U.S. Marines Ponder Future Armor Options

As the demand for armored scout units in Iraq soars, the U.S. Marine Corps is reviewing its entire array of combat vehicle programs and is considering revising procurement plans. Commanders in Iraq have kept light armored forces busier than planned, which has led to requests for additional battalions. According to preliminary estimates, the Marine Corps would be looking to add 5 light-armored reconnaissance (LAR) companies. Each company would be assigned to a Marine light armored reconnaissance battalion. The Corps has not yet decided, however, how it will come up with additional light armored vehicles, or LAVs, for the new companies. Among the options being contemplated are to purchase new vehicles or to bring ashore existing LAVs that are stocked aboard sea-based floating warehouses and saved for emergencies. National Defense also reports that the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle procurement plans remain on track, as are LAV upgrades and additional variants. The MEFFV program is reportedly being “revisited,” however, and the Army’s Future Combat Vehicle program will not be a joint program with the USMC. National Defense: Marine Corps Ponder Options to Expand Armor Forces in Iraq