Marine Corps expeditionary rifle platoon energy burden

Abstract

In 2009, the Commandant of the Marine Corps declared energy a top priority and created the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) Expeditionary Energy Office to develop an energy strategy to reduce and optimize energy usage throughout the Marine Corps. This thesis examines the operational tasks and capabilities that drive the current USMC rifle platoon’s energy burdens using an Expeditionary Warrior 2012 war-game scenario. The primary conclusion of the research is that increasing the platoon’s ability to carry supplies and developing standardized, rechargeable batteries offers the USMC opportunities to reduce energy at the platoon level. This thesis recommends that the USMC should investigate the use of robotic transport systems and use of unmanned aerial vehicles to reduce the number of sustainment flights required of large aircraft. It also recommends further research should be conducted to calculate the energy usage at the company level, analyzing robotic solutions and standardized batteries to reduce energy at the platoon level and conducting analysis for water reduction.