This week’s Marine Corps Times cover story delves into the Corps’ plans to replace your Infantry Combat Boot with the Rugged All Terrain boot. Until now, RAT boots have mostly been issued to Marines deploying to Afghanistan, but in 2012 they will become standard issue. The RAT boot was developed after current boots proved unable to hold up to the rugged terrain and harsh conditions Marines were fighting in. With reinforced leather and stitch-down construction that better bonds the sole to the rest of the boot, the RAT boot will last longer in garrison and down range. But while it’s…

Marine Corps Times is looking for heroes. Not the types who make headlines for combat exploits, but the quiet, everyday heroes whose dedication, professionalism, and concern for their fellow service members and community set a standard for us all. They are unsung heroes who lead by example — giving their time, sharing their knowledge and inspiring others — without drawing much attention to themselves. Through April 22, we are accepting nominations for the 11th annual award from their peers, supervisors, family members and/or friends. There are three ways to nominate — online, by mail or fax. Provide: * Your name…

The likelihood that scientists draw blood from prehistoric mosquitoes, use it to populate a park full of dinosaurs and charge you admission to hunt said dinos down, seems pretty small. But some capitalists at Camp Pendleton, Calif.’s Paintball Park know you’d still love to take a potshot or two at a T-Rex. With that in mind, dinosaur sculptures are being incorporated into a $2 million upgrade at the park, under construction at the site of the old rodeo grounds on Mainside. The park is still under construction, but it has begun operations.  As of Jan. 22, the park is operating…

Do you see that, ladies and gentlemen? That’s me at the rifle range yesterday at SHOT Show, the world’s largest outdoor and shooting trade show. It brings military personnel of all kinds, including those who decide what the services need to buy and why. Yesterday was media day down on the range, which gave Army Times senior writer Lance Bacon, Gear Scout guru Rob Curtis and I a chance to check out and shoot a variety of weapons. As a Marine Corps Times senior writer, I was interested to try (separately) the Colt CM901 and a high-capacity 5.56mm magazine in development…

News is streaming out of Sangin, Afghanistan, this week. Look no further than Battle Rattle posts from Dan Lamothe here and here. But hidden in the coverage was this gem of a photo, taken Dec. 30 by Gunnery Sgt. William Price. This Afghan National Army soldier was among those patrolling with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines. My questions to you: How do you like his bling? And what do you make of those sideburns?

To paraphrase one of the many Chuck Norris sayings out there:   “Chuck Norris doesn’t write … the words assemble out of fear.” Well, words assembled on the Marine Corps’ official blog this month.  Norris praises Amos in a blog post titled “A leader we can follow.” In it, he said that Commandant Gen. Jim Amos is an “extraordinary example” of leadership. He goes on to say: After being recommended by Defense Secretary Robert Gates in June and endorsed by President Obama in July, my wife, Gena, and I (among many others around the world) were thrilled to hear he was…