CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - I Marine Expeditionary Force hosted the annual I Marine Expeditionary Force Technology Exposition at the Pacific View Event Center aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., March 26.
The expo, which travels around the globe, is an opportunity for organizations and units aboard Camp Pendleton to see the latest in emerging technologies, network with industry experts and share ideas and future goals.
Kari Sheahan, the National Conference Services Incorporated event manager, said the expo is important for maintaining technological advances in the Marine Corps.
“In order to organize events like this, we talk to different units in the Marine Corps to get ideas for new items that could be useful to the military members,” said Sheahan. “Then we take their ideas and talk to companies and organize events like this, which brings those companies and Marines together to discuss these new ideas.”
The new technology on display included data configuring software, security software and systems designed to help Marines further their education.
Colonel Erik Kraft, the commanding officer of Combat Logistics Regiment 17, said the new products at the expo would be beneficial to the Marine Corps in the years to come.
“I saw a lot of great products today,” said Kraft. “These companies have thought of everything from improving work flow to increasing security in the form of a filing cabinet that is accessed by a military [identification] card.”
As the policies in the Marine Corps change, the companies providing the Corps with new equipment must also evolve to meet the needs of Marines as they move into the future.
“The Marine Corps is always changing and evolving to take that next step into the future,” said Kraft. “Everything from tactics to policies and technology is changing regularly and that’s why we need these companies who can think ahead and provide us with great equipment.”
Sheahan said each year the technology exposition improves and attracts more spectators.
“This year we received quite a few technology requests and included a new vendor in the expo,” said Sheahan. “We have also already received more requests for next year and are looking into how to better advertise the expo so more people will be able to attend and see the new advances that could be coming to the military.”