The Jet Stream
Around The Corps
Fightertown deployed: VMFA-312 Checkerboards are currently deployed to the Mediterranean to promote security in the region.
Combat Center Marines’ first look at unmanned security vehicle set by the controller to run automatically. Operators can navigate the vehicle and cameras with a console controller or joystick much like a video game. A button acts as the dead-man switch, which brings the vehicle to a stop if the joystick is dropped or disconnected. “We have front lasers for driving and obstacle detection,” Cullington said. “That allows us to move the vehicle at a safe speed.” The system uses a dual-monitor display, a ruggedized keyboard, mouse, speakers, microphone, uninterruptible power supply, networking infrastructure and power provisions for the radio and GPS base station. Pre-set functions allow the MDARS to follow set paths, travel to way-points, or conduct random patrols without anyone sitting behind the computer screen. “The operator doesn’t have to be sitting at the control station for the robot to run,” Cullington said. “When the robot detects something, it will notify the operator. Then, the operator can come back to the control station and decide what action to
take.” In addition to controlled and automatic functions, the MDARS can be commanded to go into stealth detection mode, which will shut off the engine and allow the unit to continuously scan the area. The batteries in the vehicle can maintain this function for approximately two hours, after which the engine must run in order to recharge the batteries. According to Cullington, the system can be adjusted to mission-specific requirements for the Corps and they are continuing to make adjustments. The MDARS is not currently in use as a regular part of defensive operations but continues to be looked into as a future possibility. “What we’re here for now is to learn more about the Marine mission,” Cullington said. “How this could be used and how we could develop it to fit the mission.” The Marine Corps will continue to observe the capabilities of the MDARS, evaluating its ability to meet the evolving tactics and strategies for tomorrow’s operations.
MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. -- Over the years, science fiction movies have depicted robotic sentinels as enforcers of the law. These feats of technology were equipped with machine guns, could see a wide spectrum of light through their bionic eyes and could report their findings to their handlers instantly. The Marine Corps has embarked upon the brink of this once fictitious and futuristic technology as they research a new and more efficient way to provide security without putting Marines’ lives in danger. Combat Center Marines took a first-hand look at the Mobile Detection Assessment Response System at Camp Wilson’s ACE Compound Jan. 30, 2014. The console-controlled Polaris Military Diesel Crew provides unmanned, external security and surveillance on defensive perimeters. The MDARS was developed by the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, which delivers and sustains capabilities for warfighters. Although it was originally developed for the United States Army, the Marine Corps is currently looking into its potential as an asset of force protection. Marines with the Air Combat Element, currently supporting the Integrated Training Exercise, plan to use the new system as part of their enhanced, 24-hour Air Base Ground Defense. “We are trying to use it to its full capabilities and (further improve) our defense,” said Sgt. Timothy Hanla, platoon sergeant, air base guard force. “It will help reinforce certain areas and catch things our eyes can’t catch.” The system features multiple laser systems for navigation and a radar system to detect enemy presence on a perimeter. Color and infrared cameras allow its controller to differentiate between enemy or friendly forces. “Essentially, this thing can operate day and night,” said Pat Cullington, MDARS project manager, SPAWAR System Center Pacific. “It will go out there and find whatThe Mobile Detection Assessment Response System uses color and infrared cameras, ever it is you want to find.” All the functions of the MDARS are re- allowing operators to see things that Marines conducting ground patrols cannot. The mote-controlled from a computer or pre- system also utilizes a radar system to detect enemy presence and alert the operator.
Marines, JGSDF conduct fast-rope training Lance Cpl. Ricardo Hurtado
15th Marine Expeditionary Unit
corps Bits
are currently deployed to the Western Pacific as part of the Unit Deployment Program.
a detachment is currently deployed to the Western Pacific supporting VMFA(AW)-224.
Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center
11
VMFA(AW)-224 Bengals
MALS-31 Stingers
Cpl. Ali Azimi
Friday, February 14, 2014
the objective and carrying on with the mission,” said Howe. After completing training at the tower, Marines and Japanese soldiers tested their skills by performing fast-rope insertions from an actual CH-46E Sea Knight. This capability allows commanders to insert troops into treacherous terrains, which plays an important role when conducting anything from humanitarian aid to combat missions. “The Marine Corps is expeditionary by nature, it’s our job to get a foot-hold of some hard-to-reach place by air, sea and land,” Howe said. “I think this is a textbook example of getting a foot-hold from the air to a land objective.” In addition to fast-roping, U.S. Marines taught the Japanese soldiers how to conduct special patrol insert extraction op-
eration, known as SPIE rigging.
Howe explained that during SPIE rigMARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLEging, the troops wear harnesses and TON, Calif. – U.S. Marines with 1st Reconattach them to a rope, also known as a naissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, spine-line, which is suspended from an and soldiers from the Japan Ground Selfaircraft. Once all the harnesses are propDefense Force, conducted fast-rope inerly attached to the spine-line, the airsertion training during Exercise Iron Fist craft lifts up extracting all troops from 2014, aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Feb. the area where a helicopter landing is 5. impossible. Iron Fist is an amphibious exercise that Howe also said that it is important to be brings together Marines and sailors from able to train with other forces because it the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, othwill ensure a more efficient mission exer I Marine Expeditionary Force units, and ecution when working together in real soldiers from the JGSDF, to promote mililife situations. tary interoperability and hone individual Exercises like this one continue to inand small-unit skills through challengtegrate Marines and the JGSDF to better ing, complex and realistic training. understand each other’s operations and Marines and Japanese soldiers began develop each other’s capabilities. the exercise by practicing basic fast-rope insertion techniques from a 30-foot tower. “[Fast-rope insertion] is a technique used to insert a team in an area where a helicopter landing may be untenable,” said U.S. Marine Capt. Benjamin Howe, platoon commander, 2nd Platoon, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion. Before they could fast-rope from a CH-46E Sea Knight, both services had to prove themselves at a practice tower. Individual drills gave Marines and Japanese soldiers the chance to reinforce the ability to perform an insertion while maintaining control of their drop. Descending as a group teaches them how to operate as a fire-team, and be able to execute the insertion in a fast, safe and efficient manner. “They practiced maintaining a [controlled descent] down a rope to an objec- U.S. Marines with 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, and soldiers with the tive and then executing follow-on tasks, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force board a CH-46E Sea Knight to perform fast-rope insertion establishing security, and pushing out to training during Exercise Iron Fist 2014 aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Feb. 5.
Ragnarok Company completes winter-training BRIDGEPORT, Calif. - Blinding snow during the day, bitter cold at night and the threat of attack at any moment added to the stress Ragnarok Company faced each day it spent in the mountains. Marines and sailors with Ragnarok Co., 2nd Supply Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group conducted cold-weather operations during a field exercise while supporting 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division here, Jan. 31 to Feb. 5, 2014. “The Marines are doing a lot here,” said 1st Lt. Owen T. Trotman, a platoon commander and assistant operations officer with the company. “The main thing is getting used to operating in extreme coldweather environments and getting the benefits of the opportunity to train in the mountains, train our basic rifleman skills and provide logistics for 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines.” Ragnarok Co. posted 24-hour security, conducted patrols and acted as a quick reaction force while operating against the fictional country of North Toiyabe, portrayed by MCMWTC instructors and members of Weapons Company, 2nd Bn., 2nd Marines. Marines holding perimeter security worked in shifts to ensure they were as fresh as possible in the harsh elements outside the relative warmth of their shelters, while the service members on patrol hiked through knee-deep snow in search of intelligence and signs of enemy movement to support the infantry. The FEX marks the end of training operations for the company prior to Cold Response 2014 in Norway to work alongside 2nd Bn., 2nd Marines and NATO militaries in Norway. “As we shift our focus from desert operations, we are going back to that old adage, ‘any clime, any place’,” said Trotman.
Marine promoted, awarded for six-course meal at patrol base CAMP LEATHERNECK – Infantry Marines with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, stationed at Patrol Base Boldak in Helmand province, Afghanistan, have few luxuries while patrolling an area roughly half the size of Rhode Island. However, one such luxury they do have is a warm, satisfying meal three times a day, thanks to Sgt. Marcus Myers. Since September 2013, Myers, a food service specialist with Headquarters Company, 1st Bn., 9th Marines, Regional Command (Southwest), has single-handedly prepared nourishing entrées and handmade side dishes for Marines and sailors aboard PB Boldak. He prides himself on giving the Marines and sailors what they need to get back in the fight while keeping morale in the unit high, said Myers, a 26-year-old native of West Palm Beach, Fla. “I always tell my Marines never to settle for mediocrity and to push themselves toward a higher work ethic each day by serving a homemade-style meal,” said Staff Sgt. Aviel Smith, food service specialist chief, Headquarters Co., 1st Bn., 9th Marines, stationed at Camp Leatherneck. Myers is responsible for ordering, stocking, cooking and serving meals for all of Charlie Co. His attention to detail and careful preparation ensure the Marines and sailors are continuously supplied with fresh, healthy sustenance. Myers takes great pride and puts a significant amount of effort into making wholesome meals. At no time was this more evident than on Christmas Day, when he prepared a six-course meal, one of the best the company had ever enjoyed, without any running water and just a simple grill. While many benefited from Myers’ cooking, one person in particular took notice. During a holiday visit made by Gen. James F. Amos, commandant of the Marine Corps, he observed the hard work of one corporal serving food for his entire company of Marines and sailors. “We were highly impressed by your ability to produce so many outstanding meals for your fellow Marines while simultaneously handling supplies. You did an amazing job of taking care of your fellow warriors, and we couldn’t be prouder of your performance and fidelity,” wrote Gen. Amos in a letter to Myers. Because of Myers’ hard work on Christmas Day and throughout the battalion’s current deployment, he was meritoriously promoted to the rank of sergeant and awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for superior performance of his duties while serving as the only field mess noncommissioned officer at PB Boldak.