Within the next two months, the Marine Corps is expected to release a Request for Proposal to industry, marking a major milestone on the path to fielding the first phase of the ACV program.I thought the USMC had a plan to get a replacement for the AAV into service with a bit of quickness.
According to Kevin McConnell, deputy director, Fire and Maneuver Integration Division, Headquarters Marine Corps, Combat Development and Integration, “The Marine Corps plans to select two vendors during the fall of 2016 to build prototypes for a 30-month competitive Engineering and Manufacturing Development phase leading to the eventual selection of a single vendor to build enough vehicles to outfit two companies in the Corps’ assault amphibian battalions.”
The first ACV, 392 upgraded AAVs and the LCAC Replacement (ship-to-shore connector) are all scheduled to hit the operating forces in 2020.
It has taken several years to get here. Since the late 1970s, there have been numerous attempts to develop a high-water, speed-capable replacement for the AAV. However, technical complexity and overall affordability have caused each effort to be cancelled. Still, according to the recently released 36th Commandant’s Planning Guidance, the Marine Corps “will continue to prioritize the fielding of a self-deploying, high-speed amphibious combat vehicle that will meet our requirements for the future even as we implement the first phase of the current Amphibious Combat Vehicle Program.”
The approach to ACV is different. The ACV will leverage advancements in technology by the worldwide armored personnel carrier industry to more rapidly deliver a needed capability without the risks associated with designing a new vehicle from scratch.
“At this point, we don’t intend to spend Marine Corps money or time developing new technology for the ACV. There is existing technology already out there,” McConnell said. “We intend to capitalize on those existing technologies and expect industry to deliver a robust and affordable capability that best meets our specific needs.”
Nothing could be further from the truth.
NOTE CAREFULLY THE PHRASING OF THE OPERATIVE SENTENCE...
The first ACV, 392 upgraded AAVs and the LCAC Replacement (ship-to-shore connector) are all scheduled to hit the operating forces in 2020.That would lead you to believe that the ACV will quickly be entering service right? Now check out the below image...
Click on the image to expand it. The AAV upgrade will begin in 2019. The ACV will be fully fielded in 2028 (by the current plan). So we're back to where we were. The AAV will serve till 2030 and beyond. That is if we don't see the ACV program outright killed before then. Even if it survives it will be almost useless. Why? Because it will be obsolete before it even enters service! Additionally we're looking at less than 500 vehicles and its going to take over a decade to produce them?
This plan is bullshit.
I had high hopes for Dunford but confidence is fading fast. I don't know the game that is being played but this is borderline deceitful. Its time for the Commandant to have a come to Jesus moment and get real, honest and factual with regard to the ACV program.
What is the problem? Is it the budget? Doctrine? Is it believed that a new AAV isn't needed?
Something is broken in Marine Corps procurement. If Dunford can't fix it then he needs to tell us what the problem is.
