New high-tech tools aim to lighten Marines' gear. A step in the right direction?

2015-04-26T07:07:00-04:00

"The Gruntworks Squad Integration Facility showcased its latest initiatives to lighten and streamline the individual loads Marines carry into combat during the Navy League's 2015 Sea, Air, Space exposition in mid-April.

On display was an advanced 3-D body scanner, a sophisticated computer simulation program, and a state-of-the art medical device commonly used by professional sports teams to measure performance and stress on joints.

Together, they provide Gruntworks' Marine Expeditionary Rifle Squad with an invaluable suite of tools to collect information and test gear that will ensure Marines of the future can both out gun and out run enemy fighters.

"This information helps us improve the fit of equipment like helmets and body armor," said Mark Richter, the director of Gruntworks' Marine Expeditionary Rifle Squad team, which is focused on individual mobility.

Over the years, new gear from better body armor to improved rifle optics and night vision — and the batteries they need to run — have added pounds to Marines' packs. Today many carry more than 100 pounds into combat, up from the average 60 pound pack grunts carried during Vietnam.

Adding all that weight is a problem Richter said. In addition to draining Marines' energy, it places dangerous stress on their joints, which can lead to fatigue, sprains or long-term problems like arthritis or chronic back injuries. The MERS team works with the mantra "ounces equal pounds and pounds equal pain...."

Read the full article here: http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/story/military/tech/2015/04/25/gruntworks-hi-tech-tools-cut-individual-gear-burden/26295707/

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2015 7:55 AM

2015-04-26T07:55:44-04:00

Anything that can help reduce the load we carry is a step in the right direction...as long as it affords the current or superior protection.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2015 6:49 PM

2015-04-26T18:49:20-04:00

I love gadgets but like posted earlier as long as they work and are well tested and not as a test while in the hands of out Marines

Response by SGT Michael Touchet made Apr 26 at 2015 11:15 PM

2015-04-26T23:15:32-04:00

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad you do know that they will just be expected to carry more...lol Seriously it's great anytime they make things lighter, as long as they don't sacrifice the integrity of the equipment.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Apr 27 at 2015 11:59 AM

2015-04-27T11:59:58-04:00

Here's a great new technology: it's called empowering your subordinate leaders. Take PPE and load-out decisions out of the hands of General Officers and put them in the hands of Lts, SNCOs and Capts. You know, like SLA Marshal suggested oh, when was it? Yeah after WWII.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Soldiers-Load-Mobility-Nation/dp/ [login to see]

Response by Cpl Karl Gleason made Apr 28 at 2015 1:41 PM

2015-04-28T13:41:02-04:00

Being a Grunt The lighter the better. But, a lot of boy's have gotten to come home alive because of our government getting us better gear. Lot's of missing limbs, but more are making it home Thank God!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 28 at 2015 6:28 PM

2015-04-28T18:28:48-04:00

And we are fighting people wearing sandals. What is wrong with the picture?

Response by SSgt Dan Montague made Apr 30 at 2015 9:44 AM

2015-04-30T09:44:11-04:00

I have been out of the loop on gear for the last 5 years. I do know when I came in we wore the ALICE gear. Not to bad with weight. Then starting in 2003, the gear got heavier. It seemed like every deployment after that the gear was heavier than before. In 2005 wile in Iraq we had so much damn body armor on we had issues getting out of the hummers. We could only run so far before you're ready to fall over.
Our MEU landed by air in Liberia in 03. Our packs were so heavy frames cracked, packs tore and a few Marines fell down and needed 2 others to help them up.