Annual Exposition Returns to Quantico

Marine Corps Base Quantico, VA. - The 26th Annual Modern Day Marine Military Exposition will be held Sept. 12 to 14 on the field in front of Lejeune Hall.

At the Marine Corps League’s military exposition, defense contractors showcase the latest in defense manufacturing, science, technology and warfighting products, and services of more than 330 companies that support the air, land and sea operations of U.S. and allied forces.

Many of the systems and equipment items used by Marines and other U.S. armed and allied forces in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world in support of the Global War on Terrorism, were first showcased before military leaders, operation planners and acquisition managers at the exposition in past years, said Carl White, Modern Day media relations specialist.

Among the many exposition highlights this year will be a special exhibitor pavilion focusing on systems and equipment designed to deter and counter the use of improvised explosive devices by enemy forces, said White.

The Modern Day Marine Military Exposition is held at Quantico to give first-hand exposure to the latest in defense manufacturing, science and technology here because Quantico is home of the Marine Corps Combat Development Command, Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory and Marine Corps Systems Command.

The Combat Development Command develops Marine warfighting concepts and determines the Corps’ capability requirements for doctrine, equipment, organization, training, education and support. The Warfighting Lab is responsible for improving current and future naval expeditionary warfare capabilities. Systems Command is the Corps’ principal agency for acquisition and sustainment of systems and equipment used to carry out the Marines’ warfighting mission.

Many of the people who staff those organizations will visit the exhibit areas and discuss missions, capabilities and requirements with defense industry professionals, added White.

In the past, the exposition took place on the air facility, but due to construction this year, the expo has moved to Lejeune Hall’s parade deck. In addition to the new location, parking will be available on the field next to Quantico’s Memorial Chapel, which is also adjacent to Lejeune Hall. With parking on site, there will not be a shuttle bus service this year, said Brenda Dunlap, Quantico’s events coordinator.

Quantico employees and residents should be aware that base traffic may be congested during normal working hours due to the anticipated high volume of attendees, said Dunlap.

“To reduce traffic congestion, personnel within walking distance of Lejeune Field are highly encouraged to walk to the expo,” Dunlap said. “All personnel are encouraged to carpool or explore other options for minimizing the number of vehicles on base.”

“Due to heightened security, all attendees will be required to have picture identification available when entering the base. Marines in uniform may enter exhibit areas without a special registration badge,” said White. “Other military personnel, civilians and industry representatives must register on site and obtain a registration badge during registration hours.”

On Sept. 12, the expo is scheduled to start with an opening ceremony at 9:45 a.m. and the exhibits will open promptly afterward and close at 3:30 p.m. On Sept. 13 and 14, exhibit hours are from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m, but will close at 3 p.m. on Sept. 14. Each day, food services will be available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Also on the second day of the expo, the Capital Marines Detachment of the Marine Corps League’s Enlisted Award Parade will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. The commandant of the Marine Corps will present awards to recipients being recognized for outstanding contributions to the Corps in their occupational fields: Marine Recruiter, Drill Instructor, Career Planner, and Embassy Guard, said Dunlap.

At the parade, the Corps’ Silent Drill Platoon and the Marine Corps Drum and Bugle Corps will perform.

On the last day, “Family Day,” family members of military service members and Department of Defense employees will get the opportunity to experience the exhibits to learn more about today’s military equipment, systems and technology. Interested individuals will be able to view the exhibits from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

R. Lee Ermey, known for his movie and television portrayals of Marines, will be at the expo as a representative of an exhibiting company, said White. “Popular among many Marines and other members of the armed forces for his role as ‘the old Gunny’ on the History Channel’s top-rated military technology series, ‘Mail Call,’ Ermey will be autographing photos and posters for expo attendees.”
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