MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- When the first Marine Expo in 1982 showcased some of the newest technology available, the Marines could only wonder what the future warfighter would carry - Would it be futuristic guns from a Sci-Fi movie? Would robots fight our wars, while humans stayed in relative safety? The answer to their child-like wonderment was found at the 2011 Marine West Expo held on Camp Pendleton Jan. 26 - 27.
The Expo, which showcased more than 200 vendors to more than 3,500 visitors, highlighted the best of what deployed Marines are using and will use in years to come.
“Marine West is a ‘users’ event,” said Charles Baisley, Marine West Expo show director. “We want vendors in touch with Marines at the unit level. With Marines in harms way, the goal is to help the Marine Corps identify and procure the best products and services to help their warfighting efforts.”
The Marines, sailors and civilians who came to the two-day event were able to see everything from new weapon systems technology, robots for explosive ordnance disposal and reconnaissance, as well as upgrades to existing technology, like the TAK-4 Humvee suspension system and mobile solar panels for energy saving solutions and many others.
“At Marine West, the Marine Corps Expeditionary Energy Office set up a display and was able to interact with vendors to address the energy issue,” Baisley said. “The Marine Corps knows that by making forward operating bases more energy efficient, it will mean less Marines on convoys and ultimately keep Marines safer - as we all know, too many Marines are hit by [Improvised Explosive Devices], transporting fuel, water and chow in theater.”
The vendors were not only there to showcase the gear they now have, but also to engage Marines and find out what works and how their products can be improved.
“The idea exchange here will shape what the future of the Corps uses in combat,” said Capt. Jon Kochersberger, environmental officer, Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton. “This should give the junior Marines hope that they will have a direct role in how their equipment can change based on their feedback on whether or not something is working the way it should.”
The Marine Corps holds three Expos a year across the country, with the next scheduled to be held at Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 27 – 28 and the Modern Day Marine Expo held at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., Sept. 27 – 29. For more information, visit www.marinemilitaryexpos.com.