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COTS Technology & Security December 1, 2011

Posted by Chris Mark in Uncategorized.
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Back in the1990’s I was a qualified Marine Sniper.  In the good ‘ole days of the USMC, we fired the M40a1 (don’t laugh jerks 😉 .  It was basically a Remington 700 action chambered for 7.62 x 51mm NATO (.308) with a Win M70 (pre64) trigger, a Unertl fixed 10 power scope with a MilDot reticle and a McMillan monte-carlo stock (I sound like a computer geek…it hash 500 gigibits of RAM..;).  The A1 was introduced in the 1970’s and we had to learn the rifle inside and out for Sniper School.  The rifle was guaranteed to shoot 1 MOA (or roughly 1 inch groups per every hundred yards for the non shooters).  1″ at 100 yds, 2″ at 200 yds, and so on.  I though the 14 lb rifle was the apex of engineering and was proud to carry that heavy bastard.  Back in the 1990’s there were a number of companies that could make an M40 replica for around $3,000US or about $4,500 today, when adjusted for inflation.  Back in the day as a young Marine, I could never afford a precision rifle as they all ran upwards of $3,000 in 1993 dollars.

Last year I purchased a Remington M700 SPS Tactical .308 for $599US. I figured that for $600 even if it shot only 1.5 MOA it would be fun to shoot.  I put a $350US Nikon tactical scope on top and took it to the range to break it in.  This rifle has a Remington XMark pro adjustable trigger, a 20″ barrel and Hoag over-molded stock.  I had read good reviews about the rifle but imagine my surprise when, after breaking it in,  it was shooting 3/8 inch 3 shot groups at 100 yds from a bipod! (see the pic at top..that is 3 shots)  This is only a 7.5 lb rifle.  I could NEVER get my M40 to shoot better than about 3/4 inches off a sand bag.

The moral of the story is that while warfare is not good for much, manufacturers really begin to focus on improving technology that can be used on the battlefield.  A person today can purchase a rifle for less than $1,000 that shoots better than my M40 did “back in the day”.  We see these improvements not only in rifles but in body armor, camoflage, communications equipment, optics, and other areas. The military is increasingly looking at Commercial Off the Shelf Technology or COTS. Looking at what the modern soldier, sailor, and Marine carries today really puts into perspective how much has changed.

So what does this have to do with Maritime security?  Security often requires firearms, optics and other technology.Today, it is possible to outfit guards with very reliable, very accurate firearms at reasonable prices.  The same can be said for optics.  It is possible to purchase good Gen 2 night vision in the US for about $2,000US and Gen 4 for less than $4,000 US.  Night vision technology even in the 1990’s was prohibitively expensive.  Even thermal imaging technology can be had for less than $8,000.

On the flip side, it should be noted that the “bad guys” can also get their hands on better gear today then they could even 5 years ago.  It is important to stay ahead of the curve and ensure that if you hire guards they have appropriate kit and are adequately trained to use the equipment.

Happy B-Day Marines (Both USMC and Royal Marines)… November 10, 2011

Posted by Chris Mark in Uncategorized.
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On November 10th, the US Marine Corps will celebrate its 236th birthday. Founded in Philadelphia, PA at Tun Tavern on November 10th, 1775 the Continental Marines are the forefathers of our modern USMC.  Every year US Marines recognize the birthday with remembrance of our fallen brothers and the history of our beloved corps.

Since we have a number of Royal Marines in the industry, I thought it appropriate to wish our elder brethren a Happy B-Day, as well.  Although the Corps of Royal Marines can trace its lineage back to 1755, the origins of the RM go back to 26 October, 1664 making the RM 345 years old in 2011. (hopefully, my Marine math is right)

Both sets of Marines have distinguished themselves in battle. The US Marines started life during the Barbary Wars against the pirates of the Barbary Coast in the early 1800s.  This was the first time that the US Flag was ever planted on foreign soil.  The USMC count the Battle of Belleau Wood (WWI) as a defining moment and where they earned the title of Devil Dog from the Germans.  In WWII was the “Island Hopping” Campaign with Tarawa, Midway, and of course, Iwo Jima.  The USMC has continued to distinguish itself in all major and minor conflicts to include Vietnam, Grenada, Somalia, Iraq (twice), Afghanistan and others.

Our Royal Marine brothers have also distinguished themselves in battle on numerous fronts. In 1704 the British Royal Marines fought in the battle of Gibraltar. For their bravery and achievments they are commemorated by “Gibraltar” and it is the only battle honor worn on the Royal Marines badge and colors.  The 1800’s were busy for the RMs as they fought from Ashanti, to Navarino and the Crimean War in 1854.  WWI saw the RM fight in Gallipoli, win honors in Zeebrugge and fight in the trenches on the Western Front.  In 1942 the Royal Marine Commandos were formed and took part in the D Day landings.  In 1982 the RM fought in the Falklands, and of course have been active  and served with distinction in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as other conflicts.

To to all the Marines- Happy Birthday.  Lets not forget our brothers who have been wounded and killed in the line of duty.  Lets drink a beer, have a toast but not forget the sacrifices of our fellow Marines.

With that being said, one of the more troubling aspects of countries in wartime is that of people claiming valor that they have not achieved.  I recently learned of a former friend who has stated for years that he was a Silver Star recipient from Afghanistan.  He has posted on his bio and in various other forums.  A quick call to the USMC Awards Division  in DC confirmed my suspicions.  The person had fabricated his bravery. and his award  If you come across someone who has ‘stolen valor’ by claiming awards they did not earn or being a POW or otherwise..I encourage you to visit the following website:  www.stolenvalor.com.  I have already reported this person and they are taking action.  If any of our UK or other readers have resources for other nations, please comment and I will include.  On that note, all US service members’ military records are available to the general public (in redacted format) under the Freedom of Information Act.  If you have a question about a service member’s service, please visit the following website.  It takes some time but the Archives will send you the record minus personal data.  www.foia.va.gov

July 11th….US Marines and Pirates…a 200 year history! July 11, 2011

Posted by Chris Mark in Piracy & Maritime Security, Uncategorized.
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On November 10th, 1775 in Tun’s Tavern, Philadelphia, PA. The United States Marines were born as the Continental Marines.  With the Treaty of Paris, which ended the Revolutionary War on April 11th, 1783 Congress dissolved the Continental Marines and Continental Navy.  On July 11th, 1798 US President John Adams signed “An Act for Establishing and Organizing a Marine Corps,” effectively creating a new branch of the military.  The US Marines were born again!  So what does this have to do with Pirates?? Read On!!

In 1794 the US (and European nations) was plagued by pirate attacks on merchant vessels traveling near what was then called the Pirate Coast.  The Pirate coast consisted of Tunis, Algiers, and Tripoli.  The pirates would hijack ships, take crews captive and then demand ransom.  Many nations payed a tributes to keep their ships safe.  As a new nation, the US was not in a position to pay tribute nor did they have an interest.

On October 3rd, 1803 the US Frigate Philadelphia and schooner Vixen (now that is a Ship’s name!) were ordered to Tripoli with whom the US had been at war over the piracy.  The Philadelphia was run aground and the the ship’s crew captured by the Basha of Tripoli.  The Philadelphia was captured and towed to the port of Tripoli.  So, what do the Marines have to do with this??  Read On!!

In response, the US sent a contingent of Marines (7 to be exact) led by Lt. Presley  O’bannon to overthrow the ruler of Tripoli and help re-establish the reign of Hamet Karamanli in what was to be known as the First Barbary War.  This war marked the first time the US was to plant the flag of the new nation on foreign soil and was when the US Marines were presented with the Mamaluke Sword which, since 1825 has been a part of the US Marine Corps officer Uniform.  The war also has been memorialized in the Marines hymn which starts: “From the halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli…”

While piracy off the African Coast has seen a resurgence in recent years, the US, and specifically the US Marines have a long and storied history with piracy….