Yearly Chronologies of the United States Marine Corps - 1986

___ January ? The Marksmanship Training Unit at Quantico, Virginia, tasked by Headquarters, Marine Corps to design, test, and demonstrate a new course of fire for the M-9 Beretta Model 92SB-F 9mm semi-automatic pistol, began testing on a recently approved service pistol qualification course and a close-combat pistol course. The special group of Marine Corps shooters were selected to fire the 9mm pistol course to help set future Marine Corps qualification standards for expert, sharpshooter, and marksman awards.

1 January ? The strength of the U.S. Armed Forces was 2,149,073; of whom 197,171 were Marines.

6-24 January - The 1986 Pacific Division Rifle and Pistol Matches were held. More than 140 Marine and Navy marksmen from commands in Hawaii participated. The matches were part of the Competition-in-Arms Program designed to enhance the combat marksmanship proficiency of the Marine Corps. The M-16A2 rifle and the .45 caliber pistol were the weapons used in the competition. In the team rifle matches, Gunnery Sergeant J.D. Powell led his Marine Aircraft Group 24 (MCAS Kaneohe Bay) sharpshooters to a victory and the Julian C. Smith Trophy. In the team pistol competition, Marines from Marine Barracks Hawaii, led by Captain Michael G. Sessions, captured the Pacific Trophy. Team and individual awards were presented on 28 January by Lieutenant General D?Wayne Gray, Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific.

10 January - A firm-fixed price procurement contract was awarded to Cadillac Gage Corporation for the Assault Amphibian Vehicle Upgunned Weapons Stations (UGWS). The UGWS, a 40mm grenade launcher and M-2 .50 caliber machine gun turret, replaced the M-85, .50 caliber machine gun turret. This initial procurement was for 240 UGWS with an option for an additional 100 UGSW. Initial deliveries and testings were scheduled for late 1986.

15 January ? The Marine Corps Reserve reported the conclusion of the 38th Toys for Tots campaign. Units in the 4th Marine Division, 4th Service Support Group, and the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing collected more than 5 million toys for distribution to 1.6 million needy children throughout the United States.

15 January - Headquarters, Marine Corps established a new Security Branch within its Operations Division to provide better coordination for antiterrorism policy and a single point of contact for all matters relating to security. Marine detachments on board ships, Marine barracks, Marine security guards, and law enforcement activities came under the cognizance of the new branch. Prior to this activation, responsibility for security activities was divided among several Headquarters organizations.

17 January - The 3d Marine Aircraft Wing saluted Marine Attack Helicopter Squadron 169 with an aviation safety milestone award. On this day, the squadron attained 30,000 accident-free flight hours.

21 January ? An agreement was reached with the airframe prime contractor t