehicular radio sets that provide reliable tactical communica- tions, including a retransmission capabil- ity. The Marine Corps has a requirement for two handheld radios: the Integrated Intra Squad Radio (IISR) and the Tactical Handheld Radio (THHR). The IISR is designed to provide small, lightweight, handheld tactical communi- cations to infantry squads and fire teams to facilitate squad command and control, enabling squad members to communi- cate in tactical situations where hand and arm signals and voice communications are not practical. The IISR acts as a wire- less intercom and possesses enough pow- er to provide effective communications in open terrain, heavy vegetation, and urban environments. The IISR operates in the AM and FM bands of the 380-470 mega- hertz (MHz) frequency spectrum. The IISR is capable of both analog and digital operation. The THHR is a secure handheld unit that supports the communications re- quirements of all elements of the MAGTF. The THHR operates in the AM and FM bands of the 30-512 MHz frequency spectrum, contain embedded commu- nications security, and is interoperable with other radio systems and waveforms, such as Single-Channel Ground and Air- borne Radio System (SINCGARS) and HAVEQUICK I/II, in the single-channel mode and frequency-hopping modes. In addition to the THHR, two vehicular amplification kits are included: the Dual Vehicle Adapter (DVA) and the Single Ve- hicle Adapter (SVA). The DVAs/SVAs are vehicular product lines that are fully in- teroperable with the Marine Corps' cur- rent inventory of combat net radios. OPERATIONAL IMPACT Legacy tactical handheld equipment within the Marine Corps exceeded its ex- pected life span and was rarely used. As a result, the handheld units primarily con- sisted of locally purchased, commercially available radios that were not interopera- ble with Marine Corps combat net radios. The Handheld Radios FoS consolidates and exceeds legacy capabilities, lightens the combat load of individual Marines and small units, reduces tactical handheld radio operating costs, and provides line- of-sight radios into every tactical vehicle. The current versions of the Handheld Ra- dios FoS have the expectations to remain CHAPTER 3: PROGRAMS | 67 in the Marine Corps' inventory until the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) solu- tion reaches its full operational capability (FOC). PROGRAM STATUS The Handheld Radios FoS is in the post Milestone C phase of the acquisi- tion process. All systems have been pro- cured. Presently, seven end-items are currently in the inventory: AN/PRC-153 (IISR); AN/PRC-148 (THHR), with its associated AN/VRC- 111 DVA and AN/ VRC-113 Small Form Factor -SVA; and the AN/PRC-152 (THHR), with its asso- ciated AN/VRC-110 DVA and AN/VRC- 112 SVA. The Marine Corps' AAOs are for: 51,945 IISRs; 23,003 THHRs;10,246 DVAs; and 15,086 SVAS. Developer/Manufacturer: AN/PRC-152/AN/VRC-110/AN/VRC-112: Harris Corporation, Inc., Rochester, NY AN/PRC-153: Motorola, Columbia, MD AN/PRC-148/AN/VRC-111/AN/VRC-113: Thales Communications, Inc., Clarksburg, MD 68 USMC CONCEPTS & PROGRAMS 2011 MARINE ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM (MEP) The Marine Corps stood up the Ma- rine Enhancement Program (MEP) in 1989 in response to congressional guid- ance for the Corps to establish programs dedicated to improving the lethality, comfort and survivability of the indi- vidual Marine. The primary focus of the program is on low-cost, low-visibility materiel solutions that can be rapidly fielded and that typically do not compete well against larger, high-profile items in the Department of the Navy's budget. The MEP thus ensures improve- ments for the individual Infantryman are identified and quickly transitioned into practical solutions. This goal is achieved through an accelerated acquisition pro- cess that takes advantage of commer- cially available technologies to provide lighter, more improved "infantry items" to the Marines as quickly as possible. De- pending upon when the item is needed, its complexity, risk, and cost, it can take from 90 days to two years to test, modify as appropriate, procure and field the item to the Marine. Items procured and fielded under the MEP seek to reduce the load, increase the survivability, enhance the safety and im- prove the lethality of the individual Ma- rine Infantryman across the spectrum of operational environments. MEP systems are intended primarily for the Marine Infantryman within the Ground Combat Element. When applicable, MEP items have also transitioned to support other Military Occupational Specialties within the GCE (e.g., Combat Engineers and Artilleryman) and across the Marine Air Ground Task Force (e.g., Supply, Mainte- nance, Administration, and Ordnance). In recent years, the MEP has funded sev- eral critical programs, including: Com- bat Shotgun, Field Tarp, Flame-Resistant Organizational Gear, Modular Tactical Vest, Multi-Purpose Bayonet, Rifle Com- bat Optic, Individual Water Purification Block I (Miox Pen), Enhanced Hearing Protection, Grip Pod for the M16 and M203, Handheld Flashlight, Three Season Sleep System, Pocket Laser Range Finder, Next-Generation ILBE and the Improved Helmet Suspension/Retention System. The MEP Working Group includes core representatives from Plans, Policies and Operations, Marine Corps Combat Development and Integration, and Ma- rine Corps Systems Command. Nomina- tions for the MEP initiatives come from Marines via the website, email and the Advocate, or through review of the U.S. Army's Soldiers Enhancement Program for capabilities matching a Marine Corps need. Nominated capabilities must focus on commercial-off-the-shelf or non-de- velopmental items that can be executed quickly. The potential MEP initiatives for 2011 include: Battery Assist Device, Weapons Compensator, Hearing Armour (hearing protection), SPACES (solar portable power system), and the vehicle mounted battery charger. CHAPTER 3: PROGRAMS | 69 MARINE EXPEDITIONARY RIFLE SQUAD (MERS) The Marine Expeditionary Rifle Squad (MERS) is a program charged with applying an integrated approach to equipping a Marine rifle squad, our most fundamental warfighting unit. The focus of the program is to view the Marine rifle squad in a holistic manner- one in which the squad comprises a whole much more effective than the sum of its individual members. The integration and configura- tion management of all components that are worn, carried, and consumed by the squad will increase lethality, mobility, and flexibility of infantry forces. MERS is the steward of the Marine rifle squad's suite of equipment and works with all the pro- gram managers at Marine Corps Systems Command to optimize and integrate the rifle squad's equipment. 70 USMC CONCEPTS & PROGRAMS 2011 The program has founded the GRUNTWORKS Squad Integration Fa- cility. The facility provides a venue to engineer, evaluate, and try the capabili- ties and limitations of all equipment in development and under consideration for procurement that will be delivered to the infantry squad. This dynamic facil- ity uses a human factors lab, equipment prototyping and modification workshop, a mobility platform integration area, and an infantry immersive environment fo- cused on equipment evaluation in a for- eign environment to accomplish equip- ment modernization and integration initiatives. Human factors and ergonom- ics are applied to the physical integration of the infantry squad's equipment. The physiological and performance impacts of fielding new equipment create sets of trade-offs between weight and volume management, comfort, usability, sim- plicity, lethality, survivability, mobility, sustainment, and training given that it must perform in combat in any clime and place. MERS will highlight these trade offs and refine solutions that incorporate the capabilities of the Marine rifle squad as an integrated system. MERS works closely with the MERS Capabilities Integration Officer and the HQMC Plans Policy and Operations MERS Infantry Advocate. The MERS triad has established an Integrated In- fantry Working Group in order to ensure that the operating forces are equipped with optimal solutions. Infantry Battal- ion surveys are continuously conducted in theater and post deployment in order