Tag Archives: Marine Corps

Marines to Cut 4 Battalions, 12 Air Squadrons

David Alexander, Reuters. The Marine Corps issued an unusually detailed and clear list of the planned cuts to the force as they seek to cut 20,000 Marines from the service. The cuts will be conducted over five years with the plan of seeing most of them through attrition and less re-enlistment opportunities. Four infantry battalions will be lost bringing them down to 23 from 24. Aviation units will go from 70 to 58 squadrons and three headquarters units will also be lost.  North Carolina and California will bear the brunt of the cuts.

U.S. Air Force, Air Guard Lock Horns Over Cuts

Kate…

U.S. Defense Companies Should Remain Strong if No Sequestration

Marcus Weisgerber, Defense News. Defense department and Congressional leaders told an investors conference last week that those companies and programs that have survived the current budget cuts are more than likely to survive the next five years, barring the dreaded sequestration when all bets are off. Dr. Ashton Carter, Deputy Secretary of Defense and Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash) both echoed the sentiment that they don’t believe sequestration will occur and that the market should be settling for the defense industry.

Pentagon Contends with Surplus of Trucks

Marjorie Censer, Capital Business, Washington Post. The military rushed to buy tens of thousands of…

Army Leaders Confident About Vehicle Programs (AUSA Winter)

Paul McCleary, Aviation Week. The head of the Army’s Ground Combat Systems directorate told reporters at AUSA’s Winter Symposium this week that they are confident that even with the reduced budgets the Army is on track with his heavy vehicle programs. They caveat the confidence with a dose of reality, but believe that the Strykers, GCV’s and replacements for the old M113 Armored Personnel Carriers will proceed relatively on schedule due to the overwhelming need for the programs.

U.S. Eyes V-22 Aircraft Sales to Isreal, Canada, UAE

Andrea Shelal-Esa, Reuters. The Marine Corps deputy commandant for aviation gave a detailed overview of the…

Major Changes in Store for the Ground Forces in New Defense Budget

John Grady, ScoutComms. The Army and Marine Corps force structures look to be major bill payers in the new defense budget plan as outlined by the department’s leadership on Thursday. The Army will drop down to 490,000 troops and the Marines down to 182,000, and two heavy brigade combat teams will leave Germany to be deactivated. In addition, pay raises will be cut and current retirees will see their insurance premiums rise as future service members see reduced packages vs those serving today. All in all a heavy reliance on the belief you can train new troops faster than…

General Dynamics CEO Sets Sights on Further Growth, Acquisitions

Andrea Shalal-Esa, Reuters. GD CEO and former Chief-of-Naval-Operations Jay Johnson discusses with Reuters last week his views of the future of General Dynamics and the industry. He offers an insight that most analysts agree with. This is actually a ripe time for major defense manufacturers like GD to acquire other companies to expand their offerings, while leveraging emerging markets like China and South America. While the worries are real about the future of the U.S. defense market, major programs will have to continue and support for most remains strong. 

Obama Administration Urges Flat 2013-2017 Defense Spending Plan

Tony Capaccio, Bloomberg. The White…