Marine Corps Ground Combat/Supporting Arms Systems

MC Ground Combat Support Arms Systems is a part of the Navy's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) budget for Operational Systems Development. The specific goals and objectives of this program include providing modifications to Marine Corps Expeditionary Ground Force Weapon Systems to enhance lethality, range, survivability, and operational effectiveness. Additionally, the program aims to fund product improvements for the family of Light Armored Vehicles (LAVs) and supports the Amphibious Vehicle Test Branch (AVTB) facilities for testing, repair, and technical services to amphibious vehicles. This program is funded under Operational Systems Development PE because it encompasses engineering and manufacturing development for upgrades of existing systems.

Another program under this budget line item is Project 1555: Lt Armored Vehicle Program. The Family of Light Armored Vehicles (FOLAV) consists of six fielded LAV configurations and one communications/intelligence-configured asset on an LAV chassis. The program aims to provide logistically self-contained, highly mobile, and lethal combined arms combat systems to the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF). It funds modification and sustainment activities for the FOLAV to enhance lethality, survivability, reliability, availability, maintainability, and reduce operations and support costs. The program also supports future Engineering Change Proposals and aims to resolve obsolescence, safety issues, and any other unplanned issues that arise from the field.

Overall, these programs aim to enhance the capabilities of ground combat support arms systems and light armored vehicles through research, development, testing, and sustainment activities.