thedrifter
06-21-07, 06:35 PM
Marine Corps details technology needs
By Christopher P. Cavas - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Jun 21, 2007 18:15:57 EDT
Marines in the field in Iraq and Afghanistan need improved automated language translators to communicate faster and better, a top Marine Corps leader said Thursday morning.
Although voice translators have been developed and are being used, “not all of them are user-friendly,” said Lt. Gen. Keith Stalder, commanding general of II Marine Expeditionary Force. The Marines want improved devices that are not only easier to use, but are better able to handle conversational-level discussions.
Improved voice translation devices were one of a number of technology improvements Marines need, Stalder told a mixed military and industry audience at an Armed Forces Communication and Electronics Association and U.S. Naval Institute transformation forum here. Among other technology needs the Marines have, Stalder said, are:
* Improved ground training simulators that bring ground combat, logistics and fires together in a manner similar to aviation simulators.
“This is an area that’s got tremendous potential,” Stalder said.
* Better tactical optics and multi-spectral sensing devices, particularly those handling Identification Friend or Foe, range estimation, precision engagement and fire alignment — all small enough to fit on a rifle.
* Lighter equipment to lighten the load on Marines in the field who, Stalder said, average at least 62 pounds of equipment when on patrol. Body armor weight remains a top problem, but Stalder also would like to see improvements in weapons, night vision devices, batteries and communications devices.
“There must be another way to do it,” Stalder said, “and we would definitely like to find it.”
* Improvements in logistics, including better supply chain management, networked diagnostic systems and systems designed for joint interoperability.
* Better communications devices that can make top secret and digital information available to Marines on a company level. Devices that combine functions, similar to a Blackberry, also are needed, Stalder said, along with better networked integration of personal data assistants.
Work to detect and destroy improvised explosive devices remains a top priority, Stalder said. Noting that slightly more than two-thirds of IEDs are deterred or detected prior to exploding, he said the human eye “remains the best detector.”
Stalder noted that many of his requests were for technologies to help small units of Marines. The war in Iraq, he said, “is a squad leader’s war.”
Ellie
By Christopher P. Cavas - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Jun 21, 2007 18:15:57 EDT
Marines in the field in Iraq and Afghanistan need improved automated language translators to communicate faster and better, a top Marine Corps leader said Thursday morning.
Although voice translators have been developed and are being used, “not all of them are user-friendly,” said Lt. Gen. Keith Stalder, commanding general of II Marine Expeditionary Force. The Marines want improved devices that are not only easier to use, but are better able to handle conversational-level discussions.
Improved voice translation devices were one of a number of technology improvements Marines need, Stalder told a mixed military and industry audience at an Armed Forces Communication and Electronics Association and U.S. Naval Institute transformation forum here. Among other technology needs the Marines have, Stalder said, are:
* Improved ground training simulators that bring ground combat, logistics and fires together in a manner similar to aviation simulators.
“This is an area that’s got tremendous potential,” Stalder said.
* Better tactical optics and multi-spectral sensing devices, particularly those handling Identification Friend or Foe, range estimation, precision engagement and fire alignment — all small enough to fit on a rifle.
* Lighter equipment to lighten the load on Marines in the field who, Stalder said, average at least 62 pounds of equipment when on patrol. Body armor weight remains a top problem, but Stalder also would like to see improvements in weapons, night vision devices, batteries and communications devices.
“There must be another way to do it,” Stalder said, “and we would definitely like to find it.”
* Improvements in logistics, including better supply chain management, networked diagnostic systems and systems designed for joint interoperability.
* Better communications devices that can make top secret and digital information available to Marines on a company level. Devices that combine functions, similar to a Blackberry, also are needed, Stalder said, along with better networked integration of personal data assistants.
Work to detect and destroy improvised explosive devices remains a top priority, Stalder said. Noting that slightly more than two-thirds of IEDs are deterred or detected prior to exploding, he said the human eye “remains the best detector.”
Stalder noted that many of his requests were for technologies to help small units of Marines. The war in Iraq, he said, “is a squad leader’s war.”
Ellie