Briefs
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MARINES
Marines end testing of rifle
The Marine Corps last month wrapped up more than 18 months of testing as it weighs replacements for the M-16A2 rifle.
The trials, the last of which was held at Camp Lejeune, N.C., included the M-4 carbine that is standard issue for U.S. Army troops, and the M-16A4, an upgraded version of the current rifle.
The M-4 is lighter, has a collapsible buttstock and is 10 inches shorter than the M-16A2.
Marine Force Reconnaissance units, anti-terrorism security teams, and military police special response teams have used the M-4 since 1999.
NAVY
Sailors test tracking device
Navy officials in Pearl Harbor with the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier battle group last week showed off a new device being tested on deployment for the first time: a global positioning-based "Man Overboard Indicator."
MOBIs, about the size of a folding cell phone, will be worn as part of "float coats" by crew members who work in high risk areas on the decks of ships.
When the device comes into sustained contact with seawater, it sends out an alarm received by all ships in the battle group.
Using global positioning, Navy ships will be able to pinpoint the overboard sailor's location.
The battle group, with four Pearl Harbor-based vessels, is headed to the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea for Operation Enduring Freedom and Southern Watch.
Sailors help wetland project
Sailors with Commander Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet helped lend a hand to complete an irrigation system and gravel pathways at Kaneloa Wetland in Kapi'olani Park.
The site serves as a natural drainage runoff for Diamond Head, and was once a training ground for Hawaiian warriors, as well as the seat of Hawaiian government under Kamehameha I.
Project Manager Michelle Matson said the goal is to recharge the wetland with brackish water to expand three species of native Hawaiian wetlands plants.
Electronics technician Senior Chief Andy Cole participated in the project with his wife, Melanie, son Chris, 11, and daughter Cassidy, 13.
"I really felt it was a worthwhile project," Cole said. "I think my children walked away with a better understanding of the area and a sense of pride for their personal contribution."
ARMY
Civilian police guarding gates
On July 15, the Fort Shafter Military Police Battalion began using Department of the Army civilian police officers to enforce access control at Tripler Army Medical Center, Aliamanu Military Reservation and Fort Shafter.
Army civilian police officers already guard Pohakuloa Training Area on the Big Island, Fort DeRussy, and Wai'anae Army Recreation Center.
The Army said the change is intended to reduce personnel requirements for infantry and military police units in U.S. Army Pacific that had been responsible for manning gates.
The Fort Shafter Military Police Battalion has a 46-person Department of the Army civilian police company that is expanding to 56 positions to support the U.S. Army Hawai'i and 25th Infantry Division (Light).
About 17 positions are still open for qualified candidates.
