The Marine Corps is ordering a slew of its new customary rifle optics for grunts because it plans to bolster its infantry battalions with new capabilities.
Morgan Blackstock, a spokeswoman with Marine Corps Methods Command, mentioned the service is ordering extra of the brand new variable-powered optic, generally known as the Squad Frequent Optic, regardless of having reached its objective in supplying the scope to Marines in 2023.
The extra optics are being given to infantry battalions and are a part of the Corps’ long-term modernization objectives, a plan referred to as Pressure Design 2030, Blackstock mentioned. It initially began fielding the scope in 2021 as a partial alternative to the Rifle Fight Optic and the Squad Day Optic for infantry and different models.
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The extra orders of the Squad Frequent Optic come because the Marine Corps is within the midst of slimming its infantry battalions whereas bolstering them with new capabilities and tools.
The most recent model of the pressure design plan printed in June 2023 requires lowering infantry battalions to 811 Marines following experimentation. Infantry battalions historically have been staffed at simply over 900 Marines.
Whereas the service is trimming its battalions, it’s also including extra capabilities in hopes of constructing Marines extra deadly on the battlefield.
“The newest replace to the infantry battalion consists of the addition of persistent all-weather surveillance, extra capability to conduct anti-armor and oblique hearth, in addition to natural assist and companies,” the Pressure Design 2030 doc says.
The Corps continues to be experimenting because it mulls additional selections on its infantry battalions. A second section of experimentation on the firm and battalion degree will deal with cyber, intelligence, surveillance and sustainment, in line with the plan.
The Squad Frequent Optic is a variable-power day optic, permitting a Marine to regulate the magnification and hit targets at farther ranges than the Rifle Fight Optic and the Squad Day Optic.
A Methods Command press launch mentioned that the brand new optic has double the visible vary of the Rifle Fight Optic.
Blackstock defined that the brand new optic will not be a full alternative for the sooner rifle and squad optics. The Squad Frequent Optic is at present supposed just for floor fight models and infantry Marines.
The extra Squad Frequent Optics will likely be fielded to infantry battalions over this fiscal yr and financial 2025, in line with Blackstock.
— Shawn Snow is a contract reporter and Marine veteran. He beforehand reported for Army Occasions protecting the Marine Corps and abroad operations. He’s on X @ShawnSnow184, and might be reached at shawnsnow184@yahoo.com.
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