United States Marine Corps Warning: You are not logged in. Your IP address will be publicly visible if you make any edits. If you log in or create an account, your edits will be attributed to your username, along with other benefits.Anti-spam check. Do not fill this in! ==Equipment== {{main|:Category:United States Marine Corps equipment|List of United States Marine Corps individual equipment}} As of 2013, the typical infantry rifleman carries $14,000 worth of gear (excluding [[night vision device|night-vision goggles]]), compared to $2,500 a decade earlier. The number of pieces of equipment (everything from radios to trucks) in a typical infantry battalion has also increased, from 3,400 pieces of gear in 2001 to 8,500 in 2013.<ref>[http://www.dodbuzz.com/2013/09/26/corps-to-industry-prepare-for-the-worst/ Corps to Industry: Prepare for the Worst] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928004549/http://www.dodbuzz.com/2013/09/26/corps-to-industry-prepare-for-the-worst/ |date=28 September 2013}} β DoDBuzz.com, 26 September 2013</ref> ===Infantry weapons=== {{main|List of weapons of the United States Marine Corps}} [[File:FORECON CQB trng -001-.jpg|thumb|Marines firing [[MEU(SOC) pistol]]s while [[garrison]]ed aboard a ship]] The infantry weapon of the Marine Corps is the [[M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle|M27 IAR]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=PM Infantry Weapons undergoing largest modernization effort in decades |url=https://www.marines.mil/News/News-Display/Article/2191327/pm-infantry-weapons-undergoing-largest-modernization-effort-in-decades/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.marines.mil%2FNews%2FNews-Display%2FArticle%2F2191327%2Fpm-infantry-weapons-undergoing-largest-modernization-effort-in-decades%2F |access-date=2023-08-31 |website=United States Marine Corps Flagship |language=en-US}}</ref> service rifle. Most non-infantry marines have been equipped with the [[M4 carbine|M4 Carbine]]<ref>{{cite web |title= Top Marine Glad to Have M16A4 Standard |work= Kit Up! |publisher= Military.com |url= http://kitup.military.com/2010/03/top-marine-glad-to-have-m16a4-standard.html |date= 25 March 2010 |access-date= 27 April 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100328044510/http://kitup.military.com/2010/03/top-marine-glad-to-have-m16a4-standard.html |archive-date= 28 March 2010 |url-status=live |df= dmy-all}}</ref> or [[Colt 9mm SMG]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://marines.mil/news/publications/Documents/NAVMC%20DIR%203500.90.pdf |title=NAVMC Directive 3500.90: Marine Corps Security Guard Battalion Training and Readiness Manual, (Short Title: MSGBN T&R Manual) |publisher=Headquarters Marine Corps |date=4 April 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090110131959/http://www.marines.mil/news/publications/Documents/NAVMC%20DIR%203500.90.pdf |archive-date=10 January 2009 |access-date=11 June 2014}}</ref> The standard [[Sidearm (weapon)|side arm]] is the [[SIG Sauer M17]]/M18<ref>{{Cite web |title=Marine Corps fields first new service pistol in 35 years |url=https://www.marines.mil/News/News-Display/Article/2358194/marine-corps-fields-first-new-service-pistol-in-35-years/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.marines.mil%2FNews%2FNews-Display%2FArticle%2F2358194%2Fmarine-corps-fields-first-new-service-pistol-in-35-years%2F |access-date=2023-08-31 |website=United States Marine Corps Flagship |language=en-US}}</ref> The M18 will replace all other pistols in the Marine Corps inventory, including the [[Beretta M9|M9]], M9A1, [[MEU(SOC) pistol|M45A1]] and M007, as the [[MEU(SOC) pistol|M45A1]] Close Quarter Battle Pistol (CQBP) in small numbers. [[Suppressive fire]] is provided by the, [[M249 light machine gun|M249 SAW]], and [[M240 machine gun|M240]] machine guns, at the squad and company levels respectively. In 2018, the M27 IAR was selected to be the standard issue rifle for all infantry squads.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hodge Seck|first=Hope|date=5 January 2018|title=M27s and 'Head-to-Toe' Gear Overhaul on the Way for Marine Grunts|url=https://www.military.com/kitup/2018/01/05/m27s-and-head-toe-gear-overhaul-way-marine-grunts.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180107233105/https://www.military.com/kitup/2018/01/05/m27s-and-head-toe-gear-overhaul-way-marine-grunts.html|archive-date=7 January 2018|access-date=11 September 2021|website=Military.com}}</ref> In 2021, the Marine Corps committed to fielding [[Silencer (firearms)|suppressors]] to all its infantry units, making it the first branch of the U.S. military to adopt them for widespread use.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hambling|first=David|date=5 January 2021|title=Stealth Fighters: Why U.S. Marine Corps Is Issuing Silencers To All Infantry Units|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidhambling/2021/01/05/stealth-fighters-why-all-marine-infantry-are-getting-silencers/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128025625/https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidhambling/2021/01/05/stealth-fighters-why-all-marine-infantry-are-getting-silencers/|archive-date=28 January 2021|access-date=11 September 2021|website=Forbes}}</ref> The USMC infantry issued grenade launcher is the M320, which shoots a 40mm grenade,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Marines test grenade launcher during fielding event |url=https://www.marines.mil/News/News-Display/Article/2103936/marines-test-grenade-launcher-during-fielding-event/ |access-date=2024-02-09 |website=United States Marine Corps Flagship |language=en-US}}</ref> such as the M67 fragmentation grenade.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Service Members Throw M-67 Fragmentation Grenades |url=https://www.marines.mil/News/Marines-TV/videoid/297637/dvpTag/fragmentation/ |access-date=2024-02-09 |website= marines.mil |language=en-US}}</ref> Indirect fire is also provided by the [[M203 grenade launcher]] and the [[Milkor MGL|M32 grenade launcher]] in fireteams, [[M224 mortar|M224 60 mm mortar]] in companies, and [[M252 mortar|M252 81 mm mortar]] in battalions. The [[M2 Browning|M2 .50 caliber heavy machine gun]] and [[Mk 19 grenade launcher|MK19 automatic grenade launcher (40 mm)]] are available for use by dismounted infantry, though they are more commonly vehicle-mounted. Precision firepower is provided by the [[M40 rifle|M40 series]]<ref>{{cite web|title= M40A1 Sniper Rifle |work= USMC Fact File |publisher= U.S. Marine Corps|url= http://www.hqmc.usmc.mil/factfile.nsf/7e931335d515626a8525628100676e0c/03ae5c82962bc0f48525627b006d3126?OpenDocument |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070225004953/http://www.hqmc.usmc.mil/factfile.nsf/7e931335d515626a8525628100676e0c/03ae5c82962bc0f48525627b006d3126?OpenDocument |archive-date=25 February 2007}}</ref> and the [[Barrett M82|Barrett M107]], while [[Designated marksman|designated marksmen]] use the [[United States Marine Corps Designated Marksman Rifle|DMR]] variant of the M27, known as the M38, and the [[Squad Advanced Marksman Rifle|SAM-R]].{{cn|date=August 2023}} [[File:AAV-australia.jpg|thumb|Marine [[Amphibious Assault Vehicle]]s emerge from the surf onto the sand of Freshwater Beach, Australia]] The Marine Corps utilizes a variety of direct-fire rockets and missiles to provide infantry with an offensive and defensive anti-armor capability. The [[Mk 153 Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon|SMAW]] and [[AT4]] are unguided rockets that can destroy armor and fixed defenses (e.g., bunkers) at ranges up to 500 meters. The smaller and lighter [[M72 LAW]] can destroy targets at ranges up to 200 meters.<ref>John Antal "Packing a Punch: America's Man-Portable Antitank Weapons" page 88 Military Technology 3/2010 {{ISSN|0722-3226}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fbo.gov/index?tab=core&s=opportunity&mode=form&id=6aea0552c87c7c9afb20167e1b193acc|title=Light Assault Weapon (LAW)|publisher=FBO.gov|access-date=20 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120214055038/https://www.fbo.gov/index?tab=core&s=opportunity&mode=form&id=6aea0552c87c7c9afb20167e1b193acc|archive-date=14 February 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[FGM-172 SRAW|Predator SRAW]], [[FGM-148 Javelin]] and [[BGM-71 TOW]] are [[anti-tank guided missile]]s. The Javelin can utilize top-attack profiles to avoid heavy frontal armor. The Predator is a short-range [[fire-and-forget]] weapon; the Javelin and TOW are heavier missiles effective past 2,000 meters that give infantry an offensive capability against armor.<ref>{{cite web |title= Tube Launched, Optically Tracked, Wire Guided (TOW) Missile Weapon System |work= USMC Fact File |publisher= U.S. Marine Corps |url= http://www.hqmc.usmc.mil/factfile.nsf/7e931335d515626a8525628100676e0c/4ba8f1e3958ca16d8525628100789abb?OpenDocument |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070211021126/http://www.hqmc.usmc.mil/factfile.nsf/7e931335d515626a8525628100676e0c/4ba8f1e3958ca16d8525628100789abb?OpenDocument |archive-date=11 February 2007}}</ref> ===Ground vehicles=== {{main|List of vehicles of the United States Marine Corps}} The Corps operates the same [[Humvee|HMMWV]] as does the Army, which is in the process of being replaced by the [[Joint Light Tactical Vehicle]] (JLTV). However, for its specific needs, the Corps uses a number of unique vehicles. The [[LAV-25]] is a dedicated wheeled armored personnel carrier, similar to the Army's [[Stryker]] vehicle, used to provide strategic mobility.<ref>{{cite web |title= Light Armored Vehicle-25 (LAV-25) |work= USMC Fact File |publisher= U.S. Marine Corps |url= http://www.hqmc.usmc.mil/factfile.nsf/7e931335d515626a8525628100676e0c/b54eb957c0d3b17a852562830058111b?OpenDocument |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20030428184054/http://www.hqmc.usmc.mil/factfile.nsf/7e931335d515626a8525628100676e0c/b54eb957c0d3b17a852562830058111b?OpenDocument|archive-date=28 April 2003}}</ref> Amphibious capability is provided by the [[Assault Amphibious Vehicle|AAV-7A1 Assault Amphibious Vehicle]], an armored tracked vehicle that doubles as an [[Armoured personnel carrier|armored personnel carrier]], due to be replaced by the [[Amphibious Combat Vehicle]], a faster vehicle with superior armor and weaponry. The threat of [[land mine]]s and [[improvised explosive device]]s in Iraq and Afghanistan has seen the Corps begin purchasing heavily armored vehicles that can better withstand the effects of these weapons as part of the [[MRAP|Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle program]].<ref>{{cite web|title = U.S. Marine Corps Orders More Force Protection Vehicles|work = Force Protection, Inc. β In the News|publisher = Force Protection, Inc.|date = August 2006|url = http://www.forceprotection.net/news/news_article.html?id=142|access-date = 3 January 2007|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090503120706/http://www.forceprotection.net/news/news_article.html?id=142|archive-date = 3 May 2009|df = dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="LVSR">{{cite web|url=http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2009/10/marine_lvsr_102209w/#|title=First LVSR truck arrives in Afghanistan|last=Lamothe|first=Dan|date=22 October 2009|work=[[Marine Corps Times]]|access-date=23 October 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110428155003/http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2009/10/marine_lvsr_102209w/|archive-date=28 April 2011}}</ref> The Marines also operate the [[M777 howitzer|M777 155 mm howitzer]] and the [[M142 HIMARS|High Mobility Artillery Rocket System]] (HIMARS), a truck-mounted rocket artillery system. Both are capable of firing guided munitions.<ref name="JCLewis">{{Cite journal|last= Lewis|first= Maj. J Christopher|title= The Future Artillery Force... Today|journal= Marine Corps Gazette|issue= July 2006|pages= 24β25|publisher= Marine Corps Association|date=July 2006}}</ref> In 2020, the Marine Corps retired its [[M1 Abrams|M1A1 Abrams]] tanks and eliminated all of its tank units. General David Berger explained the decision describing the long-serving Marine weapons system as "operationally unsuitable for our highest-priority challenges." The move leaves the Army as the sole American operator of tanks.<ref>{{Cite web|title=A farewell to armor: Marine Corps shuts down tank units, hauls away M1A1s|url=https://www.stripes.com/news/marine-corps/a-farewell-to-armor-marine-corps-shuts-down-tank-units-hauls-away-m1a1s-1.639355#:~:text=After%20serving%202nd%20MARDIV%20for,the%20Marine%20Corps%27%20modernization%20plan.&text=A%20U.S.%20Marine%20with%202nd,N.C.,%20July%2027,%202020.|access-date=23 November 2020|website=Stars and Stripes|archive-date=4 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204030021/https://www.stripes.com/news/marine-corps/a-farewell-to-armor-marine-corps-shuts-down-tank-units-hauls-away-m1a1s-1.639355#:~:text=After%20serving%202nd%20MARDIV%20for,the%20Marine%20Corps%27%20modernization%20plan.&text=A%20U.S.%20Marine%20with%202nd,N.C.,%20July%2027,%202020.|url-status=live}}</ref> ===Aircraft=== [[File:Aircraft.osprey.678pix.jpg|thumb|alt=color photo of four parachutists jumping from the open ramp of an MV-22 Osprey in flight|Marine parachutists jumping from an [[Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey|MV-22 Osprey]] at 10,000 feet]] {{main|List_of_active_United_States_military_aircraft#Marine_Corps|l1= List of active United States Marine Corps military aircraft}} The [[Organic unit|organic]] aviation capability of the Marine Corps is essential to its amphibious mission. [[Marine Corps Aviation]] operates both [[helicopter|rotary-wing]] and [[fixed-wing aircraft]] mainly to provide [[Assault Support]] and [[close air support]] to its ground forces. Other aircraft types are used in a variety of support and special-purpose roles. The light transport and attack capabilities are provided by the [[Bell UH-1Y Venom]] and [[Bell AH-1Z Viper]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hqmc.usmc.mil/factfile.nsf/7e931335d515626a8525628100676e0c/a251c8116905c4b98525626d00777b4b?OpenDocument |title=AH-1W Super Cobra Helicopter |work=USMC Fact File |publisher=U.S. Marine Corps |access-date=3 August 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070205090648/http://www.hqmc.usmc.mil/factfile.nsf/7e931335d515626a8525628100676e0c/a251c8116905c4b98525626d00777b4b?OpenDocument |archive-date=5 February 2007}}</ref> Medium-lift squadrons utilize the [[Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey|MV-22 Osprey]] [[tiltrotor]]. Heavy-lift squadrons are equipped with the [[Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion|CH-53E Super Stallion]] helicopter, which are being replaced with the upgraded [[Sikorsky CH-53K|CH-53K]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Marine Corps Rotary Wing|publisher=[[Federation of American Scientists]]|url=https://fas.org/man/dod-101/navy/docs/vision/Corpsr.htm|access-date=29 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105060424/http://fas.org/man/dod-101/navy/docs/vision/Corpsr.htm|archive-date=5 November 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> Marine attack squadrons fly the [[McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II|AV-8B Harrier II]]; while the fighter/attack mission is handled by the single-seat and dual-seat versions of the [[McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet|F/A-18 Hornet]] strike-fighter aircraft. The AV-8B is a [[V/STOL]] aircraft that can operate from [[amphibious assault ship]]s, land air bases and short, expeditionary airfields, while the F/A-18 can only be flown from land or [[aircraft carrier]]s. Both are slated to be replaced by 340 of the [[STOVL]] B version of the [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II|F-35 Lightning II]]<ref>{{cite web|title=F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program|publisher=[[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]]|url=http://www.jsf.mil/|access-date=3 August 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071027111123/http://www.jsf.mil/|archive-date=27 October 2007|url-status=live}}</ref> and 80 of the carrier [[F-35C]] versions for deployment with Navy [[carrier air wing]]s.<ref>{{cite web|last=Daniel |first=Lisa |url=http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=63158 |title=Plan Improves Navy, Marine Corps Air Capabilities |work=[[American Forces Press Service]] |publisher=United States Department of Defense |date=14 March 2011 |access-date=23 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110529052624/http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=63158 |archive-date=29 May 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2011/03/navy-more-marines-to-fly-f35c-031411w/ |title=More Marines to fly carrier-variant JSFs |last=Cavas |first=Christopher P. |date=14 March 2011 |work=Marine Corps Times |access-date=23 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110428154152/http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2011/03/navy-more-marines-to-fly-f35c-031411w/ |archive-date=28 April 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hqmc.marines.mil/News/NewsArticleDisplay/tabid/3488/Article/78874/marine-corps-continues-flying-with-joint-strike-fighter-program.aspx |title=Marine Corps continues flying with Joint Strike Fighter program |first=Michael S. |last=Cifuentes |publisher=Headquarters Marine Corps |date=14 March 2011 |access-date=11 June 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130301031003/http://www.hqmc.marines.mil/News/NewsArticleDisplay/tabid/3488/Article/78874/marine-corps-continues-flying-with-joint-strike-fighter-program.aspx |archive-date=1 March 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/year-2015-news/january-2015-navy-naval-forces-defense-industry-technology-maritime-security-global-news/2374-us-marine-corps-received-its-first-f-35c-lightning-ii-carrier-variant.html |title=U.S. Marine Corps Received Its First F-35C Lightning II Carrier Variant |date=29 January 2015 |access-date=4 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150204044303/http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/year-2015-news/january-2015-navy-naval-forces-defense-industry-technology-maritime-security-global-news/2374-us-marine-corps-received-its-first-f-35c-lightning-ii-carrier-variant.html |archive-date=4 February 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> [[File:US Navy 111003-N-ZZ999-002 An F-35B Lightning II makes the first vertical landing on a flight deck at sea aboard the amphibious assault ship USS W.jpg|thumb|right|A Marine Corps F-35B, the vertical-landing version of the [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II|F-35 Lightning II]] [[Multirole combat aircraft|multirole fighter]] landing aboard {{USS|Wasp|LHD-1|6}}]] The Corps operates its own organic [[aerial refueling]] assets in the form of the [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules|KC-130 Hercules]]; however, it also receives a large amount of support from the U.S. Air Force. The Hercules doubles as a ground refueler and tactical-airlift transport aircraft. The USMC electronic warfare plane, the [[Northrop Grumman EA-6B Prowler|EA-6B]], was retired in 2019. The Marines operate [[unmanned aerial vehicle]]s: the [[AAI RQ-7 Shadow|RQ-7 Shadow]] and [[Boeing ScanEagle|Scan Eagle]] for tactical reconnaissance.<ref>{{cite web|last=Talton|first=Trista|title=U.S. Marines' Shadow UAV Sees First Combat|publisher=Defensenews.com|url=http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?F=3117663&C=airwar|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120731190354/http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?F=3117663&C=airwar|archive-date=31 July 2012|access-date=3 August 2008}}</ref> Marine Fighter Training Squadron 401 ([[VMFT-401]]), operates [[Northrop F-5|F-5E, F-5F and F-5N Tiger II]] aircraft in support of air combat adversary ([[dissimilar air combat training|aggressor]]) training. Marine Helicopter Squadron One ([[HMX-1]]) operates the [[Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King|VH-3D Sea King]] and [[Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk|VH-60N Whitehawk]] helicopters in the VIP transport role, most notably [[Marine One]], but are [[VXX|due to be replaced]] with the [[Sikorsky VH-92 Patriot|VH-92 Patriot]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Trevithick |first=Joseph |date=2023-03-14 |title=New VH-92 Presidential Helicopter Deploys To Las Vegas |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/vh-92-patriot-presidential-helicopter-deployed-to-las-vegas |access-date=2023-05-17 |website=The Drive |language=en}}</ref> A single Marine Corps [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules|C-130 Hercules]] aircraft, "Fat Albert", is used to support the U.S. Navy's flight demonstration team, the "[[Blue Angels]]".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Trevithick |first1=Joseph |title=Check Out The Blue Angels' New Fat Albert C-130J In All Its Glory |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/34507/here-is-our-first-look-at-the-blue-angels-new-fat-albert-c-130j-in-all-its-glory |website=www.thedrive.com |date=30 June 2020 |publisher=The Drive |access-date=22 May 2021 |archive-date=22 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522220231/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/34507/here-is-our-first-look-at-the-blue-angels-new-fat-albert-c-130j-in-all-its-glory |url-status=live }}</ref> Summary: Please note that all contributions to Christianpedia may be edited, altered, or removed by other contributors. 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