Support to the MERS

The UOL provides direct support to the Marine Expeditionary Rifle Squad (MERS) Integration Facility (known as GRUNTWORKS) located in Stafford, Virginia. The primary purpose of this facility is to conduct personal equipment integration and modernization efforts for the MERS. The integration facility coordinates the human factors and systems engineering process with a focus on integration and ergonomics of multiple systems and components.

Integration & Human Factors Support

The UOL imparts integration and human factors expertise in support of the MERS Integration Facility utilizing various and diverse expertise within the M2 Technologies, Inc. (M2) and Kansas State University (KSU) team. The effort encompasses equipment on the individual Marine through the entire Marine rifle squad. The effort includes current and prototype equipment that may be used in trials or tests. This effort also plays a role in human factors-related support activities.

Engineering Design & Development Support

This effort includes the system engineering process in efforts to specify, evaluate, provide recommendations, or to conduct actual modifications of equipment. This includes all of the squad equipment currently in use as well as future squad equipment. The ability to step back and take a fresh look at problem areas provides an opportunity for unique solutions to simple and complex problems. Personnel involved in this effort work cooperatively with the MERS team.

Hardware Design & Modification

In support of engineering design and development, hardware design and modifications may be required to support and trial applied solutions to specific hardware problems. This includes redesign and modification support for existing systems to achieve an integrated solution for prototype equipment.

Weight & Volume

Squad Weight, Volume, Thermal Management, and Load Carriage Analysis

Weight and volume are two key areas of concern for the MERS. This task incorporates support during squad weight performance trials and analysis of the load carriage methodology. This effort supports one of the problematic, high-visibility areas of concern to the Marine Corps. Products from strategic planning can provide innovative solutions to these problem areas. Understanding these issues by attending trials and after action reviews provide the corporate knowledge and understanding on recommended technology pursuits in the effort to mitigate this problem.