SHOW REPORTMODERN DAY MARINE EXPO 2017 |BY ROBERT BRUCE

USMC/Corporal Samantha Braun In his Wednesday morning keynote address to an overflow crowd in the spacious Briefing Center, General Robert Neller, Commandant of the Marine Corps, provides his perspective on “Littoral Operations in a Contested Environment,” the recently developed official doctrine for near-future amphibious warfare. Briefing slides for his presentation and those of other presenters are clearly visible to all on twin giant screens. https://marine- corpsconceptsandprograms.com/concepts/littoral-operations-contested-environment

ow in his third year as Commandant with a third visit to Modern Day Marine (MDM), four-star General Neller delivered his key- note address, “Littoral Operations in a Contested Environment,” The Latest Nto an overflow crowd on Wednesday in the cavernous Briefing Center tent at the 2017 Modern Day Marine Expo. With “littoral” defined as that portion of the world’s land masses adja- cent to the ocean within direct control of and vulnerable to the striking power of sea-based forces, Neller emphasized that the Navy and Marine Innovations Corps will have to “fight to get to the fight,” facing adversaries with long- range precision weapon capabilities. (Editor’s Note: The official MCO document on which Commandant Neller’s presentation was based is available for download at https:// marinecorpsconceptsandprograms.com/concepts/littoral-opera- in Military tions-contested-environment) Much More Than a “Trade Show” Commandant Neller’s hard-hitting predictions add tremendous weight to the importance of MDM Expos as essential, multifaceted resources for the Marine Corps’ warfighters at all levels and for the Equipment defense industry to anticipate and offer solutions for both present and future needs. These needs include everything from hydration to hyper- sonic weaponry, from biscuits and boots to battlefield digitizing and and Systems much, much more. Small Arms Review Vol. 22, No. 3 42 MARCH 2018 USMC/Lance Corporal Sarah Petrock October 2016, MCB Twentynine Palms, California. Live-fire training with a suppressed M4 carbine in preparation for a deployment. As outlined in the presentation by Colonel Michael Manning, Portfolio Manager for SYSCOM’s Ground Combat Element Systems, small arms suppressors and improved fire control are two of the Marine Corps’ top priorities for near-term purchase and fielding. marcorsyscom.marines.mil “Our adversaries are not going to let us get to the fight uncontested. We are going to have to fire away across the ocean, under the ocean and in the air. We have to be able to prepare to implement offensive and defen-

sive, lethal and non-lethal capabilities to prosecute these campaigns. And

at the end we have to conduct operations ashore.” –General Robert B. Neller 37th Commandant of the Marine Corps

Sobering Sessions and Preparedness Panels Near term equipping for the Corps to fight and win in extraordi- narily lethal littoral zones is a daunting challenge but ably addressed in a series of open briefings kicked off on Tuesday morning by Brig- adier General Joseph Shrader, who heads up Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC). MCSC’s managers laid out needs for Command elements, Ground Combat, Logistics, Support, Training and Wargaming. Naturally, Ground Combat was our main focus, with Colonel Mike Manning detailing 15 specific areas of primary interest. Among these are opportunities to provide improved vehicle protection from various explosive warheads and more sophisticated weapon sights. Specific requirements are noted in several RFIs/RFPs including Squad Common Robert Bruce Optics and Suppressors. Brigadier General Joseph Shrader, Commander, MARCORSYSCOM, (Editor’s Note: All of these Planning Briefs to Industry are available for emphasizes a point in his introduction to Tuesday morning’s Planning download at MARCORSYSCOM.marines.mil Click the COMMAND BRIEFS Briefs to Industry. marcorsyscom.marines.mil TO INDUSTRY bar.)

www.smallarmsreview.com 43 Small Arms Review Vol. 22, No. 3 Robert Bruce Visiting from HK’s headquarters in Germany, Bernard Haertenstein (center) joins Mike Thornton (left) and Robbie Reidsma in manning the exhibit booth. They have lots of reasons to smile given HK’s recent victories including award of the Army’s CSASS contract (up to 3600 rifles) and USMC’s latest acquisition of an additional 50,800 M27 IARs. hk-usa.com

Rounding out Tuesday’s program were briefings on Science and Tech- nology, Non-Lethal Weapons and a very welcome tutorial for small busi- nesses on how to do business with the Corps. Wednesday kicked off with the colorful Enlisted Awards Parade, immediately followed by General Neller’s keynote address. Then, there were two panel discussions building on the Commandant’s remarks. USMC Intelligence Activity examined Challenges to the Future Opera- tional Environment and Warfighting Lab/Futures Directorate providing perspective on Challenges and Opportunities in Littoral Operations. Thursday’s panels included a report on experimentation by Warfight- ing/Futures—including robots and the new fielding of quadcopters— and next generation requirements like beachhead-swarming mini-bots foreseen by Capabilities Development Directorate. For specific solicitations and contract awards see FEDBIZOPPS. Also, Defense Innovation Marketplace is a comprehensive resource: defen- seinnovationmarketplace.mil Show and Tell Robert Bruce AAI/Textron’s leading edge CT (Cased Telescoped) duo of 5.56 and The Corps wisely uses the timing of the annual Expo in a number of ways 7.62mm belt-fed guns will soon be joined by a handy 6.5mm CT Car- as an efficient opportunity for meaningful interaction with large and small bine, seen here in preliminary mockup form as engineer Kevin Ayotte sources in the defense industry. It’s a two-way information superhighway details its features and benefits. While its overall weight is a bit more at that bypasses many of the bureaucratic bottlenecks encountered in deal- this stage than an M4, a standard combat load of “lipstick-tube” plas- ing with other services making up the US Armed Forces. tic-cased telescoped cartridges will be much lighter than conventional Following Tuesday’s Planning Briefings, show exhibitors who had brass-cased ammo. Overall length (stock collapsed) is 32 inches, feeds made on-site arrangements were given the opportunity for face- cartridges pushed forward from a detachable box magazine, fires from to-face meetings with decision makers. This facilitates meaningful a closed bolt for accuracy, clean gas-operated tappet and piston, select show and tell right at the vendor’s booth or in Tent B’s distinctive fire with full-auto at 600 rpm. textronsystems.com/what-we-do/weap- “Marine Zone.” on-sensor-systems/LSAT

Small Arms Review Vol. 22, No. 3 44 MARCH 2018 SHOW REPORTMODERN DAY MARINE |EXPO 2017

Robert Bruce Optics-1’s Integrated Compact Ultralight Gun-Mounted Range- finder has recently been selected for the USMC’s Sniper Range Finder program. “I-CUGR is a small, lightweight and rugged weap- Robert Bruce on-mounted laser rangefinder with integrated illumination and aim- While not selected as the Army’s new Modular handgun, the 9mm Glock ing lasers that will give the USMC the ability to quickly range targets 19 got the FBI’s substantial contract. Seen here is the new Gen 5 ver- without taking hands off their rifles–providing more accurate first sion. “The Marine Corps is equipping Marines with a new weapon, pro- round hits.” While not necessarily a direct result of Warfighting Lab’s viding enhanced concealed carry capabilities at an accelerated rate and annual Marksmanship Technology Demonstration, it clearly demon- lower cost to the Corps. The Glock 19M–called the M007 by the Corps– strates “commercial off-the-shelf technologies with potential to replaces the M9 service pistol for personnel requiring a weapon that can address Marine Corps marksmanship gaps.” optics1.com be easily concealed. The M007 offers enhanced concealed carry capabil- ities, which include a smaller frame, ambidextrous slide stop lever and Show, Tell, Shoot flared magazine well. Marine Corps Systems Command recently fielded nce per year, Weapons Training Battalion, in conjunc- the M007 to Marine and civilian CID agents and members of Helicopter tion with Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory, will Squadron One.” us.glock.com invite select industry participants to the Marksman- “Oship Technology Demonstration to demonstrate commercial off- the-shelf technologies with potential to address Marine Corps marksmanship gaps. The Marksmanship Technology Demonstration is not a tradeshow” (RFI for 2017 MTD) While making the rounds of gun-oriented exhibits we caught wind of some live-fire show and tell underway on Quantico’s ranges—by invitation only and closed to press. We followed up later through offi- cial USMC channels and got the straight scoop on what and why. A formal RFI (Request for Information), issued months earlier, invited industry participation in an MTD exclusively for “Marine Corps units/agencies that are within the capability development process.” This year’s focus was on targets and rifle components, specifi- cally Automated Smart Static and Mobile Target Systems, Infantry Rifles, Suppressors and Optics. Naturally, we asked for info on par- ticipating entities and their products. That was a no-go, but that’s understandable, and we don’t choose to reveal here the ones we know about. The RFI made it clear the potential payoff for participants was by no means assured, “... promising technologies may be selected for extended user evaluations.” Robert Bruce Officials also emphasized that, “The MTD held in 2016 and 2017 Richard Berry of Knight’s Armament shows their belt-fed 5.56mm Light were not associated with MDM. The MTD 2017 was aligned with Assault Machine Gun, a significant improvement over standard M249 MDM to make it easier for the vendors. The MTD scheduled for 2018 SAWs. At 8.6 pounds dry, Knight’s says it “delivers the needed sustained will NOT be an MDM event even if held during the same period.” volume of fire to an assault element at a low enough weight to keep We read you Lima Charlie (loud and clear) and urge purveyors pace with an assault. With a low cyclic rate of 575-625 rounds per min- of dead-serious shooting stuff to closely monitor FedBizOpps.gov ute, and constant-recoil/spring run-out operation, it is more controlla- for next year’s MTD RFI. Do it for the Devil Dog Grunts—they damn ble than other similar machine guns that weigh nearly twice that much.” sure appreciate your help. knightarmco.com

www.smallarmsreview.com 45 Small Arms Review Vol. 22, No. 3 Robert Bruce Saab’s John Belanger shows an inert version of the new HE 441D 84mm round to a Marine who’s hefting the new M3A1/M4 Carl Gustaf MAAWS. Firing anti-armor, anti-structure, anti-personnel, smoke and illumination rounds, this powerful, combat-classic multipurpose recoilless rifle con- tinues to push the boundaries of battlefield effectiveness with improved munitions and sighting systems. “The M4 represents an evolution in the capabilities of infantrymen. New features include: lighter, intelligent sight, improved ergonomics, reduced action time, compatible with intelligent sighting systems and programmable ammo.” saabgroup.com More than 400 Exhibitors For all three days of the Expo, while deadly serious information was being dispensed in the Briefing Center tent, the other three big tops and the outside displays were buzzing with activity as visitors from ranging from enlisted Marines to high level potentates patrolled the aisles. Discipline is needed to avoid being overwhelmed by the variety of offerings on display and the sheer size of many including hulking AFVs, artillery pieces, aircraft mockups and the like. All are certainly compelling to others, but manportable weaponry is our stock in trade. 2017’s lineup included infantry weapons from promi- nent names like American Rheinmetall, Barrett, Beretta, Colt, FN , Gen- eral Dynamics, Glock, HK, Knight’s, Nammo, SAAB and SIG. Some rivals in the firearms arena include Geissele, Hardened Arms, Phoenix Defence (Foreign Weapons & Training) and Seekins Precision. Robert Bruce While a 105mm howitzer might be a bit above the category of “small Short Bursts arms,” we were drawn to the Enhanced Tactical Indirect-Hawkeye, an Space limitations dictate just brief notes on what we encountered, so interestingly efficient pairing of serious artillery with a nimble and follow-up information is encouraged, of course, by visiting vendor websites. capable AM General Humvee prime mover. “The system consists of a Having won the Army’s Modular Handgun competition, SIG was US Army standard M20 105mm cannon mounted on an M1152A1w/B2 proudly showing actual M17 and M18 production-line pistols. Glock was HMMWV. The lightest weight, most highly maneuverable self-pro- nearby, touting selection of the 9mm Gen 5 G17 and 19 pistols by the FBI pelled howitzer in the world today.” amgeneral.com and discreetly noting the Marine Corps’ choice of the 19M/M007 for CID and Marine One personnel. Beretta’s distinctive APX pistol is now available in .40 S&W; Knight’s 5.56mm Light Assault Machine Gun puts the M249 to shame; Mile High Shooting is now the exclusive North American source for Accuracy Inter- national’s AX rifles; and Barrett is expanding its REC line with the new REC 10 in .308. LaRue Tactical, fresh from victory in USASOC’s sniper competition, was showing the Limited-Edition 7.62 PredatAR in FDE coloration. FN America’s always impressive display was doubly so this time with a real Little Bird helo sporting an HMP .50-cal gun pod. We remain cautiously optimistic for the future of Textron/AAI’s CT Robert Bruce (Cased Telescoped) duo of belt-fed weapons and follow-ons. Engineer Little things can mean a lot for firearm safety. This high-vis Saf-T- Kevin Ayotte updated us on impressive progress of the latest; a 6.5mm Round from Safe Tech is said to be the only ejectable empty cham- carbine version that’s readily adaptable to whatever caliber emerges ber indicator on the market, suitable for a wide range of firearms and from the Army’s seemingly endless examinations. seen here in a SIG P320RX Compact. “The valuable combination of an Some bigger weapons we were drawn to included SAAB’s latest Carl easy-to-see load indicator that prevents accidental/unintentional dis- Gustaf M3E1/M4 tank and bunker-buster and AM General’s heavy-hit- charge and the ability to eject the device for instant access to your fire- ting 105 howitzer on a Hummer. Nammo Talley’s latest upgrade to the arm.” safrgun.com

Small Arms Review Vol. 22, No. 3 46 MARCH 2018 SHOW REPORTMODERN DAY MARINE |EXPO 2017

USMC/Ashley Calingo MCB Quantico, VA, July 2017. Marines firing on the ISMT III (Indoor Sim- ulated Marksmanship Trainer 3rd generation) a computerized, digital “reality” shooting system that’s being fielded throughout the Corps. It’s Robert Bruce the latest upgrade, boasting superior 3D graphics, more scenarios and The enormous Marine Zone in Tent B includes informational displays now includes capabilities for the M9 pistol, M4 carbine, M27 IAR, M32A1 from cutting edge elements of Marine Corps Systems Command, its grenade launcher and the M27 LAW. marcorsyscom.marines.mil Warfighting Lab and related organizations such as PEO Land Systems. marcorsyscom.marines.mil

warhorse LAW (counterweight rocket propellant developed in conjunc- tion with NSWC) offers Marines both anti-armor and anti-structure loads that can be safely fired from enclosed spaces. Raytheon’s slim, 17-inch long, PIKE laser-guided munition is fired from a rifle-mounted grenade launcher. Nice to Have Safe Tech has some very practical, empty chamber indicators that instantly eject like cartridges; Hardened Arms’ Illuminated Luma Shark handguard has an integral flashlight; and both Pro Shot (COY-AR-223) and Otis (Defender-IMOD) have new and improved weapon cleaning kits. Geissele’s “Gas Pedal” selector for ARs comes in response to USMC-op- Robert Bruce erator demand, and Blue Force Gear showed its tiny marker lights and Magpul’s fail-safe PMAG 30 AR/M4 Gen 3, already a winner in the USMC emphasized a discount program for individual military and LE custom- and elsewhere, is now joined by a new version. “The next-generation ers. Magpul’s latest big deal is USMC’s approval and adoption of the Gen PMAG 30 GEN3 Window is a 30-round 5.56 x 45 NATO (.223 Remington) 3 PMAG, now enhanced with a round-counter window. polymer magazine for AR-15/M4 compatible weapons that features Gerber’s new Center Drive multi-tool is notable, as is Spyderco’s long transparent windows to allow rapid visual identification of approxi- Dillon SAR 1/4 2018.qxp_Small Arms Review 1/4 Horizontal 12/12/17 6:35 AM Page mate1 number of rounds remaining.” magpul.com Which Dillon Reloader is Right for You? Square Deal “B” RL 550C XL 650 Super 1050 Dillon’s “BFR” illon’s Square Deal ore RL 550s illon’s XL 650 illon’s com- Big Fifty Reloader D“B” was designed Mhave been Dresulted from Dmercial to produce large sold than any several years of listen- grade loading here’s nothing amounts of ammunition other progressive ing to our customers machine features a Tquite as thrilling in the least possible machine in the expressing their frame and crank as pulling a trigger time for just a little world, and for fondest wishes. We assembly that pro- and sending 750 bit of money. At 300 good reason: The took every good idea vides increased grains of copper- to 400 rounds per RL 550C’s we and our customers stroke to accommo- jacketed lead hour, you can versatility ever had, tested date long rifle car- downrange. WAY produce is almost them extensive- tridges, yet the downrange! If the cost enough ammo for unlimited. It will ly, and then handle stroke is of loaded .50 BMG several pistol matches load over 160 incorporated them all at a minimum, ammo has been or practice sessions different rifle into the design of the meaning less putting you off, you no longer have a in just a few hours. and pistol XL 650. work for the calibers. operator. good excuse. www.sa.dillonprecision.com • Call 800-762-3845 for a FREE catalog, ask for stock # O36-14690 Robert Bruce Robert Bruce Leupold’s superlative DeltaPoint Pro is a front runner in competition Storied Marine veteran Frank Martello enthusiastically shows us Tri- for US Special Operations Command’s Glock 19 handguns. “When your jicon’s new SNIP-IR thermal clip-on, riding the rail in front of the com- optic needs to be faster than your reactions, the DeltaPoint Pro is up to pany’s warhorse ACOG. “Designed to become one with your optical day the challenge. The lightweight aluminum housing is shrouded by spring sight, both on the battlefield and on the hunting field. It comes with a steel for the ultimate in ruggedness while the aspheric lens generates 640x480 micron Vox sensor and OLED digital micro display that gives a wide field-of-view with some of the best image quality ever seen in a clear, brilliant imagery at a fast 60 Hz frame rate–even through pitch reflex sight.” Note the optional rear iron sight to co-witness the red dot. black darkness.” trijiconeo.com leupold.com

Robert Bruce Robert Bruce This compact and handy selective fire 5.56mm M4A1 SOCC (Special The highly capable Mk 47 Mod O GMG from General Dynamics Ordnance Operations Compatible) PDW from Troy Defense sports a distinctive and Tactical Systems gets a targeting upgrade with addition of the new muzzle device on its 7.5-inch barrel as well as Troy’s clever Tomahawk Next Generation Fire Control system. “An integrated module that gives Stock. worldoftroy.com It’s also fitted with Leupold’s new D-EVO (Dual the operator the ability to detect, recognize, identify and engage tar- Enhanced View Optic) that allows the 6-power D-EVO optic to be fused gets in both day and night conditions through day color video and night with virtually any red dot sight, so the shooter can switch effortlessly thermal imaging cameras.” And it works on your M2HB .50 cal too. between a magnified image for long-range precision and a red dot in a gd-ots.com wide field for reflexive shots. leupold.com popular Delica folding knife and its Top Trainer counterpart. 511 Tacti- Taking Aim cal’s XPRT waterproof, breathable garments significantly outperform Trijicon’s new SNIPE-IR Thermal Clip-On teams with preferred day optics Gore-Tex and similar fabrics, and Streamlight showed the new Stinger for brilliant imaging even in total darkness. Leupold’s Delta Point Pro red Switchblade LED Light Bar. dot is likely to be USSOCOM’s choice for topping their many Glocks. We always made it a point to visit the Small Business Pavilion The compact and mean looking M4A1 SOCC from Troy Industries and again found much to recommend. Notably, the T:WORX Intelli- sported a Leupold D-EVO (Dual Enhanced View Optic), and we checked gent Rail system for AR family weapons, supplying power to mount- out Excelitas Techs’ SAKER Fused Weapon Sight, combining uncooled ed accessories and delivering their output to a digital datastream. thermal and image intensification. We also visited with The Gun Shop, specializing in ATK and Federal General Dynamics’ Next Generation FCS for 40mm GMGs and .50 cal ammo, and Southern Police Equipment, showcasing its extensive HMGs computes an adjusted aiming point with data from its onboard military and LE line. sensors. While not technically a sight, the Glare Recoil LA-22U from B.E.

Small Arms Review Vol. 22, No. 3 48 MARCH 2018 SHOW REPORTMODERN DAY MARINE |EXPO 2017

Robert Bruce Gabe DePlano explaining the virtues of the APX handgun.

Meyers is the USMC’s official on-weapon Ocular at Office of Naval Research (ONR) deserves Interrupter for non-lethal engagements. respect and attention in exhibits. While this super high tech command has lots of Suppressors spooky projects in the works, we gun guys The Corps and other serious warfighting are most interested in things that facilitate branches are determined to put suppressors hole-punching one way or another. Some on as many weapons as practical. Nexgen examples are the continuing work on light- Defense’s innovative MAX FLO 3D AFD sup- weight and caseless ammunition, leap-ahead pressor shows promise, as does Giessele’s improvements in integrated day–night optics Super Night Owl. and lots of directed energy initiatives. Marine Zone Something for Everyone Easily found in Tent B’s expansive Marine Other firms, offering innovative weapon Zone, exhibits by elements of Marine Corps sights, ammo, accessories, edged weapons, Made USA Systems Command and PEO Land Systems hydration, chow, extreme weather clothing, are mandatory stopovers, never disappointing. rugged gear, stun gun shocks, VR racing and the Robots for recon, fighting and logistics were more, enjoy not only our attention but that of TM front and center once again—the crawling and seasoned Marines of all ranks swarming the flying kinds as well as an amusing dance recital aisles. Word of particularly notable items and SHAMAN featuring “Spot,” Warfighting Lab’s robot dog. other things of interest gets around quickly, • CPM® S30V® Stainless Steel Blade The Corps has recently fielded an improved and reps are always kept busy with show and • Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) Blade Coating digital shooting gallery that was understand- tell duties. • PlainEdge™ or Fully Serrated SpyderEdge™ ably popular at the Expo with Marines and Oh, and many thousands of free copies of • Matte-Finished G-10 Scales others lined up for virtual trigger time. ISMT Small Arms Review and Small Arms Defense • Ergonomic Handle with Nested III (Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer Journal were handed out by the Chipotle Pub- Skeletonized Stainless Steel Liners 3rd generation) is the system’s latest upgrade, lications team. Best deal at the show. • Patented Compression LockTM Mechanism boasting superior 3D graphics and including five infantry weapons from M9 pistol to M72 LAW. A full listing of exhibitors, their websites The Navy claims ownership of the Marines, and other information may be found at www. so cutting edge research and development marinemilitaryexpos.com Visit spyderco.com or your www.smallarmsreview.com 49 Small Arms Review Vol. 22, No. 3 local Spyderco dealer 303 278 8383 800 278 7770 Robert Bruce Scouting vendor booths in the Small Business Technolo- gies and Capabilities Pavilion, we zeroed in on the T:Worx Robert Bruce Intelligent Rail, reminiscent of a project previously noted Spyderco’s Delica 4, seen here with its blunt edge training version, has long been for Beretta’s ARX series. Shaun Rategan explained that the a best seller. “The next level is here with the new Delica4 with screw construction system was developed with technical guidance from PM making cleaning and adjusting easier. The fiberglass-reinforced nylon handles come Soldier Weapons under the SBIR program. “The Intelligent molded with Bi-Directional Texturing for preferred traction and improved ergo- Rail is an integrated power and high-speed data com- nomics. Inside the handle dual skeletonized stainless steel liners make the knife munications mounting system compatible with existing stronger without adding weight and make an anchor for all external and internal Mil-Std 1913 (Picatinny) and NATO 4694 mounting rails. components to attach through adding sturdiness and rigidity. The VG-10 blade is It supplies bidirectional power for all weapon-mounted flat saber-ground with a stronger tip and larger 13mm opening hole. Added to the accessories, simultaneously delivering a data connection blade’s spine is slip-resistant jimping. Phosphor bronze washers smooth out the between accessories and the weapon providing the ability open/close action, and the clip is upgraded to a four-way tip-up, tip-down, left or to securely stream data, or store and transmit it off the right-handed clip.” spyderco.com weapon.” tworx.com

Robert Bruce Nammo–Ben Carpenter with the USMC’s Fire From Enclosure LAW rocket.

Small Arms Review Vol. 22, No. 3 50 MARCH 2018 SHOW REPORTMODERN DAY MARINE |EXPO 2017

Modern Day Marine Expo: Show Master Info

Show Skycaps $2 per bag. Sit-down restaurants 15-25% depending on ser- Modern Day Marine Expo vice quality. Note “tip jars“ at some of the show’s food vendors. Toss Location in a dollar or two for these hard-working folks. Marine Corps Base, Quantico, Virginia USA Currency Type Website US Dollars. Go to www.xe.com for current exchange rates. www.marinemilitaryexpos.com Getting Around Fly into Dulles International, Ronald Reagan Washington National, Contact or Stafford Regional airports. Marine Military Expos 1525 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1200 Military Museums to See Arlington, Virginia 22209 USA The spectacular National Museum of the Marine Corps is just out- Tel: 760-576-6701 side MCB Quantico. Email [email protected] Numerous other museums are located in Virginia and nearby Wash- ington, DC. Date of Next Show September 25–27, 2018, at MCB, Quantico, Virginia Tourism Visas required for all foreign visitors. Popular attractions in the area Focus of Show are found in and around Washington, DC, some 30 miles from MCB MDM is billed as “the world’s largest military exposition focusing on Quantico. DC’s Official travel and tourism website ishttp://wash - enhanced capabilities for expeditionary forces.” ington.org/ Dress And as noted right below, tourism in Virginia is safer, with the added Business casual for civilians and duty uniform for military. benefit of splendidly preserved battlefields from the War Between Hotel Hints the States www.virginia.org/ Most US chains have hotels and motels locally. The nearby Stafford DC Problems? and Fredericksburg areas have a lot of great lodging and dining op- Although recent Federal court rulings should have relaxed DC’s tions. Book early, the event is a very popular show and the hotels fill draconian gun prohibitions, no one other than on-duty military or up fast. See the Hotel and Travel link at the MDM website. authorized law enforcement personnel should take a chance by car- Power & Plug Types rying firearms, magazines or even a single round of live ammunition American standard 110 volts AC into the District of Columbia without obtaining the most strictly controlled permits. Not surprisingly, the nation’s capitol city has Cultural Hints all of the usual big city problems where Democrats have dominat- General American culture in the immediate area with a tendency ed; sprawling public housing projects with ruthless drug dealers, towards “Southern Hospitality” from friendly, polite and helpful muggers, gang thugs, and other street criminals who ignore the locals. The show and the base have specific USMC culture as well; District’s gun prohibitions. Visitors are cautioned against walking or pride in being courteous, straightforward and honest. Attend the even driving in all but the most heavily-patrolled areas. The Mary- show, interact with Marines and you’ll understand. land suburbs are almost as bad. Stay in Virginia, but make it south of Tipping Alexandria and near Quantico. Much more safe and sane. US customs apply. Taxis about 10%, bellhops $1 per bag minimum,

NOTE: All information subject to change. Go to www.marinemilitaryexpos.com for up-to-date information Robert Bruce The Marine Corps League’s welcome team greets visitors as they enter the expo’s complex, offering complimentary gift bags with the official show program and other promotional materials. “Expeditionary Convention Center”

t’s billed as “the world’s largest military exposition focusing on Much of the equipment now used by Marines and other U.S. and enhanced capabilities for expeditionary forces.” Now under the allied forces confronting enemies in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere Ileadership of Alex Hetherington, a veteran Marine Aviator, this around the globe was first presented to military leaders, operations year’s Modern Day Marine Expo was held from September 19–21 planners and acquisition managers at previous editions of the Expo. aboard Marine Corps Base, Quantico, Virginia. As well as experiencing the latest, greatest technological advances, Co-sponsored by the base, the Marine Corps League and Marine attendees can go face-to-face with many of the nonprofit organiza- Corps Systems Command, the 37th Annual MDM showcased the tions and agencies that exist to assist service members and veterans. products and services of more than 400 entities that support military “Crossroads of the Marine Corps” land, air and sea operations. Strategically located about 30 minutes’ drive south of Washing- Wendell W. Webb, National ton, DC, America’s capital city with powerful lawmakers, the Pen- Commandant of the Marine tagon, numerous defense contractors and foreign embassies, MCB Corps League, emphasized his Quantico is an ideal Expo location. organization’s vision for this It is home of the Marine Corps Combat Development Command, annual event. “The Marine charged with developing Marine warfighting concepts and determin- Corps League is committed to ing the Corps’ capability requirements for doctrine, equipment, orga- the Modern Day Marine Expo nization, training, education as a program to share the If you’re Active Duty or a and support. development and awareness Former Marine, take a good The Marine Corps Warf- of the tools our future Marine ighting Laboratory at Quanti- Warriors will need for the next unknown conflict. This type of Expo look at the Marine Corps co is part of the Development allows the industry team to interact with the planners, General offi- League and sign up. It’s Command and responsible cers, Staff NCOs, NCOs and the Warriors on the ground or in the air, good for you, it’s good for for improving current and sharing the needs and ideas of future weapon systems that turn into future naval expeditionary requirements then tactics.” the Corps, and it’s good for warfare capabilities for the Exhibits at this year’s exposition filled three enormous, sparkling the people the Corps helps. Marines and their amphibi- white, climate-controlled tents, as well as others showcasing small www.mclnational.org ous roles and missions. business and housing the briefings. These, and adjacent space in the Also at Quantico is Marine outdoor display area, were packed with the latest operational equip- Corps Systems Command, principal agency for acquisition and sus- ment and technology, along with videos, models and prototypes of tainment of systems and equipment for the Marines’ warfighting items soon to enter service. mission. Many of the personnel who staff those organizations took Defense contractors from throughout the U.S. and some allied advantage of continuously running shuttle buses to visit the exhib- nations signed on to show their products and services, get feedback it halls and discuss missions, capabilities and requirements with from the warfighters and respond to questions. defense industry professionals.

Small Arms Review Vol. 22, No. 3 52 MARCH 2018 SHOW REPORTMODERN DAY MARINE |EXPO 2017

USMC photo by Private First Class Hilario Martinez General Robert Neller, Commandant of the Marine Corps, presents the Gunnery Sergeant Carlos Hathcock Award to Sergeant Narendra Sook- deo, standing tall along with eight fellow Marines and one Navy Corpsman, honored at Wednesday morning’s Enlisted Awards Parade. Sook- deo, the Program Manager, Marksmanship Doctrine and Programs Management Section, Weapons Training Battalion, was cited for “numer- ous improvements to combat marksmanship training, Marine Corps wide,” during calendar year 2016. hqmc.marines.mil/cmc Honors and Awards ith so many high-level Marine Wednesday morning’s impressively col- For us, the Gunnery Sergeant Carlos Hath- leaders and other VIPs converg- orful Enlisted Awards Parade featured the cock Award for outstanding contribution to ing on the Expo, important cere- awesome precision of the Silent Drill Platoon marksmanship training is most prominent Wmonial events are conveniently scheduled along with stirring music from the Comman- among these. 2017’s honoree was Sergeant to coincide. At Wednesday evening’s formal dant’s Own Drum and Bugle Corps. Eight Narendra Sookdeo for his exemplary perfor- Grand Banquet and Awards Dinner at Penta- outstanding Marines and one Navy Hospital mance while serving as Program Manager, gon City’s Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Bob Simmons, Corpsman were standing tall to be person- Marksmanship Doctrine and Programs Man- staff director of the House Committee on ally congratulated by Commandant Neller, agement Section, Weapons Training Battal- Armed Services, received the Marine Corps the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps and ion, Quantico, Virginia, for all of 2016. League’s Iron Mike Award. Commandant of the Marine Corps League.

Marine Military Expos 2018 ext year’s Modern Day Marine Expo is scheduled for Septem- Military Expo exhibitors also exchange information with their target ber 25–27, once again at MCB Quantico. This is the largest of audience, listen to their needs and gain valuable insight into what works three related shows where exhibitors meet the Marines on best in a wide array of combat, combat support and combat service sup- Ntheir own turf. port situations. Marines who have recently returned from wartime mis- Marine West Expo 2018 is slated for February 7 and 8 at Camp sions not only provide feedback but also convey suggestions and ideas Pendleton, CA, and Marine South Expo 2018 for April 11 and 12 at that are often considered and adopted in designing or improving equip- Camp Lejeune, NC. Both are held at home installations for two of ment and systems. the Marine Corps’ expeditionary forces, which are continually train- The decision-makers and procurement experts exhibitors want and ing and dispatching fighting elements to a broad spectrum of mis- need to attend the Expos for up-close and personal exposure to the lead- sions around the world “in the air, on land, and at sea.” ing-edge equipment, systems and services—solutions— their Marines Exhibitors at the Marine Military Expos meet and exchange informa- need for the years ahead. At the Marine Military Expos, networking tion, face-to-face, with not only the users of their equipment but also opportunities among the buyers, the users and defense industry profes- the men and women responsible for equipping the Corps, tasked with a sionals are unlimited. Take advantage of those opportunities for your broad range of existing and emerging demands. company by exhibiting at the Marine Military Expos: www.marinemil- In addition to displaying products before thousands of users, Marine itaryexpos.com www.smallarmsreview.com 53 Small Arms Review Vol. 22, No. 3