Equipping the Corps

Satellite communication systems, high-bandwidth data links, and secure voice and data transmission capabilities are the cornerstone to providing critical connectivity when traditional terrestrial communication infrastructure are compromised or unavailable on the battlefield. High-Capacity Communications at Marine Corps Systems Command Communications plays a pivotal role in ensuring Marines are equipped with the gear needed to maintain situational awareness while in degraded environments.

On this episode, Morgan chats with Tara Miner, the Product Manager for High-Capacity Communications here at Marine Corps Systems Command.

The views expressed in this podcast reflect those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions or the United States Marine Corps or Department of Defense.

Show notes:

Book: The Women by Hannah Kristin

On this episode, Morgan takes Equipping the Corps into the field for MADIS System Verification Testing, or SVT. Joining her is Maj Craig Warner, product manager for Future Weapon Systems.

Marine Recon units are the commander’s eyes and ears on the battlefield. From clandestine missions to intelligence gathering, they are a silent force ensuring military readiness. On this episode, Morgan chats with LtCol Jason Hibler the Concept Development Team 1 Lead within the Experiment Division at Marine Corps Warfighting Lab, or MCWL.

The views expressed in this podcast reflect those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions or the United States Marine Corps or Department of Defense.

We talk a lot about fielding equipment here on the podcast, but the command’s work doesn’t stop once equipment is in the hands of Marines. Things like maintenance, modernization, software updates, and technical support continue through the life of the equipment. And for some systems, included in that is 24/7 technical support provided by the Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity’s Warfighter Support Division, or WSD.

On this episode Morgan talks with Rick Bobst, Deputy Director of WSD.

The views expressed in this podcast reflect those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions or the United States Marine Corps or Department of Defense.

As the Marine Corps continues to modernize to meet Force Design goals, innovation is critical. Cue: Science and Technology Reinvention Laboratory, or STRL, designation for the Marine Corps Tactical Support Activity – which is enabling them to operate more like a warfare center.

On this episode, Morgan dives into the STRL designation with two guests: Mr. Tim Gramp, the Marine Corps’ chief engineer and Marine Corps Systems Command’s Deputy to the Commander, Systems Engineering and Acquisition Logistics and Col Craig Clarkson, Commanding Officer for MCTSSA.

The views expressed in this podcast reflect those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions or the United States Marine Corps or Department of Defense.

In acquisition, we often have to strike a balance between getting gear out quickly and abiding by federal contract regulations. However, in some cases our command is able to use specific contract vehicles to better meet the “speed of need.” On this episode, Morgan chats with Jack Cave, Division Head for Program Support.

The views expressed in this podcast reflect those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions or the United States Marine Corps or Department of Defense.

Show notes:

Favorite TV show: Doc Talk

Today is a very special day in Equipping the Corps history as Morgan welcomes our first ever return guest, Col. Tim Hough. Col. Hough is the program manager for Advanced Amphibious Assault, and he and his team are leading the development and fielding efforts for the Amphibious Combat Vehicle – the Corps’ next-generation vehicle designed to move Marines from ship to shore.

Book: Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

Podcast: Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend, Smartless, It's a True Crime

Movie: Gladiator, Braveheart, Dumb and Dumber and Nacho Libre

On this episode, Morgan sits down with Maj. Conor Stewart, Project Officer for the Individual Armor team here at SYSCOM. Ensuring the Marine Corps is a premiere fighting force starts with the individual Marine, from packs to body armor, Maj Stewart’s team is leading the way.

The views expressed in this podcast reflect those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions or the United States Marine Corps or Department of Defense.

Show notes:

Show recommendation: The Terminal List

The Marine Corps is continuing to modernize and adapt for the future fight – with logistics playing a critical role. On this episode, Morgan sits down with Verne Ashby, Jr. the assistant program manager for Logistics supporting PM Infantry Weapons on the show!

The views expressed in this podcast reflect those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions or the United States Marine Corps or Department of Defense.

Show notes:

Book recommendation: The Art of War by Sun Tzu