Lt. Gen. Brian Beaudreault, the U.S. Marine Corps’ deputy commandant for plans, policies and operations, announced the USMC is requesting $14B for modernization and $13.8B for near-term readiness efforts, USNI News reported Thursday. Each appropriation accounts for 30 percent of the service branch’s total budget for fiscal year 2020.
According to Beaudreault, the $14B modernization funding would help USMC integrate its naval operations through updated platforms such as unmanned systems, M27 weapons, improved night vision goggles, F-35 aircraft, G/ATOR radars and medium-range air defense systems. Other goals include investing in systems designed for an information warfare environment; updating the USMC and U.S. Navy’s amphibious warships; and modernizing surface and aerial connectors to help maneuvering and sustainment functions.
Beaudreault also noted that the $13.8B funding would help readiness efforts such as depot maintenance, parts availability and in-service repairs. He said the Marine Corps is slated to achieve its readiness requirements this year.