Chemlight bundles are used by elite units for high-risk operations like hostage rescue and room clearing. They are a group of 10 chem lights looped together with 550 cord (paracord). Chemlights are used to mark cleared rooms when teams move through buildings during CQB (close quarters battle) missions. The problem with traditional 4” or 6” chemlights is that they put out too much light which could potentially compromise their tactics. To combat this, operators wrap 100mph tape around a portion of the individual lights to dim them. However, this makeshift solution is far from ideal, prompting the need for a more specialized and practical marking device. 

Quick Chemlight Comparison

When there isn’t an adequate solution to a problem, that’s usually when Blue Force Gear steps in. To address the limitations of an antiquated way to mark rooms, BFG introduced the MARCO Marking Light Dispenser. The MARCO is truly a revolutionary design that has quickly been adopted by specialized teams worldwide.   

It is a magazine-style dispenser that utilizes 2” chemlight sticks. The entire dispenser is extremely compact, can hold 30 marking sticks, and these more efficient chemlights produce the right amount of light for marking purposes. Unlike the overwhelming brightness of standard chemlights, the MARCO uses 2” sticks to emit a subdued glow, allowing operators to mark cleared rooms without compromising themselves. 

The MARCO is preloaded with 30 - 2" marking lights that give roughly the same lumen output as taped 4" traditional chem sticks in a package smaller than a standard M4 STANAG mag. Color options include blue, red, green, or infrared (for approved use only). The variety of colors allows for customized marking systems tailored to specific operational requirements or environmental conditions. Marking sticks are also sold in refill packs for training purposes but BFG recommends the full dispenser for professional use and real-world situations. 

The MARCO can be carried in one of Blue Force Gear’s custom Ten-Speed Pouches – there is a MOLLE mounted pouch and Belt Hanger version. Blue Force Gear also offers a heavy-duty Kydex Pouch that can be belt mounted vertically or angled based on user preference.  

While the MARCO was initially conceived for military and law enforcement applications, it has versatile applications such as game tracking for hunters or fugitive tracking for law enforcement. The MARCO is also perfect for nighttime or low-level light tactical training - drop them in a line to create a visible firing line and drop one under each target to approximate target location. 

Beyond its functional advantages, the MARCO boasts impressive efficiency and reliability. The marking sticks provide ample light for most operations and the compact, simplistic design makes it easy to carry and deploy. The MARCO's journey from inception to widespread adoption exemplifies the commitment of Blue Force Gear to the warfighter. BFG is constantly innovating and providing better solutions. The MARCO has become an indispensable tool, enhancing operator efficiency and increasing the chances of mission success.