NEWSREP exclusive: The Marine Corps begins unveiling its new toys

An active private military contractor with connections to the U.S. Marine Corps (his name has been withheld to protect his identity) has revealed to NEWSREP that the Marines are rolling out a new round of updates for their infantry. The Corps’ self-identity as amphibious shock troops, long institutional memory of hard fights with capable peers, and two decades of combat are driving a modernization effort of infantry weapons and tactics. The grunts, normally accustomed to making do with what they can scrounge, are going to find themselves experiencing an unfamiliar feeling as they pull brand new rifles and other mischievous toys out of their factory wrapping. Here’s a glimpse of what’s coming down the pipe and when we can expect it.

Protection

The Marines are looking to upgrade their infantry with electronic ear protection, such as Peltors. Although the specific vendor is still being worked out, small unit leaders can expect the ear protection to amplify ambient noise, cancel out gunshots and explosions, and link with current radio systems. This will greatly increase unit leaders’ ability to communicate with their Marines amidst the cacophony of modern combat. The update from the ill-chosen and ineffective “foamies” to 21^st century hearing protection, however, is going to be a little slower to arrive. That isn’t necessarily bad news, though.