Hi Tech Expo at Quantico

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. (Sept. 9, 2004) -- The air facility aboard Marine Corps Base, Quantico, will open its gates for the 24th annual Modern Day Marine Military Exposition Tuesday through Thursday.

The Marine Corps League will be co-sponsoring the event and is anticipating representatives from more than 260 defense contractors to exhibit various displays and concepts in support of the Marine Corps operating forces.

The Marine Corps League is a military veterans service organization and was formed for the purposes of promoting the interests of the U. S. Marine Corps in effort to provide camaraderie and assistance for Marines.

“The concept of holding this military exposition on site at Quantico is to give users of systems and equipment an opportunity to carry on dialogue with manufacturers’ representatives and suppliers that will lead to improvements in manufacturing, understanding of user needs and an awareness of new equipment coming on line,” said Col. James M. Lowe, base commander

The expositions were specifically designed to better suit the operational needs of the Marine Corps, said Alida Roberts, Modern Marine Exposition, press representative. By allowing Marines the opportunity to critique new concepts beforehand, representatives are more capable to meet the demands of combat operations.

Only Marines in uniform may enter the exhibit halls without a special registration badge. All other military services, civilians and industry representatives must register on site and obtain a registration badge to attend the event.

According to the expositions’ Web site, the primary intent is for vendors to get “front and center” with thousands of military officials, increase visibility of products and technology and network with potential clients to build successful business relationships.

The Marine West Exposition begins in January and is starting point for many new concepts, said Bracken. The Marine South Exposition is then held in May, allowing vendors any needed time to make adjustments.

“In comparison to the other two Marine expositions, Quantico is the focal point, and is one of the deciding factors of what future concepts will become the future of the corps,” said Jim Bracken, exposition director.

Most vendors attend at least one of the other Marine expositions prior to Quantico, said Bracken. The extra time allows them to evaluate what works, what does not and what needs to be done to make their products invaluable to the Marine Corps.

“Several competitive industry leaders and professionals from around the world attend the expositions to find practical advice, innovative ideas and expert solutions,” said Bracken. “The vendors cover just about every aspect from leadership improvement seminars and protocol weapons systems to Marine Corps history preservation and martial arts,” he added.

One example of new technology that may be impacting the Marine Corps in the near future, is the Heckler and Koch Defense Inc. designed XM-8 Lightweight Modular Weapons System, a possible replacement for the M-16A2 service rifle.

“The XM8 was developed to address user requests for a weapon weighing up to 20 percent less than the current issue weapon while at the same time offering a superior level of performance as well as system modularity to address current needs of the ever-changing modern battlefield,” according to one of the many Web sites featuring the new weapon.

Another example of a new and improved weapon featured at the exposition is the Marine Corps Bayonet made by the Ontario Knife Company, said Bracken.

According to Homer M. Brett, subject matter expert on edged weapons at the Marine Corps Martial Arts Center of Excellence, the bayonet is the first of its kind partly due to suggestions received from interactive Marines.

Various other companies scheduled to attend will be exhibiting types of body armor upgrades, ballistic helmets, back pack systems, weapons slings, holsters, and even high-tech first aid kits with designed speed clotting for hemorrhage-type wounds.

On the louder side of weaponry, General Dynamics is slated to display upgraded versions of the M2 .50-caliber machine gun and MK-19 40 mm grenade launcher. According to a company representative, the M2 on display will feature a muzzle flash hider; removable barrel handle; fixed head space and timing, meaning the weapon will never require adjustments; and a rail-type sight bracket that will accept different types of sights.

In addition to the exhibits, all attendees can view an Enlisted Awards Parade featuring Marines from Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., scheduled to begin adjacent to the exhibit halls on Wednesday at 9 a.m.

The league’s host detachment, the Capital Marines, will also recognize several enlisted Marines, both active-duty and reserve, for various outstanding contributions to the Corps.

The Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Michael W. Hagee, will present the awards, which include Recruiter, Drill Instructor and Career Planner of the Year.

In addition to the exposition, Marine Week will begin Monday.

“Marine Week is an opportunity for Marines to familiarize themselves with the latest gear and technology in our business of warfighting,” said Lowe. “More than that, it is an opportunity for us to talk with fellow Marines about our Corps.”

[Vulture6]

I'll be there Thursday. Anyone else going?