The Modern Day Marine 2025 exposition is set to take place from April 29 to May 1 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. This major event, co-hosted by the Marine Corps League and the Marine Corps Association, represents the largest gathering in military equipment, systems, services, and technology specifically targeted at the Marine Corps. Under the theme “Ready Today, First to Fight Tomorrow,” the expo will showcase insights from over 100 military leaders and feature more than 350 exhibitors, providing a unique opportunity for attendees to explore the latest advancements in military technology and address pressing operational challenges.
At the core of this year’s discussions is a strong emphasis on the need for strategic procurement practices. Marine Corps Commandant General Eric Smith has called for a fundamental shift in how companies approach their pitches to the military. “I’m interested in buying what I need, not buying what you’re selling,” he stated, underscoring the necessity for industry to align proposals closely with the Marine Corps’ operational priorities. This aligns with broader government efforts aimed at streamlining resources and budget allocations, making it clear that investments should directly support the service’s lethal and operational capabilities.
One pressing need highlighted is the modernisation of the Marine Corps’ fifth-generation fighter jet fleet, which currently suffers from outdated weapons technology dating back to the 1980s. Lt. Gen. Bradford Gering, the Marines’ deputy commandant for aviation, stressed the urgency for industry partners to develop modern solutions. He noted that recent exercises have revealed a critical requirement for enhanced training options—both virtual and live—that leverage data-driven techniques, including the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning, to predict equipment failures and enhance operational readiness.
Autonomous systems are another crucial area of focus, particularly in relation to countering drone swarms—a burgeoning threat on the battlefield. Col. Andrew Konicki, who leads ground-based air defence for Marine Corps Systems Command, articulated this concern, stating that the capability to strike drones from both land and fleet settings is vital for ensuring troop safety. Commandant Gen. Smith emphasised the role of autonomy in maintaining an advantage over adversaries, linking it directly to the success of future military engagements.
The Marine Corps is also undergoing significant changes to its budget structure, as indicated by Barbara Gault, the program manager for the Expeditionary Radars office. There is a concerted effort to reorganise funding streams to allow the submission of related programs as comprehensive packages. This all-or-nothing funding approach is designed to prevent piecemeal investments that fail to meet operational needs. Similarly, by fiscal 2027, the Marine Air Ground Task Force Command and Control office plans to introduce a more flexible budget framework, enabling quicker redistribution of funds to address gaps in capabilities as they arise.
Data is increasingly positioned as a linchpin in supporting combat operations, particularly within the Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC). Lt. Col. Matthew Deffenbaugh emphasised the need for effective data distribution to decision-makers at the tactical edge, advocating for intelligence fusion capabilities that empower lower-level officers to make informed decisions in real time. MARSOC commander Maj. Gen. Peter Huntley pointed out the strategic importance of first-person-view (FPV) drones, which have proven to be effective tools for both allies and adversaries. He highlighted the role of artificial intelligence in automating the intelligence cycle, thereby enhancing decision-making speed on the battlefield.
As the countdown to Modern Day Marine 2025 continues, the exposition not only showcases the latest technological advancements but also serves as a catalyst for dialogue around the evolving needs of the Marine Corps. With various stakeholders coming together to address these challenges, the focus remains unequivocally on how to enhance military capabilities for contemporary warfare.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
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