Need to put some warheads on foreheads? There’s an app for that

I'm sure you are sick of hearing the phrase, "There's an app for that!" Well, the Marines how have an app for calling in fire support – part of the new suite of gear for forward observers.

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According to a Marine Corps release, the service soon will be issuing the Target Handoff System Version 2, or "THS V.2."

Now weighing in at about 20 pounds, the THS V.2 will cut that burden in half. When the combat load of troops can reach close to 100 pounds, this is a significant relief to Marines on the move.

The THS V.2 gets this light weight by using commercial smart phones to replace the more conventional radio systems in the original THS. An app on the smart phone then allows Marines to call in fire support much more easily, and that will help minimize collateral damage.

The system even comes with a pre-installed "Start Guide" with a variety of tutorials for users.

This fiscal year Marines will receive smart phones that make calling for fire support easier, quicker and more accurate. The Target Handoff System Version 2, or THS V.2, is a portable system designed for use by dismounted Marines to locate targets, pinpoint global positioning coordinates and call for close air, artillery and naval fire support using secure digital communications. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Joe Laws/Released)

"With the new version, Marines will obtain a lightweight device equipped to provide immediate situational awareness on where friendly and enemy locations are, and the ability to hand off target data to fire support to get quick effects on the battlefield," Capt. Jesse Hume of Marine Corps Systems Command said. Hume serves as the THS V.2 project officer.

"THS V.2 provides embedded, real-time tactical information with ground combat element units down to the squad or platoon level," Gunnery Sgt. Nicholas Tock added. "If we are on patrol and we take contact from machine guns in a tree line, a satellite that passes over once every few hours is not going to help an infantry unit kill that target. THS V.2 is for that close combat."

The system also includes a laser-rangefinder, combat net radio, and video downlink — but there's another benefit. In addition to cutting the weight in half, the use of off-the-shelf technology cuts the price of the system in half.

Even the bean-counters seem to win with this.

Anyone picking a firefight with Marines, though, looks to be a sure loser. And that's a good thing.