RICHARD C. BARNARD, Editor in Chief
Military and industry labs have, in recent years, come up with some terrific gear for Marines: personal radios, new hydration packs, optical sights and, in the near future, possibly, an advanced mortar with deadly accuracy. But do the brighter bulbs in the labs ever put their stuff on a scale and weigh it?
That’s what some in the Marine Corps are doing these days to lighten the load carried by individual Marines. The gear they carry into combat has become too big a burden to bear — literally. Maj. Gen. William D. Catto, commander of the Marine Corps Systems Command, complains that the lightest guy in the platoon is “going across the line of departure wearing 80 pounds of gear.” He has challenged defense industry “pinheads” to develop body armor that weighs substantially less than today’s standard issue with no loss of protection.
Gen. Mike Hagee, commandant of the Marine Corps, wonders aloud why the nation’s scientists can put a man on the moon but cannot develop lightweight protective equipment.
Throughout the ranks, Marines are dealing with the hidden costs of new technology. Devices such as night-vision gear and long-life batteries are terrific until you have to carry them on your back for a fast 20 kilometers. The price is paid in the loss of agility and stamina. There are high risks, as well. Associate Editor Matt Hilburn reports (p. 10) that some Marines discard their body armor for some types of operations because it weighs too much and limits their movements.
Sadly, this is not a story with a particularly happy ending. There is no “silver bullet” solution out there that will cut Marines’ combat load by a third. Improvements — some rather ingenious — are coming out of the labs but won’t be deployed for years.
Also in this issue, Seapower Correspondent Megan Scully reports (p. 6) that the House and Senate are preparing for a pitched political battle that may affect the size and structure of the Navy’s carrier fleet. Managing Editor Richard R. Burgess takes us on a guided tour (p. 26) of new unmanned surface vehicles being readied for deployment. And on page 34, Special Correspondent Eileen Sullivan asks an old question about a new military mission: “Who will pay?”
The subject of our “Interview” this month is Hagee, who tells us about the road ahead for the Corps as Marines adopt new tactics and lay the groundwork for military partnerships in places like Kenya, Georgia and Ghana.
As always, thanks for reading Seapower.
We are eager to get your feedback. Contact me at rbarnard@navyleague.org or by mail at Seapower, 2300 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201-3308.
