Raytheon, Marines set up 'Gruntworks'

STAFFORD, Va., Nov. 7 (UPI) -- Raytheon is setting up a new laboratory to boost the effectiveness of U.S. Marine Corps combat equipment.

Raytheon said in a statement last week that it would "partner with the Marine Corps Systems Command as the primary integrator for a human factors laboratory facility that will study potential improvements in the effectiveness of the equipment Marine squads carry into battle."

"Located in Stafford and opening on Nov. 1, the facility will be known as the 'Gruntworks.' It will analyze the equipment Marine riflemen carry in terms of loading, logistics, human factors and combat effectiveness with a view toward making changes that increase efficiency, personal protection and survivability," the company said.

"This is a revolutionary step in making our ground Marines more agile, lethal, and survivable," said Lt. Gen. Jim Amos, commanding general, Marine Corps Combat Development Command. "This capability will increase our ability to protect Marines in the future."

Raytheon said it would "act as the systems integrator for this first-ever Marine infantry laboratory facility, working closely with the program management office for the Marine Expeditionary Squad."

"At the Gruntworks, the Marine Corps will evaluate the best industry, government, academic, and foreign solutions offered. From there it will determine through simulation and human systems integration and modeling if new technology can be integrated into the squad equipment set to make it more effective," Raytheon said.

"Diagnostic equipment available at the Gruntworks will include vehicle and aircraft mockups for use in analyzing the amount of individual equipment Marines bring in ground and air transports. Additionally, the Office of Naval Research will fund a virtual training facility at the Gruntworks called the Immersive Infantry Trainer. This capability will allow Marines and laboratory personnel to test equipment in a virtual, combat-like environment," the company said.

Raytheon said it would work closely with WESCO and HUMANSYSTEMS on the program.

"WESCO, a Helena, Mont.-based information technology company, is providing services and developing a knowledge management system tailored to the Marine Corps HUMANSYSTEMS, Inc., is an Ontario, Canada-based human factors consulting firm," Raytheon said.