Soldier/Marine Enhancement

Abstract

Marine Expeditionary Rifle Squad (MERS) mission is to manage the infantry squad "squad as a system" by conducting integration, systems engineering, human factors, and modernization efforts across all the products that are worn, carried, and consumed by the rifle squad. Physical integration, capability analysis, modeling and simulation, ergonomics, and usability assessments are facilitated by this program in working with the various program managers and project officers in the development of their unique items that contribute to the squads overall capabilities. Weight and volume management are fundamental considerations in the insertion or modernization of any squad equipment. MERS works with Joint and NATO soldier modernization programs to harvest new technologies to increase the capability of the rifle squad. The program also ensures the integration of the rifle squad into the various mobility platforms currently in service and being developed to ensure a Marine and his equipment can operate effectively. This program is essential to ensure the combined synergistic equipment effects enhance the war-fighting functions of the Marine rifle squad towards the strategic Marine Corps warfighting vision for the future. Marine Enhancement Program (MEP) provides Research, Development, Test and Evaluation funding for low visibility, low cost items. It focuses on items of equipment which will benefit the individual Marine by reducing the load, increasing survivability, enhancing safety, and improving combat effectiveness. The emphasis of the program is on non-developmental item/commercial off the shelf (NDI/COTS) available items which can be quickly evaluated and fielded. This program is coordinated with the Army's Soldier Enhancement Program (SEP). Ammunition Life Cycle Management Program responsibility for Total Life Cycle Management for ground conventional munitions. Accordingly, PM Ammo is a member of the joint services Ammunition Logistics Research and Development IPT (ALR&D IPT). Each year the IPT solicits R&D projects from all of the services. The IPT looks for innovative ideas to enhance logistical support for munitions. Approximately 20 Ammo Logistics R&D projects are voted on each year by the IPT. They are prioritized by voting actions of the Senior Review Board and funding sources are identified. Since the funding for ammunition will likely decrease as the Marine Corps draws down and we end our participation in OEF, ammunition logistics R&D projects designed to extend the shelf life of our current inventory, provide enhanced packaging to protect our munitions, and other such projects will go a long way to ensure the Marine Corps can maintain a reliable conventional ammunition inventory into the future.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Project
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2016
Source ID
2086_0206623M_7_1319_PB_2016

Tags

Readers

  • Maritime Combat Support and Expeditionary Logistics.
  • Munitions and Ordnance Engineering

Related Documents