Equipping the Corps

In this episode, Morgan sits down with Mr. Gaurang Dävé, Marine Corps Systems Command’s Cyber Technology Officer and USMC Acquisition Authorizing Official. This conversation dives into the current landscape of cyber threats, MCSC’s strategies to protect and equip the Marine Corps, and how AI could play a role in the future. Tune in to hear more on Mr. Dävé's insights on cybersecurity here at Marine Corps Systems Command.

Satellite communication systems, high-bandwidth data links, and secure voice and data transmission capabilities are the cornerstone to providing critical connectivity when traditional terrestrial communication infrastructure are compromised or unavailable on the battlefield. High-Capacity Communications at Marine Corps Systems Command Communications plays a pivotal role in ensuring Marines are equipped with the gear needed to maintain situational awareness while in degraded environments. On this episode, Morgan chats with Tara Miner, the Product Manager for High-Capacity Communications here at Marine Corps Systems Command. The views expressed in this podcast reflect those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions or the United States Marine Corps or Department of Defense. Show notes: Book: The Women by Hannah Kristin

On this episode, Morgan takes Equipping the Corps into the field for MADIS System Verification Testing, or SVT. Joining her is Maj Craig Warner, product manager for Future Weapon Systems.

Marine Recon units are the commander’s eyes and ears on the battlefield. From clandestine missions to intelligence gathering, they are a silent force ensuring military readiness. On this episode, Morgan chats with LtCol Jason Hibler the Concept Development Team 1 Lead within the Experiment Division at Marine Corps Warfighting Lab, or MCWL. The views expressed in this podcast reflect those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions or the United States Marine Corps or Department of Defense.

We talk a lot about fielding equipment here on the podcast, but the command’s work doesn’t stop once equipment is in the hands of Marines. Things like maintenance, modernization, software updates, and technical support continue through the life of the equipment. And for some systems, included in that is 24/7 technical support provided by the Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity’s Warfighter Support Division, or WSD. On this episode Morgan talks with Rick Bobst, Deputy Director of WSD. The views expressed in this podcast reflect those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions or the United States Marine Corps or Department of Defense.

As the Marine Corps continues to modernize to meet Force Design goals, innovation is critical. Cue: Science and Technology Reinvention Laboratory, or STRL, designation for the Marine Corps Tactical Support Activity – which is enabling them to operate more like a warfare center. On this episode, Morgan dives into the STRL designation with two guests: Mr. Tim Gramp, the Marine Corps’ chief engineer and Marine Corps Systems Command’s Deputy to the Commander, Systems Engineering and Acquisition Logistics and Col Craig Clarkson, Commanding Officer for MCTSSA. The views expressed in this podcast reflect those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions or the United States Marine Corps or Department of Defense.

In acquisition, we often have to strike a balance between getting gear out quickly and abiding by federal contract regulations. However, in some cases our command is able to use specific contract vehicles to better meet the “speed of need.” On this episode, Morgan chats with Jack Cave, Division Head for Program Support. The views expressed in this podcast reflect those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions or the United States Marine Corps or Department of Defense. Show notes: Favorite TV show: Doc Talk

Today is a very special day in Equipping the Corps history as Morgan welcomes our first ever return guest, Col. Tim Hough. Col. Hough is the program manager for Advanced Amphibious Assault, and he and his team are leading the development and fielding efforts for the Amphibious Combat Vehicle – the Corps’ next-generation vehicle designed to move Marines from ship to shore. Book: Meditations by Marcus Aurelius Podcast: Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend, Smartless, It's a True Crime Movie: Gladiator, Braveheart, Dumb and Dumber and Nacho Libre

On this episode, Morgan sits down with Maj. Conor Stewart, Project Officer for the Individual Armor team here at SYSCOM. Ensuring the Marine Corps is a premiere fighting force starts with the individual Marine, from packs to body armor, Maj Stewart’s team is leading the way. The views expressed in this podcast reflect those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions or the United States Marine Corps or Department of Defense. Show notes: Show recommendation: The Terminal List

Someone once said, “Seconds are hours on the battlefield – especially when it comes to the Low Altitude Air Defense community.” The Marine Air Defense Integrated System, or MADIS, is the Marine Corps’ newest asset in counter-unmanned aircraft systems operations and brings the Corps one step closer to air dominance. On this episode, Morgan chats with GySgt Mattheau Ross, MADIS 1.0 Training SME and Assistant Project Officer. The views expressed in this podcast reflect those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions or the United States Marine Corps or Department of Defense. Show notes: Book recommendation: 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

The Marine Corps is continuing to modernize and adapt for the future fight – with logistics playing a critical role. On this episode, Morgan sits down with Verne Ashby, Jr. the assistant program manager for Logistics supporting PM Infantry Weapons on the show! The views expressed in this podcast reflect those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions or the United States Marine Corps or Department of Defense. Show notes: Book recommendation: The Art of War by Sun Tzu

On today’s episode, Morgan chats with Master Sergeant Juan Lopez Jr., an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Project Officer. EOD supports Operating Forces by providing force protection to include locating, accessing, identifying, rendering safe, neutralizing, and destruction of foreign and domestic hazardous materials. The views expressed in this podcast reflect those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions or the United States Marine Corps or Department of Defense.

On this episode, Morgan sits down with Maj Sean Docherty, a Product Manager working on tactical applications, software, and services modernization. Some of may think about your network at home, but have you considered Marines need network services in the field? If not, after today you will! The views expressed in this podcast reflect those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions or the United States Marine Corps or Department of Defense. Show notes: Book: The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics by Daniel James Brown

PM GBAD fields and sustains fully integrated ground to air defense solutions that detect, track, defend and defeat the enemies’ air threat that seek to harm or kill Marines and other high value assets. ON this episode, Morgan chats with Courtney Moore, a logistician for Light Marine Air-Defense Integrated System. The views expressed in this podcast reflect those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions or the United States Marine Corps or Department of Defense. Show notes:

On today’s episode, Morgan chats with Peggy Toth, the Program Manager for Logistics Integrated Information Solutions Marine Corps. For those who haven’t heard of LI2S-MC, they deliver and sustains Logistics Information Technology solutions to enable USMC Logistics operations across the enterprise. The views expressed in this podcast reflect those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions or the United States Marine Corps or Department of Defense. Show notes: TV show: Shrinking Book: Hello Beautiful Movie: Barbie

On the battlefield, proper footwear can be just as important as a weapon. From running across the desert to jumping out of planes, Marines need adequate footwear to take them from point A to point B without injury. On today’s episode, Morgan chats with Todd Towles, program analyst for the Clothing and Equipment Team on boots. . The views expressed in this podcast reflect those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions or the United States Marine Corps or Department of Defense. Show notes: Podcast recommendation: Equipping the Corps Contact: todd.towles@usmc.mil

Today, I’m chatting with CWO3 Joseph DiGirolamo the project officer for our Digital Media Systems team. DMS provides Marine Corps communication professionals the ability to acquire, produce and disseminate VI and reprographic products in support of operational requirements and communication objectives. The views expressed in this podcast reflect those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions or the United States Marine Corps or Department of Defense. Show notes: Song: Don’t Stop Believing – Journey Book: Atomic Habits – James Clear

Today, we’re chatting with the Portfolio Manager for Command Element Systems, or as well call it ‘CES.’ We all know communication is paramount on the battlefield, and CES is the central hub for command, control, communications and intelligence equipment. The views expressed in this podcast reflect those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions or the United States Marine Corps or Department of Defense. Show notes: TV show: Only Murders in the Building

If you’re a long-time listener to Equipping the Corps, you may remember just a year ago when I took the reins from the original host, Manny Pacheco. Today, we’re continuing that tradition as I pass the mic to our new Season 3 host, Ms. Morgan Blackstock. Morgan is a seasoned public affair professional and a certified social butterfly. While Morgan’s name may be new to many of you, you’re actually quite familiar with some of her work as the producer of this podcast. Morgan has been developing questions and coordinating guests for the past year, and I’m excited to see where she takes the podcast as the host. The views expressed in this podcast reflect those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions or the United States Marine Corps or Department of Defense. Show notes: Podcast recommendation: This Podcast Will Kill You

Have you ever wondered how the Marine Corps determines how to integrate systems worn and carried by Marines? Cue, Gruntworks Squad Integration Facility. In recent years, the Marine Corps rifle squad has undergone modernization efforts to modify its size, armament, and equipment to increase lethality, expand capabilities, and achieve victory on new battlefields. Our Gruntworks facility here at Quantico is critical to modernizing the Marine Rifle Squad. On this episode, Tripp chats with Mark Richter, project officer for the Marine Expeditionary Rifle Squad, or MERS, Team here at Marine Corps Systems Command and the manager of Gruntworks. The views expressed in this podcast reflect those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions or the United States Marine Corps or Department of Defense. Show notes: Movie recommendation: Forrest Gump