CAMP LEJEUNE, North Carolina -- This year’s iteration of Expeditionary Energy Concepts, a demonstration of energy efficient equipment, began here Tuesday, June 23, 2015.
E2C, formerly known as the Experimental Forward Operating Base or ExFOB, continues as a part of the 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James F. Amos’ Expeditionary Energy Strategy, which was released in 2011.
The overall goal for the Expeditionary Energy Office is to help the Marine Corps find new, innovative solutions for energy efficiency in the battlefield and to increase operational reach and combat effectiveness.
“We go to industry and we ask them to show us what technologies they have developed that could help us solve some of the tactical problems we have,” said Col. James Caley, Director of the Expeditionary Energy Office.
Companies participating in E2C design their products on their own dime based on the needs of the Corps in conjunction with feedback from Marines. The cost effectiveness of E2C helps make the overall goal a reality.
“E2C is a great deal, not only for the Marine Corps, but for the Department of Defense,” said Caley. “We haven’t spent a dime. These companies have spent their money to build prototypes for the Corps. We are getting the best ideas from industry with their initial investment.”
To see what best fits the Marine Corps’ requirements, Marines from II Marine Expeditionary Force evaluate and provide feedback on the equipment shown during the three day demo.
“I enjoyed coming here,” said Cpl. Kyle P. Murdoch, a refrigeration mechanic with 2nd Marine Logistics Group. “I am the ‘hands on’ of the Marine Corps so it is nice for them to come to me and get my opinion. I’m impressed and I’m glad to see that the Marine Corps is moving forward in what they’re purchasing.”
The Marines’ opinions and feedback help generate the Marine Corps’ requirements and ensure that the gear being made is as practical as it is tactical.
“We want the Marines giving their input,” said Caley. “It’s not as easy as handing them something cool, it has to be useful. We want the Marines to use the solutions we present them.”