80

NO MORE AVIATION TAX! Modest proposal. Trade a squadron for decent armor.

Blame Paralus for this blog post.

I have a modest proposal.  I've been looking at the Marine Corps budget trying to understand why our armor programs are in such a shit state and it keeps coming back to the aviation side of the house.

In essence the Marine Corps is paying an aviation tax because of the purchase of the V-22 and F-35.

I have a modest proposal.  We have already shuttered several Infantry Battalions...time to close some aviation squadrons and get armor instead.

If we do without one squadron of V-22's and F-35's then we can have surplus numbers of Amphibious Combat Vehicles and Marine Personnel Carriers.  As it is our Marine Corps is unbalanced and biased toward aerial insertion and light infantry actions.

We won't have the mobility or the firepower to engage a Chinese Mechanized Infantry Unit without intense air and artillery support.  Even having M1 Abrams along probably won't prevent the Marine Ground Combat Element from being over run by a similar sized Chinese outfit.

We talk about being a medium sized force?  Not hardly.  Right now the Marine Corps is drifting towards being a bitched up seagoing 101st Airborne with fast movers added.

UPDATE: It just occurred to me that somewhere, Sweetman is laughing his ass off.  I made the complaint about the Marine Corps needing a replacement for the EFV and that even at its present cost it was still a bargain/must have.  He said the Corps could afford it if we weren't paying 100 mil a pop for the V-22.  DAMN IT!  The son of a bitch was right.

If you can't sell the need, you can't get the vehicle.

via Defense News.

US Special Operations Command plans to award a contract this August for the closely watched Ground Mobility Vehicle 1.1 (GMV) program, as opposed to making an award this month, said USMC Lt. Col. Ken Burger, program manager for the Family of Special Operations Vehicles.
The command wants to buy 1,297 new GMVs to replace the current 1,072 Humvee-based GMVs it has in its inventory. As Defense News has reported, the plan is to spend about $24 million on the program in fiscal 2014 for the first 101 vehicles.

Go to Defense News to read the whole story but its rather simple.

SOCOM hasn't made the case of why they need this vehicle.  Quite honestly what will this rig do that the modified HUMMVEEs and Prowlers won't?

SOCOM cheerleaders can get all excited, but they haven't.  You can talk about our Special Operators deserving the best gear possible but we live in budgets.  That's just not realistic talk...especially when unit funds go towards paying for expensive watches and I-Pads.

SOCOM will offer up this vehicle to the budget Gods and state proudly that just like everyone else they're cutting back.  It'll be pure and utter bullshit but they'll be looked at as Saints because of it.

S. African SWAT Shootouts.

The vid is via Everyday No Days Off Blog, if you aren't subscribed you should.  As far as the vid...wow.  Not in a good way but more in the "what the fuck is going on in S. Africa to produce this type of policing".  I complain about US law enforcement but they're quite civil compared to this.

Saar 72. Israel builds a better LCS...just like everyone else.

I don't blame the ship builders.  I blame the US Navy for fuzzy requirements and flawed "transformationalist" thinking.  Read how Israel joined the world club in building a better LCS...otherwise known as a Frigate Mini Corvette here.

Jankel. The biggest little company that you never heard of.

Light Patrol Vehicle (LPV)

Hot Formed Toyota Land Cruiser

Interior of Hot Formed Armored Land Cruiser.

Jankel is the biggest little company you never heard of.  They're about to become a major player in the armor business stateside and you can expect first State Dept. Personnel, then Special Forces and finally Homeland Security to start either buying or having Jankel modify their vehicles so that they can have ultra modern protection for "return home" security.

I'm still looking for info on the Hot Forming Process but you can read about Jankel here and here.

Terrex 8x8 completes swim qual.

SAIC Press Release.

(McLean, Va.) May 15, 2013-- Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) [NYSE: SAI] completed preliminary amphibious tests of the marine personnel carrier (MPC) TERREX 8x8, a wheeled armored, amphibious vehicle, in preparation for an upcoming appraisal to be performed by the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC). SAIC leads a team, along with ST Kinetics and Armatec Survivability Corporation, which modified TERREX in order to expand the maneuver space of infantry battalions for military operations across land, littoral and inland water environments.
TERREX, derived from ST Kinetics, achieved positive results during an ocean swim and maneuvering rehearsal event held in Camp Pendleton, Calif. During the trials, TERREX demonstrated its surf transit, ocean swim maneuverability, and return-to-shore capabilities at fully loaded combat weight configurations determined by the USMC. Surf entry was successfully demonstrated at 5 and 20 mph under challenging conditions.
“Team SAIC’s MPC faced tough challenges during its swim test rehearsal, but its cutting-edge design held strong and completed the Marine Corps’ mission safely, and effectively,” said Tom Watson, SAIC customer group senior vice president. “We have a long history with the Marine Corps and hope to continue to support them on land and sea.”
The TERREX, modified for the USMC MPC program, is one of the forerunners of network-centric, highly mobile, survivable wheeled amphibious vehicles ready to deliver enhanced mobility and protection for the USMC.
On May 6, TERREX survivability demonstrator began ballistic and blast tests operated by the USMC. In June, USMC will continue its evaluation of TERREX by testing its human factors and stowage capabilities along with ocean swim testing to be conducted at Camp Pendleton.

Blast from the past. Moskva-class helicopter carrier

My mind is zooming around the internet tonight...I blame it on carb depletion leading to a mild case of goofiness.  Regardless, its helping my already vivid imagination play the what if game.

Which brings me to the Moskva Helicopter Carrier.  Get rid of the old fashioned launchers, put in some vertical launch cells, and add a 76mm rapid fire gun to the bow with a few 57mm guns at the stern and you have a formidable assault ship.

Replace those ASW helos with some AH-1Z Super Cobras, add to it a CH-53K or two and some Marines from a Battalion Landing Team (not the "Raid Force"...in my scenario they get to go home to SOCOM) and you have a perfect compliment to influence the coastline of half of Africa or help in the Philippines.

Read about the Moskva here.

Blast from the past. X-4 Experimental Tailless Airplane.

 

This neat little airplane gets overlooked when it comes to the X-plane era.  That's a shame because the engineers that made it work did it with a slide rule, a pack of cigarettes, eyeglasses and dogged determination. These guys were nerds but they were cool.  It boggles the mind that the computing power that put the man on the moon is dwarfed by a decent laptop today.  We should be ashamed.  Read about the X-4 here.  And especially here.

TAM 2C. In defense of the concept.

I got some mail that basically called the TAM 2C concept a joke, the flailings of a weak military doing its very best to remain relevant.

I couldn't disagree more.  For some reason, many people in the West are taking their security for granted.  Either they expect someone to do it for them or they live in a fairy tale world where it isn't needed.  I can't debate the issue with people like that.  But to those that do have an interest I'd like to point to one vehicle to prove my point.

Everyone seems to have forgotten about the Marder Medium MBT that was shown at EUROSATORY last year.  It was the talk of the town and at one time the makers of the vehicle were considering using a version of it to compete in the Canadian Close Combat Vehicle Contest.

Remember IDEX 2013 earlier this year?  Cockerill and Doosan combined to form a new Medium Tank.  Cockerill's press release stated in part....

Demand for Medium Tanks is increasing. At IDEX 2013 CMI Defence and Doosan DST present a new 120/105mm Medium Tank concept. The system integrates the Cockerill XC-8 turret and the Doosan K21 IFV chassis. With a system weight of some 25 tonnes, the concept offers advanced 120mm or 105mm firepower with high operational flexibility and tactical mobility

and...

The combination of the Cockerill XC-8 concept-turret with the Doosan K21 chassis promises a significant advance in terms of medium-weight direct-fire capability. The combination of highly effective and flexible lethality options with outstanding strategic and tactical mobility, opens up a new range of operational possibilities.

The Argentinians basically looked at the equipment they had and did the logical thing.  They upgraded it and got a Medium Tank that meets all the hallmarks of a new build vehicle.  Its really quite brilliant.  The concept and in the case of the Argentinian Army, the execution.

Refurbished AAVs going to Chile Marines

via Defense Market Intelligence.

The first batch of armored amphibians AAV7 commissioned by Chilean Marines to equip its Amphibious Expeditionary Brigade (BAE), modernization is underway in the U.S. and will be delivered in early 2014.
The order is composed of twelve AAV7 purchased second hand surplus U.S. Marine Corps. The lot, which is composed of ten vehicles AAVP7 A1 troop transport, vehicle control and recovery AAVC7 AAVR7 A1 A1, is being renovated by Global Combat Systems (GCS) , a U.S. subsidiary of British industrial group BAE Systems .
The vehicles will be equipped with improved shielding apliqu (EAAK), are being modernized by GCS to standard RAM / RS, which includes the installation of a more powerful engine and new suspension for improved mobility on land.

A few takeaways....

*The market for refurbished AAVs is growing rapidly.  I remember Brazil, and now Chile getting them...I don't know if Japan is seeking new builds or refurbed models but knowing the Japanese it'll be new vehicles.

*I think we're beginning to see the roadmap here. The Marine Corps basically held a competition between vehicle concepts AND manufacturers.  Not only did they pit Lockheed Martin, BAE, General Dynamics and Singapore Kinetics against each other but they also pitted the MPC vs. the AAV Upgrade vs. the Amphibious Combat Vehicle.

*I said it once, I'll say it again.  Its a shame but the Marine Personnel Carrier is dead.

*Question.  Did the Marine Personnel Carrier and Amphibious Combat Vehicle die so that the JLTV could live?  Of all the vehicles that I deem unnecessary, the JLTV would be at the top of that list.  But the Marine Corps leadership STILL PUSHES IT WITHOUT ADDRESSING WHY WE NEED IT.

Note:  Isn't it time someone somewhere replace that EAAK armor with something more modern?

This is how you do it!!!(graphic video...NSFW)

Real men hold umbrellas for ladies in the rain (Friday Funny)

Sorry but how much of a pussy are you when YOU ASK ANOTHER MAN to hold an umbrella over you?

That's just plain feminized beyond recognition!  Of course this is my opinion, you might disagree.

Blue Jeans Worn Right...(Friday Funny)

Police Militarization. They're not even trying to hide it anymore.

Read this article over at Black Sheep Warrior.  Read it and weep.  We're heading down a road that is bound to lead to trouble.  I always wondered why incidents between police and civilians seem to be escalating and now I know.  They (the Police) are looking at us as an occupied nation, not as fellow citizens. Citizens are looking at Police as an occupying force, not part of the community, and that they're enforcing the rules of a power that is not responsive to their needs.

Are we past the point of no return?  Are there any adults paying attention to this?

Taiwan's Tank Dilema.

Because of their defense needs and intense urbanization, the Taiwan military has not prioritized armor. But that is changing.  Via an old Defense News article (June 2012).

The announcement renewed debate over the need for a heavy MBT, said a Defense Ministry source, “but they are cheap and available now.” The deal would include refurbishment, but not an upgrade, he said. In 2011, Vice Defense Minister Chao Shih-chang was quoted by the local media saying the Army needed 200 new MBTs.
Since the 1996 Taiwan Strait missile crisis, Taiwan has focused on improving air-sea battle capabilities, and the Army has watched its grip on power and influence slip since the end of the Cold War. The Army maintained a large invasion force to retake mainland China during the Cold War.
Local defense analysts argue there are other pragmatic reasons for not procuring bigger and heavier MBTs. The island is composed of rugged interior mountains notorious for landslides. The coasts are either rice paddies, fish farms or are urbanized. Coupled with narrow roadways and anemic bridges, the island seems an unlikely home for a 60-ton tank 12 feet wide.

The highlighted sentences brings into focus the MBT in the Pacific region, but it must be noted that Indonesia, Australia, Singapore, Japan, S. Korea and China all have either purchased or have in development heavy main battle tanks.

But back to Taiwan.  The CM-11 is unique.  It has the hull of the M60 and the turret of the M48.  Mixed in with all this is suppose to be a world class fire control system and other first rate electronic bits.  On some vehicles ERA tiles have been seen and it would appear that this is an adequate vehicle for their defense needs.

What really got me about this old article is what it only glances at...the CM-32 Snow Leopard and what that could mean in this debate.

There is a large caliber cannon available for the CM-32 and I wonder if the Taiwanese Army will seek to forgo the purchase of Abrams and instead go the "single family of vehicles" route and standardize.

The armor game is changing.  How Taiwan solves this problem will be instructive.  Some of the same issues they face in defense will affect the US in the offense.

I focus on the USMC but it must be asked.  How will a future US Army GCV perform in Asia once the Corps kicks in the door?  How will it navigate across bridges that struggle to carry 60 ton tanks when it weighs in at 70 or 80 tons?  If we solve the strategic mobility problem will it bog down because of its tactical mobility limitations?

I watch US Army specific forums and they don't seem to be having that discussion.  I'll keep watching.

TAM 2C.Elbit upgrades a classic medium tank.

Thanks Lucas for the vid!  I definitely need to find out more.

Every REAL gun guy should be against Kokesh' March.

Take the time to listen to this guy.

He isn't a supporter of gun rights.  He's a provocateur that wants to see bloodshed.  He wants chaos.  He is the perfect anarchist.

How people can't see through his line of bullshit and recognize this for what it is...well, its beyond me.  This won't be seen like Waco or Ruby Ridge where the federal government over reached.  This will be seen as a group of people being misled by Jim Jones the second.

Foodie Friday.

I'm on day eight of a strict No Carb Diet.  Trust me.  I want carbs so bad I can't see straight.  I'm talking about an endless stack of pancakes...a burger with patties stacked to the ceiling...yeah....I'm hurting.  So what do I see on BuzzFeed?  The following.  Go there to see the whole list...

Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Eggo Waffle Sandwich

Mac and Cheese Burger

Spaghetti Tacos

Double Bacon Cheeseburger with Grilled Cheese Buns

VBTP-MR Guarani undergoing "doctrinal" evaluation by Brazilian Army.

photos via technodefesa magazine...

A 6x6 VBTP-MR Guarani extended baffle with its turret and equipped with Platt, when performing the transition from water to land in lane specially constructed for this test the premises of CAEx (Photos: CAEx / CECOMSEX)

It looks like the Brazilian Army version of the Amphibious Vehicle Test Branch and Nevada Proving Ground are putting the VBTP-MR through its paces.  The vehicle will pass its tests and the only thing left is to get it into service.  I never noticed before but it appears that they will have both a APC and IFV version of the vehicle.  Smart.  Very Smart.

AMZ Kutno's CPKTO Hippopotamus

The CPKTO Hippo is a heavy engineer amphibious vehicle.  I can't tell from the website whether its still in development or not, but it is an interesting design.  One thing that is confusing is the relatively small payload.  The industry standard is at least a couple of tons more and for the designated role it seems inadequate.

Stats from AMZ Kutno.

Armor:
The use of newly developed armor using modern composite technology and protection systems to ensure the crew to the maximum possible degree of ballistic protection (up to four levels according to STANAG 456,914.5 × 114 mm B32 of 200 meters at a speed of 911 m / s) and warfare with a modern design floor vehicle.
Number of seats:
Hippos design characterized by versatility and ability to adapt quickly inside, depending on the type of activities carried out.
Currently Hippo adjusted to the version KTRI / Wheeled Reconnaissance Engineering / housing a 5-man crew (commander, driver-mechanic, two engineers and scouts scout-chemist).
Use:
Several military applications as well as the liquidation of civil consequences of natural disasters.
A few selected examples of applications of the chassis for any purpose other than CKPTO:
· The vehicle is equipped with a cab (armored least one level by STANAG 4569) manned and frame the container can be transported standardized containers 20 alloy, which today serve in the Army, as mobile laboratories and mobile command posts,
· When mounting on the chassis support specialized equipment (elevator, blade, towing equipment, lifting equipment, winch system), we obtain a modular car Technical Assistance
· When mounting heavy artillery weapons - we get such mobile howitzers,
· The vehicle also designed to integrate with it in the future systems and specialized equipment (sapper), such as induction detector, hydroacoustic devices, etc.
· In addition, using the capabilities of the vehicle towing heavy trailers are specialist increased the applicability of the chassis as a Heavy Vehicle Transport.


Vehicle details:
Engine DEUTZ TCD 2015 V08 480 kW
Capacity 15874cm 3
Standard Euro 3
Automatic transmission ZF 7HP 902 7-speed
ZF reducer VG2000/396
Suspension Independent
Max speed up to 110km / h
Curb weight of 26 tonnes
Capacity 3 t
Weight to fly 29t.
32t GVW.

These are the crazy bastards McCain want us to aid?

I won't even spoil the story.  Go to CNN and read the whole thing.  The first line of it is too "weird" to not post here though.

A Syrian rebel carves the heart out of a dead man and bites it. His comrades nearby cheer: "God is great."

McCain wants us to help these people?

I don't think so.

Police vs Citizens.

I don't know what the real story is but this looks bad.  Go here to read the details for yourself.

Blast from the past. Bell Landing Vehicle Air Cushion.

The above pics are of a 1970's/early 1980's effort by Bell Corporation to give the Marine Corps an AAV with high water speed.  It reminds a bit of what the Koreans are doing today with their K-21 Infantry Fighting Vehicle.  But unlike the K-21 which relied on inflating pontoons to aid in buoyancy, the Bell Landing Vehicle Air Cushion sought to combine the features of the LCAC with those of the AAV.

Which really brings us back to the issue at hand.  We have been lusting for a vehicle that is high speed in the water and yet capable of fighting as well as an IFV that doesn't have a requirement to be amphibious.

Is that really the way to go?  We had that with the EFV and it was considered too expensive.  WHAT HAS CHANGED SINCE THEN?  The answer is quite simple.  Nothing.

We're looking for a technological answer when we might be facing a tactical problem.

The Navy and Marines have tested deploying an LCAC with AAVs aboard from over the horizon, the LCACs making the majority of the run to the beach and then the AAVs launching from the LCACs to complete the final leg of the amphibious assault on their own power.

Whether you're talking about an ACV, AAV Upgrade OR a Marine Personnel Carrier, that concept should be explored further.  An LCAC that is doing 30 knots with 3 MPC's a piece on them and then allowing those vehicles to make the last dash would be more comfortable for the Marines inside the vehicles, would lower the water requirement and would give us more robust vehicles for land warfare.

THINK TACTICS.  STOP WISHING FOR TECHNOLOGY TO FINALLY CATCH UP WITH MARINE CORPS DREAMS!

Amphibious Combat Vehicle. The USMC basically told us it ain't happening.

via DoD Buzz (read it all there)....

Marine officials explained that the Corps using all the lessons learned from the EFV program – which focused on achieving increased high-water speed – to ensure the same mistakes don’t occur again.
“Capabilities such as high-water speed will be weighed carefully for affordability and for trade space so we understand what we are giving up if in fact we want to achieve the high-water speed,” said Lt. Gen. Richard Mills deputy commandant for Combat Development and Integration.

and...

Marine officials said they would know more in October when the Corps is scheduled to receive a report from industry that will look trade space areas that will help program officials set requirement priorities.
“The number of Marines inside it would be one of those areas where we would look at possible trade space,” Mills said.
The ACV is capable of traveling at more than 15 knots in high water, compared to the current AAV which has a top speed of seven knots, Mills said.

So a decision on the ACV is now delayed till October.  A new fiscal year.  Additionally they're willing to trade high water speed for crew carriage.  Last we're not going to hear about this vehicle until October!

My prediction?

The Amphibious Combat Vehicle is dead.  They're going to use industry to put forth the reasons why and hide behind their coattails.

We're all being setup to see an upgraded AAV.  You can bet body parts that you highly value on that.  The real question is...do we get new builds or are we going to get refurbished vehicles?  Will we see a different design?  Think F-18 Legacy and F-18 Super Hornet...they look the same but are different.

The next question.  What does this mean for the Marine Personnel Carrier Program?

If I'm wrong and they somehow come up with some type of ACV then the Marine Corps needs to take heed to a warning from the past.  Remember the LVTP-5.  Biased toward water performance, a dog on land (where it spent the majority of its time) and got its men killed in Vietnam.  It had the shortest tenure of service of any LVT/LVTP/AAV in Marine Corps history.  It was such a dog that Marines preferred to take their chances on getting shot riding outside than be caught inside and burned alive by a buried mine the vehicle struck.  If we go after a water optimized ACV then we're going to relive that experience.

Northrop Grumman's X47-B Completes 1st Carrier Catapult Launch

The US Navy just found the reason to skip the F-35.

I'm a F-35B supporter (still extremely concerned about Marine Armor and think that it needs to take priority...a delay won't hurt the program)but today should give Lockheed Martin and supporters pause.

The Navy found a legit reason to skip the F-35 and go directly to the 6th gen stealth fighter.  The X-47 taxied, launched and the only thing left is for it to land on a carrier.   No pilot.  Greater endurance.  Good to great payload.  No worries about conducting combat rescue of pilots...just a determination of whether you're going to destroy the plane in place or recover it.  The X-47 probably changed combat aviation in a way that other drones never could.  The X-47 is a threat that must be taken seriously by technologically advanced forces.  Its stealthy, its fast and its a threat...to the enemy and the F-35.  What follows is a sequence of photos from taxi to getting set up on the catapult to launch.

Patria AMV Havoc/Rosomak...Combat Proven Veteran...Modular Too.

I've been caught up in the rush to find out info on the BAE SuperAV which (as a reader from a certain Scandinavian country informed me) has left coverage of the Patria AMV lacking.

I mean to make up for that.

Lockheed Martin is a curious place when it comes to messaging.  The F-35 (still a supporter) is a jumbled confusion when it comes to messaging.  Info is found at 3 or 4 official websites and they all take turns getting out breaking news.  The Havoc has one location and although the guys are cooperative, they seem to be rather muted when it comes to standing on a hilltop and singing the praises of a combat proven modular vehicle.

Modularity.
This was my biggest "wonder".  How was the Havoc modular?  What makes being "modular" a worthwhile asset?  How would it benefit the Marine Corps?  The answer to that question is rather straightforward   If (as I suspect) that the next vehicles will be the vehicles that we keep for at least two generations then that vehicle needs to be upgradeable...it needs to have growth potential...it has to have the inherent flexibility to grow.  If you look at the photos above you see the Havoc sporting a 105mm cannon, a BMP-3 turret with a 100mm cannon w/30mm cannon in coax, and last but not least you see a twin mortar carrier.  Quite honestly the Marine Corps should have moved to a 30mm cannon on the LAV-25 long ago...it should have sought more firepower on the legacy AAV and even if the EFV had come into service, I have had discussions with other bloggers that even now it would be going back for an upgrade to a 40mm cannon just to keep up with the evolving threat on the battlefield (the EFV was suppose to provide overmatch capability against threat vehicles).  The Havoc out the box gives the Marine Corps that option.  Other vehicles have it too but not to the DEMONSTRATED degree that the HAVOC has shown.  Additionally it has a plug and play architecture that makes these turret upgrades not simple, but easier than they would be otherwise.

Variants.
Similar to but different from "modularity" when you take a look at the different versions of the Havoc you can see that the "Single Family of Vehicles" concept is the guiding vision.  One vehicle, all roles.  via Wikipedia.

The AMV is offered in three main variants: a basic platform, a high roof platform and a heavy weapon platform.
*The AMV basic platform includes APC, IFV, C2, ambulance, reconnaissance, mortar carrier, FCV, ATGM and MGS vehicles. Basic platform can also be provided as an extended Basic L platform with increased internal volume.*The AMV high roof platform features a larger and higher rear compartment which allows more space-requiring work to be done inside the vehicle. The AMV SP is suitable for e.g. C3, large ambulance and workshop vehicles.*The AMV heavy weapon platform features stronger structure enabling heavy weapon systems e.g. Patria AMOS 120 mm mortar turret or Mobile Gun System.

Combat Record.
The Poles have deployed their version of the Havoc to Afghanistan and it performed well.  No.  That understates it.  It performed like a champ.  The Taliban began calling it the "Green Devil" and it successfully shrugged off RPG hits on multiple engagements and even IED blasts.  Unlike the US Army's Stryker experience in Afghanistan, the Havoc did its job and did it well.  Unfortunately the nature of warfare indicates that eventually no matter what the vehicle, you will lose men in it.  This happened and from my reading of events it was an attack by a large form IED and it shocked the Poles because (I imagine because I wasn't there) up to that point the Havoc had brought them to hell and back without the loss of any troops.  This should be a point of emphasis.  Of all the contenders in the Marine Personnel Carrier Contest only the Havoc is combat proven.

Conclusion.
The Havoc is a great vehicle and the Marine Corps (in my opinion) finds itself in a great place...if it would just decide to improve its armor the way that it has emphasized its air side that is!  Again, in my opinion, we have two great vehicles to choose from and it only takes someone, somewhere to get the contest rolling, make a decision and then to get them in production.  If the Havoc is chosen I would sleep well.  Its combat proven, modular, has several versions, can help us achieve the vaunted "single family of vehicles" concept that would help us "neck down" our armored fleet.

Headquarters Marine Corps needs to move forward with the Marine Personnel Carrier Program asap.