Unveiling the Modern Marine: A Glimpse into the Future of Military Power
On Wednesday, June 5th, 2024, I had the opportunity to be immersed in a world of strength and precision at the Congressional Marine Day Rehearsal, at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. This exclusive event aimed to show congressional staffers the modern Marine Corps’ warfighting capabilities. Upon my arrival at Camp Barrett, a sleek tan vehicle immediately captured my attention. The Marine standing near me kindly explained that this was a L-ATV, a vehicle taking over for the iconic Humvee. With its smooth ride and combat-ready capabilities, the L-ATV represents the Marine Corps' commitment to innovation and efficiency.
After admiring the vehicles, I was directed to the bleachers overlooking a large field. Soon after, the sky came alive with the roar of the Sikorsky CH-53 Sea Stallion, a helicopter renowned for its feats of strength. The announcer mentioned that in November of 2023, the CH-53 recovered a helicopter weighing 1500 pounds and then later rescued an airplane while it conducted in-air refueling. The CH-53 circled around to pick up a massive artillery piece, the M777 Howitzer, which weighs 9,300 pounds, and then flew right by the bleachers.
A highlight came when two attack helicopters streaked across the sky, unleashing missiles in a display of close-in-fire support, also referred to by Marines as CIF, —an eye-opening experience for someone unfamiliar with explosions. Following this, a Stalker Unmanned Aerial System gracefully took flight, described by the announcer as a "small and silent drone" capable of executing diverse missions supported by a minimal crew.
The climax of the day was when the capabilities found in a Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) were put on display. Marines employed machine gun fire, explosives, and mortars to suppress a notional enemy force. A MAGTF is comprised of a Command Element, a Ground Combat Element, an Aviation Combat Element, and a Logistics Combat Element. It is a nimble, hard to detect Marine Corps organization, which relies on speed, deception, and mobility, to accomplish the assigned mission. It is highly self-sufficient and generates its own water and power. From the cutting-edge technology of the L-ATV to the impressive demonstration of a MAGTF, every aspect of Marine Corps operations reflected a commitment to excellence and highlighted the Corps’ readiness to face any challenge head-on. As I departed Camp Barrett, my heart swelled with pride, knowing that our nation is guarded by the United States Marine Corps.
About the Author
Emmaline Farley is a 2024 Marketing Intern on the Marketing and Innovation team, Business and Support Services Division, Headquarters Marine Corps, Quantico, Virginia. She is a junior at Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, studying Marketing and Management.
