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New artillery system set for fielding

The Corps’ new Internally Transportable Vehicle and Expeditionary Fire Support System have reached initial operational capability and are expected to be fielded by the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Marine officials said.

The ITV, a small, lightweight vehicle designed to fly inside the MV-22 Osprey and CH-53 helicopter, was cleared in late June to be deployed with Camp Lejeune, N.C.-based 2nd Marine Division. Members of 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, have been training with the equipment in anticipation of a deployment with the 24th MEU, Marine Corps Systems Command officials said in a statement.

The EFSS was cleared for deployment March 17 and was fielded to Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 10th Marines, which also is expected to deploy with the 24th MEU. Each system includes two lightweight vehicles that can be transported in the Osprey, with one towing a 120mm mortar and the other pulling a trailer of ammunition.

Marine officials have not said where the 24th MEU will deploy next. Last year, the unit’s Marines landed in Afghanistan, spearheading the Corps’ first push into the southern portion of the country in years. Marine officials have said the EFSS system, in particular, could play a vital role in providing isolated platoons in Afghanistan with the fire support they need.