“The heart and soul of this rifle is one of our flagship products – the legendary MCX,” said Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, Commercial Sales, SIG SAUER, Inc. “This is the first time the DNA of an Elite Special Forces battle platform, flawless function, and a short stroke gas piston system has been specifically designed and visioned for the working rifle. At SIG, we don’t subscribe to the premise that its acceptable to compromise for any purpose, including your working rifle, and this rifle will revolutionize a day at the ranch or however you use your REGULATOR.”

The MCX-REGULATOR is an aluminum frame rifle with a gas-piston operating system, a Magpul SGA Mossberg 500/590 traditional stock in a Gen II NiR FDE Cerakote for reduced IR Signature. The platform features a redesigned lower receiver compatible with all MCX upper receivers, a fully ambidextrous magazine release, safety selector, and bolt catch. The MCX-REGULATOR ships with a two-stage match trigger, a cold hammer-forged carbon steel barrel, a SIG designed muzzle brake, and is available in 7.62×39 and 5.56 calibers. The MCX-REGULATOR offers a built in Arca Rail for easy tripod mounting and ships with a 10-round magazine.
VIDEO: MCX-REGULATOR

Additionally, the MCX-REGULATOR is available in with a factory installed mil-spec ROMEO2 optic. The optic features a molded glass aspheric lens with high-performance coatings for superior light transmittance and zero distortion, D.A.R.C. (Dark Adaptive Reticles and Coatings) technology to provide ideal reticle brightness and target clarity during the day or under night vision, MOTAC (motion-activated illumination system) automatically turns the optic off when not in use, and automatically turns it back on when it detects motion, and MAGNETAC (Magnetic Activation) automatically turns the optic off when holstered in a compatible holster, and on when drawn. The sight has a 7075-aluminum housing and comes with a full shroud installed to fully enclosed and seal the sight. A spring-loaded side battery tray with push-button release allows a battery change without the need to remove the optic from the firearm.

MCX-REGULATOR FEATURES:

SPECIFICATIONS

MCX-REGULATOR (5.56):

MCX-REGULATOR (7.62×39):

MCX-REGULATOR with ROMEO2:

ROMEO2 Red Dot:

The MCX-REGULATOR is now shipping and available at retailers. To learn more about the product or watch the product video, visit sigsauer.com.

SIG Sauer is at it again. The company is recognized as an industry leader in the development and manufacturing of rifles, submachine guns, belt-fed machine guns, handguns, optics, suppressors, ammunition, and more. This leads us to SIG’s latest rifle offering—the MCX SPEAR LT. The MCX is a new approach to the carbine platform that blends caliber adaptability with feature configurability without sacrificing reliability.

One thing immediately came to mind when the MCX SPEAR LT was introduced. How could the SPEAR LT be worthy of supplanting the original 2015 MCX and its 2017 MCX Virtus successor? SIG took a raft of grief from the public for releasing the upgraded MCX Virtus with some consumers crying foul over their perceived role as platform beta testers. So, SIG releasing a third generation of the MCX is bound to irritate past generation MCX owners.

In the end, though, SIG can’t be expected to stop developing the platform when faced with advances in technology and materials, as well as lucrative procurement opportunities that would drive the development of any platform forward.

In the end, SIG is willing to endure the criticism it might face for advancing the MCX platform with another generational release that further improves the carbine’s ability to adapt to a wider range of missions, as the SPEAR LT does.

According to SIG, the original MCX spawned from a SOCOM request to develop a 7-pound, compact multi-caliber adaptable rifle that would be predominantly operated suppressed. The same military input has driven all three MCX generations. All of the MCX-series improvements were driven by additional tier one DOD unit contract requests that sought to increase accuracy, modularity, and durability. The public is fortunate to benefit with MCX civilian models made available.

Inevitable Evolution

“The MCX SPEAR LT is an evolution of the MCX VIRTUS,” says SIG Sauer’s Media Relations Manager Michael Marotte, “brought about through competition in U.S. Special Forces and allied special forces weapons contracts.”

Addressing the differences between MCX Virtus and MCX SPEAR LT, Marotte says, “Externally the biggest difference is the handguard, we went lighter and slimmer and thus more ergonomic. Doing this typically sacrifices the rigidity needed for laser aiming modules, however we have maintained the rigidity by adding two retention screws that attach the handguard directly to the upper receiver.”

He says the second large difference is the addition of an ambidextrous bolt-catch and bolt-release on the right side of the firearm. Push up to lock the bolt to the rear or down to release it.

The folding stock and modularity are big indicators that the MCX is not another AR platform. The MCX bolt carrier group is different than an AR’s. The initial user’s request to use a folding stock in lieu of a typical AR buffer tube setup required a new bolt carrier design. SIG installed dual recoil springs above the bolt carrier group. Due to the recoil spring placement, the charging handle sits slightly higher on the MCX receiver compared to an AR. Not only did the dual recoil springs enable the use of a folding stock, but it provides other benefits in terms of a smoother and softer recoil impulse, elimination of buffer tube wear associated with AR piston driven rifles, and an increase in overall reliability and durability. The intent to operate almost exclusively suppressed and to accommodate various calibers using different barrel lengths (including sub-10-inch barrels) meant the MCX would use a self-regulating, short-stroke operating system.

Generations

SIG’s designers needed to meet a 50,000-round-count endurance criteria for the upper receiver to satisfy the initial solicitation that brought the MCX to life. The MCX Virtus takes this even further with a 20,000-round endurance requirement that excludes replacing normal wear and tear components during the endurance test. This should allay any concerns about its durability in terms of wear and “loosening” up with use. The MCX SPEAR LT follows this path.

Obviously, quality materials are a must along with a full understanding of high wear parts on the rifle. SIG has designed the MCX with certain key components upgraded from aluminum to steel; these parts are also easily replaceable. For example, the cam path and feed ramp inserts. The charging handle latches move over steel pins as opposed to aluminum pins. MCX barrels are hammer forged and receive a nitride treatment for increased barrel life.

The original MCX to MCX Virtus improvements consisted of a tapered lug bolt group, a two-stage SIG Matchlite Duo trigger, thicker receivers and barrels (the reason why MCX and MCX Virtus barrels and bolt groups are not interchangeable), M-Lok handguard and modified gas port locations. The MCX SPEAR LT ups the ante even further over the MCX Virtus. SIG’s Marotte points out that with the SPEAR LT, “the bolt carrier group has had a minor redesign, moving the firing pin safety latch from the 12 o’clock position in the recoil assembly to a 9 o’clock position on the carrier. This reduces the energy needed to defeat the latch, allowing for the use of aftermarket AR triggers. It also improves performance and reliability with surplus, hard primer 7.62×39 ammo.”

The SPEAR LT has a lightened and recontoured handguard with attachment screws for additional rigidity. Barrel manufacturing focused on maintaining accuracy, even with the SPEAR LT’s slimmer profile barrel. About a pound was shaved off the MCX SPEAR LT compared to MCX Virtus. Other features of the MCX SPEAR LT include an ambidextrous bolt catch and bolt release on its lower receiver. The MCX SPEAR LT is fully ambidextrous—selector switch, charging handle, bolt, and magazine release. A lever on the right side of the receiver above the magazine release acts as a supplemental bolt catch and bolt release.

The MCX SPEAR LT features coyote anodized finish, including minimalist stock with button release for maximum compact foldability. The return to AR15-style trigger compatibility will be well received. The MCX SPEAR LT brings the long-anticipated addition of the 7.62×39 caliber to the MCX family.

Modularity

The rifle’s caliber, barrel length, forend, and buttstock are all easily interchangeable. Anecdotal stories are shared by SIG representatives of how the SIG MCX would be submitted for certain military solicitations with all associated gear arriving in one hard case. We’re talking about different calibers, barrel lengths, handguards, optics, and suppressors—all made by SIG, by the way. We’re told that in these situations, competitors would be wheeling in multiple cases of gear and setting up multiple upper receiver configurations to meet the desired trial parameters instead of just switching out specific components as needed.

The SIG MCX SPEAR LT can be viewed as a fresh design in a market dominated by the AK and the AR. The SIG MCX represents a new age of rifle modularity. Caliber change between 5.56mm and 300AAC is a simple matter. The fact that the 5.56mm and 300AAC share the same magazine and bolt group is the foundation for their close compatibility. Removing the forend exposes two captive T27 Torx bolts. Loosening these allows the barrel and gas piston to be removed. The new barrel and gas piston is then installed with the two T27 Torx bolts tightened to 60-inch pounds. The whole process is as simple as reading it. Caliber changes between 5.56mm/300AAC and 7.62×39 require a bolt change and the barrel kits will come with the bolt.

Ancillary Support

A SIG SLH 7.62 suppressor was chosen for use with the MCX SPEAR LT. SIG’s SLX/SLH QD muzzle device arrives pre-installed on the MCX SPEAR LT. The SLH uses SIG’s new clutch-LOK QD mounting system. SIG has put as much thought into the SLH 762 suppressor as the SPEAR LT. Not only is hearing protection addressed with the SLH, but so is th4 management of toxic fumes associated with back blast. MIT computing power was purchased to come up with a monolithic baffle design to keep fumes out of the operator’s face. Traditional CNC machining could not cope with the intricate metal work needed to comply with the blueprint, so 3D printing and DMLS manufacturing methods are used. The SLH remained mounted on the SPEAR LT for the majority of our evaluation.

The SIG theme was continued with a SIG Tango-MSR LPVO 1-6x24mm optic. The MSR LPVO offers a 1x illuminated reticle setting for quick target acquisition at close range with both eyes open. A quick turn of the eyepiece to 6x enables longer precision shots. The optic is loaded with high end features such as an adjustable illuminated BDC6 MOA reticle, and low dispersion, high transmittance glass for outstanding light transmission and clarity.

The MCX SPEAR LT handguard’s M-LOK capability allows mounting Crimson Trace’s recently introduced RIG (Rapid Illumination Grip). The RIG combines the ergonomic advantage of an angled foregrip with a 500-peak-lumen weapon light into one sleek, effective device. As a side note, the RIG is ideal for braced pistols requiring a light. The angled foregrip is not considered a vertical foregrip which is a big no-no on braced pistols due to Federal regulations.

Ammunition tested with the SIG MCX SPEAR LT was a combination of multiple 5.56mm/223Rem loads from SIG, Black Hills, and Hornady. No load tested produced greater than 1.5-inch groups at 100 yards. Our top performer, SIG’s Elite 77 grain Match punched three rounds into a 0.5-.75-inch groups. Pretty impressive considering the 1-6x optic mounted and the idea that the MCX SPEAR LT is a fighting rifle, not a match target rifle affair, making this performance even more impressive.

PERFORMANCE

RANGE EVALUATION

The minimalist nature of the SIG folding stock caused some initial skepticism related to the rifle’s ergonomics and effectiveness. This was quickly forgotten once the shooting started. The folding stock proved rock solid and provided a solid cheek weld for use with optics; kudos to the SIG design team for this. The MCX SPEAR LT lived up to the task of being an ergonomic, well handling rifle. Drills moving around barricades and training evolutions involving firing and evacuating from vehicles clearly bore this out. The handy MCX is what individuals will choose to work with in such environments. Over 500 rounds were fired for this T&E. The piston driven MCX proved utterly reliable with only minimal effort given to wipe down bolt carrier group and lubricate sporadically.

The SIG short-stroke gas piston operating rod system proved its worth, keeping the bolt carrier group cooler and cleaner compared to direct impingement rifles, even with the SIG SLH suppressor mounted. While not trying to be unrealistic or overly harsh, the SIG MCX was exposed to a high volume of fire typical of team tactics bounding drills. The method was employed to confirm that, beyond a doubt, the SIG MCX delivered as advertised under the most adverse operational conditions, including with a suppressor mounted. A Magpul PMAG D-60 drum magazine was used during portions of our evaluation. This allowed the MCX SPEAR LT to shine when faced with a harsh, no-breaks firing schedule. We appreciated how well the MCX SPEAR LT forend shielded the shooter’s off-hand from the heat coming off the barrel. The Crimson Trace RIG also held up well under the semi-abusive environment.

With the SIG MCX SPEAR LT, SIG finds itself in an advantageous position by being a total system provider — weapons, optics, suppressors, ammunition, and other accessories. At the beginning of this article, I openly questioned if the new, third generation MCX SPEAR LT was really necessary. The real shame would have been if the improvements represented in the MCX SPEAR LT had been withheld. Performance is the quickest way to appeal to the shooting public…the MCX SPEAR LT will have no problem proving its worth.

SPECIFICATIONS

“The first generation of the MCX platform was designed to be an AR-15 style platform with added modularity.  The second generation of the MCX, the MCX Virtus, was purpose-built for rugged durability and brought unprecedented modularity.  Now comes the MCX-SPEAR-LT, which incorporates the best of both generations and is the culmination of the latest research, development, and innovation in the MCX platform,” said Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, Commercial Sales, SIG Sauer, Inc. “The lightened handguard has the expected rigidity and durability of the MCX, the lower is a familiar SDI, M400-style lower and ambi-bolt catch and release that is designed to fit the legacy VIRTUS uppers for more versatility. The MCX-SPEAR-LT will accept AR-15 style triggers, in addition to the legacy triggers for even more flexibility in the MCX platform. With the MCX-SPEAR_LT also comes the long-awaited addition of the 7.62×39 caliber to the MCX family bringing even more modularity to a platform that simply can’t be matched. The evolution continues and the MCX-SPEAR-LT has raised the bar for modular weapons technology.”

The MCX-SPEAR-LT rifle is an aluminum frame rifle with a gas piston operating system featuring a lightweight ergonomic handguard, push-button folding stock with cheek-rest, and a cold hammer forged carbon steel barrel available in 9-inch (300BLK), 11.5-inch (7.62×39 & 5.56), and 16-inch (7.62×39 & 5.56) lengths. The rifle offers fully ambidextrous controls including bolt catch and release, a SIG QD suppressor-ready flash hider optimized for SIG Sauer QD suppressors, a SIG flatblade match trigger, comes optics ready and can be easily paired with a SIG Sauer Electro-Optics ROMEO8 or TANGO6T, and is finished in a Coyote anodized finish. The MCX-SPEAR-LT is available is 300BLK, 556 NATO, 762×39 calibers.

MCX-SPEAR-LT Specs:

• Caliber: 300BLK Barrel Length: 9 inch
• Caliber: 556 NATO Barrel Length: 11.5 inch
• Caliber: 762×39 Barrel Length: 11.5 inch
• Caliber: 556 NATO Barrel Length: 16 inch
• Caliber: 762×39 Barrel Length: 16 inch

More information and specs on the MCX-SPEAR-LT are available at sigsauer.com.

“Modern Day Warfighter: Ready, Lethal, Adaptable”

“We’re going to go shopping; we’re going to put gear in the hands of Marines in order to figure out if we need it. That’s turning the world upside down … we need to get Marines—junior Marines—together with industry in a conversation way earlier than we have been comfortable with in the past.” 

—Lt. Gen. David Berger, Commanding General of the Marine Corps Combat Development Command (MCCDC)

Speaking at the opening ceremony for the 38th MDM Expo, three-star General Berger threw the door wide open for both close-range and leap-ahead technologies and ideas, recently enabled by significant budget increases after years of what many saw as intentional starvation under the previous presidential administration. And the Corps, with a deserved reputation as the most nimble and warfighting-focused of the U.S. Armed Forces, would shake up traditionally cumbersome acquisition processes by inviting and more seriously considering ideas from Marines of all ranks as well as businesses big and small.

Berger’s forceful commitment was energetically supported in all aspects of this annual Expeditionary Warfare extravaganza, where defense industry reps and Navy/Marine Corps program offices showed their wares and interacted with high value attendees—not just generals, Pentagon potentates and allied military shoppers, but multitudes of muddy boots Marines with plenty of combat experience.

Show, Tell, Listen

This year saw an expanded set of formal presentations, information panels, product demonstrations and “Booth Briefs” both scheduled and off-the-cuff for up-close interaction.

Perhaps most useful to potential vendors came on opening day in the form of info-packed Briefs to Industry by Marine Corps Systems Command and its components. In addition to stage-setting overviews, specific needs were identified in ground combat, logistics, support and training.

Ground Combat is our focus so we zeroed in on the presentation by Colonel Mike Manning, GCE Portfolio Manager, that led off with the very welcome news that funding has increased dramatically and is projected to move steadily upward by more than $133 million by fiscal year 2020.

On the weapons track, he’s looking for help from industry with a prioritized list including variable power day optics, binocular night vision goggles, multi-spectral imagers and rangefinders, medium machine gun modernization and a “next generation squad weapons/rifle,” a noble but seemingly endless quest.

Oh, and now that the Corps is buying 15,000 more of HK’s superlative M27 Infantry Automatic Rifles, the ongoing search for a rugged, reliable, higher capacity feed device intensifies. Maybe like MAGPUL’s compact, unstoppable 40-round PMAG M3 drum?

Now, having the new hardware is one thing, but making sure it’s used most effectively by grunts and others in the fight is daunting—particularly as everything on the battlefield gets more and more high-tech.

Colonel Lois Lara, Training Systems’ Program Manager, called for emerging technologies to enhance and improve head-mounted displays and moving past serious limitations in current laser systems being used for small arms in force-on-force training.

The follow-on Brief to Small Business was a lifeline to those offering worthy products to meet identified needs but a bit short in the “how do we let the Marine Corps know what we’ve got?”

[Author’s Note: The website for MDM Expos is among the most comprehensive and user-friendly we’ve encountered. There’s a wealth of info for exhibitors and attendees, as well as an invaluable portal for those unable to attend in person. Links are available to the actual content of the Briefs to Industry from MCSC’s Commander and Portfolio Managers. Links are also available at marcorsyscom.marines.mil. For specific solicitations and contract awards see FedBizOpps.gov or fbo.gov. Also, Defense Innovation Marketplace is a comprehensive resource: defenseinnovationmarketplace.mil.]

Some additional presentations over the expo’s three days featured the “Close Combat Lethality Task Force,” “Synthetic Training Environment” and informed speculation on the “Future Operating Environment.”

New this year were concurrent presentations in the Marine Corps University’s on-site Expeditionary Seminar Facility. Attendees sampled sessions on “Expeditionary Energy,” “Cybersecurity” and a hush-hush (closed session) explaining once and for all, “Why the North Won the Civil War ….”

Regularly scheduled “Booth Briefs” were offered by a number of exhibitors, and we hastened to observe Warfighting Laboratories’ show ‘n’ tell on the tough and versatile Marathon Robotics system. These somewhat eerie, man-sized, mobile targets move around realistically and flop over “dead” when hit. MCWFL also provided on-the-spot briefings from Center for Lessons Learned, the Technology Initiative Screening Branch and RCO’s rapid development and delivery of operational prototypes to forces in the fight.

More than 360 Exhibitors

For all three days of the expo while deadly serious information was being dispensed in the Briefing Center tent, the other giant tents and the outside displays were buzzing with activity as visitors ranging from youthful enlisted Marines to high-level military, DoD and industry potentates patrolled the aisles.

Discipline is needed to avoid being overwhelmed by the variety of offerings on display and the sheer size of many including hulking AFVs, artillery pieces, real aircraft and the like.

All are certainly compelling to others, but man-portable weaponry is our stock in trade. 2018’s lineup included weapons from prominent names like American Rheinmetall, FN, General Dynamics, Glock, HK and SIG SAUER. Some of their rivals in the firearms arena included Arbor Arms, Geissele and LaRue.

Short Bursts

Space limitations dictate just brief notes on some of the things we encountered, so follow-up info is encouraged by visiting vendor websites as noted.

SIG SAUER MHS and more. Flushed with victory, of course, in winning the multi-service Modular Handgun competition, they showcased the M17 and M18 versions, along with a full selection of other pistols and long arms. Most all, by the way, were going to be made available for handling and shooting at the concurrent Marksmanship Tech Demo. sigsauer.com

FN 509 Tactical. Heavily advertised these days in most gun- and defense-related magazines, the versatile 509 Tactical drew a lot of admiring attention at their sprawling display that was dramatically dominated by the fuselage of a “Little Bird” helo. fnamerica.com

Barrett MRAD. Touting “Modularity Without Compromise,” this bolt-action tack driver offers six distinct cartridge options. barrett.net

AimLock R-M1. Augmenting battle-proven stabilized, remotely operated weapons stations with innovative automatic targeting technology, it features ruggedized computing and display modules with a gamer-style controller. aim-lock.com

LaRue Tactical BET. When a glitch kept away the weapons they planned for display, these tough Texans rallied to release a herd of 500 distinctive armadillo-configured “Beverage Entry Tools” branded with MDM 18 and the classic USMC logo. larue.com

SAAB Carl Gustaf. One of the bigger weapons we were drawn to was the latest M3E1/M4, tapped by the Marines to eventually arm every infantry squad with one of these devastating tank and bunker-busters. saab.com

Taking Aim

Aimpoint FCS13RE. The Carl Gustaf and similar launch platforms get superior hit probability on static and moving targets with this Dynamic Universal Reflex Sighting super system from Sweden. aimpoint.com

Photonis Vyper 14. The AN/PVS-14, a SPECOPS favorite, now gets 40% greater range with the new 4G image intensifier tube. photonis.com

Leupold. Well-proven in combat and competition, Leupold’s Delta Point Pro is a tough, economical, high-performance red dot for pistols, shotguns and carbines. leupold.com

Excelitas Talon. Rugged and compact, this new clip-on image intensifier/uncooled thermal imaging weapon sight gives all-weather performance. excelitas.com

Optics 1 I-CUGR. The Integrated Compact Ultralight Gun-Mounted Rangefinder gives the operator the ability to range man-sized targets out to 1500 meters. optics1.com

Trijicon VCOG. This tank-tough 1-6×24 power Variable Combat Optical Gunsight boasts an LED illuminated, first focal plane BDC reticle. trijicon.com

Nice to Have

MAGPUL Bipod. Their ever-expanding line now includes a clever bipod with distinctively configured, quick-adjusting legs. magpul.com

KF Armory Defense MIB2S. Designed for easy assembly, disassembly and extreme durability, the Modular Interlocking Ballistic Barrier System’s giant super blocks defeat .50 BMG APIT projos. kfarmory.com

Meggitt Linkless Magazines. Metallic-linked 30mm ammo is too heavy and prone to feed problems, so their linkless magazines are winners for machine-cannon systems. meggitdefense.com

Quantico Tactical LRAD. Adding to their offerings by leaps and bounds, this mega gun seller has now partnered with LRAD Corp. to offer the Long Range Acoustic Devices, including the new 450XL. quanticotactical.com

American Rheinmetall. Among its many superior quality munitions, the company’s 40mm MK281 training grenade uses unique target marking technologies, giving USMC MK19 gunners realistic day and night training. americanrheinmetall.com

Arnold Defense. Long recognized for superior launch systems for area suppression with 2.75-in. rockets, the new FLETCHER uses advanced rocket guidance technology for land-based, vehicle-mounted applications. arnolddefense.com

Laser Shot. Who can resist the chance to fire machine guns and pistols right in the middle of the show floor? Countless Marines and others tried their skills on the MMTS and SimRange simulators. lasershot.com

Revision’s additions. Perhaps best known for excellent ballistic eye protection, the company’s offerings now include the Viper Helmet System, tactical power packs and communication components. revisionmilitary.com

Spyderco. This highly respected blademaker’s pro line features the new compact Para 3 folders that offer full-service cutting performance for professional end users who want versions optimized for tactical use. Available in a variety of handle colors and blade edges in stainless and matte black. spyderco.com

Small Business, Big Ideas

We always make it a point to visit the Small Business Pavilion and again found much to recommend. We needn’t say too much about Cheata Tactical’s quick entry tee shirt for nursing military moms (cheatatactical.com), but the RHTT (Robotic Human Type Target) under development by SimIS shows promise as a potential rival to Marathon’s near lock on the smart, tough, roll-around sniper target market. simisinc.com

The Corps’ Small Biz office was strategically located right there in the tent, busily dispensing advice to eager applicants. marcorsyscom.marines.mil

Honorable Mention

Battle Challenge. Gyrene gladiators flocked to the expo’s newest and most spectacular event, to strain, sweat and shoot in an exciting and fast moving “Fire and Maneuver” contest that incorporates highly relevant military skills and fitness challenges that include precision laser M4 carbine shooting, cargo net climb, rope descent, man-down rescue and more. Participants compete against each other and the clock to earn “Best of the Best!” battlechallenge.org

National Museum of the Marine Corps. It would be close to criminal negligence to come all the way to the expo yet fail to visit the Corps’ spectacular, state-of-the-art museum, just outside the main gate. usmcmuseum.com or marineheritage.org

The Navy claims ownership of the Marines, so cutting edge research and development at Office of Naval Research (ONR) deserves respect and attention in exhibits. While this super high tech command has lots of spooky projects in the works, we gun guys are most interested in things that facilitate hole-punching one way or another. Some examples are the continuing work on lightweight and caseless ammunition, leap-ahead improvements in integrated day–night optics and lots of directed energy initiatives.

Something for Everyone

Other firms and military entities offering innovative weapon sights, ammo, accessories, edged weapons, hydration, chow, extreme weather clothing, rugged gear, VR worlds, tactical tea and more, enjoy not only our attention but that of salty Marines of all ranks swarming the aisles. Word of particularly notable items and other things of interest gets around quickly, and reps are always kept busy with show-and-tell duties.

Oh, and thousands of free copies of Small Arms Review and Small Arms Defense Journal were handed out by the friendly and energetic Chipotle Publishing team. Best deal at the show.

A full listing of exhibitors, their websites and other information may be found at marinemilitaryexpos.com.

Marine Military Expos 2019

Next year’s Modern Day Marine Expo is scheduled for September 17-19, once again aboard MCB Quantico, Virginia. This is the largest of three related shows where exhibitors meet the Marines on their own turf.

Marine West Expo 2019 is slated for February 7-8 at Camp Pendleton, CA, and Marine South Expo 2019 for April 11-12 at Camp Lejeune, NC. Both are held at home installations for two of the Marine Corps’ expeditionary forces, which are continually training and dispatching fighting elements to a broad spectrum of missions around the world “in the air, on land and at sea.”

Exhibitors at the Marine Military Expos meet and exchange information, face-to-face, with not only the users of their equipment but also the men and women responsible for equipping the Corps, tasked with a broad range of existing and emerging demands.

In addition to displaying products before thousands of users, Marine Military Expo exhibitors also exchange information with their target audience, listen to their needs and gain valuable insight into what works best in a wide array of combat, combat support and combat service support situations. Marines who have recently returned from wartime missions not only provide feedback but also convey suggestions and ideas that are often considered and adopted in designing or improving equipment and systems.

The decision-makers and procurement experts who exhibitors want and need to meet attend the expos for up-close and personal exposure to the leading-edge equipment, systems and services—solutions their Marines need for the years ahead. At the Marine Military Expos, networking opportunities among the buyers, the users and defense industry professionals are unlimited. Take advantage of those opportunities for your company by exhibiting at the Marine Military Expos: marinemilitaryexpos.com

Honors and Awards 

With so many high-level Marine leaders and other VIPs converging on the expo, important ceremonial events are conveniently scheduled to coincide. Bad weather on Wednesday moved the customary Enlisted Awards parade inside the main Briefing Center tent. There, eight outstanding Marines and one Navy Hospital Corpsman were standing tall to be personally congratulated by Commandant Neller, along with the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps and the Commandant of the Marine Corps League.

For us, the Gunnery Sergeant Carlos Hathcock II Award for outstanding contribution to marksmanship training is most prominent among these. 2018’s honoree was Sergeant Kailub S. Young for his exemplary performance while serving as the Line Staff NCO, Charlie Range, Range Company, Weapons and Field Training Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California. His award citation notes some 4,589 recruits under his supervision and with his numerous innovations, achieved a record 98.71 percent Combat Marksmanship Initial Qualification, with 2,264 scoring “Expert.” This “undoubtedly enhanced the capabilities of the Marines obtained by Operational Forces.