III Marine Expeditionary Force Exercise 21, a joint exercise that further enhanced the Navy-Marine Corps team’s ability to respond to crises or contingencies, concluded February 12. During MEFEX, III MEF in direct coordination with U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet conducted realistic training at each echelon of its command to train III MEF staff in the planning, deployment, and command and control of a force of more than 25,000 service members who are postured forward across Japan and Hawaii...
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Marines recently received an innovative new optic that better prepares them to engage adversaries from longer distances. In January, Marine Corps Systems Command’s Program Manager for Infantry Weapons began fielding the Squad Common Optic—a magnified day optic comprising an illuminated and nonilluminated aim-point designed to improve target acquisition and probability-of-hit with infantry assault rifles. The SCO can be attached to the M4 and M4A1 Carbine as well as the M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle. It will supplement the attrition and replacement of the Rifle Combat Optic and the Squad Day Optic for each of those weapons for close-combat Marines...
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Marine Corps Systems Command drew inspiration from social media and video games to create an information hub catering to the needs of the 21st century Marine. In February 2021, MCSC’s Program Manager for Infantry Weapons launched the Infantry Weapons Information Tool, an intuitive website inspired by social media that aims to increase communication among the Fleet and better support their needs. This easy-to-use, Common Access Card-enabled website provides Marines with relevant technical doctrine, training manuals, instructional videos and other tools associated with PM IW equipment to make them a more effective force...
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“I rely heavily on the protection of Max,” said Cpl. Jarod Bell, a Military Working Dog handler, and a native of Rochester, New York. “He can potentially be the deciding factor in whether I go home or not. I feel like if I can protect my dog [Max] to make it back, it gives us another day to go out there and do it again.” “He is definitely my best friend.” U.S. Marines with the Provost Marshal’s Office and 3rd Law Enforcement Battalion, MWD section, regularly conduct training to maintain mission readiness. However, for Marines like Bell, continuously building the relationship with the MWD’s means so much more...
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