CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - More than 2,000 service members across the base here caught a glimpse of the newest military technology during the 2011 Marine West Expo here, Jan. 26-27.
During the expo, more than 150 companies showed off new gear, gadgets and equipment that could potentially be used by the military in the future.
“The Marine West Expo is here to show and explain to everyone what new things are being introduced to our military,” said Charles Baisley, Marine West Expo show director. “The vendors here interact with the military personnel directly and let them see first-hand some of the things they may be using.”
Military and civilian defense personnel who attended the two-day event were able to check out everything from new weapons and protective gear to upgraded versions of flak jackets and Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles.
The vendors were not only there to showcase their gear, but also to engage Marines and find out what works and how their products can be improved.
“The expo was awesome,” said Cpl. Jason Saenz, administration clerk, Headquarters Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group. “I got to look at and test out some of the gear, and they gave out samples as well.”
Marine West is one of three expositions hosted annually on Marine Corps bases. The Marine South Expo is scheduled for April 27–28 at Camp Lejeune, N.C., and the Modern Day Marine Expo will take place at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., Sept. 27–29. For more information, visit www.marinemilitaryexpos.com.