USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

I I

As we continue to train the Iraqi and Afghan security forces for taking control 

in their respective countries, and in light of rising economic and energy concerns, 

the Marine Corps faces a number of challenges in 2010. Our standing pledge to 

Congress remains to exercise fiscal discipline and act as good stewards of the resources they provide while maintaining the capability to operate across the full 

range of military operations. As the Nation’s premier expeditionary force in readiness, the Marine Corps must remain fast, austere, and lethal. 

In November 2009, we established the Marine Corps Expeditionary Energy 

Office to analyze, develop, and direct ways in which we can gain efficiencies on 

the battlefield in fuel and water consumption. Our national economy is unstable 

and institutionally, we also face significant fiscal challenges as we look to reset the 

Marine Corps from operations in Iraq, support the President’s strategy in Afghanistan, and modernize our equipment to ensure its availability and capability to meet 

future requirements.

This edition of Concepts and Programs offers a review of our operations in 

2009, underscoring how engaged America’s Marine Corps has been –– not only in 

Iraq and Afghanistan but around the world, on training exercises and in support 

of the engagement strategies of our country’s combatant commanders. For the 

A Message from the Commandant of the Marine Corps
foreword

III

Marine Corps in 2010, this volume provides a snapshot of how we have structured 

the force to support our roadmap for the future, Marine Corps Vision and Strategy 

2025. We intend for Concepts and Programs to also be a concise, useful reference 

of all our major programs. Our greatest commitment is to our Marines and their 

families; and as the Marine Corps Almanac shows in the last chapter, appropriations for our personnel comprise more than half of our overall budget.

Our forces in Afghanistan will grow during 2010, and the high operational 

tempo we have experienced over the last several years will continue. As a naval expeditionary force and an elite air-ground team, the Marine Corps is ready and willing to go into harm’s way on a moment’s notice and do what is necessary to make 

our country safer — this is what America expects of her Marines. In the complex 

and dangerous security environment of the future, the Marine Corps stands ready 

for the challenges ahead.

 Semper Fidelis,

 James T. Conway

General, U.S. Marine Corps
IV

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

A Message from the Commandant of the Marine Corps . . ii

CHAPTER 1: Concepts and Posture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

CHAPTER 2: Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Operating Forces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Supporting Establishment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

CHAPTER 3: Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Part 1: The Individual Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Quality of Life (QOL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Taking Care of Marines and Families . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Wounded Warrior Regiment (WWR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Infantry Automatic Rifle (IAR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Modular Weapons System (MWS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Tactical Hand Held Radio (THHR) Family of Systems (FoS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Marine Expeditionary Rifle Squad (MERS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Concepts & Programs

2010 U.S. Marine Corps
V

table of contents

Infantry Combat Equipment (ICE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Day Optics Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Laser Targeting and Illumination Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Part 2: Command and Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Theater Battle Management Core System (TBMCS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Global Command and Control System (GCCS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Global Combat Support Sysytem – Marine Corps (GCSS-MC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Common Aviation Command and Control System (CAC2S) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Tactical Combat Operations (TCO) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Composite Tracking Network (CTN) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

AN/TSQ-239(V) Combat Operations Center (COC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Joint Tactical Common Operational Picture Workstation (JTCW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Blue Force Tracker (BFT) Family of Systems (FoS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Marine Corps Enterprise Information Technology System (MCEITS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

Warfighter Network Services – Tactical (WFNS-T) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Marine Corps Enterprise Network (MCEN) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

The Assault Amphibious Vehicle-Command; Command and 

Control Upgrade Program (AAVC7 C2 Upgrade) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Multi-Band Radio (MBR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

High Frequency Radio (HFR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Part 3: Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

Marine Corps Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Enterprise (MCISR-E) . . . . 98

Distributed Common Ground System – Marine Corps (DCGS-MC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

GCCS-Integrated Imagery and Intelligence (GCCS-I3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

Counterintelligence and Human Intelligence Equipment Program (CIHEP) . . . . . . . . . 103

Special Intelligence Communications (SI Comms) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Intelligence Analysis System (IAS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Technical Control and Analysis Center (TCAC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
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USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

MAGTF Secondary Imagery Dissemination System (MSIDS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Team Portable Communications System-Multi Platform Capable (TPCS-MPC) . . . . . . 110

Expeditionary Intelligence Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Part 4: Ground Mobility and Fire Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV)...........................................114

Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Marine Personnel Carrier (MPC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

Internally Transportable Vehicle (ITV) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle Expanded Capacity 

Vehicle (HMMWV ECV) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

MediumTactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

Logistics Vehicle System Replacement (LVSR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

Route Reconnaissance and Clearance (R2C) Family of Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

Expeditionary Fire Support System (EFSS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

Lightweight 155mm Howitzer (LW155) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

Target Location, Designation, and Hand-off System (TLDHS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128

Family of Target Acquisition Systems (FTAS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

Part 5: Aviation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130

Aviation Combat Element (ACE) Legacy Aircraft Modernization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132

Aviation Ground Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136

J-35B Lightning II Short Take-Off Vertical Landing (STOVL) Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). 138

Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Transition Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140

MV-22 Osprey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141

H-1 Upgrade (UH-1Y Venom/AH-1Z Viper) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143

KC-130 Hercules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145

CH-53K Heavy Lift Helicopter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
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table of contents

Operational Support Airlift (OSA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150

Marine Aviation Logistics Transformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151

Ground-Based Air Defense Transformation (GBAD-T) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152

Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153

AN/TPS-59(V)3 Radar System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154

P19A Aircraft Crash Fire Rescue Vehicle Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155

Part 6: Logistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156

Logistics Modernization (Log Mod) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158

Sense and Respond Logistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159

Naval Logistics Integration (NLI) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160

MAGTF Distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161

Feeding Marines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163

Family of Material Handling Equipment (MHE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164

Marine Corps Families of Power and Environmental Control Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . 165

Lightweight Water Purification System (LWPS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166

Conventional Ground Ammunition (Class V(W)) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167

Communication Electronics Equipment Maintenance 

Complex (CEEMC) Rigid-Wall Shelter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168

Family of Tactical Soft Shelters (FTSS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169

Part 7: Maritime Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170

Amphibious Warships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172

Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174

Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC)/Ship to Shore Connector (SSC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175

Future of Maritime Prepositioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176 

Naval Surface Fire Support (NSFS) Initiatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178

Mine Countermeasures (MCM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180

Part 8: Training and Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184

Individual and MAGTF Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186

Joint, Intergovernmental , and Multi-national (JIM) Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
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USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Pre-deployment Training Program (PTP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188

Multi-Capable Training Ranges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190

Modeling and Simulation (M&S) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191

Collective Training Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192

Range Training Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197

Culture & Language Training Systems...........................................206

Individual Training Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210

Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214

Marine Corps Distance Learning (MCDL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215

Marine Corps University and (MCU) and Professional Military Education (PME) . . . . 216

Part 9: Supporting Establishment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218

Manpower Recruiting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220

Marine Corps Recruiting Information Support System – Recruiting Station . . . . . . . . . . 223

Marine Corps Retention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224

Civilian Marines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226

Total Force Structure Management System (TFSMS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228

Installations and Military Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229

Energy Initiative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230

Environmental, Natural, and Cultural Resources Stewardship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233

Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234

Continuous Process Improvement (CPI) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235

Marine Corps Reserve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236

Part 10: Force Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238

Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Program (JNLWP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240

MAGTF CBRN Assessment and Consequence 

Management Set (MAGTF CBRN ACM Set) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241

Hailing and Warning Green Beam Laser Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242

VENOM Non-Lethal Tube Launched Munitions System (NL/TLMS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243

Mission Payload Module Non-Lethal Weapons System (MPM-NLWS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
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table of contents

Escalation of Force Mission Module (EoF-MM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245

Identity Dominance System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246

Counter Radio-Controlled IED Electronic Warfare (CREW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247

CHAPTER 4: Current Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248

CHAPTER 5: Marine Corps Almanac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264

Appendix A: Other Supporting Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284

Marine Corps Embassy Security Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284

Marine Corps History Division . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286

National Museum of the Marine Corps (NMMC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287

Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290

International Affairs Officer Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292

INDEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
chapter

1
1

chapter 1: The USMC: Americas Expeditionary Force in Readiness

The United States Marine Corps:

America’s Expeditionary Force in Readiness

The strategic environment for the United States and its Armed Services will continue to be defined by a global struggle against violent extremist ideologies that seek to 

overturn the international state system and do harm to America and its allies. Beyond 

this transnational struggle, the United States will face other threats, including a variety 

of irregular challenges; the quest by both state and non-state actors to obtain nuclear 

and other weapons of mass destruction; and the rising conventional military power of 

peer states. 

Likewise, the operational environment in which Marine forces are to be employed 

will be more complex, densely populated, and urbanized. It will be characterized by 

adversaries who exploit complex terrain, use irregular and conventional tactics, use 

primitive and sophisticated technology, and capitalize on the advantages that access to 

the Internet and electronic media provide. It will be rife with interdependent power, 

service, and information systems; it will be populated by a younger and more disenfranchised society; and it will be driven by a unique set of cultural, political, and historical conditions. 

Within this environment, the demand for Marine forces to support overseas operations will remain high. The Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) in Al Anbar, Iraq 

is scheduled to come home in 2010, but commitments to Afghanistan will concurrently 

increase to over 19,000 Marines. While this increase is focused on the Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan (MEB-A), we also continue to provide Embedded Training 
2

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Teams to the Afghanistan National Security Forces and Marine Corps special operations companies, as well as individual 

Marines for higher headquarters requirements. The conflict in Afghanistan will 

continue to place heavy requirements on 

our personnel, equipment, and families. 

Marine forces will also continue to be deployed to support combatant commander engagement and security cooperation 

activities world wide, while maintaining 

the capability and posture to respond to 

crises and small-scale contingencies. 

Although significant Marine participation in Iraq might be coming to a close, 

the requirements of Afghanistan will 

place a challenge on our ability to meet 

the goal of a 1 to 2 ratio for deploymentto-dwell time –– that is, the ratio of time 

Marines are forward deployed to the time 

back home for leave, training, and exercises. We recognize that our Marines and 

their families have given much of themselves to the Corps and the Nation during 

the last eight years. A return to pre-2001 

deployment ratios of 1 to 3 for the active 

component is necessary in order to reset 

and reconstitute the force. Our Marines 

continue to answer the Nation’s call and 

perform magnificently in these trying 

and historic times. 

This recent Marine Corps deployment 

tempo has dictated an almost singular focus on preparing units for their next rotation and counterinsurgency operations in 

Iraq and Afghanistan. This focus and the 

associated deployment rate of many units 

threaten to erode the skills needed for 

other vital Marine Corps missions, particularly combined arms maneuver and 

amphibious operations. This challenge 

has been particularly acute at the Marine 

Expeditionary Brigade (MEB) and Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) levels, 

where opportunities to maintain our historically high proficiency in these operations have been degraded. Additionally, 

the international security environment 

has increased combatant commanders’ 

needs for persistent forward-engagement 

activities. Marine forces will be called 

upon to address combatant commander 

requirements in the littorals, and will 

focus on expanding persistent forwardengagement activities as part of a joint 

Navy-Marine Corps team. 

The operating environment of Afghanistan is exceedingly complex but is 

indicative of future operations. As difficult as the physical aspect of operations 

in this environment will be, the cultural 

terrain will be far more challenging. The 

ability to comprehend and effectively 

“maneuver” in the cognitive and cultural 

dimensions of the modern operating environment will be paramount. In order to 

be successful in this complex operating 

environment, continued development of 
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chapter 1: The USMC: Americas Expeditionary Force in Readiness

our core competencies among our operational forces is essential.

Our Core Competencies:

Foundation for Tomorrow’s Capabilities

The Marine Corps’ Vision and Strategy 2025 established a conceptual direction for the Marine Corps to meet the 

challenges of an uncertain but dangerous 

security environment. It articulates how 

the Marine Corps’ six core competencies 

posture the Marine Corps to meet future 

security needs. The core competencies are 

the fundamental contribution that the 

Marine Corps makes to the Nation’s defense. Though enduring, they are not static. New competencies must be developed 

as necessary and honed to meet emerging 

challenges. Our core competencies reflect 

our particular skill sets, and thus describe 

what we do to meet combatant commander requirements while posturing the 

Marine Corps for the future. Thus, our 

capability and capacity to achieve these 

core competencies will form the basis for 

the future Marine Corps that is capable of 

providing a force in readiness to: 

(1) Conduct persistent forward naval 

engagement and is always prepared to 

respond as the Nation’s force in readiness. The Marine Corps is devoted to an 

expeditionary way of life. We understand 

that true readiness means much more 

than being deployable. It requires a force 

that is deployed with our Navy shipmates 

and engaged in the littorals, shaping the 

operational environment, and contributing to the prevention of conflict. This agile force can react rapidly across the range 

of military operations and must prevail, 

even thrive, in the uncertainty and chaos 

of emerging crises. 

(2) Employ integrated combined arms 

across the range of military operations 

and can operate as part of a joint or multinational force. Our MAGTFs blend the 

art and science of executing combined 

arms operations from air, land, and sea. 

Marine employment and integration of 

air- and ground-based capabilities reflect 

our innovative approach to warfighting. 

History has shown that this approach can 

be applied with effect in missions that 

range from security cooperation to major combat operations. Our MAGTFs are 

task-organized for each mission and can 

be employed independently or as part of 

a joint or multinational force.

(3) Provide forces and specialized detachments for service aboard naval 

ships, on stations, and for operations 

ashore. The Marine Corps and the Navy 

share a common heritage. Marines have 

served aboard Navy ships as marksmen, 

as embarked MAGTFs, as naval aviators, 

and as specialized detachments afloat. 

This heritage is reflected in our doctrine 

and in how we design our equipment 

and weapons systems. Our modernization programs for the future are being 

designed to allow Marine Corps forces 

to seamlessly deploy, project power, and 

fight from naval vessels or austere expeditionary bases, or any combination thereof. Our close association with the Navy 

continues today along with a growing in-
4

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

teraction with the Coast Guard. The 2007 

tri-service maritime strategy, A Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower, 

articulates a renewed emphasis on integrated naval capabilities and capacities. 

(4) Conduct joint forcible-entry operations from the sea and develop amphibious landing force capabilities and 

doctrine. When access to critical regions 

or allies is denied or in jeopardy, forwarddeployed, rapidly employable Marine 

Corps forces are trained and ready to execute amphibious operations to overcome 

enemy defenses. Together, the Navy and 

Marine Corps provide the Nation with its 

primary capability to swiftly project and 

sustain combat power ashore in the face 

of armed opposition. We leverage available joint and naval capabilities, project 

sustainable combat power ashore, and 

secure entry for follow-on forces. Our 

sea-based MAGTFs provide the Nation 

with expeditionary forces to conduct 

initial operations independent of local 

infrastructure, or in undeveloped, austere areas. This capability enables the 

accomplishment of amphibious joint 

forcible entry operations as well as various missions across the range of military 

operations. These strategic capabilities require focused amphibious resources and 

doctrine. 

(5) Conduct complex expeditionary operations in the urban littorals and other 

challenging environments. The Marine 

Corps’ historical ability to conduct expeditionary operations, such as irregular 

warfare against emerging threats in complex environments, is well documented. 

These operations include counterinsurgency; counterterrorism; train, advise, 

and assist activities; and stability tasks. 

The complexity of these missions has increased due to the presence of large numbers of noncombatants, urbanization 

in the littorals, and the dynamics of the 

information environment. Marines are 

specifically trained and broadly educated 

to understand cultures and populations, 

to thrive in chaotic environments, and to 

recognize and respond creatively to demanding situations. 

(6) Lead joint and multinational operations and enable interagency activities. 

The complex nature of existing security 

challenges demands capabilities that harness the strengths of all the instruments 

of national power. Marines are well qualified to enable the introduction of followon forces and facilitate the integration 

of military and interagency efforts. This 

interoperability mandates the establishment of enduring relationships and the 

orchestration of diverse capabilities, organizations, and cultural awareness across 

all aspects of an operation. 

These six core competencies provide 

the focus for the Marine Corps of today 

and into the future. As we prepare for 

an unpredictable future, we continue to 

adapt to the ever-changing character and 

conduct of warfare, while remaining cognizant of its fundamentally unchanging 

nature. Thus, the institutional foundation of people, equipment, and concepts 

is paramount to achieving these core 

competencies and the range of capabilities that they provide the United States.
5

chapter 1: The USMC: Americas Expeditionary Force in Readiness

In December 2009, the Marine Corps 

Service Campaign Plan 2009-2015 (MCSCP) was approved. This directive document maintains the momentum established by Vision and Strategy 2025 and 

constitutes the “execution document” 

that will guide the Service toward achieving Vision and Strategy 2025 end-states, 

while simultaneously providing guidance 

that directs Marine Corps resources to 

support the combatant commanders and 

meet the Commandant’s priorities. This 

campaign plan is intended to provide 

the necessary guidance for executing the 

Commandant’s statutory requirement 

to develop, organize, train, equip, and 

deploy Marine forces, and identifies key 

outcomes, sets objectives, and provides 

guidance to maintain proficiency in our 

core competencies. The MCSCP will focus on actions to be taken within the 

Future Years Defense Program (FYDP) 

by Headquarters Marine Corps, the supporting establishment, and the operating 

forces. The MCSCP will be actively managed, periodically reviewed, and updated 

as required.

The Institutional 

Foundation 

Every organization requires a solid 

foundation in order to be successful, and 

for the Marine Corps that foundation is 

our people, our equipment, and our concepts. We have developed a number of 

service and joint concepts to articulate 

how the force will need to evolve to remain ready. 

People and Organization

Key to maintaining a force in readiness is having a balanced force capable 

of responding across the range of military operations. We believe a force level 

of 202,000 Marines achieves that balance 

and allows us to maintain our current 

focus on irregular warfare and increase 

training in other areas, specifically amphibious operations, larger scale combined arms operations, and security cooperation. 

Recent changes in organization ensure our enduring capability to meet the 

challenges across the range of military 

operations, both today and into the future. These include: increasing the Marine Corps Training and Advisory Group 

(MCTAG) from 41 to 181 Marines during 

FY 2011; bringing the Marine Corps Information Operations Center (MCIOC) 

to initial operational capability (IOC) in 

FY 2010 and full operational capability 

(FOC) in FY 2011; enhancing the Center 

for Advanced Operational Culture and 

Learning (CAOCL) through establishment of Language Learning Resource 

Centers (LLRC) at all eight major Marine Corps bases to facilitate culture and 

language training for all Marines; and 

bringing Marine Forces Cyber Command 

(MARFORCYBER) to FOC in FY 2011.

While we recruit Marines, we retain 

families. More than 45 percent of our 

Marines are married and there are almost 

as many dependents as there are Marines 

in our active component. We know that 

Marines perform better when their families have access to quality housing, healthcare, child development services, and 
6

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

education. Moreover, Marines are able to 

go forward in defense of the Nation and 

maintain their focus knowing their families have a support network looking after 

them back at home. 

Since 2007, the Marine Corps has 

been engaged in a multi-year plan to 

transition family support programs to 

a wartime footing. We have reformed 

our family readiness programs at every 

level of command at all of our installations. We have created 415 full-time family readiness officers at the battalion and 

squadron level. We have capitalized on 

the latest in technology to improve how 

commanders communicate with families 

in their unit and how deployed Marines 

maintain contact with their loved ones 

back home. We are also investing in additional capacity at our child development 

centers with the intent to create 1,670 new 

spaces across six of our installations. Continued support of quality of life programs 

for Marines and families will ensure that 

our readiness efforts are sustained at the 

proper levels. 

Equipment

As we conduct a responsible drawdown from Iraq and continue to operate in 

the harsh terrain of Afghanistan, continued 

funding to reset equipment is imperative. 

The refurbishment and reset of our equipment sets, to include afloat and ashore 

prepositioned equipment and depot war 

reserves, are critical to the sustainment of 

the strategic reserve. In parallel with reset of 

our equipment, we need to also modernize 

across the MAGTF for tomorrow’s fight. 

Ground Combat Element

The individual Marine is the core of 

who we are, and our Ground Combat Element (GCE) is built around that Marine. 

In turn, the GCE is the core around which 

the MAGTF is built and modernization 

efforts are focused on the individual Marine, ground combat vehicle mobility, 

and fire support. 

Modernization in support of the individual Marine will focus on his ability 

to shoot, move, and communicate. The 

procurement of the infantry automatic 

rifle (IAR) which will replace the squad 

automatic weapon (SAW), will significantly enhance the automatic rifleman’s 

maneuverability and displacement speed, 

while providing the ability to suppress or 

destroy targets of most immediate concern to the fire team. By fully recognizing 

the trade-off between weight, protection, 

fatigue, and movement restriction, the 

Marine Corps is providing Marines the 

latest in personal protective equipment. 

In the decentralized and dispersed 

operational environment, the tactical 

hand held radio family of systems consolidates and exceeds legacy capabilities, 

lightens the combat load of individual 

Marines and small units, and provides 
7

chapter 1: The USMC: Americas Expeditionary Force in Readiness

line-of-sight radios into every tactical 

vehicle. Coupled with the fielding of the 

AN/PRC-117F which is capable of operating in the very high frequency (VHF) 

and ultra-high frequency (UHF) spectrums, and the AN/PRC-150(C) which 

operates in the high frequency (HF) 

spectrum, this family of systems reduces 

the Marine communications footprint by 

covering previous communications spectra with fewer radios. Additionally, the 

AN/PRC-117(F) and AN/PRC-150(C) 

adds significant data capabilities within 

those spectra. This increased capability 

enhances the distribution of command 

and control across the battlefield in general and at lower echelons in particular. 

The Marine Corps will field a ground 

combat and tactical vehicle portfolio 

that will be based on a balance of performance, protection, payload, and transportability. Our modernization efforts 

include procurement of a balanced blend 

of Expeditionary Fighting Vehicles (EFV) 

and Marine Personnel Carriers (MPC) 

to support expeditionary maneuver by 

enhancing Marine operating forces’ tactical mobility through replacement of the 

40-year old fleet of Assault Amphibious 

Vehicles (AAV). The Joint Light Tactical 

Vehicle (JLTV) will replace the aging High 

Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle 

(HMMWV) and provide improved mobility and increased protection and payload. Reset of the Mine Resistant Ambush 

Protected (MRAP) vehicle and integration of select numbers into the operating 

forces, primarily for route reconnaissance 

and clearance (R2C) and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), will round out 

our ground mobility strategy. MRAPS 

will also be placed in the prepositioning 

programs to support the EOD and R2C 

capabilities inherent in the MEBs. A large 

number of MRAPs will also be placed in 

long-term storage programs for future 

contingencies. 

Modernization of land-based fire 

support will be achieved through a triad 

of systems. The Expeditionary Fire Support System (EFSS), the Lightweight 

155mm Howitzer (LW155) and the High 

Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) will expand the maneuver commander’s fire support options. These 

systems will be capable of successfully engaging a spectrum of potential point and 

area targets.

EFSS will be the primary indirect fire 

support system for the vertical assault element of the ship-to-objective maneuver 

force. The LW155 provides significantly 

improved transportability and mobility 

without impacting range or accuracy. It 

provides fire support of unassisted projectiles to a range of 15 miles and assisted 

projectiles to 19 miles. Finally, HIMARS 

provides the long-range capability to accurately engage targets at ranges in excess 

of 40 miles.

Aviation Combat Element 

The Aviation Combat Element (ACE) 

of the MAGTF makes the Marine Corps 

unique, in that our aviation exists to support our Marines on the ground. We are 

in the midst of an unprecedented modernization effort; within the next two 
8

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

decades, with continued support, we 

will replace every single aircraft in the 

Marine Corps with a new model or new 

airframe that will enhance the capability 

of the MAGTF. We are focused on our 

aviation assets in the current fight, yet we 

are also looking to a complex modernization plan for the future force. By 2020, we 

will have: 

• Transitioned more than 50 percent of 

our aviation squadrons to new aircraft; 

• Added five more operational squadrons 

and almost 100 more aircraft to our 

inventory; 

• Completed the fielding of the MV-22 

Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft and the UH-1Y 

Venom utility helicopter;

• Updated our entire fleet of aerial refuelers to the KC-130J model; 

• Fielded the AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter and the F-35B Lightning Joint 

Strike Fighter; 

• Fielded an entirely new family of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS); and

• Introduced a new model of the heavylift CH-53 cargo helicopter. 

In combat and aboard ship, the tiltrotor MV-22 Osprey has proven to be a 

revolutionary machine. This aircraft has 

changed aviation tactics as well as ground 

tactics, for the Osprey now allows our 

ground commanders unprecedented 

speed, range, surprise, and flexibility in 

the transport of Marines on the battlefield. At our current build rate of thirty 

Osprey aircraft per year, we are replacing our CH-46E medium-lift helicopter 

squadrons at a rate of two squadrons per 

year. This is good news as, on average, 

our Vietnam-era CH-46E helicopters are 

more than forty years old.

The F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike 

Fighter will likewise revolutionize tactical 

air support of our ground combat forces. 

We have not purchased a fixed-wing tactical aircraft in eleven years, investing instead in the next-generation capabilities 

of the F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) Marine Corps variant of 

the Joint Strike Fighter. This short takeoff 

and vertical landing ground attack, electronic warfare, and fighter jet will eventually replace our inventory of AV-8 Harriers, F/A-18 Hornets, and EA-6B Prowlers. 

The Joint Strike Fighter will be able to operate under the same austere conditions 

as the Harrier; carry more ordnance and 

provide longer on-station times than the 

Hornet; and conduct electronic warfare 

more effectively than does the Prowler.

Logistics Combat Element

The Logistic Combat Element (LCE) 

of the MAGTF also requires modernization and reset of several key systems to 

provide expeditionary logistics to Marine 

combat and maneuver units. Ground tactical vehicle mobility will be enhanced 
9

chapter 1: The USMC: Americas Expeditionary Force in Readiness

through modernization of the Logistics 

Vehicle System Replacement (LVSR), and 

reset of the Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) – both provide the 

tactical distribution required to support 

the GCE and ACE with bulk fuel, water, 

ammunition, and cargo. The LVSR will 

rapidly distribute all classes of supply, 

while including a self-loading/unloading 

capability to reduce dependence on external material handling equipment. The 

MTVR is fully fielded and has proven its 

worth in both Iraq and Afghanistan. The 

MTVR fleet that has been operational in 

these two theaters will require significant 

reset efforts in order to ensure that it 

meets its service life expectancy. 

Tactical distribution of supplies and 

logistics support is more than just transportation. It also requires an effective and 

efficient distribution and tracking system. 

Global Combat Service Support - Marine 

Corps (GCSS-MC) is a portfolio of information technology systems that will 

support logistics command and control, 

joint logistics interoperability, and secure 

access to and visibility of logistics data. It 

will align our logistics efforts with realworld challenges, where speed and information have replaced mass and footprint 

as the foremost attributes of combat 

operations.

With Logistics Modernization (LogMod), we continue the ongoing, multiyear effort to improve the people, processes, and technologies supporting MAGTF 

operations. An example of this is C2 for 

logistics. We have taken steps to ensure 

the resources (personnel, supplies, and 

equipment), processes, and communication architectures are in place to generate, 

collect, and distribute data across multiple layers of command with different 

requirements for information. The data 

from across the MAGTF will be enhanced 

by Marine Corps Autonomic Logistics 

(AL) that will monitor, collect, record, 

process, store, report, display, and archive 

platform mission-critical data elements. 

This performance data will be analyzed 

to provide information on fuel, ammunition, mobile loads, and system health status for current Marine Corps ground tactical equipment. Marine Corps logistics 

is actively pursuing Sense and Respond 

Logistics (S&RL) to enhance equipment 

readiness by advanced, real-time information technology that is flexible, robust, 

and scalable.

Command Element

The Command Element (CE) provides the command and control, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance 

for the MAGTF. These systems of systems 

will require reset efforts to include refresh 

and hardware upgrades for systems such 

as the tactical combat operations systems 
10

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

and the combat operations center equipment suite. 

Modernization efforts will bring the 

Common Aviation Command and Control System (CAC2S) to full operational 

capability. CAC2S will eliminate current dissimilar systems and provide the 

MAGTF with the necessary hardware, 

software, and facilities to effectively command, control, and coordinate air operations while integrating with naval, joint, 

and/or combined command and control 

units. Also, the Joint Tactical Common 

Operational Picture (COP) workstation 

(JTCW) will reach IOC in FY 2010. It is 

expected to provide the warfighter with 

a framework for enhanced systems interoperability and commonality between 

MAGTF command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems. JTCW 

is the primary point of entry for the COP, 

enabling users to view map data, view and 

update track data, develop and distribute 

overlays, exchange general message traffic, plan and distribute route information, and conduct general command and 

control planning. 

The Marine Corps Intelligence, Surveillance, & Reconnaissance Enterprise 

(MCISR-E) will modernize ISR capabilities by expanding the inherent ISR capacity of units at all echelons across the force. 

Simultaneously, it will provide better 

integration of intelligence information 

to address complex collection environments through a flexible organizational 

construct.

Other Modernization Efforts

Training. The goal is to ensure that all 

elements of the MAGTF are properly trained 

on these systems. Also the goal is to ensure 

effectiveness on the tactics, techniques, and 

procedures necessary to attain mission success which will require modernization and 

transformation of our ranges and training 

systems. Marine Corps live training ranges 

will be updated with a dynamic training 

system capable of real-time and post-mission battle tracking, data collection and the 

deliverance of value-added after action review. This end state is that such a system 

will link Marine Corps live training to the 

tenets of training transformation–joint national training capability (T2-JNTC) and 

joint assessment and evaluation capability. 

Instrumentation also allows service and 

joint virtual and constructive forces to interact with Marine Corps live training forces from distributed locations. 

Specific to unit training, Infantry Immersive Trainers (IIT) are small-unit training ranges consisting of urban structures 

finished and decorated to replicate geospecific locations. Individual feedback is 

enhanced by integrating and pairing ranges 

with direct fire training systems; virtual 
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chapter 1: The USMC: Americas Expeditionary Force in Readiness

simulation capabilities; and video instrumentation for after-action review. The end 

state will be the ability to create a small unit 

training range on par with modern crew 

simulators. IITs provide a small-unit decision and rehearsal training range for squad 

and fire team capstone training and evaluation in support of the pre-deployment 

training program. 

Regionalization. As our Marines face 

an increasingly complex security environment, the requirement for greater understanding of the regions in which they will 

be operating will grow. To meet this challenge, each MEF will focus on increasing 

the regional awareness of their personnel 

through training programs that increase 

the language skills and cultural knowledge 

of the operating forces. The regional focus 

areas for each MEF are established in the 

MCSCP and are intended to frame these 

efforts to increase regional understanding. The MCSCP has further directed that 

analysis be conducted to link the regional 

focus areas of each MEF to manpower policies and force sourcing methodologies that 

permit the assignment of personnel with 

specific regional experience to the operating forces while facilitating the recurrent 

deployment of the same units to the same 

regions to support operations and steady 

state engagement requirements. As these 

analysis efforts are completed, they will be 

presented to senior Marine Corps leadership for decision.

Seabasing and Shipbuilding. Seabasing provides our Nation with the ability 

to overcome diplomatic, geographic, and 

military impediments to access in areas 

of national interest. This capability has re-
12

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

emerged as a critical necessity for extending 

U.S. influence and power overseas. Fortunately, the United States possesses an asymmetric advantage in that endeavor: seapower. As described in the maritime strategy, 

our seapower advantage allows the United 

States to use the sea as maneuver space. Naval forces use this conceptual approach—

seabasing—to overcome impediments to 

access. Seabasing is a naval capability that 

provides joint force commanders with the 

ability to conduct selected functions and 

tasks at sea without reliance on infrastructure ashore. It is a concept for employing a 

variety of platforms, versus a specific type 

of platform. The Navy, Marine Corps, and 

Coast Guard are a sea-based force that provides the combatant commanders with numerous employment options. Freed from 

reliance upon local ports and airfields, we 

continuously operate forward—and surge 

additional forces when necessary—to project influence and power ashore in a selectively discrete or overt manner. 

Seabasing has wide applicability across 

the range of military operations—from 

military engagement, security cooperation, 

and deterrence activities to crisis response 

and limited contingency operations, to major 

operations and campaigns. The sea may be 

used as maneuver space by small, missiontailored forces engaged in activities which 

contribute to conflict prevention, or by 

larger task-organized naval forces to gain 

theater access and enable the introduction 

of joint follow-on forces. 

The ability to conduct at-sea transfer of 

people and materiel, for both ship-to-ship 

and ship-to-shore purposes, has emerged 

as a key enabler for deploying, employing, 

and sustaining joint forces from the sea. 

Building upon the foundation provided 

by amphibious ships, aircraft carriers, and 

military sealift ships, ongoing initiatives include the development of high-speed intratheater connectors, enhanced connectors, 

maritime prepositioning capabilities that 

allow for assembly and projection of forces 

at and from the sea using both vertical and 

surface means, and integrated naval logistics. These initiatives will be employed in 

combination to enhance access by reducing 

the joint force’s reliance on ports and airfields in the operational area.

A national seabasing capability requires 

an adequately-resourced amphibious shipbuilding plan. In 2009, the United States 

welcomed two new ships to the amphibious fleet: the USS Makin Island (LHD-8), 

which was commissioned on October 24, 

2009; and the USS New York (LPD-21), 

which was commissioned on November 7, 

2009. The inventory requirement to give 

the Nation an adequate seabasing capability is 38 amphibious warships. At least 11 of 

these should be aviation-capable large-deck 

amphibious assault class ships (LHA/LHD/

LHA(R)) to accommodate the aviation 

combat element of a MEB. 

The future prepositioning force should 

also consist of three squadrons, to act as the 

seabase nucleus, plus the necessary ship-toship and ship-to-shore connector capability to support elements of three MEBs. This 

type of inventory will fulfill the following: 

combatant commander’s need for steadystate forward presence; strengthen our nation’s relations with allied and partner na-
13

chapter 1: The USMC: Americas Expeditionary Force in Readiness

tions through peacetime engagement and 

training exercises; and ensure our nation 

is ready to respond with humanitarian assistance when disaster strikes anywhere 

around the globe. Also, in the event of 

major conflict, it will ensure we are able to 

deploy combat forces from the sea without 

having to rely on another nation’s ports 

or airfields. 

There is a misperception that the United States has not conducted an amphibious 

operation since Inchon in 1950. In reality, 

since the end of the Cold War our nation 

has conducted more than 100 amphibious 

operations. As our nation’s military infrastructure overseas continues to decrease, 

and as diplomatic agreements and the international security environment grows 

increasingly more complex, we believe the 

demand for U.S. amphibious forces will 

only increase. In short, we think nations 

will continue to want our support, but not 

our footprint. Thus, the presence of our 

naval forces around the world will provide 

the framework that will allow our nation 

to pursue elements of power other than 

military. This includes using diplomatic, 

informational, and economic efforts — to 

promote global stability.

Posture. The Marine Corps is also realigning the force lay down of III Marine 

Expeditionary Force (MEF) in the Pacific 

to provide a long-term, enduring posture 

to meet both traditional and emerging operational challenges in the region. This realignment is complex and expensive, and 

represents the largest peacetime relocation 

of forces in Marine Corps history. This 

supports agreements between the United 

States and Japan through a formal dialogue 

known as the Defense Policy Review Initiative. These agreements strengthen the U.S.-

Japan alliance for the changing strategic 

environment. 

Key to these agreements and ongoing 

dialogue is the long-term basing of U.S. 

forces on Japan, reduction of forces on 

Okinawa, and the establishment of a new 

Marine base on Guam. The combination 

of bases in Guam; Okinawa and Iwakuni, 

Japan; and Hawaii will provide forward locations for Marine forces to meet the challenges of long-standing threats to regional 

security and stability. Included with this is 

the emerging threats of piracy and terrorism, humanitarian assistance and disaster 

relief, and partnering commitments with 

allies and friendly nations.

Guam is the western-most U.S. territory in the Pacific. Marine units will be able 

to deploy to and from Guam without the 

host-nation restrictions of other countries. 

Marine units can host bilateral and multilateral training on or near Guam, creating 

a convenient location for allies and friendly 

nations to train on Marine Corps facilities 

on U.S. soil. Finally, Marine families can 

move to Guam expecting a familiar and 

supportive community. Marine Corps Pacific realignments represent a multi-decade 

investment to ensure Marine forces in the 

Pacific are given the resources required to 

maintain core competencies and remain 

postured optimally to meet combatant 

commander requirements.

All these efforts at reset and modernization will ensure the Marine Corps is properly postured for the future uncertainties of 
14

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

our operating environment. The concepts 

development process used to frame this operating environment is also vitally important and provides the construct in which we 

develop programs and allocate resources. 

The synthesis of these concepts that we use 

to guide program development is a never 

ending pursuit. The Marine Corps culture 

and organization is well suited for the continually changing security environment and 

this concept development. 

Concepts

The United States relies upon its maritime forces — the Navy, Marine Corps, 

and Coast Guard — to be responsive and 

vigilant and to implement national policy 

without the benefit of precise knowledge 

of what the immediate or long-term future 

holds. We know that conflicts will erupt 

within the littorals and across the global 

commons. As a result, the sea services will 

play a significant role in engagement to prevent crises as well as to respond quickly and 

Marine Corps Vision and Strategy 2025

Vision

The Marine Corps of 2025 will fight and win our Nation’s battles with multi-capable Marine Air Ground Task Forces, either from the sea or in sustained operations 

ashore. Our unique role as the Nation’s force in readiness, along with our values, enduring ethos, and core competencies, will ensure that we remain responsive to combatant commanders. In an uncertain and complex world, and against irregular and hybrid 

as well as traditional threats, we will continue to excel as the Nation’s expeditionary 

“force-of-choice.”

Strategy

To achieve this vision, the Marine Corps will be:

Organized to execute operations with MAGTFs that are mission tailored and 

operate as part of a naval and joint team.

Optimized to conduct naval expeditionary operations while retaining the institutional agility, battlefield flexibility and initiative to meet constantly changing 

conditions of crisis and combat.

Modernized with equipment and logistics that expand expeditionary capability 

and preserve our ability to operate from the sea.

Postured to prevent or respond to crises with forward positioned MAGTFs — 

both afloat and ashore — that are engaged and ready to act decisively in response 

to combatant commanders’ requirements.
15

chapter 1: The USMC: Americas Expeditionary Force in Readiness

effectively when crises do emerge. 

The Marine Corps will continue to foster a culture of warrior-scholars who embrace critical thinking and adaptability to 

dynamically changing asymmetric threats. 

The following topics detail the importance 

of thought and innovation to Marine Corps 

culture and describes the family of service 

concepts that guide Marine Corps programs, doctrine, and policy development. 

Key Marine Corps Concepts

Two key documents provide the 

framework for how the Marine Corps 

will operate and meet the challenges of 

the strategic environment. First, A Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower, 

published in October 2007, articulates 

U.S. naval and maritime strategy. It explains the relationship between the Navy, 

Marine Corps, and Coast Guard and addresses the complex demands of the evolving international security environment. 

First, this strategy stresses an approach 

that integrates seapower with other elements of national power, as well as those 

of our friends and allies. It describes how 

seapower will be applied around the world 

to protect our way of life, as we join with 

like-minded nations to protect and sustain 

sea lanes of communication. It also includes the global, inter-connected system 

through which we prosper. Second, and 

serving as our principal strategic planning 

document, the Marine Corps’ Vision and 

Strategy 2025 identifies our core competencies and objectives. It reflects our legislated roles, functions, and composition. It 

also illustrates our utility and value within 

the joint warfighting community, and is 

derived from strategic guidance at the national and departmental level, 

Along with these publications, The 

Long War: Send in the Marines provides the 

bridge between vision and strategy and the 

service-specific concepts and capabilities 

envisioned in the 2007 edition of Marine 

Corps Operating Concepts for a Changing 

Security Environment. Through the use of 

these documents as guides to best position the Marine Corps for future success, 

the Corps has sought to expand awareness 

of and institutionalize capabilities against 

future irregular threats and complex environments. The result is a framework of 

supporting concept documents that will 

prove valuable in helping to ensure our 

Corps remains ready, relevant, and institutionally excellent.

Marine Corps Operating Concepts for a 

Changing Security Environment. As a result 

of the work on the above documents and 

on the Quadrennial Roles and Missions Review Report, the Marine Corps has sought 

to expand its already-significant contribution to national security objectives. Thus, 

to accomplish this task, the Marine Corps 

Operating Concepts for a Changing Security Environment is being revised. It will 

provide the intellectual foundation for 

improving capabilities and capacities to 

overcome access challenges and conduct 

engagement, response, and power projection operations. This emerging concept 

addresses the following topics:

Enhanced MAGTF Operations (EMO). 

EMO recognizes the inherent agil-
16

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

ity and versatility of the MAGTF to 

conduct expeditionary operations 

and improves upon it to increase operational utility and proficiency. This 

concept envisions more robust capabilities for dealing with the threats 

and opportunities of the modern 

hybrid battlefield. EMO espouses the 

simultaneous employment of multiple operational maneuver elements, 

across an extended battle-space, with 

the agility to conduct various missions either concurrently or sequentially. MAGTFs will have an enhanced 

capability to project fluid combinedarms formations. These maneuver 

formations will be capable of conducting multiple simultaneous, and 

dissimilar missions at increasingly 

lower echelons outside the range of 

mutual support. Units will require increased mobility to rapidly reinforce, 

withdraw or concentrate forces and, 

improved enablers that network, protect and sustain those forces. 

Engagement: Combat will always remain the essential military capability. 

Future joint forces must be able to 

participate in security, engagement, 

and relief and reconstruction activities. This involves responding to access challenges by strengthening alliances and partnerships through 

security cooperation activities. These 

activities include providing support 

for training, advising, and equipping 

partner security forces to counter 

insurgencies, weapons proliferation, 

and irregular threats. The Marine Corps seeks to blend existing 

general-purpose forces with new and 

enhanced specialized engagementenabling capabilities to provide an 

expanded array of means for engagement activities. Enhanced engagement capabilities will be established 

within both the operating forces and 

supporting establishments. These initiatives will permit the Corps to provide combatant commanders with 

additional options to satisfy their 

regional security force assistance requirements.

Crisis Response: Historically, naval 

forces are the first on the scene, first 

in the fight, last to depart, and foremost in defense of national interests 

around the world. Wherever crises 

occur, naval forces can bring unequivocal, timely power to bear. For 

crisis response, the combination of 

requirements across the range of military operations calls for adaptive and 

complementary naval capabilities, 

forward deployed and sea based, and 

with the ability to anticipate action 

and to react immediately. Task organized Navy-Marine Corps forces are 

uniquely structured and trained to 

execute crisis response operations in 

the 21st Century. Indeed, by improving its crisis-response capabilities, the 

Marine Corps will expand its contribution protecting U.S. personnel 

and pursuing U.S. national interests 

abroad. Further, it will do so while 
17

chapter 1: The USMC: Americas Expeditionary Force in Readiness

maintaining balance with Marine 

Corps contributions to the homeland 

defense/civil support and major combat operations core missions. 

Power Projection: The United States 

will need to conduct and sustain 

combat operations from the sea and 

extended operations ashore. Not 

only does positioning a potent combat force offshore act as an important 

deterrent, the capabilities and capacities for power projection are applicable across the range of military 

operations. Anti-access strategies and 

technologies are increasingly sophisticated, and precision weapons are 

becoming widely available. The Marine Corps seeks to develop capabilities with its naval partners to counter 

these aspects of the security environment; ensure the joint force’s ability 

to project power throughout the littorals; and secure access for joint and 

multi-national operations. 

Supporting Concepts

The current operating environment 

has been fertile ground for innovation 

and forward-leaning analysis and conceptual development. Our supporting 

documents include:

Amphibious Operations in the 21st 

Century. This operating concept 

provides a framework for examining 

the purposes, methods, and means 

of bridging the interface between 

sea and land. In dismissing the notion that amphibious operations are 

all forcible-entry operations, like the 

landing at Inchon during the Korean War, the document discusses our 

historical amphibious competence 

in humanitarian assistance and disaster response and how distributed 

amphibious actions throughout the 

global littorals remain relevant in 

today’s operational environment. 

It identifies current gaps in amphibious capabilities and sets them 

against the geographic combatant 

commanders’ demands for amphibious forces. Also, that such forces be 

postured forward for rapid response 

across the spectrum of engagement, 

crisis, and conflict.

Evolving the MAGTF for the 21st 

Century. This document explores 

ideas for refining the MAGTF, giving particular consideration to likely 

future operating environments, adversaries, tactics, and technologies. 

The concept is a logical evolution 

of the existing conceptual work on 

distributed operations, enhanced 

company operations, and enhanced 
18

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

MAGTF operations. Its central idea 

is that the Marine Corps must explore revisions to organizations and 

equipment as well as select tactics, 

techniques, and procedures in order to meet the challenges of the 

21st century. The concept recommends that this exploration begin at 

the rifle company level in order to 

provide an innovation baseline for 

a more comprehensive evolution 

throughout the MAGTF.

Seabasing for the Range of Military 

Operations. This concept amplifies 

the Joint Seabasing concept and 

describes the utility of a sea-based 

approach to conducting operations 

across the range of military operations. This is key, particularly in light 

of the diplomatic, military, and geographic challenges to access characteristic of the 21st century. Written 

much like an anthology, it corrects 

misunderstandings by capturing 

the intellectual underpinnings and 

evolution of the professional journal articles, formal concepts, wargames, doctrine, and strategies that 

have evolved our understanding of 

seabasing.

Concept for Unified Action through 

Civil-Military Integration. This 

concept paper clarifies the USMC 

desire to improve our knowledge 

on integrating the activities of governmental and nongovernmental 

entities with military operations. 

The conceptual goal is to achieve 

unity of effort –– incorporating all 

instruments of national influence to 

achieve “combined actions” at every 

level of engagement. It provides the 

Marine Corps with a broad overview of the fundamental requirements and mindset for success in 

a multiagency/multinational environment. The concept examines 

several joint capabilities integration 

implications, including the creation 

of a MAGTF Unified Action Group 

(MUAG) that could function as the 

key integrator between civil-military organizations. 

USMC Cyberspace Concept. This 

document highlights the Marine 

Corps’ recognition that cyberspace 

is an increasingly important domain for all military operations. 

This concept describes the need 

to take full advantage of potential 

offensive opportunities in the cyberspace domain and to minimize 

the asymmetric, potential vulnerabilities created by our reliance on 

networked systems and communications. The Marine Corps will 

take the necessary steps to develop a 

comprehensive understanding and 

approach to cyberspace operations 

that fully integrates all aspects of 

computer network operations, information assurance and network 

operations under a single command 

or proponent.
19

chapter 1: The USMC: Americas Expeditionary Force in Readiness

Emerging Concepts

Strategic Communications. In responding to the challenges in the cyberspace domain, the U.S. government and 

the Department of Defense continue to 

grapple with all aspects of informationrelated operations. This includes cyberspace, strategic communications, and 

information operations to help provide 

a baseline in the midst of the ongoing 

discussion. In the meantime a functional concept on strategic communications is nearing completion. It discusses 

what strategic communications means 

to the Marine Corps and operational 

MAGTFs.

Combating Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD). This document is in 

development and describes an approach 

to the Marine Corps role in supporting 

the eight mission areas of CWMD supporting the National Security Strategy 

(NSS) and National Military Strategy 

(NMS). The concept will delineate the 

Marine Corps’ specific responsibilities 

within each mission area to provide 

commander’s guidance to focus their 

training and capabilities as the mission 

requires.

The Marine Corps will continue to 

promote awareness, thought, and informed discussion on topics of fundamental importance to all Marines. This 

includes, the future of our Corps and 

the roles we will play in the future operational environment of persistent crisis 

and conflict. Our heritage and experience in both amphibious operations and 

in small wars provide both a legacy and a 

ready source of inspiration for continued 

efforts in this area. The remainder of the 

2010 edition of Concepts and Programs 

describes the organization, research and 

development, acquisition programs, 

and current operations that are guided 

by these fundamental concepts and 

principles.
chapter

2
chapter 2: ORGANIZATION

21

organization

Introduction

The Marine Corps is a task-organized, multi-capable organization. It is scalable 

and adaptive, providing the Nation with a capable force across the range of military 

operations. As the Marine Corps has grown during the last several years to 202,000 

Marines, the organization of the Corps has changed and adapted to the current fight. 

During this growth, the Marine Corps has remained true to the direction provided 

by the 82nd Congress to provide “combined arms and supporting air components,” 

through our expansion of both ground and aviation units. This chapter outlines the 

Marine Corps’ combined arms structure and organization and highlights some of the 

unique capabilities that Marines bring to the fight.
22

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

The MAGTF is the Marine Corps’ 

principal organization for conducting 

missions across the range of military 

operations. MAGTFs provide combatant commanders with scalable, versatile 

expeditionary forces able to respond to 

a broad range of crisis and conflict situations. They are balanced combined-arms 

force packages containing organic command, ground, aviation, and sustainment 

elements. A single commander leads and 

coordinates this combined-arms team 

from pre-deployment training through 

all phases of deployment and employment. MAGTF teams live and train together, further increasing their cohesion 

and fighting power.

Multicapable MAGTFs

MAGTFs will be decisive across the 

range of military operations with their 

capacity tailored to combatant commanders’ requirements. They will be optimized to operate as an integrated system 

through air, land, and maritime domains, 

as well as the cyber and information environment. The naval character of MAGTFs 

enhances their global mobility, lethality, 

and staying power. Embarked aboard amphibious ships, multi-capable MAGTFs 

provide U.S. civilian and military leaders 

with the ability to do the following:

• Move forces into crisis areas without 

revealing their exact destinations or 

intentions

• Provide continuous presence in 

international waters

• Provide immediate national response 

in support of humanitarian and natural disaster relief operations

• Provide credible but non-provocative 

combat power over the horizon from a 

potential adversary for rapid employment as the initial response to a crisis

Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF)

Joint Task Force

MEF

Major Warfighting

20-90K

MEB (MEF Fwd)

Small-Scale Contingency 

Response

3-20K

MEU (SOC)

Forward Deployment

1.5-3K

SPMAGTF

Special Purpose 

Missions

Fleet Anti Terrorism Support Teams

Marine Security Guard Dets

Bases/Stations

Command Element

Ground 

Combat Element

Aviation

Combat Element

Logistics

Combat Element
23

chapter 2: ORGANIZATION

• Support diplomatic processes for 

peaceful crisis resolution before 

employing immediate-response 

combat forces

• Project measured degrees of combat 

power ashore –– day or night and 

under adverse weather conditions, if 

required

• Introduce additional forces sequentially into a theater of operations

• Operate independent of established 

airfields, basing agreements, and 

over-flight rights

• Conduct combat operations ashore, using organic combat service support that 

is brought into the area of operations

• Enable the introduction of follow-on 

forces by securing staging areas ashore

• Operate in rural and urban environments, and during chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) 

situations

• Withdraw rapidly at the conclusion 

of operations

• Place and commence execution of 

a mission within six to 48 hours of 

receiving a warning order 

• Participate fully in the joint planning 

process and successfully integrate 

MAGTF operations with those of the 

joint force

MAGTF Composition

The Marine Corps task-organizes for 

combat in accordance with its statutory 

mandate to provide forces of combined 

arms, including aviation, by forming integrated combined-arms MAGTFs. As 

the name indicates, MAGTFs are task-organized and specifically tailored by mission, as well as for rapid deployment by 

air and/or sea. However, no matter what 

their mission or mode of deployment, 

MAGTFs comprise four deployable elements that are supported from Marine 

Corps bases and stations.

Command Element (CE): The CE 

contains the MAGTF headquarters and 

other units that provide intelligence, 

communications, and administrative 

support. As with all other elements of the 

MAGTF, the CE is scalable and task organized to provide the command, control, 

communications, computers, intelligence 

(C4I), and joint interoperability necessary for effective planning and execution 

of operations.

Ground Combat Element (GCE): 

The GCE is task organized to conduct 

ground operations to support the MAGTF 

mission. This element includes infantry, 

artillery, reconnaissance, armor, light armor, assault amphibian, engineer, and 

other forces as needed. The GCE can vary 

in size and composition. It can consist 

of a light, air-transportable battalion; a 

relatively heavy and mechanized unit that 

includes one or more Marine divisions; 

or another type of Marine Corps ground 

combat unit that meets the demands of a 

particular mission.

Aviation Combat Element (ACE): 

The ACE conducts offensive and defensive air operations and is task organized 

to perform those functions of Marine 

aviation required to support the MAGTF 

mission. This element is formed around 
24

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

an aviation headquarters with appropriate air control agencies, combat, combat 

support, and combat service support 

units. The ACE can vary in size and composition from an aviation detachment 

of specifically required aircraft to one or 

more Marine air wings (MAW). 

Logistics Combat Element (LCE): 

The LCE is task-organized to provide 

the full range of combat logistics functions and capabilities necessary to maintain the continued readiness and sustainability of the MAGTF as a whole. 

It is formed around a combat logistics 

headquarters and may vary in size and 

composition from a support detachment to one or more Marine Logistics 

Groups (MLG). 

Types of MAGTFs

Five types of MAGTFs can be task 

organized: the Marine Expeditionary 

Force; Marine Expeditionary Brigade; 

Marine Expeditionary Unit; Special Purpose MAGTF; and Security Cooperation 

MAGTF.

Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF): 

The MEF is the principal Marine Corps 

warfighting organization during larger 

crises or contingencies. It is normally 

commanded by a lieutenant general. A 

MEF can range in size from less than one 

division and air wing to multiple divisions and air wings, together with one or 

more logistics groups. MEFs are capable 

of amphibious operations and sustained 

operations ashore in any geographic environment. With appropriate augmentation, the MEF command element is capable of performing as a joint task force 

(JTF) headquarters.

MEFs are the primary “standing 

MAGTFs” in peacetime and wartime. In 

2010, the Marine Corps is organized with 

three standing MEFs, each with a Marine 

division, air wing, and logistics group. 

The 1st Marine Expeditionary Force (I 

MEF) is located at bases in California 

and Arizona. The 2d Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF) is located at bases 

in North Carolina and South Carolina. 

The 3d Marine Expeditionary Force (III 

MEF) is located at bases in Okinawa, 

mainland Japan, Hawaii and with future 

plans for Guam. 

MEFs are the “reservoirs” from which 

all other Marine Corps capabilities emanate. Marine component headquarters, 

Marine Corps Forces Command (MARFORCOM) and Marine Corps Forces, 

Pacific (MARFORPAC) can form smaller 

MAGTFs from these MEFs. A MEF will 

normally deploy in echelon and will 

designate its lead element as the MEF 

(Forward). 

Marine Expeditionary Brigade 

(MEB): The MEB is the mid-sized MAGTF 

(up to 20,000 Marines) and is normally 

commanded by a brigadier general. The 

MEB provides transitional capability 

between the forward-deployed Marine 

expeditionary unit (MEU) and the MEF, 

which is the Marine’s principal warfighting force. A reinforced infantry regiment, 

a composite Marine aircraft group (MAG) 

and a combat logistics regiment (CLR) 

comprise a notional MEB. The command 

element of the MEB is embedded within 

the command element of its parent MEF; 
25

chapter 2: ORGANIZATION

the deputy MEF commander normally 

serves as the MEB commander.

MEBs provide supported combatant 

commanders with a scalable warfighting 

capability across the range of military operations. As an expeditionary force, it is 

capable of rapid deployment and employment via amphibious shipping (normally 

17 amphibious ships), strategic air/sealift, 

geographic or maritime pre-positioning 

force assets, or any combination of these. 

With 30 days of accompanying supplies, 

MEBs can conduct amphibious assault 

and sustained operations ashore in any 

geographic environment. A MEB can operate independently or serve as the forward echelon of a MEF. With additional 

MEF command element augmentation, 

a MEB is also capable of acting as a JTF 

headquarters. Currently, all three MEFs 

source MEB command elements with 

personnel from the MEF staff, it subordinate commands, and through individual 

augmentation.

Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) 

and Marine Expeditionary Unit(Special 

Operations Capable), or MEU(SOC): 

Forward-deployed MEUs and/or 

MEU(SOC)s embarked aboard amphibious ready groups (ARG) operate 

continuously in the areas of responsibility of various unified combatant commanders. The MEU(SOC) is differentiated from the MEU by the addition of a 

specifically task organized element from 

Marine Forces Special Operations Command, is embarked and has been directed to conduct operations with a specific 

MEU, (MEU + MARSOF = MEU(SOC)). 

Overall these units provide the President 

and the unified combatant commanders a forward-deployed, flexible seabased 

Geographic Combatant Commands
26

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

MAGTF, capable of conducting: amphibious operations, crisis response, limited contingency operations, to include 

enabling the introduction of follow on 

forces, and, designated special operations 

forces. MEUs are characterized by their 

sea-based forward presence, expeditionary nature, ability to plan and respond to 

crises, combined arms integration, and 

their interoperability with joint, combined and special operations forces. 

The MEU is commanded by a colonel and deploys with 15 days of accompanying supplies. Prior to deployment, a 

MEU undergoes an intensive six-month 

training program, focusing on its mission 

essential task list (METL) and interoperability with MARSOF. The training culminates with a thorough evaluation and 

certification as “Operationally Ready to 

Deploy”. The organic capabilities of the 

MEU and MEU(SOC) are: 

• Amphibious Operations

- Amphibious Assault

- Amphibious Raid

o Small Boat Raid (Specific To 31st 

MEU)

- Maritime Interception Operations

- Advance Force Operations 

• Expeditionary Support to Other Operations / Crisis Response and Limited 

Contingency Operations

- Noncombatant Evacuation 

Operations

- Humanitarian Assistance

- Stability Operations

- Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and 

Personnel

- Joint and Combined Operations

- Aviation Operations from Expeditionary Sites

- Theater Security and Cooperation 

Activities

- Airfield and Port Seizures

The additional capabilities provided 

by the MEU(SOC) are:

• Special Operations

- Direct Action

- Special Reconnaissance

- Foreign Internal Defense

Prior to deployment, the MEF commander exercises full command of his 

organic MEU. Command relationships 

of the MEUs once embarked will be as 

delineated by the geographic combatant 

commander (GCC). Per Joint Publication 

(JP) 3-02, Amphibious Operations, “While 

the full range of command relationship 

options as outlined in JP 1, Doctrine for 

the Armed Forces of the United States, are 

available, in amphibious operations, service component commanders normally 

retain operational control (OPCON) of 

their respective forces. If the joint force 

commander (JFC) organizes along functional lines, functional component commanders will normally exercise OPCON 

over all their parent Services’ forces and 

tactical control (TACON) over other Services’ forces attached or made available 

for tasking.” 

Special Purpose MAGTF (SPMAGTF):

A SPMAGTF is task-organized to accomplish a specific mission, operation, 

or regionally focused exercise. As such, 

SPMAGTFs can be organized, trained, 

and equipped to conduct a wide variety 

of expeditionary operations ranging from 

crisis-response to training exercises and 

peacetime missions. They are designated 

as SPMAGTF with a mission, location, or 

exercise name for example, “SPMAGTF 

Afghanistan”. 

Security Cooperation MAGTF (SCMAGTF): The SCMAGTF is an emerging capability that will support combatant 

commander engagement requirements 
27

chapter 2: ORGANIZATION

with Marine forces specifically task-organized for security cooperation and civil 

military operations. The SCMAGTF will 

have capabilities, mobility, and sustainability commensurate with its requirements to 

provide training to less developed military 

forces. The SCMAGTF will be tasked with 

building partner nation security capacity 

and supporting partner nation security 

efforts in specific regional areas. The SCMAGTF will provide the combatant commander with a flexible expeditionary force 

employment option that further augments 

the traditional capabilities provided by the 

Marine Corps. 

The nation’s MAGTFs thus provide a 

continuum of capabilities to support naval, unified combatant commander, and 

national requirements. These MAGTFs 

are joined by other special-purpose forces and unique Marine forces to help the 

Corps deal with a full range of conventional, unconventional, and irregular/hybrid threats and assignments.

Unique Unified Combatant Commander Support

A combatant commander or subordinate joint force commander might also 

require Marine forces that do not have all 

elements of a MAGTF. These forces are 

not given a specific MAGTF designation. 

Examples are installation security forces; 

engineer and medical support teams for 

humanitarian operations; deployments 

for training; law enforcement operations; 

and mobile training teams. In these cases, 

forces will be designated by the name of 

the senior headquarters having operational control, for example, 1st Combat 

Engineer Battalion (Reinforced), 1st Marine Division. 

Global Response Forces 

(GRFs)

Marine Corps global response forces 

(GRF) are standing contingency forces 

that can respond rapidly to emerging crises anywhere in the world. Commander, 

U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific and 

Commander, Marine Corps Forces Command maintain GRFs in continuous 

states of readiness, enabling U.S. Joint 

Forces Command to provide combatant 

commanders with the appropriate GRF 

as soon as the Secretary of Defense directs. Marine GRFs provide great versatility through employment from U.S. Navy 

amphibious ships or as fly-in echelons 

marrying up with equipment from maritime prepositioning forces. They can also 

conduct security and enabling functions 

as the lead element of a MEF. 

MAGTF Sustainability

A fundamental characteristic of a 

MAGTF is its ability to operate for extended periods as an expeditionary 

force, relying on internal resources for 

sustainment. All MAGTFs have inherent sustainability that allows them to be 

self-sufficient for planned periods. Larger MAGTFs have a deeper, broader, and 

more capable organic support capability. 

Different-sized MAGTFs deploy with sufficient accompanying supplies to support 

joint operations. MAGTFs can augment 

their organic sustainability by using external support from Navy organizations, 

host-nation support agreements, interservice support agreements, and in theater cross-service agreements.
28

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Maritime Prepositioning 

Force (MPF)

The MPF is a strategic power-projection capability that combines the lift 

capacity, flexibility, and responsiveness of 

surface ships with the speed of strategic 

airlift. Strategically positioned around the 

globe, the maritime prepositioning ships 

(MPS) of the MPF provide geographic 

combatant commanders with persistent 

forward presence and rapid crisis response. The MPF is organized into three 

MPS squadrons (MPSRON) comprising 16 ships. MSPRON-1 is based in the 

Mediterranean; MPSRON-2 is based at 

Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean; and 

MPSRON-3 is based in the Guam-Saipan 

area of the Pacific Ocean. These three interoperable MPSRONs are each designed 

to couple with a fly-in echelon to support 

the rapid closure of a MEB. The MPF can 

also support smaller or larger MAGTFs 

by employing as few as one or as many as 

16 MPS. The MPS include governmentowned ships and long-term leased ships 

operated under charters to Military Sealift Command (MSC). 

When needed, these ships move to a 

crisis region and offload either in port or 

offshore via in-stream offload. Offloaded 

equipment and supplies are then married up with Marines arriving at nearby 

airfields. The end result is a combat-ready 

MAGTF rapidly established ashore, using 

minimal in-country reception facilities. 

The MAGTF combat capability provided 

by MPF supports geographic combatant 

commander military operations that defeat adversaries and win wars, but has also 

supported regional crises that require 

rapid and effective humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Marine Corps 

Prepositioning Program– 

Norway (MCPP-N)

MCPP-N enhances all geographic 

combatant commanders’ operational responsiveness by providing mission-tailored, prepositioned war-reserve materiel 

that supports global Marine Corps expeditionary operations. MCPP-N prepositioned war-reserve materiel is stored in six 

caves and two airfields spread across Norway and is available for rapid preparation 

and marshalling at aerial/sea/rail ports 

of debarkation in support of deploying 

MAGTFs. Forward-prepositioned warreserve materiel reduces reaction time 

and continental U.S. (CONUS)-based lift 

requirements. 
29

chapter 2: ORGANIZATION

Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps

DC, plans, policy 

& operations

DC, Combat development 

& integration

Director 

Health Services

Legislative Assistant to 

the Commandant

Staff Judge Advocate 

to the marine corps

DC, Manpower & 

Reserve Affairs

DC, Installations 

& Logistics

Director 

Command, Control, Communications & Computers

Director 

Intelligence

Director Expeditionary 

Energy Office

Dc, Aviation

DC, Programs 

& Resources

Inspector General of 

the Marine Corps

Director 

Public Affairs

Director 

Safety Division

Assistant Commandant 

of the Marine Corps

Director 

Marine Corps Staff

Commandant of the Marine 

Corps Washington, D.C.

Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps 

(HQMC) consists of the Commandant of 

the Marine Corps and those staff agencies 

that advise and assist him in discharging 

his responsibilities prescribed by law and 

higher authority. The Commandant is 

directly responsible to the Secretary of 

the Navy for the total performance of the 

Marine Corps. This includes the administration, discipline, internal organization, training, requirements, efficiency, 

and readiness of the service. Also, as the 

Commandant is a member of the Joint 

Chiefs of Staff, HQMC supports him in 

his interaction with the Joint Staff. The 

Commandant also is responsible for the 

operation of the Marine Corps material 

support system. 

Counsel for the 

Commandant

Chaplain of 

the marine corps

Sergeant Major of 

the Marine Corps

marine corps combat

development command

marine corps

national capital

Region command

Marine Corps

Recruiting Command

Marine Barracks 

Washington, D.C.

marine corps 

systems command

Assistant Secretary of 

the navy research

development & acquisition
30

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

MANPOWER & RESERVE 

AFFAIRS (M&RA)

Located in Quantico, VA, M&RA is 

the largest department within HQMC. 

The mission of M&RA is to provide 

commanders with the right Marines, in 

a timely manner, utilizing a process that 

is fair, that maximizes the potential of 

the force and the individual Marine, and 

that incorporates effective quality of life 

programs and services for all who serve. 

To accomplish this mission, the Deputy 

Commandant, Manpower & Reserve 

Affairs (M&RA) is in charge of a farreaching slate of manpower and personnel activities including: active and reserve 

assignments, promotions, and retention; 

senior leadership management; military 

awards; military and civilian personnel 

policies and plans; personnel and family readiness; casualty assistance; Marine 

Corps Community Services (MCCS); pay 

and personnel administration; wounded 

warrior non-medical care and support; 

and reserve personnel policies and plans.

Marine Corps Recruiting 

Command (MCRC)

Headquartered in Quantico, VA, MCRC 

conducts operations to recruit qualified 

individuals for enlistment or commissioning into the United States Marine 

Corps and Marine Corps Reserve. The 

goal is to attain the assigned Total Force 

personnel requirements by component 

and category in accordance with the applicable fiscal year Marine Corps accessions strategy (Manpower Accessions 

Plan Memoranda), the Military Personnel 

Procurement Manual, and as directed by 

the Commandant of the Marine Corps. 

MCRC is comprised of two recruiting regions with three recruiting districts each. 

MCRC has approximately 3,000 Marine 

Corps recruiters operating out of 48 recruiting stations, 574 recruiting sub-stations, and 71 officer selection sites across 

the continental United States, Alaska, 

Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Guam.

Commanding General

marine corps recruiting command

Commanding General

Eastern Recruiting Region

Parris Island, sC

Commanding General

Western Recruiting Region

San Diego, Ca

1ST MCD 4th MCD 6th MCD 9th MCD 8th MCD 12th MCD
31

chapter 2: ORGANIZATION

Marine Corps Combat 

Development Command 

(MCCDC)

Located in Quantico, VA, the Deputy 

Commandant, Combat Development 

and Integration is also the Commanding 

General, MCCDC. He is tasked to develop 

fully integrated Marine Corps warfighting capabilities; including doctrine, organization, training and education, materiel, leadership, personnel, and facilities 

(DOTMLPF), to enable the Marine Corps 

to field combat-ready forces. In addition 

to these duties, he is the Commander, 

Marine Forces Strategic Command and 

the Commanding General of Marine 

Corps installations in the National Capital Region. 

Education 

Command, 

quantico, VA

Marine Corps 

Recruit Depot, 

Parris Island, SC

Marine Corps 

Recruit Depot,

San Diego, CA

Training 

Command, 

Quantico, VA

MAGTF Training 

Command, 

29 Palms, CA

deputy commandant,

combat development & Integration

Joint Capabilities

assessment and

integration

directorate

capabilities 

Development 

directorate

Marine Corps 

Base, 

Quantico, VA

Training and 

Education 

Command

MARINE CORPS

Warfighting 

Lab

operations

analysis

division

Center fo

Irregula

Warfare

deputy cg

MCCDC

Chief of Staff

MCCDC

Chief of Staff

marforstrat

strategic 

vision group
32

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Operating Forces

Operating forces — the heart of the 

Marine Corps — comprise the forward 

presence, crisis response, and combat 

power that the Corps makes available 

to U.S. unified combatant commanders. 

The Marine Corps has established three 

permanent combatant-level service components in support of unified commands 

with significant Marine forces assigned: 

U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command 

(MARFORCOM), U.S. Marine Corps 

Forces Pacific (MARFORPAC), and U.S. 

Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations 

Command (MARSOC). The Commander, MARFORCOM is assigned to the 

Commander, U.S. Joint Forces Command 

(JFCOM). He provides the 2d Marine 

Expeditionary Force (II MEF) and other 

unique capabilities to JFCOM. Likewise, 

the Commander, MARFORPAC is assigned to the Commander, U.S. Pacific 

Command. He provides I and III MEFs 

to PACOM. The Commander, MARSOC 

is assigned to the Commander, Special 

Operations Command (SOCOM). He 

provides assigned forces to SOCOM. 

These assignments reflect the peacetime disposition of Marine Corps forces. 

Marine forces are apportioned to the 

remaining geographic combatant commands — the U.S. Southern Command 

(SOUTHCOM); U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM); U.S. European 

Command (EUCOM); U.S. Central 

Command (CENTCOM); U.S. Africa 

Command (AFRICOM); and U.S. Forces 

Korea (USFK) for contingency planning, 

and are provided to these commands 

when directed by the Secretary of Defense. The following sections highlight 

several of the unique organizations in the 

operating forces. 

Marine Corps Forces 

Command (MARFORCOM)

Located in Norfolk, VA, MARFORCOM is the Marine component to JFCOM. The Commander, MARFORCOM 

coordinates Marine Corps support to JFCOM in the development of joint training, integration, readiness, joint concept 

development and experimentation efforts, 

and in executing global force management to synchronize the generation and 

provision of mission-ready, joint-capable 

Marine forces for present and future joint 

force requirements in order to support 

combatant commanders’ global execution of the National Military Strategy. His 

peacetime combat forces and supporting 

establishment Marines and Sailors total 

approximately 55,000.
33

chapter 2: ORGANIZATION

2d

Marine Division

2d

Marine Aircraft Wing

2d Marine

Logistics group

2d Marine 

Expeditionary Brigade

22d, 24th, 26th

Marine Expeditionary 

Units

chemical biological

incident response force

Marine Corps 

Air Station

Cherry Point, NC

Marine Corps 

Air Station

Beaufort, SC

Marine Corps 

Air Station

New River, NC

Marine Corps 

Air facility 

quantico, va

US Marine 

Corps Forces

command

US Marine Corps 

training and 

advisory group

II Marine 

Expeditionary 

Force

Marine Corps 

Logistics Base

Albany, GA

marine corps 

support facility

Blount Island, fl

Marine Corps Base

Camp Lejeune, NC

US Marine 

Corps Bases 

Atlantic

Marine Corps 

Installations 

east

U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command, 

Marine Corps Bases Atlantic

marine corps security 

force regiment

commander

marforcom
34

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

II Marine Expeditionary Force 

II Marine Expeditionary Force

Marine Corp Base, Camp Lejeune, NC

II Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group

 8th Communications Battalion

 2d Intelligence Battalion

 2d Radio Battalion

 2d Air and Naval Gunfire Liaison Company

2d Marine Expeditionary Brigade

22d Marine Expeditionary Unit

24th Marine Expeditionary Unit

26th Marine Expeditionary Unit

Chemical Biological Incident Response Force 

Indian Head, MD

Marine Corps Security Force Regiment 

Norfolk, VA

2d Marine Division 

MCB Camp Lejeune, NC

Headquarters Battalion

2d Marine Regiment

 1st Battalion 

 2d Battalion

 3d Battalion 

 2d Battalion, 9th Marines 

6th Marine Regiment

 1st Battalion

 2d Battalion 

 3d Battalion 

 3d Battalion, 9th Marines 

8th Marine Regiment

 1st Battalion 

 2d Battalion 

 3d Battalion 

 1st Battalion, 9th Marines 

10th Marine Regiment

 1st Battalion 

 2d Battalion 

 3d Battalion 

 5th Battalion 

2d Tank Battalion

2d Assault Amphibian Battalion

2d Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion

2d Combat Engineer Battalion

2d Reconnaissance Battalion

2d Marine Air Wing 

Marine Corps Air Station, 

 Cherry Point, NC

Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 2

Marine Aircraft Group 14

 Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 14

 Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 1

 Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 2 

 Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 3 

 Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 4

 Marine Attack Squadron 223

 Marine Attack Squadron 231

 Marine Attack Squadron 542

 Marine Attack Training Squadron 203

 Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252

 

Marine Aircraft Group 26 

MCAS New River, NC

 Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 26

 Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261

 Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 264

 Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 266

 Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461

 Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167

U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command Units
35

chapter 2: ORGANIZATION

II Marine Expeditionary Force (cont.) 

 Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 467 

 MCAS Cherry Point, NC

 Marine Medium Tiltrotor Training Squadron 204

Marine Aircraft Group 29 

MCAS New River, NC

 Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 29

 Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162

 Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 

 Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 

 Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464

 Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 269

 Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 567 

 Activation planned for FY 2011

 Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 366 

 MCAS Cherry Point, NC

 Marine Heavy Helicopter Training Squadron 302

Marine Aircraft Group 31 

MCAS Beaufort, SC

 Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31

 Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115

 Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122

 Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251

 Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312

 Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224

 Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533

 Marine Fight Attack Training Squadron 501 

 Eglin Air Force Base, FL

Marine Air Control Group 28

 Marine Tactical Air Control Squadron 28

 Marine Air Control Squadron 2

 Marine Aircraft Support Squadron 1

 Marine Wing Communications Squadron 28

 2d Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion

 Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 2

Marine Wing Support Group 27

 Marine Wing Support Squadron 271 

 Bogue Airfield, NC

 Marine Wing Support Squadron 272 

 MCAS New River, NC

 Marine Wing Support Squadron 273 

 MCAS Beaufort, SC

 Marine Wing Support Squadron 274

2d Marine Logistics Group

MCB Camp Lejeune, NC

Combat Logistics Regiment 2

 Combat Logistics Battalion 2

 Combat Logistics Battalion 6

 Combat Logistics Battalion 8

Combat Logistics Regiment 25

 2d Maintenance Battalion

 2d Medical Battalion

 2d Supply Battalion

 Combat Logistics Company 21 

 MCAS Cherry Point, NC

 Combat Logistics Company 23 

 MCAS Beaufort, SC

Combat Logistics Regiment 27

 Combat Logistics Battalion 22

 Combat Logistics Battalion 24

 Combat Logistics Battalion 26

8th Engineer Support Battalion

2d Dental Battalion

U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command Units
36

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Marine Corps Forces 

Pacific (MARFORPAC)

Located at Camp Smith, HI, MARFORPAC is the Marine component to 

PACOM. The Commander, MARFORPAC commands all Marine Corps forces 

assigned to PACOM, accomplishes assigned operational missions, advises the 

PACOM commander on the proper employment, capabilities and support of 

Marine Corps forces and provides combat ready forces to other commands, as 

required. He also serves as Commanding General, Fleet Marine Forces, Pacific 

and Commander for U.S. Marine Corps 

Bases, Pacific. MARFORPAC is the largest 

field command in the Marine Corps. His 

peacetime combat forces and supporting 

installation Marines and Sailors total approximately 74,000.
37

chapter 2: ORGANIZATION

I Marine Expeditionary 

Force

1st

Marine Division

3d

Marine Aircraft Wing

1st Marine 

Logistics Group

1st

Marine Expeditionary 

Brigade

11th, 13th, 15th

Marine Expeditionary 

Units

31st Marine 

Expeditionary Unit

Marine Corps Base

Camp Pendleton, Ca

Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Cent

(MCAGCC) 29 Palms, ca

Marine Corps Mounta

Warfare Training 

Center, Bridgeport, C

commander

marforpac

Marine Corps Air Statio

Miramar, Ca

Marine Corps 

Logistics Base

barstow, Ca

Marine Corps 

Bases Korea

Camp Mujuk

Fleet Marine 

Forces, Pacific

US Marine Corps 

Forces, Pacific

US Marine Corps 

Bases, Pacific

US Marine Corps 

Forces,

Korea

Marine Corps Base

Camp Butler

Marine Corps Air Statio

Iwakuni

Marine Corps Air Statio

Futenma

Combined Arms Trainin

Center, Camp Fuji

III Marine Expeditionary 

Force

Marine Corps Bases

Japan

Marine Corps 

Installations

West

Marine Corps Base

Hawaii

Marine Corps Air Statio

Yuma, Az

Marine Corps Air Statio

Camp Pendleton, Ca

3d

Marine Division

1st

Marine Aircraft Wing

3d Marine Logistics 

Group

3d Marine 

Expeditionary Brigade

U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific
38

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

I Marine Expeditionary Force 

I Marine Expeditionary Force

Marine Corp Base, 

 Camp Pendleton, CA

I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group

9th Communications Battalion

1st Intelligence Battalion

1st Radio Battalion

1st Air and Naval Gunfire Liaison Company

1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade

11th Marine Expeditionary Unit

13th Marine Expeditionary Unit

15th Marine Expeditionary Unit

1st Marine Division

MCB Camp Pendleton, CA

Headquarters Battalion

1st Marine Regiment

 1st Battalion 

 2d Battalion

 3d Battalion 

 1st Battalion, 4th Marines 

5th Marine Regiment

 1st Battalion

 2d Battalion 

 3d Battalion 

 2d Battalion, 4th Marines 

7th Marine Regiment 

Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, 

29 Palms, CA

 1st Battalion 

 2d Battalion 

 3d Battalion 

 3d Battalion, 4th Marines 

11th Marine Regiment

 1st Battalion 

 2d Battalion 

 3d Battalion 

 MCAGCC, 29 Palms, CA

 5th Battalion (HIMARS) 

1st Tank Battalion 

MCAGCC, 29 Palms, CA

3d Assault Amphibian Battalion 

Company D 

MCAGCC, 29 Palms, CA

1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion

3d Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion 

MCAGCC, 29 Palms, CA

1st Combat Engineer Battalion

3d Combat Engineer Battalion 

MCAGCC, 29 Palms, CA

1st Reconnaissance Battalion

3d Marine Air Wing 

Marine Corps Air Station, 

Miramar, CA

Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 3

Marine Aircraft Group 11

 Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 11

 Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232

 Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314

 Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 323

 Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 121

 Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 225

 Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352

 Marine Fight Attack Training Squadron 101

Marine Aircraft Group 13 

MCAS Yuma, AZ

 Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13

 Marine Attack Squadron 211

 Marine Attack Squadron 214

 Marine Attack Squadron 311

 Marine Attack Squadron 513

 Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 332 

 Activation planned for FY 2011

Marine Aircraft Group 16 

 Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 16

 Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161

 Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 561 

 Activation planned for FY 2011

U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific Units
39

chapter 2: ORGANIZATION

I Marine Expeditionary Force (cont.) 

 Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 163

 Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 165

 Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 166

 Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361

 Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462

 Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 465

 Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 466

Marine Aircraft Group 39 

MCAS Camp Pendleton, CA

 Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 39

 Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169

 Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267

 Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367

 Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 369

 Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469

 Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training 

 Squadron 303

 Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268

 Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364

 Marine Medium Helicopter Training Squadron 164

Marine Air Control Group 38

 Marine Tactical Air Control Squadron 38

 Marine Air Control Squadron 1 

 MCAS Yuma, AZ

 Marine Aircraft Support Squadron 3 

 MCAS Camp Pendleton, CA

 Marine Wing Communications Squadron 38

 3d Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion 

 MCAS Camp Pendleton, CA

 Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Sqdn 1 

 MCAGCC 29 Palms, CA

 Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Sqdn 3 

 MCAGCC 29 Palms, CA

Marine Wing Support Group 37

 Marine Wing Support Squadron 371 

 MCAS Yuma, AZ

 Marine Wing Support Squadron 372 

 MCAS Camp Pendleton, CA

 Marine Wing Support Squadron 373 

 Marine Wing Support Squadron 374 

 MCAGCC 29 Palms, CA

1st Marine Logistics Group 

MCB Camp Pendleton, CA

Combat Logistics Regiment 1

 Combat Logistics Battalion 1

 Combat Logistics Battalion 5

 Combat Logistics Battalion 7 

 MCAGCC 29 Palms, CA

Combat Logistics Regiment 15

 1st Maintenance Battalion

 1st Medical Battalion

 1st Supply Battalion

 Combat Logistics Company 11 

 MCAS Miramar, CA

 Combat Logistics Company 16 

 MCAS Yuma, AZ

Combat Logistics Regiment 17

 Combat Logistics Battalion 11

 Combat Logistics Battalion 13

 Combat Logistics Battalion 15

7th Engineer Support Battalion

1st Dental Battalion

U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific Units
40

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

III Marine Expeditionary Force 

III Marine Expeditionary Force

Marine Corp Bases, Okinawa, Japan

III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group

7th Communications Battalion

3d Intelligence Battalion

3d Radio Battalion 

 MCB Kaneohe Bay, HI

5th Air and Naval Gunfire Liaison Company

3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade

31st Marine Expeditionary Unit

3d Marine Division Marine Corps Bases, Okinawa, Japan

Headquarters Battalion

3d Marine Regiment 

 MCB Kaneohe Bay, HI

 1st Battalion 

 2d Battalion

 3d Battalion 

4th Marine Regiment

 Units sourced via Unit Deployment Program(UDP)

12th Marine Regiment

 1st Battalion 

 MCB Kaneohe Bay, HI

 3d Battalion 

3d Combat Assault Battalion

3d Reconnaissance Battalion

1st Marine Air Wing Marine Corps Bases, Okinawa, Japan

Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 1

Marine Aircraft Group 12 

MCAS Iwakuni, Japan

 Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12

 Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242

Marine Aircraft Group 24 

MCAS Kaneohe Bay, HI

 Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 24

 Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 362

 Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363

 Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463 

 Cadres in FY 2011

Marine Aircraft Group 36 

MCAS Futenma, Okinawa, Japan 

 Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 36

 Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262

 Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265

 Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152

Marine Air Control Group 18 

MCAS Futenma, Okinawa, Japan

 Marine Tactical Air Control Squadron 18

 Marine Air Control Squadron 4 

 Marine Aircraft Support Squadron 2

 Marine Wing Communications Squadron 18

Marine Wing Support Group 17 

 Marine Wing Support Squadron 171 

 MCAS Iwakuni, Japan

 Marine Wing Support Squadron 172 

3d Marine Logistics Group 

Marine Corps Bases, Okinawa, Japan

Combat Logistics Regiment 3

 Combat Logistics Battalion 3 

 MCB Kaneohe Bay, HI

 Combat Logistics Battalion 4 

 Combat Logistics Company 33 

 MCB Camp Pendleton, CA

Combat Logistics Regiment 35

 3d Maintenance Battalion

 3d Medical Battalion

 3d Supply Battalion

 Combat Logistics Company 36 

 MCAS Iwakuni, Japan

Combat Logistics Regiment 37

 Combat Logistics Battalion 31

9th Engineer Support Battalion

3d Dental Battalion

U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific Units
41

chapter 2: ORGANIZATION

commander

marforres

4TH MARINE

 DIVISION

NEW ORLEANS, LA

4TH MARINE

 AIRCRAFT WING

NEW ORLEANS, LA

4th Marine

Logistics Group 

New Orleans, LA

Mobilization

COMMAND

New Orleans, LA

3D CIVIL

AFFAIRS GROUP

CAMP PENDLETON, CA

3D ANGLICO

LONG BEACH, CA

4TH CIVIL

AFFAIRS GROUP

WASHINGTON, DC

4TH ANGLICO

WEST PALM BEACH, FL

INTELLIGENCE

SUPPORT BATTALION

NEW ORLEANS, LA

Marine Corps Forces 

Reserves (MARFORRES)

Headquartered in New Orleans, LA, 

MARFORRES is responsible for providing trained units and qualified individuals for active duty service in times of war, 

national emergency, or in support of 

contingency operations. It also provides 

personnel and operational tempo relief 

for active component forces during times 

of peace. Marine Corps force expansion 

is made possible by activation of the Marine Corps Reserve, which, like the active 

component, consists of a combined-arms 

force with balanced ground, aviation, and 

logistics combat support units. This capability is managed through MARFORCOM 

in meeting his global force management 

responsibilities to JFCOM. Organized 

under the Commander, MARFORRES, 

units of this command are located at 184 

training centers in 48 states, Puerto Rico, 

and the District of Columbia. During 

the past several years, the Marine Corps 

Reserve has been closely integrated with 

the active component under the Marine 

Corps’ Total Force concept. The ethos for 

the Marine Corps Reserve is mobilization and combat readiness. This ensures 

the men and women of the Marine Corps 

Reserve stand ready, willing and able 

to answer the Nation’s call at home and 

abroad at a moment’s notice. CG, MARFORRES is also Commander, Marine 

Forces Northern Command (MARFORNORTH) and serves as the Marine component of NORTHCOM.
42

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve Units

Intelligence Support Battalion New Orleans, LA

3d Air and Naval Gunfire Liaison Company Long Beach, CA

4th Air and Naval Gunfire Liaison Company West Palm Beach, FL

3d Civil Affairs Group MCB Camp Pendleton, CA

4th Civil Affairs Group Washington, DC

4th Marine Division New Orleans, LA

23d Marine Regiment San Bruno, CA

 1st Battalion Houston, TX

 2d Battalion Pasadena, CA

 3d Battalion Belle Chasse, LA

 

24th Marine Regiment Kansas City, MO

 1st Battalion Mount Clemens, MI

 2d Battalion Chicago, IL

 3d Battalion Bridgeton, MO

 

25th Marine Regiment Ft. Devens, MA

 1st Battalion Ft. Devens, MA

 2d Battalion Garden City, NY

 3d Battalion Brook Park, OH

 

14th Marine Regiment Fort Worth, TX

 2d Battalion (HIMARS) Grand Prairie, TX

 3d Battalion Philadelphia, PA 

 5th Battalion Seal Beach, CA

Anti-Terrorism Battalion Bessemer, AL

3rd Force Reconnaissance Company Mobile, AL

4th Force Reconnaissance Company Alameda, CA

4th Tank Battalion San Diego, CA

4th Assault Amphibian Battalion Tampa, FL

4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion MCB Camp Pendleton, CA

4th Combat Engineer Battalion Baltimore, MD

4th Reconnaissance Battalion San Antonio, TX

4th Marine Air Wing New Orleans, LA

Marine Transport Squadron

 Detachment Andrews Air Force Base, MD

 Detachment Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, LA

Marine Aircraft Group 41 JRB Fort Worth, TX

 Detachment A Edwards AFB, CA

 Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 41 JRB Forth Worth, TX

 Detachment A MCAS Miramar, CA

 Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 764 Edwards AFB, CA

 Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 112 JRB Fort Worth, TX

 Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Sqdn 234 JRB Fort Worth, TX

 Marine Fighter Training Squadron 401 MCAS Yuma, AZ

 
43

chapter 2: ORGANIZATION

U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve Units

Marine Aircraft Group 49 JRB Willow Grove, PA**

 Detachment A NAS Atlanta, GA

 Detachment B Stewart ANG Base, NY

 Detachment C JRB New Orleans, LA

 Detachment D NAS Norfolk, VA

 Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 49 Stewart ANG Base, NY

 Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Sqdn 452 Stewart ANG Base, NY

 Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 774 NAS Norfolk, VA

 Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 772 JRB Willow Grove, PA**

 Marine Light Attack Helicopter Sqdn 773 NAS Atlanta, GA

 Detachment A JRB New Orleans, LA

 Detachment B Johnstown, PA**

Marine Air Control Group 48 Great Lakes, IL

 Marine Tactical Air Control Squadron 48 Great Lakes, IL

 Marine Air Control Squadron 23 Buckley AFB, CO

 Marine Air Control Squadron 24 Virginia Beach, VA

 Marine Aircraft Support Squadron 6 Westover Air Reserve Base, MA

 Marine Wing Communications Sqdn 48 Great Lakes, IL

 

Marine Wing Support Group 47 Selfridge ANG Base, MI

 Marine Wing Support Squadron 471 Minneapolis, MN

 Detachment A Johnstown, PA

 Detachment B Selfridge ANG Base, MI

 Marine Wing Support Squadron 472 JRB Willow Grove, PA**

 Detachment A Wyoming, PA

 Detachment B Westover Air Reserve Base, MA

 Marine Wing Support Squadron 473 MCAS Miramar, CA

 Detachment A Fresno, CA

 Detachment B JRB Fort Worth, TX

** Planned relocation to McGuire Air Force Base, NJ in FY 2011

4th Marine Logistics Group New Orleans, LA

Forward East MCB Camp Lejeune, NC

Forward West MCB Camp Pendleton, CA

Headquarters and Service Battalion Marietta, GA

4th Supply Battalion Newport News, VA

6th Communications Battalion Brooklyn, NY

4th Maintenance Battalion Charlotte, NC

4th Landing Support Battalion Fort Lewis, WA

4th Dental Battalion Marietta, GA

4th Medical Battalion San Diego, CA

6th Motor Transport Battalion Red Bank, NJ

6th Engineer Support Battalion Portland, OR

 
44

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, 

Special Operations 

Command (MARSOC)

Headquartered at Camp Lejeune, 

NC, MARSOC is the Marine Corps component of USSOCOM. As such, MARSOC trains, organizes, equips, and, when 

directed by the Commander USSOCOM, 

deploys task organized, scalable and responsive Marine Corps special operations forces (SOF) worldwide in support 

of combatant commanders and other 

agencies.

In October 2005, the Secretary of Defense directed the Marine Corps to form 

a service component of USSOCOM and 

begin providing forces to the commander 

of USSOCOM. Formally established 24 

February 2006, MARSOC will ultimately 

grow to approximately 2,600 Marines, 

Sailors, and civilian employees. MARSOC 

includes three subordinate commands: 

the Marine Special Operations Regiment 

(MSOR), which consists of three Marine 

special operations battalions (1st MSOB 

at Camp Pendleton, CA, and 2d and 3d 

MSOB at Camp Lejeune, NC); the Marine Special Operations Support Group 

(MSOSG); and the Marine Special Operations School (MSOS).

A Marine Corps major general commands MARSOC with a supporting 

staff designed to be compatible in all 

functional areas within USSOCOM and 

Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps. The 

MARSOC headquarters is responsible for 

identifying Marine special operationsunique requirements, developing Marine 

SOF tactics, techniques, procedures and 

doctrine; and executing assigned missions 

in accordance with designated conditions 

and standards.

From August 2006 to early 2010, 

MARSOC conducted 89 operational 

overseas unit deployments, continuously deploying Marine special operations 

teams (MSOTs) and Marine special operations companies (MSOCs) in support of 

the geographic combatant commanders. 

Missions have included conducting combat operations in Afghanistan and training foreign SOF in Africa, Asia, South 

America, Central Asia, and the Middle 

East. 

MARSOC Core Capabilities. MARSOC is tasked by SOCOM with providing 

Marines who are specially trained in the 

following primary SOF disciplines:

• Direct action (DA) –– short-duration 

strikes and other small-scale offensive 

actions taken to seize, destroy, capture, 

recover, or inflict damage in denied 

areas.

• Special reconnaissance (SR) –– actions 

conducted by SOF to obtain or verify by 

visual observation (or other collection 

methods), information concerning the 

capabilities, intentions and activities of 

an actual or potential enemy.

• Foreign internal defense (FID) –– participation by civilian and military agen-
45

chapter 2: ORGANIZATION

cies of a government in any of the programs taken by another government to 

free and protect its society from subversion, lawlessness, and insurgency.

• Counterterrorism (CT) –– offensive 

measures taken to prevent, deter and 

respond to terrorism.

MARSOC also provides support for the 

following:

• Unconventional warfare (UW) –– a 

broad spectrum of military and paramilitary operations, normally of long 

duration, predominately conducted 

by indigenous or surrogate forces organized, trained, equipped, supported, 

and directed in varying degrees by an 

external source.

• Information operations (IO) –– use 

of offensive and defensive information 

means to degrade, destroy and exploit 

an adversary’s information-based process while protecting one’s own.

MARSOC Subordinate 

Units

Marine Special Operations Regiment (MSOR): MSOR consists of a 

headquarters company and three Marine 

special operations battalions (1st, 2d, 

and 3d). The Regiment provides tailored, 

military combat-skills training and advisor support for identified foreign forces, 

in order to enhance their tactical capabilities and to prepare the environment 

as directed by USSOCOM as well as the 

capability to form the nucleus of a joint 

special operations task force. Marines and 

Sailors of the MSOR train, advise, and assist host nation forces - including naval 

and maritime military and paramilitary 

forces - to enable them to support their 

governments’ internal security and stability; to counter subversion; and to reduce the risk of violence from internal 

and external threats. MSOR deployments 

are coordinated by MARSOC through 

USSOCOM, in accordance with engagement priorities for overseas contingency 

operations.

Marine Special Operations Battalions (MSOB): The 1st, 2d, and 3d MSOBs 

are organized, trained, and equipped to 

deploy for worldwide missions. The battalions are commanded by a Marine lieutenant colonel and consist of four MSOCs, 

who when designated for deployment, are 

task organized with personnel uniquely 

skilled in special equipment support, intelligence, and fire-support. Each MSOC 
46

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

commander

marsoc

Intelligence 

Battalion (-)

Support 

Company

Logistics

Company

Marine 

Special 

Operations

Support 

Group

Marine 

Special 

Operations

Regiment

Marine 

Special 

Operations

School

1st Marine 

Special 

Operations

Battalion

3d Marine 

Special 

Operations

Battalion

2d Marine 

Special 

Operations

Battalion

is commanded by a Marine major and is 

capable of deploying task organized, expeditionary Marine SOF providing the 

above listed core capabilities in support 

of the geographic combatant commanders. MSOCs are also uniquely organized 

and tailored to conduct distributed operations in the littorals with counter-insurgency expertise and language and cultural 

capability. Each team within the company 

is designed and capable of limited splitteam operations and trained to conduct 

FID, DA, and SR missions both unilaterally and with partnered nation forces.

Marine Special Operations Support 

Group (MSOSG): The MSOSG provides 

support capabilities for worldwide special operations missions as directed by 

the MARSOC commander. The MSOSG 

specifically provides all-source intelligence fusion, combined arms coordination, multi-purpose canine capability, 

special operations communications, and 

limited combat service support capability 

to MARSOC forces. The MSOSG deploys 

these capabilities in tailored operational 

support detachments, either independently or as part of a MSOC.

Marine Special Operations School 

(MSOS): MSOS screens, assesses, selects, 

and trains Marines and Sailors for special operations assignments in MARSOC; 

provides both initial and advanced individual special operations training; plans 

and executes the component exercise program; and serves as MARSOC’s training 

and education proponent in support of 

MARSOC requirements.
47

chapter 2: ORGANIZATION

Marine Corps Forces, 

Cyber Command 

(MARFORCYBER)

In response to the significance of 

the cyber domain to national security, 

the Secretary of Defense has directed the 

establishment of U.S. Cyber Command 

(CYBERCOM) as a sub-unified command under U.S. Strategic Command. 

The primary objective of CYBERCOM 

is to integrate the computer network 

operations capabilities of the services 

and agencies in support of the National 

Strategy to Secure Cyberspace (NSSC). In 

response, the Marine Corps established 

MARFORCYBER in October 2009, with 

headquarters located at Fort Meade, MD. 

The objective of MARFORCYBER is to 

integrate existing USMC and MAGTF cyber capabilities with joint efforts for unity 

of effort, a common cyber operating picture, and a more efficient construct that 

permits the MAGTF and joint forces to 

operate, defend, and respond at “network 

speed.” The initial operational capability 

(IOC) of CYBERCOM and MARFORCYBER was on 1 October 2009, with full operational capability (FOC) of both set for 

1 October 2010.

Marine Corps Network 

Operations and Security 

Center (MCNOSC)

The MCNOSC’s mission is to direct 

global network operations and defense 

of the Marine Corps Enterprise Network (MCEN) and provide technical 

leadership to facilitate seamless information exchange in support of Marine and 

joint forces operating worldwide. The 

MCNOSC is the Corps’ nucleus for enterprise data network services, network 

support to deploying forces, and technical development of network-enabled IT 

solutions. The MCNOSC operates and 

manages all aspects of the MCEN, collects and shares Global Information Grid 

(GIG) situational awareness, reports and 

directs actions in response to operational 

incidents, and provides technical leadership to ensure Marine Corps and joint 

capabilities leverage new technologies to 

the advantage of the Marine warfighter. 

MCNOSC personnel monitor MCEN 

operations around the clock through an 

array of strategically positioned sensors 

to ensure the availability and security of 

the network. Assigned by the Joint Task 

Force – Global Network Operations 

(JTF-GNO) to defend the MCEN against 

cyber attack, the MCNOSC conducts preventative actions, attack detection, and 

incident response to the rapidly increasing and complex number of threats to 

Marine Corps use of cyberspace. 

Marine Corps Training 

and Advisory Group 

(MCTAG)

Assigned to MARFORCOM and 

headquartered at Fort Story, VA, MCTAG 

will achieve FOC in FY 2010. MCTAG 

was formed in 2007 to coordinate Marine 

Corps security force assistance (SFA) efforts; to provide conventional training 

and advisor support to host nation security forces (HNSF) or to general purpose 

forces (GPF) partnering with HNSF; and 
48

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

to provide planning assistance to Marine 

component commands (MARFORs) in 

developing and executing partner nation 

(PN) training programs in order to build 

partner capacity in support of geographic 

combatant commander’s SFA objectives. 

MCTAG provides specialized engagement capability; creates effective advisors 

to conduct SFA missions; assists MARFORs in the development of PN training/

development plans; and establishes and 

maintains long-term, persistent relationships with country teams and PN militaries. MCTAG is the link between MARFORs and supporting forces, providing 

coordination, planning, liaison, and assessment support. In addition, MCTAG 

provides oversight and coordination and 

synchronization for all Marine Corps SFA 

activities and enabling support to the operating forces, supporting establishment, 

and reserve forces. Teams are composed 

of officers and staff non-commissioned 

officers that are regionally oriented and 

provide advisory and training team support to MARFORs supporting theater 

SFA plans. MCTAG trains and deploys 

task-organized advisor/trainer teams to 

support operational requirements. The 

pre-deployment training program (PTP) 

for advise, train, and assist (ATA) teams 

consists of individual, core, unit, and mission specific training based upon region, 

country, and mission requirements as determined by the geographic combatant 

commanders, MARFORs, and MCTAG.

Chemical and Biological 

Incident Response Force 

(CBIRF)

The Marine Corps’ CBIRF is a 

unique capability that maintains a high 

state of readiness to respond to asymmetric enemy action at home or abroad. 

Established in 1996 and headquartered 

in Indian Head, MD, CBIRF is a subordinate unit of II MEF. Its mission is to forward deploy and/or respond to a credible 

threat of a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or high yield explosive 

(CBRNE) incident in order to assist local, 

state, or federal agencies and designated 

COCOMs in the conduct of consequence 

management operations by providing capabilities for agent detection and identification; casualty search; rescue; personnel decontamination; emergency medical 

care; and stabilization of contaminated 

personnel. 
49

chapter 2: ORGANIZATION

CBIRF consists of approximately 

450 Marines, Sailors, civilian employees 

and contractors. CBIRF is organized into 

three permanent companies: a headquarters and service company and two reaction force companies. For contingency 

operations, CBIRF will be task organized 

to form one or two incident response 

forces (IRF) that can forward deploy on 

short notice to a pre-designated staging 

site in response to a credible threat or an 

approved request for support. Normally 

these are designated a homeland security 

special event. CBIRF can deploy by land, 

sea, or air.

Each IRF has the following capabilities: an all hazard reconnaissance 

capability; a casualty search and extraction capability; a medical capability; a 

decontamination capability; a technical 

rescue capability; an explosive ordnance 

disposal (EOD) capability; a command 

control, communications, computer, and 

Intelligence (C4I) capability; and a selfsustainable logistic capability. A newly 

developed DOTMLPF change request 

(DCR) will serve to baseline both existing 

and future program requirements. 

The Marine Corps’ CBIRF has deployed in support of many notable national special security events and homeland security special events, including 

presidential inaugurations; state funerals; 

the State of the Union Address; G-20, and 

NATO summits; diplomatic visits; and 

the Olympic Games. 

Marine Corps Security 

Force Regiment 

The 2200 Marines and Sailors of the 

regiment serve U.S. bases and interests 

worldwide. Re-designated in 2008, the 

regiment has evolved from its legacy mission of physical security for naval bases 

worldwide. Marines no longer greet visitors to naval bases or stations, nor do they 

maintain security detachments on board 

naval vessels. Instead, Marine Corps Security Force Regiment is a dedicated security and anti/counter-terrorism unit 

of the Marine Corps. Its mission is to 

organize, train, equip, and provide expeditionary anti-terrorism and security 

forces in support of regional combatant 

commanders and naval commanders in 

order to conduct security operations, and 

to provide security for strategic weapons 

and vital national assets. 

Headquartered in Norfolk, VA and a 

subordinate unit of II MEF, Marine Corps 

Security Force Regiment is one of the 

Marine Corps’ most diverse regiments. It 

provides a national security element with 

a global deploying force. The regiment 

consists of two security force battalions 

and three fleet antiterrorism security team 

(FAST) companies. Security Force Battal-
50

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

ions Kings Bay, GA and Bangor, WA provide fixed-site installation security with 

the missions of protecting key naval assets –– including strategic weapons, command and control facilities, naval support 

activities –– and recapturing of compromised strategic assets. The security force 

battalion mission is extremely challenging as it is conducted 365 days a year 

and in all weather conditions. This vital 

mission requires the finest national asset; 

well-trained Marines and Sailors. All personnel assigned receive special training 

in basic and advance security techniques 

and are continuously vetted through the 

personnel reliability program. 

Established in 1987, FAST companies 

provide a worldwide rapidly-deployable 

force with the mission to deter and defend against terrorist threats to naval 

installations and vessels and reinforcement of U.S. government installations 

(primarily U.S. embassies) worldwide. 

Currently, Marine Corps Security Force 

Regiment has three FAST companies 

with eight FAST platoons and company 

headquarters elements forward deployed 

in support of Naval Forces component 

commands in Europe, Pacific, and Central Command, as well as at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Trained in infantry skills, 

FAST platoons receive additional training 

in antiterrorism, close quarter’s battle, 

precision marksmanship, and use of nonlethal weapons, site security, and convoy 

operations. Highly trained and ready to 

conduct short-notice missions, in recent 

years FAST Marines have proven themselves in more than 70 special security 

missions, from Operation Desert Shield/ 

Storm, to the port-security mission following the attack on USS Cole, to missions in Liberia, Panama, Cuba, Kenya, 

Haiti, Afghanistan, and Iraq.
51

chapter 2: ORGANIZATION

Marine Corps bases and stations –– 

often referred to as the “fifth element” of 

the MAGTF –– comprise the personnel, 

bases, and activities that support the Marine Corps’ operating forces. This infrastructure consists primarily of 15 major 

bases and stations in the United States 

and Japan, as well as the personnel, equipment, and facilities required to operate 

them. These bases and stations fall under 

several regional commands to include 

Marine Corps Installations-East (MCIEast), MCI-West, and MCI-Pacific.

The supporting establishment also 

includes the Marine Corps Logistics Command (MCLC) and Training and Education Command (TECOM). Additionally, 

the supporting establishment includes civilian activities and agencies that support 

Marine forces. The following sections 

highlight several of the unique organizations in the supporting establishment.

Training and Education 

Command (TECOM) 

Located in Quantico, VA, TECOM is 

a key component of MCCDC. TECOM is 

tasked with the development, coordination, resourcing, execution, and evaluation of training and education concepts, 

policies, plans, and programs to ensure 

Marines are prepared to meet the challenges of present and future operational 

environments. Some of the unique organizations within TECOM that carry out 

this mission are described below. 

Marine Corps Tactics and Operations Group (MCTOG): MCTOG, is located at the Marine Corps Air-Ground 

Combat Center (MCAGCC) in 29 Palms, 

CA. MCTOG provides advanced training in MAGTF operations; combined 

arms coordination and unit readiness; 

and training planning at the battalion 

and regimental levels; and synchronizes 

doctrine and training standards for the 

ground combat element (GCE) in order 

to enhance combat preparation and performance of GCE units in MAGTF operations. The MCTOG accomplishes this 

task through the implementation of the 

GCE operations and tactics training program (GCEOTTP). The GCEOTTP creates a common ground “community of 

practice” for training and operations.

Security Cooperation Education 

and Training Center (SCETC): SCETC is 

a directorate of TECOM and is responsible for implementing and evaluating 

Marine Corps security cooperation education, training, and programs, in support of MARFORs. SCETC is tasked with 

the full range of support to security cooperation (SC) and security Assistance (SA) 

missions that support building partner 

capacity. By sourcing training teams from 

TECOM training venues and schoolhouses, SCETC coordinated the support 

of more than 60 security cooperation 

engagements with 50 partner nations 

worldwide over the last two years. These 

training teams build capacities to “train, 

advise, and assist” particularly with regard to ‘institutional building’ functions 

and the strategic planning focus in the 

Global Employment of the Force.”. 

SCETC manages international students attending Marine Corps schools 

under a variety of programs. In FY 2009, 

SCETC managed the education or training of 724 international students from 

Supporting Establishment
52

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

72 partner nations. This also included the 

addition of a second cohort to the Command and Staff College Distance Education Seminar and establishment of an Expeditionary Warfare Seminar in FY 2010, 

further expanding the international military education and training role in building partner capacity. 

In coordination with MCTAG and 

MARFOR staffs, SCETC assessment 

teams support the MARFORs’ theater 

security cooperation planning efforts 

by conducting SC planning assessments 

using a DOTMLPF construct for priority country planning. As an adjunct to 

SC planning, SCETC conducts a Security Cooperation Planners Course to provide Marine Corps planners a functional 

knowledge of polices, procedures, and 

planning considerations in the course 

of developing a security cooperation 

country plan. SCETC developed the Advise, Train, and Assist – Partner Nation 

Forces (ATA PNF) Training and Readiness (T&R) Manual in December 2008, 

providing greater capability for Marines 

to train and prepare for missions that interact with partner nations. 

The SCETC civil military operations 

branch established the Civil Affairs T&R 

Manual as the basis for all civil affairs 

education and training. This included a 

civil affairs (MOS qualifying) school to 

train civil affairs Marines and a CMO 

planners’ course to conduct and integrate 

CMO into MAGTF operations. Since 

2008, SCETC CMO has provided pre-deployment training teams to support deploying Marine Corps civil affairs groups 

(CAGs), provisional CAGs, and deploying 

maneuver battalions expected to conduct 

civil military operations.

The Center for Advanced Operational Culture and Learning (CAOCL): 

CAOCL, a directorate of TECOM, is 

tasked with ensuring that Marines are regionally focused, globally prepared, and 

effective at navigating and influencing 

culturally complex 21st century operating environments. CAOCL accomplishes 

its mission through various means:

• It supports the Marine Corps in formulating policies, plans, and strategies to 

address regional understanding, operational culture, and language familiarization requirements across DOTMLPF 

concerns. 

• Serves as the administrator and coordinator of the Marine Corps Regional, 

Cultural, and Language Familiarization 

(RCLF) Program. Through the RCLF 

Program, the Marine Corps develops 

cross-culturally competent service 

members with diverse regional understanding and language capacity to ensure that the Corps has assets within 

each unit to assist in operational planning and execution in all operationally 

significant regions of the world. This is 

a career-long education and training 

program that begins at accession and 

continues throughout a Marine’s professional life. 

• Provides pre-deployment training 

(PTP) and resources to ensure each 

Marine is equipped with the specific 

regional knowledge and understanding 

necessary to navigate and influence a 

specific operating environment to accomplish the mission. CAOCL makes 

its staff available to brief deploying 

forces and offers numerous computerbased products and other materials. 

• Provides subject matter experts (SMEs) 

in direct support of the operating forces. 
53

chapter 2: ORGANIZATION

These SMEs are designed to assist commanders in understanding the cultural 

terrain of the battlespace and in planning operations. 

• Provides mobile training teams (MTTs) 

for delivering operational culture and 

language classes and briefings at home 

station or underway. 

CAOCL, in order to provide an assortment of additional opportunities for 

operational culture and language selfstudy, is currently providing access to distributed learning computer-based products such as Rosetta Stone. This program 

provides 150 hours of self-paced computer based language familiarization in numerous languages. Additionally, the Tactical Language Training System (TLTS) 

provides language and culture training 

via four modules: Tactical Iraqi, Tactical 

Pashto, Tactical Dari, and Tactical SubSaharan Africa French. TLTS modules are 

high-end, interactive, video simulations 

using computerized characters, or ‘avatars,’ in a variety of tactical scenarios. 

In an effort to meet home station 

training requirements, CAOCL is establishing Language Learning Resource 

Centers (LLRC) at all eight major Marine 

Corps bases to facilitate culture and language training for all Marines. The LLRCs 

are computer labs equipped with culture 

and language study materials/software. 

Finally, CAOCL liaison officers (LNOs) 

are provided to assist Marine forces in 

accessing resources, scheduling briefings, 

and fulfilling culture and language requirements. 

Marine Corps Logistics 

Command (MCLC)

The Deputy Commandant, Installations and Logistics also provides oversight of the operations of MCLC. MCLC 

is tasked to provide worldwide, integrated 

logistics/supply chain and distribution 

management; maintenance management; 

and strategic prepositioning capability in 

support of the operating forces and other 

supported units to maximize their readiness and sustainability and to support 

enterprise and program level Total Life 

Cycle Management.

Maintenance Center

albany, GA

Commanding general,

Marine Corps 

logistics Command

deputy commandant, 

installations & logistics

Maintenance Center

Barstow, Ca

marine corps

support facility Blount Island

Jacksonville, FL
54

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Marine Corps Logistics 

Command–Forward 

(MCLC-Fwd)

The MCLC-Fwd capability was 

formed to fulfill the need to unify numerous disparate command logistic teams operating independently in the U.S. Central 

Command area of responsibility (CENTCOM AOR). The MEU augmentation 

program (MAP), forward-in-stores (FIS), 

principal end item (PEI) rotation, equipment retrograde, repairable issue point 

(RIP), and maintenance contact teams 

are successful MCLC-Fwd initiatives. 

The MAP provides a limited equipment set within the CENTCOM Theater 

to enhance the combat readiness and responsiveness of MEUs as they conduct 

operations and to reduce the amount of 

MEU equipment that is shipped from the 

continental United States (CONUS). The 

FIS provides for the exchange of damaged equipment. The PEI rotation program rotates new or rebuilt equipment 

into the theater to exchange equipment 

items that have been in theater operating at maximum duty cycles for three to 

four years, thereby increasing readiness 

in theater and integrating procurement, 

modernization, and rebuilding efforts 

to maintain operational availability of 

equipment. The equipment retrograde 

program facilitates the turn in of equipment that is being replaced by new acquisition or is no longer required for theater 

requirements. MCLC-Fwd processes the 

items by arranging for transportation 

to CONUS, redistributing to meet other 

theater requirements, or turning the item 

over to the Defense Reutilization & Marketing Office (DRMO). The RIP program 

provides contractor augmentation to the 

Marine logistics group (MLG) RIP to 

source and manage selected secondary 

repairables as well as rebuild, overhaul, 

remanufacture, and augment packing 

and preservation capabilities at the RIP 

in order to expedite the issue and return 

of secondary repairables in the support of 

the deployed MAGTF. The maintenance 

contact teams are maintenance specialists 

deployed periodically to fulfill specific 

tasks of limited duration, such as applying armor to vehicles in country.

Marine Corps Information Operations Center 

(MCIOC)

MCIOC, scheduled for IOC in the 

second quarter FY 2010 and FOC in the 

second quarter FY 2011, will be the Marine Corps’ centralized information operations (IO) resource and the executive 

agent for the Marine Corps IO program 

(MCIOP). Located in Quantico, VA, 

MCIOC will develop MAGTF IO tactics, 

techniques, procedures, and doctrine in 
55

chapter 2: ORGANIZATION

addition to supporting MAGTF operations and work within the Expeditionary 

Force Development System to define required MAGTF IO capabilities.

The MCIOC mission is to provide 

MAGTF commanders and the Marine 

Corps a responsive and effective, fullspectrum IO planning and psychological 

operations (PSYOP) delivery capability. 

The MCIOC will execute its mission by 

deploying scalable task-organized expeditionary IO planning teams (IOPT) 

and tactical PSYOP teams, as well as by 

providing a comprehensive general support IO “reach-back” capability which 

will ensure the integration of IO into 

Marine Corps operations. The MCIOC 

will be staffed with SMEs representing IO 

core, supporting, and related capabilities, 

including: 

• IO mission planning

• Threat and nodal analysis

• Electronic warfare (EW)

• Military deception (MILDEC)

• Operations security (OPSEC)

• Psychological operations (PYSOP)

• Computer network operations (CNO)

• Supporting capability of combat camera (COMCAM)

• Related capability of civil military 

operations (CMO)

• Regional IO targeting

• Special technical operation (STO)

These SMEs will enable the MAGTF 

to plan and execute tactical IO to influence potential and realized adversary and 

indigenous information, information 

systems and decision-making, while simultaneously assuring, protecting, and 

defending similar Marine, joint, and coalition forces’ capabilities.

The MCIOC’s deployable IOPTs will 

enable the MAGTF IO capability through 

tactically focused training, operational 

planning support, tactics development, 

and formulation of IO requirements including research and development priorities. The IOPTs will be capable of training MAGTF IO personnel in the five core 

IO capabilities of EW, MILDEC, OPSEC, 

PSYOP, and CNO.

The IOPTs will also help MAGTF 

staffs understand IO techniques, tactics, 

and procedures to coordinate effectively 

with joint IO staff, supporting, and related IO capabilities. The MCIOC IOPTs 

will advise and assist the MAGTF IO staff 

in integrating IO into the MAGTF’s mission planning. These teams will be on call 

and task organized to meet the MAGTF 

commander’s requirements.

As the executive agent for the MCIOP, 

they will synchronize IO across all Marine Corps activities, integrate IO into all 

MAGTF plans and operations, and provide a common service understanding 

and definition of Marine Corps IO, ensuring IO becomes a core military competency within the Marine Corps.
56

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

chapter

3
57

chapter 3: programs

Introduction

The Marine Corps’ primary role in the 21st Century is to be the Nation’s “expeditionary force-in-readiness” that provides combined-arms operating forces, including 

integrated aviation and logistical components, for service as part of naval, joint, and 

combined forces world wide. Marine forces magnify the projection of U.S. forces, ensuring that they remain influential in peacetime, compelling in crisis, and decisive in 

war. As we look ahead, we will return to our roots of a lighter, faster, hard-hitting, expeditionary and sea-based Marine Corps that is reliant on agility, shock, and surprise.

Innovation and fiscal responsibility continue to be hallmarks of the Marine Corps. 

We continue to invest limited resources to restore combat capability and enhance our 

Marines’ readiness at home and in overseas operating areas. We are constantly monitoring our total investment requirements against changing demands. In Marine Corps 

ground and aviation programs, for example, we continue to test, develop, and procure 

dual-use systems and employ emerging technology. Throughout, however, our focus 

remains on the individual Marine’s ability to carry out the tasks at hand. 

Chapter Three of this 2010 edition of Concepts and Programs provides information 

on Marine Corps programs of record and major end-item equipment, which will ensure that current and future Marines have what they need to accomplish the mission.

PROGRAMS
58

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

The Department of Defense categorizes acquisition programs into 

several categories, generally based on 

their cost or testing requirements. This 

categorization is then used to identify 

oversight and approval requirements. 

A description of the most commonly 

discussed levels follows.

ACAT I: These are the largest acquisition programs and are also known 

as Major Defense Acquisition Programs (MDAP). To achieve this level 

of designation, a program must exceed 

$365 million in research and development funding or exceed $2.190 billion 

in procurement funding. The Marine 

Corps currently leads two ACAT I 

programs–the Advanced Amphibious 

Assault Vehicle Program, which will 

produce the Expeditionary Fighting 

Vehicle, and the V-22 Osprey Program. 

The Marine Corps also participates in 

numerous joint ACAT I programs, including Global Broadcast Service and 

the Joint Tactical Radio System. ACAT 

I programs have two subcategories: 

ACAT IC and ACAT ID.

ACAT IA: These are the largest automated information system (AIS) acquisition programs. There are several 

cost thresholds for this level, which 

include AIS programs with single year 

funding, in all appropriations, in excess of $32 million; total program cost 

in excess of $126 million; or total lifecycle costs in excess of $378 million. 

ACAT IA programs have two subcategories: ACAT IAM and ACAT IAC.

ACAT II: These programs do not 

meet the threshold for ACAT I, but 

have research and development funding in excess of $140 million or procurement funding in excess of $660 

million. They are also known as Major 

Systems. The Marine Corps currently 

funds three ACAT II programs, including Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement and Common Aviation Command and Control System. It also leads 

one joint ACAT II program, which is 

the Lightweight 155mm Howitzer, and 

participates in two other joint ACAT II 

programs.

ACAT III: Programs that do not 

meet the cost threshold for ACAT I or 

II and involve combat capability are 

designated ACAT III or IV programs. 

Within the Marine Corps, the designation generally depends on the level 

of program management and oversight assigned by Commander, Marine 

Corps Systems Command. The Marine 

Corps currently manages more than 

20 ACAT III programs, leads approximately 12 joint ACAT III programs, 

and participates in another 27 joint 

ACAT III programs. This level includes 

less-than-major AIS programs.

ACAT IV: ACAT programs not 

otherwise designated ACAT I, IA, II, 

or III are designated ACAT IV. ACAT 

IV programs have two subcategories: 

ACAT IV(T) programs, which require 

operational test and evaluation, and 

ACAT IV(M) programs, which do not. 

The Marine Corps currently manages 

nearly 90 such programs, and leads 

or participates in more than 20 joint 

ACAT IV programs.

Acquisition Categories (ACAT)
59

chapter 3: programs

Acquisition Phases and Terms

Material Solution Analysis Phase (Milestone A): This is the pre-system acquisition phase, during which initial concepts are refined and technical risk is 

reduced. Two major efforts may be undertaken in this phase. The first phase consists of short-term concept studies that refine and evaluate alternative solutions 

to the initial concept, and provide a basis for assessing the relative merits of these 

alternatives. The second phase is an iterative discovery and development process 

designed to assess the viability of technologies, while simultaneously refining user 

requirements. 

Engineering and Manufacturing Development (Milestone B): This is the 

phase in which a system is developed. Work in this phase includes reduction of 

integration and manufacturing risk; ensuring operational supportability; human 

systems engineering; design for the ability to produce; and demonstration of 

system integration, interoperability, and utility. 

Production and Deployment (Milestone C): This is the phase in which the 

operational capability that satisfies mission needs is ensured through operational 

test and evaluation. This evaluation determines a system’s effectiveness, suitability, and survivability. The designated Milestone Decision Authority may decide to 

commit to production at Milestone C, either through low-rate initial production 

for major defense acquisition programs, or full production or procurement for 

other systems. 

A Non-developmental Item (NDI): An NDI is any previously developed item 

of supply used exclusively for government purposes by a federal agency, a state or 

local government, or a foreign government with which the United States has a mutual defense cooperation agreement. An NDI requires only minor modifications 

or modifications of the type customarily available in the commercial marketplace 

in order to meet the requirements of the Marine Corps.

Initial Operational Capability (IOC): In general, attained when some units 

and/or organizations in the force structure scheduled to receive a system have 

received it and have the ability to employ and maintain it. The specifics for any 

particular system IOC are defined in that system’s Capability Development Document (CDD) and Capability Production Document (CPD).

Full Operational Capability (FOC): In general, attained when all units and/

or organizations in the force structure scheduled to receive a system have received 

it and have the ability to employ and maintain it. The specifics for any particular system FOC are defined in that system’s Capability Development Document 

(CDD) and Capability Production Document (CPD).
part 1: 

The Individual Marine
61

chapter 3: programs

Introduction

The “Individual Marine” is the heart and soul of the Nation’s Marine Corps. 

The individual Marine is trained, educated, and equipped to operate across the 

broadest spectrum of missions and tasks –– a “two-fisted” fighter highly effective 

in major contingencies but equally capable in irregular warfare and responding to 

crises worldwide.

While today’s Marines are superbly operating in every clime and place, it is a 

leadership obligation to Marines, their families, and the Nation to be prepared for 

tomorrow. With the growth of the Marine Corps to 202,000 Marines, the individual 

Marine will remain the number-one priority. While a Marine’s focus in the field is on 

excellence and mission accomplishment, the focus of Marine Corps programs is on the 

“tools” needed for operational success; Marines deserve nothing but the best that the 

Nation can afford. 

The commitment to Marines extends to those who have returned with severe 

injuries. The Wounded Warrior Regiment is the key to continuing to provide and 

facilitate assistance to wounded, ill, or injured Marines and their family members 

throughout the phases of recovery. Likewise, the Marine Corps looks to Marine families as a source of strength, particularly when their loved ones are deployed overseas. 

The Marine Corps will provide them with the necessary support network during those 

periods of separation. In short, Marines take care of their own. 
62

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

As an institution, the success of the 

Marine Corps is inextricably linked to 

personal and family readiness. Meeting the reasonable QOL expectations 

of Marines and families supports this 

effort, improves unit readiness, and 

reinforces the recruiting and retention 

mission. The Marine Corps is committed to enhancing and sustaining 

the quality of life of Marines and their 

families. The Commandant and senior 

Marine Corps leadership place great 

emphasis on improving QOL and regularly conduct town hall meetings to 

hear directly about the issues and concerns of Marines and family members.

The Marine Corps measures QOL 

satisfaction in areas such as residence, leisure and recreation, health 

and health care, income and standard 

of living, job satisfaction, and spouse 

career opportunities. The most recent 

survey indicates that, despite the high 

operational tempo during the past several years, Marines continue to report 

strong levels of satisfaction with their 

quality of life.

Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) provides more than 80 

programs, including the Marine Corps 

Exchange (MCX), that support unit 

commanders in fulfilling personal and 

family readiness responsibilities. The 

MCX is committed to providing desired products and outstanding value; 

and an aggressive construction program focuses on ensuring clean and 

modern facilities.

The Marine Corps will continue 

to monitor the QOL of Marines and 

their families and will re-administer 

the QOL in the Marine Corps study in 

2010. This study has been conducted 

in 1993, 1998, 2003, and 2007 under 

the sponsorship of the Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve 

Affairs (M&RA).

Quality of Life (QOL)
63

chapter 3: programs

Taking Care of Marines and Families

Today’s Marines carry on a proud 

tradition of being ready to answer the 

Nation’s call at a moment’s notice, serving with distinction in the face of great 

challenges. The rigors of the military lifestyle are challenging not only to Marines 

but also to their families, who must cope 

with separations, relocations, and frequent deployments. The Marine Corps 

is committed to supporting the efforts 

of Marines and their families to adjust to 

and overcome the unique challenges they 

are facing. 

Transitioning to a Wartime Footing. 

Based on a series of assessments, surveys, 

focus groups, and town hall meetings, 

the Commandant of the Marine Corps 

directed a major transformation of family support programs, a multi-year effort 

already well underway. The Unit Personal 

and Family Readiness program (UPFRP), 

the Exceptional Family Member program 

(EFMP), School Liaison, and Marine 

Corps Family Team Building (MCFTB) 

program represent the fundamental 

change that the Commandant’s direction 

will bring in how programs are delivered. 

There are now more than 400 full-time 

Family Readiness Officers working directly for unit commanders in support of 

Marine and family readiness responsibilities. Some 8,500 Marines and their family members enrolled in the EFMP are 

now receiving case management services 

aimed at providing a continuum of care 

to facilitate a seamless transition from installation to installation. Recognizing that 

military children face unique challenges 

due to the mobile lifestyle of their parents, 

school liaison positions have been established at every Marine Corps installation, 

as well as at the regional and national level to address issues such as entrance and 

graduation requirements and transfer of 

records. MCFTB is an MCCS program 

that provides high-quality training to 

support the life cycle of the Marine and 

family through mission, career, and life 

events. These improvements and initiatives, funded in FY 2008 and 2009 largely 

through supplemental appropriations, 

will be sustained as part of the baseline 

MCCS budget. 

Long-Term Transition Efforts. The 

availability of quality, affordable child 

care continues to be a major QOL concern of Marine families. While the number of on-installation child care spaces 

increases through construction of Child 

Development Centers, the Marine Corps 

is using multiple strategies to address the 

requirements of parents away from Marine Corps stations and bases.

Another important QOL concern for 

Marines and their families is the ability 

of the spouse to establish and maintain 

a career regardless of the sponsor’s duty 

station. The Marine Corps Family Member Employment Assistance Program 

(FMEAP) is developing comprehensive 

and integrated strategies to build on re-
64

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

cent initiatives to provide portable careers 

and education funding, and to support 

employment, training, and educational 

requirements of spouses.

The Transition Assistance Management Program (TAMP) is often the final contact Marines have while on active 

duty with the many support programs 

available. The Marine Corps is currently 

exploring opportunities to maximize the 

effectiveness of this program by more efficiently connecting Marines and their 

families to education, training, and jobs 

as they prepare to transition from the active duty Marine Corps. 

The Marine Corps has seen increases 

in suicides, domestic violence, substance 

abuse, and sexual assault in recent years, 

highlighting the need for improved prevention efforts and corrective policies and 

procedures in behavioral health programs. 

The Marine Corps has undertaken a major effort in suicide prevention with a new, 

high-impact training program taught by 

non-commissioned officers (NCO) that 

equips them to be the first line of defense, 

recognizing an NCO’s key role in keeping Marines safe and ready. The Marine 

Corps will continue to pursue multiple 

initiatives to prevent suicides, which include reevaluating existing programs designed to reduce the stressors associated 

with suicidal behavior, developing and 

distributing new prevention programs, 

refreshing and expanding training materials, and establishing installation-level 

suicide prevention specialists. 

Additional staffing initiatives include 

the establishment of regional, installation, and unit-level Sexual Assault Program Coordinators, as well as the expansion of combat stress control capabilities 

through the Operational Stress Control 

and Readiness (OSCAR) program. OSCAR is focused on proving direct support 

to all active and reserve ground combat 

elements, with the ultimate goal of supporting all elements of the Marine Air 

Ground Task Force (MAGTF). 

In order to enable the widest access 

to family support programs, especially for 

Reserve and independent duty Marines 

and their families, the Marine Corps is 

studying the potential of communitybased program delivery, rather than the 

traditional installation-based model. In 

doing so, the Marine Corps would maximize use of other federal and state agencies 

to meet the needs of this population. In 

areas where community-based programs 

do not have capacity or are unavailable, 

such as remote and isolated commands, 

efforts will be focused on increasing capabilities aboard the installation.

The Marine Corps is committed to 

sustaining the significant progress underway to assure personal and family readiness, continuing to aggressively reassess, 

evaluate, and further transition Corpswide Marine and family support capabilities. This unending effort gives quantifiable meaning to the mission of “Taking 

Care of Marines and their Families.”
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chapter 3: programs

The mission of the WWR is to provide and facilitate non-medical care to 

combat and non-combat wounded, ill, 

and injured (WII) Marines and Sailors attached to, or in direct support of, Marine 

units and their family members throughout all phases of recovery. The Regimental Headquarters element, located in 

Quantico, VA, commands the operations 

of two Wounded Warrior battalions located at Camp Pendleton, CA and Camp 

Lejeune, NC. The regiment provides 

guidance, direction, and oversight to the 

Marine Corps wounded warrior process 

through a single commander and eliminates any gaps in the medical recovery 

system through unity of command and 

effort. These wounded warriors are still 

very much in the fight, and the regiment 

strives to craft positive programs and 

support that focuses on wounded warriors’ abilities as they look to their future. 

WWR provides a wide range of assistance 

including:

• Providing guidance regarding the 

medical and physical evaluation board 

processes;

• Assisting with filing Traumatic Service 

Members Group Life Insurance (TSGLI) claims and adjudicating all Marine Corps claims for TSGLI benefits;

• Coordinating charitable gifts, 

donations, or other types of offers 

of assistance; 

• Coordinating and overseeing non-medical case management during recovery; 

• Ensuring the same level of medical care 

regardless of geographic location; 

• Overseeing the transition from Department of Defense care to Department of 

Veterans Affairs care; 

• Provide assistance to WII Marines with 

pay and entitlement issues;

• Facilitating Department of Labor employment opportunities for separating 

WII Marines.

The WWR’s structure rests upon 

four main elements: face-to-face contact 

during all phases of recovery; close working relationships with other government 

organizations; open lines of communication with WII Marines and their families; 

and forward-looking program assessments and future planning. 

The WWR maintains face-to-face 

contact when providing information 

and assistance to service members, families and medical facility staff. The WWR 

commands Recovery Care Coordinators, 

who are geographically located throughout the country, to oversee the Marine 

Corps comprehensive recovery care proWounded Warrior Regiment (WWR)
66

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

gram to the WII Marines. District Injured 

Support Cells conduct visits and telephone outreach to Reserve and former 

Marines dispersed throughout the country. Inspector-Instructor sites assist with 

the patient affairs mission at civilian hospitals without patient affairs team (PAT) 

detachments. The WWR further relies on 

both Marine Corps liaisons at Department of Veterans Affairs Poly-trauma Rehabilitation Centers and Naval Hospital 

Liaisons to ensure personal contact when 

assisting WII Marines.

Building close working relationships 

with other governmental agencies is an 

important element of solving problems 

for our WII Marines and Sailors. WWR 

has two field grade officers at the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Federal Recovery Coordinator’s Office to facilitate the 

transition process and the receipt of benefits. WWR has both a Department of Labor representative and a Department of 

Veterans Affairs representative at the Regimental headquarters who work in the 

Transition Assistance Cell to find jobs for 

transitioning WII Marines and Sailors.

Open communication is critical 

for identifying and resolving problems 

encountered by our WII Marines and 

Sailors. The Sergeant Merlin German 

Wounded Warrior Call Center (1-877-

487-6299) receives calls from WII Marines 

and their families and conducts outreach 

calls to those who have been wounded, ill 

or injured since 2001. Additionally, a toll 

free number (1-866-645-8762) was established in Landstuhl, Germany for families 

to contact their Marines and Sailors medically evacuated out of theater.

In preparation for the challenges associated with caring for WII in the years 

and decades to come, WWR established 

the Future Initiatives and Transformation 

Team (FITT). The FITT conducts assessments of current programs to find needed improvements and refine processes 

while also identifying tools and resources 

needed to tackle the future challenges in 

Wounded Warrior care.
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chapter 3: programs

Description

The IAR program seeks to replace the 

current M249 Squad Automatic Weapon 

(SAW) in all infantry, and light armored 

reconnaissance squads. The IAR will be a 

non-developmental, 5.56mm automatic 

rifle that is lighter, more durable, more 

accurate, and more reliable than the 

M249 SAW. 

Operational Impact

Use of the automatic rifle will significantly enhance the automatic rifleman’s 

maneuverability and displacement speed, 

while providing the ability to suppress or 

destroy targets of most immediate concern to the fire team.

Program Status

The IAR program entered the system 

development and demonstration phase 

during second quarter FY 2008 following 

a successful Milestone B decision. A successful Milestone C decision was achieved 

in fourth quarter FY 2009 and the program 

is currently in the production and deployment phase. Initial operational testing and 

evaluation is scheduled to conclude by third 

quarter FY 2010. Initial operational capability (IOC) is scheduled to be achieved 

during first quarter FY 2011, and full operational capability (FOC) is scheduled to 

be achieved during second quarter FY 2012. 

The Heckler and Koch 416 was selected 

as the USMC IAR.

Procurement Profile: FY 2010 FY 2011

Quantity: 4,454 2,957

Developer/Manufacturer:

Heckler and Koch, Newington, NH

The Infantry Automatic Rifle (IAR)
68

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Modular Weapon System (MWS)

Description

The M16A4 rifle and an M4 carbine 

are the two weapons that satisfy the capability requirements of the MWS program. 

An M1913 Rail Adapter System (RAS) replaces the upper hand guards and incorporates a removable rear-carrying handle 

that were standard on M16A2 rifles. The 

RAS provides the capability to mount 

various accessories, including a modified 

M203 launching system, high-intensity 

flashlights, infrared laser illuminators, 

and optics. The MWS M4 carbine variant 

is selectively fielded to Marines whose billets and/or missions require the use of the 

shorter carbine.

Operational Impact

The MWS significantly improves the 

ability to mount various accessories and 

will enhance accuracy, target detection, 

and engagement capabilities in both day 

and night conditions.

Program Status

Fielding of the MWS began in FY 

2003. An increase in the Approved Acquisition Objective (AAO) due to complete 

replacement of M16A2 rifles Marine 

Corps-wide has extended fielding through 

FY 2011. The AAO is now approximately 

191,372 M16A4 rifles and approximately 

83,344 M4 carbines.

Procurement Profile: FY 2010 FY 2011

M16A4 19,103 5,000

M4 8,333 0

Developer/Manufacturer:

M4: Colt Manufacturing Company, Inc., 

Hartford, CT

M16A4: Fabrique National Military Industries, 

Columbia, SC
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chapter 3: programs

Description

The THHR FoS has several nondevelopmental, tactical handheld, and 

amplified vehicular radio sets that provide reliable tactical communications, including a retransmission capability. The 

Marine Corps has a requirement for two 

handheld radios: the Intra/Inter Squad 

Radio (IISR) and the THHR. 

The IISR is designed to provide small, 

lightweight, handheld tactical communications to infantry squads and fire teams 

to facilitate squad command and control, 

enabling squad members to communicate in tactical situations where hand and 

arm signals and voice communications 

are not practical. The IISR acts as a wireless intercom and possesses enough power to provide effective communications in 

open terrain, heavy vegetation, and urban 

environments. The IISR operates in the 

AM and FM bands of the 380-470 megahertz (MHz) frequency spectrum. The 

IISR is capable of both analog and digital 

operation. 

The THHR is a secure handheld unit 

that supports the communications requirements of all elements of the MAGTF. 

The THHR operates in the AM and FM 

bands of the 30-512 MHz frequency spectrum, containing embedded communications security, and is interoperable with 

other radio systems, such as Single-Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System 

(SINGARS) and HAVEQUICK II, in the 

single-channel mode and frequency-hopping modes. In addition to the THHR, 

two vehicular amplification kits are included: the Dual Vehicle Adapter (DVA) 

and the Single Vehicle Adapter (SVA). 

The DVAs/SVAs are vehicular product 

lines that are fully interoperable with the 

Marine Corps’ current inventory of combat net radios.

Operational Impact

Legacy tactical handheld equipment 

within the Marine Corps exceeded its expected life span and was rarely used. As a 

result, the handheld units primarily consisted of locally purchased, commercially 

available radios that were not interoperable with Marine Corps combat net radios. 

The THHR FoS consolidates and exceeds 

legacy capabilities, lightens the combat 

load of individual Marines and small 

units, reduces tactical handheld radio operating costs, and provides line-of-sight 

radios into every tactical vehicle. The 

current versions of the THHR FoS have 

the expectations to remain in the Marine 

Tactical Handheld Radio (THHR) Family of Systems (FoS)
70

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Corps’ inventory until the Joint Tactical 

Radio System (JTRS) solution reaches its 

full operational capability (FOC).

Program Status

The THHR FoS is in the post Milestone C phase of the acquisition process. 

All systems have been procured. Presently, 

six end-items are currently in the inventory: AN/PRC-153 (IISR); AN/PRC-148 

(THHR), with its associated AN/VRC111 DVA; and the AN/PRC-152 (THHR), 

with its associated AN/VRC-110 DVA and 

AN/VRC-112 SVA. The Marine Corps’ 

AAOs are 51,463 IISRs, 19,786 THHRs, 

9,947 DVAs, and 14,930 SVAs.

Developer/Manufacturer:

AN/PRC-152/AN/VRC-110/AN/VRC-112: 

Harris Corporation, Inc., Rochester, NY

AN/PRC-153: Motorola, Columbia, MD

AN/PRC-148/AN/VRC-111: Thales 

Communications, Inc., Clarksburg, MD
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chapter 3: programs

The MERS is a program charged 

with applying a system’s engineering approach to equipping a Marine rifle squad, 

the most fundamental warfighting unit. 

The focus of the program is to view the 

Marine rifle squad in a holistic manner 

— one in which the squad comprises a 

whole much more effective than the sum 

of its individual members. The integration and configuration management of 

all components that are worn, carried, 

and consumed by the squad will increase 

lethality, mobility, and flexibility of infantry forces. MERS is the steward of the 

Marine rifle squad’s suite of equipment 

and works with all the program managers at Marine Corps Systems Command 

(MARCORSYSCOM) to optimize and 

integrate the rifle squad’s equipment.

The program has founded the 

GRUNTWORKS Squad Integration Facility. GRUNTWORKS provides a venue 

to engineer, evaluate, and try the capabilities and limitations of all equipment 

in development and under consideration 

for procurement that will be delivered to 

the infantry squad. This dynamic facility 

employs a human factors lab, equipment 

prototyping and modification workshop, 

a mobility platform integration area, and 

an infantry immersive environment focused on equipment evaluation in a foreign environment to accomplish equipment modernization and integration 

initiatives. Human factors and ergonomics are applied to the physical integration 

of the infantry squad’s equipment. The 

physiological and performance impacts 

of fielding new equipment creates a constant set of trade-offs between weight and 

volume management, comfort, usability, 

simplicity, lethality, survivability, mobility, sustainment, and training given that it 

must perform in combat in any clime and 

place. MERS will highlight these trade 

offs and refine solutions that incorporate 

the capabilities of the Marine rifle squad 

as an integrated system. 

MERS works closely with the Marine 

Corps Combat Development Command 

(MCCDC) MERS capabilities development officer and the Headquarters, U.S. 

Marine Corps Plans, Policy & Operations 

MERS infantry advocate. The triad has 

established an Integrated Infantry Working Group in order to ensure that the 

operating forces are equipped with optiMarine Expeditionary Rifle Squad (MERS)
72

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

mal solutions. Infantry battalion surveys 

are continuously conducted in theater 

and post deployment in order to identify 

trends and issues with infantry equipment. Integration efforts during 2010 

include:

• Integration of all the items worn on a 

Marine’s head into an optimized system of components of a head-borne 

system.

• Improvements in weapon weight 

characteristics and integration with 

equipment that is worn.

• Command and Control / Situational 

Awareness integration and information 

presentation methods.

• Squad electrical power analysis and 

power/data distribution on the Marine. 

• Integration and anthropometry of the 

Marine in mobility platforms under development such as Joint Light Tactical 

Vehicle and Marine Personnel Carrier.

• Integration of the various unique items 

carried in the billet positions within the 

squad 

The MERS Program Office is also the 

enhanced company operations (ECO) 

equipping coordinator for MARCORSYSCOM. MERS also coordinates the 

research and development efforts for the 

long-term objective of distributed operations. Infantry battalions are nominated 

by the MEF for ECO equipping and new 

equipment training. ECO equipment is 

currently listed in the battalions table of 

equipment. The robust command and 

control package combined with appropriate training will empower the NCO at 

the fire team and squad level and increase 

the battalion’s capabilities to conduct 

warfighting. 
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chapter 3: programs

The Marine Corps’ ICE program continues to pursue technological advancements in personal protective equipment. 

Fully recognizing the trade-off between 

weight, protection, fatigue, and movement restriction, the program is providing 

Marines the latest in personal protective 

equipment, such as the Modular Tactical 

Vest (MTV), Scalable Plate Carrier (SPC), 

Full Spectrum Battle Equipment (FSBE), 

Flame Resistant Organizational Gear 

(FROG), Mountain Cold Weather Layering System (MCWLS), and Three-Season 

Sleep System (3S).

Combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan have highlighted the need to 

evolve the personal protective vest system. 

In February 2007, the Marine Corps began 

transitioning to a newly designed MTV. 

This vest is close in weight to its predecessor, the Outer Tactical Vest (OTV), but it 

integrates easily with the other personal 

protection systems. It provides greater 

comfort through incorporation of stateof-the-art load carriage techniques, which 

better distribute a combat load over the 

torso and onto the hips of the Marine. In 

April 2009, critical deficiencies were identified with the fielded MTVs that required 

immediate correction. In response, the 

program developed the Improved MTV 

(IMTV), comprising a vest with removable soft armor panels that will provide 

the same degree of fragmentation and direct fire protection as the current MTV, 

but at a reduced weight.

The SPC is used as an additional ballistic vest, not to replace the MTV, but to 

provide additional warfighting effectiveness by allowing greater maneuverability, 

agility, and mobility with reduced thermal stress in high elevations, thick vegetation, and tropical environments than that 

provided by the OTV/MTV. The SPC offers the same level of ballistic protection 

as the MTV but reduces overall weight 

by reducing area coverage for fragmentation. The Plate Carrier (PC), which will 

replace the SPC, uses a government design that improves shoulder comfort and 

cummerbund stability compared to previously fielded systems.

The FSBE provides ballistic protection, brief underwater breathing capability, flotation, and limited load carriage 

to meet the specific mission profiles required by the Marine Corps force reconnaissance community, fleet anti-terrorism 

security teams (FAST), and Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) helicopter assault 

companies.

In February 2007, the Marine Corps 

began fielding FROG to all deployed and 

deploying Marines. This lifesaving ensemble of flame-resistant clothing items 

–– gloves, balaclava, long-sleeved undershirt, combat shirt, and combat trouser 

–– is designed to mitigate potential injuInfantry Combat Equipment (ICE) 
74

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

ries to Marines from flame exposure. The 

Marine Corps continues the spiral development of FROG II to reduce weight and 

increase comfort, durability, and flameresistant properties.

The MCWLS is in response to the 

needs of Marines operating in mountain 

environments, such as those in Afghanistan. This system consists of the lightweight exposure suit, jacket, WindPro 

fleece and cap, parka, trousers, and boots. 

The upgraded base layers for MCWLS are 

flame resistant and lightweight.

In September 2008, the Marine Corps 

identified a need to provide a smaller and 

lighter sleep system to replace the Modular Sleep System. The 3S leverages technological advances in textiles and insulation to increase environmental protection 

while reducing the weight and volume of 

the sleeping bag. The 3S, incorporating 

the existing layered clothing systems, provides 15 degrees greater protection, is one 

pound lighter, and eight percent smaller 

than the green patrol bag in the Modular 

Sleep System (MSS). The 3S is designed 

to be used at 20 degrees with lightweight 

insulating layers, and as low as 10 degrees 

when wearing all of the provided insulating clothing layers. Providing a greater 

temperature range in which Marines can 

operate than the MSS, the 3S increases 

the mobility and survivability of the individual Marine. 

Many of these initiatives come via the 

Marine Enhancement Program(MEP).

The MEP Working Group includes core 

representatives from Plans, Policies and 

Operations; MCCDC; and MARCORSYSCOM. Nominations for the MEP initiatives come from Marines via the website, 

email and the Advocate, or through review 

of the U.S. Army’s Soldiers Enhancement 

Program (SEP) for capabilities matching 

a Marine Corps need. Nominated capabilities must focus on commercial-offthe-shelf or Non-Developmental Items 

that can be executed quickly. The 2010 

MEP priority list includes: Improved 

Helmet Suspension/Retention System; 

Next-Generation Individual Load Bearing Equipment; Crew-Served Weapons 

Pack; Individual Water Purification System; Tactical Assault Panel; and PVS-14 

Night Vision Goggle Pouch.
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chapter 3: programs

Description

The AN/PVQ-31A (for the M16A4) 

and AN/PVQ-31B (for the M4) rifle combat optic (RCO) are the cornerstones of 

the day optics program. The RCO is a 

fixed 4X optical aiming sight designed 

for use with the rifles configured with the 

MIL-STD-1913 Rail Adapter System. It 

attaches to the rail to provide the user a 

targeting tool to engage distant daylight 

and near low-lit targets with increased 

identification certainty. 

The SU-258/PVQ machine gun day 

optic (MDO) and the SU-258/PVG squad 

day optic (SDO) initiatives are the solutions to rapidly fielding a 6X day optic for 

the M240B and a 3.5X day optic for the 

M249, respectively.

Operational Impact

The RCO provides enhanced target 

identification and hit probability for the 

M4A1 and M16A4 rifle out to 800 meters. It incorporates dual illumination 

technology using a fiber optic light source 

for daytime illumination and tritium for 

night and low-light use. This allows the 

operator to keep both eyes open while 

engaging targets and maintain maximum 

situational awareness. 

The MDO and SDO provide enhanced target identification and hit probability for the M240G and M249 machine 

guns out to 1,000 and 800 meters, respectively. MDO and SDO incorporate dual 

illumination technology using a fiber optic light source for daytime illumination 

and tritium for night and low-light use. 

MDO and SDO are additionally provided 

with miniature reflex sights for enhanced 

situational awareness and engagements 

of close-range targets.

Program Status

A total of 211,430 RCOs have been 

procured through FY 2009 with deliveries 

ending in FY 2010. The MDO and SDOs 

were awarded in FY 2009 for procurement 

of 10,933 MDOs and 11,176 SDOs with 

deliveries occurring in FY 2010 through 

2012. 

Developer/Manufacturer:

RCO/SDO/MDO: Trijicon Industries, 

Detroit, MI

Day Optics Systems
76

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Laser Targeting and Illumination Systems

Description

The AN/PEM-1 Laser Borelight System (LBS) is a Class 2 laser device that 

emits a highly collimated beam of visible 

light for precise zeroing. This system facilitates zeroing of infrared illumination 

(I2) sights, thermal weapon sights, and 

laser aiming devices. The AN/PEM-1 has 

a low-power laser setting that is useful 

when performing weapon bore sighting 

during daylight, low light, and darkness 

conditions. 

Both the AN/PEQ-15 advanced target pointer illumination aiming light 

(ATPIAL) and the AN/PEQ-16A miniintegrated pointer illuminator module 

(MIPIM) are Class 3b laser devices that 

provide a highly collimated beam of infrared energy for weapon aiming and an 

adjustable focus infrared beam for target 

illumination. The AN/PEQ-16A also has 

a white light illuminator that provides 

target identification and illumination 

without the use of night vision devices.

The AN/PEQ-18 high power laser 

pointer (HPLP) is a Class 4 infrared laser pointer and illuminator for use with 

night vision or infrared sensitive camera 

systems. The beam is adjustable from 

tight pinpoint to a wide flood beam 

with a quick twist of the lens. A multiposition switch allows the laser to operate at three different power levels: LOW 

(500mW); HIGH (900mW); and PULSE 

(1000mW@304Hz).

The AN/PSQ-18A grenade launcher 

day/night sight mount (GLDNSM) is an 

enhanced aiming device designed to enable the Marine to rapidly and precisely 

fire the M203 40mm grenade launcher in 

daylight, low light, and night conditions.

Operational Impact

The AN/PEM-1 enables Marines to 

quickly and accurately establish or reconfirm battle site zero (BZO) to weapons 

without consuming ammunition to verify 

the zero. The LBS is optimized for 5.56mm, 

7.62mm, and .50 caliber weapons.

Both the AN/PEQ-15 and the AN/

PEQ-16A provide increased accuracy for 

every Marine by providing a laser aiming 

capability and the ability to illuminate 

targets in low light and night conditions 

when using a night vision device.

The AN/PEQ-18 gives the Marine the 

option of using a pinpoint target pointer 

or a wide flood beam with the quick twist 

of a switch and allows the Marines to use 

three different power levels, low, high, 

and pulse. 

The AN/PSQ-18A GLDNSM provides Marine grenadiers increased first 

or second round accuracy to within five 

meters.

Program Status

The AAO quantity for each is as 

follows:

Procurement Profile: FY 2010 FY 2011

AN/PEM-1: 235 0

AN/PEQ-15: 2,635 0

AN/PEQ-16A: 524 0

AN/PEQ-18: 0 0

AN/PSQ-18A 1,050 0
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chapter 3: programs

Developer/Manufacturer:

LBS: Insight Technology, Inc., 

Londonderry, NH

AN/PEQ-15: Insight Technology, Inc., 

Londonderry, NH

AN/PEQ-16A: Insight Technology, Inc., 

Londonderry, NH

AN/PEQ-18: B.E. Myers, Redman, WA

AN/PEQ-18A: Insight Technology, Inc., 

Londonderry, NH
part 2: 

COMMAND and CONTROL
79

chapter 3: programs

Introduction

The Marine Corps Command and Control (C2) Initial Capabilities Document (ICD), 

approved by the Joint Requirements Oversight Council in February 2008, and the 

Marine Corps Functional Concept for Command and Control, approved in 2009, incorporate joint integrating concepts and C2 mandates and articulate our goal of delivering 

end-to-end, fully integrated, cross-functional capability to include forward-deployed 

and reach-back functions. This concept represents a fundamental shift in the way we 

view and deal with the dynamic challenges of command and control. It emphasizes 

that command and control must be leader centric and network enabled. As such, it 

envisions network capabilities that will connect all elements and echelons of the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) with joint forces and mission partners to create unparalleled information sharing and collaboration, adaptive organizations, and 

a greater unity of effort via synchronization and integration of force elements at the 

lowest levels. 

This concept assumes a complex, chaotic security environment, requiring 

greater dependencies among joint, inter-agency, governmental, and multinational 

partners. It describes how commanders can achieve decision superiority and implement effective military actions faster than adversaries. It also describes an evolving 

command and control capability to enable multi-capable MAGTFs to integrate many 

organizations into an effective team, while conducting operations across the range of 

military operations. 

The programs discussed in this section will enable MAGTF commanders to 

exercise effective command and control and bring together all of the warfighting functions into an effective fighting force. In addition, these programs support the ability of 

the MAGTFs to participate in or lead joint and multinational operations. Importantly, 

they will ensure that individual Marines understand their commander’s intent and can 

carry out complex operations –– in peacetime, crisis and war –– that safeguard vital 

U.S. interests, citizens, and friends.
80

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Description

TBMCS is an air war planning tool 

mandated by the Chairman, Joint Chiefs 

of Staff for the generation, dissemination, 

and execution of the Air Tasking Order/

Airspace Control Order (ATO/ACO). 

The host system resides with the Aviation 

Command Element in the Tactical Air 

Command Center (TACC,) with remote 

systems located throughout the Marine 

Air Ground Task Force to allow dynamic 

mission updates. 

Operational Impact

TBMCS is the principal aviation 

Command and Control (C2) tool within Marine aviation C2 systems and the 

Theater Air Ground System for the 

development and execution of the ATO. 

It is a key system that supports ATO 

planning and development and provides the automated tools necessary to 

generate, disseminate and execute the 

ATO/ACO in joint, coalition, and Marine 

Corps-only contingencies. 

Program Status

TBMCS version 1.1.3 is now fielded 

throughout the operating forces and the 

joint community. Discussions between 

joint, Marine Corps, and other service representatives are developing a way ahead for 

sustainment of version 1.1.3 and the eventual transition to a new system.

Theater Battle Management Core Systems (TBMCS) 

Description

The GCCS uses joint system-of-record software to provide select Command 

and Control (C2) capabilities throughout 

the Marine Corps to plan, execute, and 

manage operations, including unit readiness reporting of personnel, equipment, 

and training. Planning, executing, and 

managing operations is done via the Joint 

Operations Planning and Execution System (JOPES), and unit readiness reporting is done via the Global Status of Resources and Training System (GSORTS). 

GCCS is fielded at the regiment level 

and above. 

Operational Impact

GCCS is the joint C2 system that 

provides operational commanders with 

the information and capability to plan, 

execute, and manage operations as well as 

the capability to report unit readiness.

Program Status

The Approved Acquisition Object 

of 194 servers and 320 clients has been 

achieved, and GCCS is in the sustainment 

phase of its acquisition life cycle, having 

reached Milestone C in 1997. GCCS will 

continue to sustain software upgrades 

across the Future Years Defense Plan as 

well as Marine Corps-wide hardware upgrades of GCCS servers and clients. GCCS 

is currently executing a client refresh that 

will last throughout FY 2010.

Procurement Profile: FY 2010 FY 2011

Quantity: 320 0

Developer/Manufacturer:

Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA)

Global Command and Control System (GCCS)
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chapter 3: programs

Description

GCSS–MC is a portfolio of Information Technology systems that supports 

the logistics elements of Command and 

Control, Joint logistics interoperability, 

and secure access to and visibility of logistics data. At the core of GCSS-MC is 

the Logistics Chain Management (LCM) 

initiative which is the incremental implementation of commercial-off-the-shelf 

software (Oracle eBusiness Suite) to enable the Marine Corps’ Logistics Operational Architecture (LOG OA). The first 

increment, Block 1, provides initial capabilities for GCSS-MC/LCM and is a separate acquisition program with its own 

milestone events. GCSS-MC/LCM Block 

1 is focused on improved supply and 

maintenance capability in the operating 

forces and has the following goals:

• State-of-the-art software to improve 

the combat effectiveness of the operating forces;

• Design and fielding of a single capability that supports common processes in 

deployed operations and garrison environments;

• Retirement of legacy systems.

Operational Impact

The GCSS-MC portfolio and the 

Block 1 initiative provide a modernized 

solution to an identified, critical warfighting deficiency in logistics information systems. It will facilitate change to 

antiquated logistics processes and procedures by introducing cutting edge, enabling technology in support of logistics 

operations. It will align our logistics efforts with real-world challenges, where 

speed and information have replaced 

mass and footprint as the foremost attributes of combat operations. Key capabilities in Block 1 include: (1) a multi-environment architecture, which provides for 

a Continental U.S. (CONUS) enterprise 

environment (reflective of Marine Corps 

CONUS organization) and a deployed 

Marine Air Ground Task Force environment (“cloned” from the enterprise environment and tailored to the mission); (2) 

a Cross Domain Solution, which allows 

data transfer between secure and nonsecure networks; and (3) a Mobile Field 

Service capability, which allows for disconnected operations from the CONUS 

or deployed network. 

Program Status

GCSS–MC is an ACAT 1A, Major 

Automated Information System. The program separated delivery of its core business 

functionality and deployable capability 

into Capability Release (CR) 1.1 and 1.2, 

respectively, in January 2009. Delivery of 

CR1.1 should begin within 3d Marne Expeditionary Force/Marine Corp Logistics 

Command in early CY 2010 with CR1.2 to 

be integrated shortly thereafter. The program anticipates a Milestone C acquisition 

decision during second quarter FY 2010.

Procurement Profile: FY 2010 FY 2011

CONUS Enterprise 1 0

MEU/MEF 1/1 TBD

Developer/Manufacturer:

Oracle USA, Inc, Redwood Shores, CA

Global Combat Support System – Marine Corps (GCSS-MC)
82

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Description

CAC2S will provide a complete and coordinated modernization of Marine Air 

Command and Control System (MACCS) 

equipment. CAC2S will eliminate current dissimilar systems and provide the 

Marine Air Ground Task Force Aviation 

Combat Element (ACE) with the necessary hardware, software, and facilities to 

effectively command, control, and coordinate air operations integrated with 

naval, joint, and/or combined Command 

and Control (C2) units. CAC2S will comprise standardized modular and scalable 

tactical facilities, hardware, and software 

that will significantly increase battlefield 

mobility and reduce the physical size and 

logistical footprint of the MACCS.

Operational Impact

CAC2S is an Acquisition Category 

IAC, Major Information Automated System Program. It has been restructured 

with an approved revised acquisition 

strategy to ensure the CAC2S program 

fields ready and proven technologies at 

the earliest opportunity. To achieve this 

goal, Increment I requirements will be 

achieved in two phases.

Phase 1 accommodates rapid fielding 

of operationally relevant capabilities to 

include mobility, situational awareness, 

tactical communications, information 

dissemination, and operational flexibility 

that will establish the baseline CAC2S capabilities. This phase will upgrade fielded 

MACCS equipment with mature, ready 

technologies and will establish an initial 

product baseline Processing and Display 

Subsystem (PDS) and Communications 

Subsystem (CS). Naval Surface Warfare 

Center, Crane, IN, will oversee the integration and upgrades of the previously 

developed and fielded system (AN/MRQ12) into CAC2S PDS and CS. 

Phase 2 has been structured to accommodate the integration of technologies necessary for the CAC2S Sensor Data 

Subsystem (SDS) to meet remaining ACE 

battle management and command and 

control requirements. This phase will 

build upon the capabilities of the Phase 

1 product baseline by integrating the SDS 

with the Phase 1 PDS and CS, thereby fully meeting CAC2S Increment I requirements.

Program Status

CAC2S requirements were originally 

documented in an Operational Requirements Document in February 2003. The 

CAC2S requirements were adapted to a 

Capability Production Document and approved by the JROC in September 2007. 

The AAO for CAC2S is 50 systems. 

Common Aviation Command and Control System (CAC2S)
83

chapter 3: programs

Description

The TCO System is the principal tool 

within the Marine Air Ground Task Force 

for situational awareness through distribution of the Common Tactical Picture 

and is the primary entry point for the 

Common Operational Picture (COP). 

The TCO System provides commanders 

at all echelons with the ability to map and 

display friendly and enemy locations, as 

well as plan, develop, display, and transmit overlays of intended movement. The 

TCO System also provides commanders 

in both garrison and tactical operations 

the ability to receive, fuse, store, develop, 

transmit, and display commanders’ critical information requirements.

TCO comprises a server (IOS(V)1) 

backend for track database management, 

and the client (IOW(V)1) frontend, using the Joint Tactical COP workstation 

for COP visualization.

Operational Impact

The TCO System is the Marine 

Corps Command and Control program 

of record that provides operational commands with the information and capability to manage the COP.

Program Status

The TCO System is fielded at echelons, battalion and above, with an Approved Acquisition Objective of 206 servers and 910 clients. The TCO system is in 

the sustainment phase of its acquisition 

lifecycle, having received Milestone C approval in 1995. The TCO System will continue to sustain software upgrades across 

the Future Years Defense Plan as well as 

Marine Corps-wide hardware upgrades 

of the IOS(V)1 server backend in FY 2013 

and 2017, and the IOW(V)1 client frontend in FY 2013 and FY 2016.

Developer/Manufacturer:

Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA)

Tactical Combat Operations (TCO) System
84

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Description

CTN is the adaptation of the U.S. 

Navy Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) to satisfy Marine Corps expeditionary maneuver warfare requirements. The network will provide Marine 

Corps Aviation Command and Control 

(C2) agencies the capability to distribute 

composite tracking and fire control data 

to Marine Corps and Navy C2 and weapons systems. CTN is an essential element 

in the Marine Corps future Command, 

Control, Communications, Computers, 

and Intelligence (C4I) Architecture.

Operational Impact

CTN will provide the Marine Air 

Ground Task Force (MAGTF) commander a sensor netting solution that will help 

defend friendly forces from aircraft and 

cruise missiles. Near real-time correlation of local and remote sensor data, via 

the CEC/CTN network, will provide the 

MAGTF commander precise and accurate 

target-quality track data and will improve 

situational awareness and battlespace 

coverage.

Program Status

CTN has completed AN/TPS-59 

Long-Range Radar interface development. The software interface development for Aviation C2 and Ground/Aviation Task Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) are 

underway. Milestone C was achieved in 

the first quarter FY 2009, and began Low 

Rate Initial Production in early 2010. Initial Operational Capability is scheduled 

for third quarter FY 2010. 

Procurement Profile: FY 2010 FY 2011

Quantity: 9 8

Developer/Manufacturer: 

Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane 

Division; Crane, IN

Composite Tracking Network (CTN)
85

chapter 3: programs

Description

The COC is a deployable, self-contained, centralized facility that provides 

shared Command and Control/Situational Awareness (C2/SA) functionalities in a collaborative environment. The 

system is designed to enhance the tactical 

Common Operational Picture (COP) for 

all levels of the Marine Air Ground Task 

Force (MAGTF). It is a commercial-offthe-shelf, total turn-key, integrated hardware solution using unit-provided radios, 

legacy and re-hosted tactical data applications, and unit-available prime movers 

to provide mobility, modularity, and scalability for each assigned mission. In early 

2010 there are three production COC 

system variants –– the V(2), V(3), and 

V(4) –– scaled to the Major Subordinate 

Command, the regiment/group, and the 

battalion/squadron, respectively. COC 

supports the MAGTF throughout the full 

range of military operations, including 

command and control, intelligence, maneuver, fires, force protection, and combat logistics.

The COC Program Office is upgrading the existing COCs to introduce an 

enhanced, integrated software baseline 

supporting warfighter needs. The COC 

Model G will introduce a service-oriented 

infrastructure (SOI) and is the primary 

system responsible for providing a user 

interface common across all hosted Tactical Data Systems (TDS). COC Model G 

will be deployed in an improved physical 

configuration, which upgrades suites of 

computer hardware and software, networking and communications capabilities, and physical facilities such as shelters, 

generators, and environmental controls. 

Model G Engineering Development Models will be provided by the prime vendor 

in FY 2010/2011.

Operational Impact

COCs have been deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. They present, display, and 

communicate the Commander’s intent 

and required information in support of 

Expeditionary Maneuver Warfare and all 

aspects of mid-intensity warfare. COC’s 

state-of-the-art technology shortens the 

decision making cycle by providing intelligence and information on friendly 

and enemy locations and activities in a 

consolidated, easily recognizable video 

display viewed simultaneously by all staff 

functions within the COC complex. 

Program Status

The AN/TSQ-239(V) F Model is in 

post-Full Rate Production and entering 

the Operations and Sustainment Phase of 

its life cycle. Fielding completion and Fully 

Operational Capable status will be met in 

FY 2010. The COC Program will continue 

to incorporate engineering changes and 

equipment technical refreshes to address 

operational requirements for improved 

technical capabilities and new system interface requirements. The Approved Acquisition Objective for the COC is 298.

Developer/Manufacturer: 

General Dynamics C4 Systems, 

Scottsdale, AZ 

AN/TSQ-239(V) Combat Operations Center (COC)
86

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Joint Tactical Common Operational Picture (COP) 

Workstation (JTCW)

Description

The JTCW is a Windows®-based tactical COP workstation suite of applications designed for battalion and higher 

echelons to facilitate military Command 

and Control (C2) functions by improving situational awareness and enhancing 

operational and tactical decision-making. 

The JTCW replaces the fielded Command 

and Control Personal Computer (C2PC) 

software by combining C2PC with other 

applications into a single software load 

to provide greater capability for C2 planning and interoperability. 

Operational Impact

JTCW provides the warfighter a 

framework for enhanced systems interoperability and commonality between 

Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) 

Command, Control, Communications, 

Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, 

and Reconnaissance systems. JTCW is the 

primary point of entry for the COP, enabling users to view map data, view and 

update track data, develop and distribute 

overlays, exchange general message traffic, plan and distribute route information, 

and conduct general C2 planning. JTCW 

software will be loaded on the Intelligence Operations Workstation (IOW), 

and some of its software components will 

be integrated into future models of the 

MAGTF COC. JTCW can be operated in 

connected and disconnected operations.

Program Status

This Acquisition Category IV (T) 

program is using a single-step acquisition strategy. During the fourth quarter 

FY 2009, the JTCW and Tactical Combat 

Operations System Program Offices conducted fielding and training to achieve an 

initial fielding of JTCW 1.0 on the IOW. 

JTCW is scheduled to reach Initial Operational Capability in FY 2010. The Approved Acquisition Objective (AAO) is 

910 systems for the TCO/IOW; the AAO 

for the COC has yet to be determined.
87

chapter 3: programs

Description

The BFT FoS is the Marine Corps 

portfolio of systems that provides tactical 

input/output battlefield digitized position location information and situational 

awareness at the company level and below. 

BFT FoS consists of the BFT, the Mounted Refresh Computer (MRC), Joint Capabilities Release software, the BFT Tactical Operations Center (TOC) Kit, the 

KGV-72 encryption device, and the BFT 

II transceiver. The BFT is a two-way, satellite-based command and control system 

that allows users to send and receive locations of friendly forces and display these 

positions on maps and overlays. The TOC 

Kit is a variant of the BFT that brings the 

BFT capability into operation centers and 

the MRC provides the same capability as 

the BFT, although it is terrestrial-based, 

riding on an Enhanced Position Location 

Reporting System tactical radio network. 

Subcomponents of the BFT are the KGV72, an in-line encryption device that will 

classify the celestial based BFT to Type 

I, and the BFT II, the next-generation 

transceiver that will replace the legacy 

MT-2011, increasing system bandwidth 

and reducing current latency. 

Operational Impact

The BFT FoS provides the operating forces the ability to more effectively 

command and control forces by providing friendly unit identification and location, as well as friendly intent and status. 

This new suite of equipment is enhanced 

by its ability to both transmit and receive 

friendly force data on tactical, terrestrial 

radios as well as celestial L-Band transceivers employing commercial satellite 

services. 

Program Status

BFT is an Army-led Acquisition Category I, Component (C) program. The 

program currently operates in the Marine 

Corps from an Urgent Universal Needs 

Statement; however, it is transitioning to a 

program of record. The program office is 

currently procuring and delivering BFTs 

and TOC kits with legacy software. JCR 

software, the MRC, and the KGV-72 have 

been developed and are undergoing Field 

and Operational Testing. A combined 

fielding is expected in the first quarter 

FY 2011, with the BFT II to follow in the 

fourth quarter FY 2011.

Blue Force Tracker (BFT) – Family of Systems (FoS)
88

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Marine Corps Enterprise Information Technology System 

(MCEITS)

Description

MCEITS is an enterprise Information 

Technology (IT) capability that delivers 

value to Marine Corps decision makers, 

application owners, information managers, and network users. MCEITS provides 

enterprise IT services contained within a 

world-class application and data hosting 

environment with supporting communications, computing network, information 

assurance, and enterprise services infrastructure.

The MCEITS service management 

design contains industry best practices 

and will utilize IT Infrastructure Library 

(ITIL) based principles and methods to 

provide capabilities to meet Operating 

Forces and Supporting Establishment 

requirements. These best practices will 

ensure that MCEITS provides the Marine Corps a strategic net-centric capability, and also ensures that MCEITS becomes the core enabler of the computing 

and communications capabilities of the 

MAGTF C2 framework and of the Marine Corps’ C2 System of Systems (SoS). 

The MCEITS Software Integration Environment (SIE) will provide Marine Corps 

application owners and developers with a 

formal application development and application inclusion process. The SIE application inclusion process will provide 

documented, defined, repeatable processes that contain guidance for the successful management of the development, 

test, and integration of new and modified 

software services into the MCEITS Operations environment.

The MCEITS Operations environment will provide the common infrastructure necessary to allow the Marine 

Corps to achieve greater effectiveness and 

efficiency in the delivery and support of 

its IT service operations relating to data 

management, application support and 

information sharing. MCEITS Operations will coordinate and carry out proactive and reactive key activities relating 

to the support of all the data, applications 

and services in its environment including, 

utility computing, dedicated server provisioning, capacity utilization, operations 

scheduling, event and incident monitoring and resolution, problem management, system backup and restoration, and 

continuity of operations planning. 

Operational Impact

MCEITS will enable access to Marine 

Corps enterprise data, information, applications and services; it will also provide a collaborative information sharing 

environment across the business and 

warfighter domains. MCEITS will deliver 

an enterprise platform with a common 

hardware, software, and facilities infrastructure required to support managed 

hosting services, non-managed hosting 

services, or provisioned hosting services 

for Marine Corps application owners. 

MCEITS will deliver and manage its hosting services at agreed levels by providing 

Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to Marine Corps application owners. It will 

provide Marine Corps users with access 

to the core enterprise services necessary 

to enable rapid collaboration, efficient 
89

chapter 3: programs

discovery, and access to trusted data and 

information through an enterprise portal 

framework. It will provide users quick 

access to all hosted applications and core 

enterprise services by enabling single 

sign-on capabilities. MCEITS will deliver 

an agile IT infrastructure that can easily 

adapt to evolving Marine Corps software, 

hardware, data, services, and management requirements while providing an 

enterprise view into the IT environment 

that facilitates greater reuse of existing 

IT assets. 

Program Status

MCEITS has completed Critical 

Design Review and is projected to meet 

Milestone C in third quarter, FY 2010 and 

FOC in FY 2012.
90

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Warfighter Network Services–Tactical 

(WFNS-T) is a portfolio of core baseband 

networking hardware and software configured as a Family of Services (FoS) that 

facilitates end-user services requirements 

of multiple security enclaves for Marine 

Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) tactical communications networks. The Tactical Data Network (TDN) FoS includes 

the TDN Gateway, Data Distribution 

System–Modular (DDS-M) Core, DDSM expansion modules, Information Assurance (IA) modules, and the Deployed 

Information Assurance Tool Suite.

• TDN Gateway (vehicular) augments 

existing MAGTF communications infrastructure by forming a robust digital 

communications backbone for MAGTF 

tactical data systems. The system consists of TDN Gateways and TDN Data 

Distribution Systems (DDS) interconnected with one another and their subscribers via a combination of commonuser, terrestrial and celestial long-haul 

transmission systems, in conjunction 

with Local, Metropolitan and Wide 

Area Networks (WAN).

• TDN DDS-M provides the capability to 

create email, share files, transfer data, 

handle electronic messages and directory services, conduct transparent routing 

and switching of digital messages between local area networks, and perform 

circuit switching, network management, 

terminal emulation, and connectivity to 

Enhanced Position Location Reporting System (EPLRS) sub networks. It 

enables access to strategic, Supporting 

Establishment, joint, and other Service 

tactical data networks. DDS-M increases flexibility, survivability, and scalability via its modular design. It is designed 

to allow units to implement the system 

according to mission and operational 

requirements.

• The Joint Enhanced Core Communications System (JECCS) multiplexes Marine Corps Tri-Band satellite systems, 

Tropospheric Scatter Microwave Radio 

Terminal (AN/TRC-170), and Digital 

Wideband Transmission System (AN/

MRC-142) into an integrated network. 

This integration enables access to Defense Information Services Network 

(DISN) telecommunication services, 

wide and local area networks (SIPR and 

NIPR networks) and physical network 

management services, messaging services, International Maritime Satellite, 

Global Broadcast System (GBS), and 

Ultra High Frequency-Tactical Satellite 

(UHF-TACSAT) capabilities.

Warfighter Network Services–Tactical (WFNS-T)
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chapter 3: programs

The Marine Corps Enterprise Network (MCEN) consists of classified and 

unclassified networks and provides the 

Marine Corps network presence within 

the Global Information Grid. With a triad of equipment, people, and processes, 

the MCEN provides support from the 

deployed warfighter to Headquarters Marine Corps, allowing for reliable, secure 

communications across the strategic, operational, and tactical levels throughout 

the globe. 

The Secure Internet Protocol Routing Network (SIPRNET) is the backbone 

of the classified Command and Control 

(C2) system and provides a highly secure and trusted network for warfighting 

operations, planning efforts, and sensitive business requirements. The Marine 

Corps continues to invest in and expand 

our SIPRNET capability and capacity to 

ensure network operations are conducted 

in a secure, effective manner.

The Marine Corps receives the majority of its garrison unclassified Non-Secure Internet Protocol Routing Network 

(NIPRNET) services through the Navy 

Marine Corps Intranet (NMCI). With the 

NMCI contract concluding on 30 September 2010, the Marine Corps is teaming with the Department of the Navy to 

determine the most effective and efficient 

means to keep critical unclassified services available as the Department transitions to the Next Generation Enterprise 

Network (NGEN).

To ensure an effective transition to 

NGEN, the Marine Corps has embarked 

on early transition activities that will assist this transition and guarantee uninterrupted unclassified network services. 

The results of these early activities will 

be incorporated into the Department’s 

enterprise-wide NGEN program. 

The Marine Corps Network Operations and Security Center (MCNOSC) 

provides the Marine Corps Network Operations (NetOps) and Computer Network Defense (CND) in support of the 

MCEN. The MCNOSC directs daily operations of all Marine Corps networks to 

ensure the networks run optimally, meet 

commanders’ information processing requirements, and are in compliance with 

operational and security policies. NetOps 

is conducted through continuous network 

monitoring, centralized management, 

and decentralized control, and standardized implementation, operations, and 

support of MCEN services.

Aligned as the top layer of a defensein-depth strategy, the MCNOSC manages 

CND through oversight and coordination with four Regional Network Operations and Security Centers (RNOSCs) 

and seven Marine Air Ground Task Force 

Information Technology Support Centers 

(MITSCs). The RNOSCs and MITSCs, 

embedded within Marine Corps commands around the globe, provide the regional and local commanders maximum 

network flexibility and responsiveness to 

operational requirements. 

The Marine Corps IT workforce is 

critical in the operation, defense, and 

maintenance of a robust, secure network 

capability. The Marine Corps has gone to 

great lengths to hire, retain, and provide 

quality training to its Marines and civilians. Its Information Technology specialMarine Corps Enterprise Network (MCEN)
92

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

ists support enterprise and local activities, 

provide continuity of operations, and are 

a critical enabler of the MCEN.

Supporting the MCEN NetOps, 

CND, and IT workforce are processes that 

ensure effective use of resources and enhance a defense-in-depth strategy. Marine 

Corps processes and policies are designed 

to meet Federal, Department of Defense, 

and Department of Navy regulations and 

policy while simultaneously providing a 

flexible network that remains responsive 

to operational needs, retains the security 

measures that protect government information, and protect Marines, Sailors and 

their families personal information. 

The rapid proliferation of new information technologies and their infusion 

into the MCEN ensures our networks 

meet commanders emerging requirements, remain efficient and cost effective, 

and enhance security in support of Marine Corps, joint, and coalition interoperability. The Marine Corps continues to 

examine promising technologies and operational techniques for use throughout 

the MCEN. 

The MCEN provides the Marine 

Corps with the capability to communicate 

globally, at all echelons of command, and 

enhances commanders and staffs ability 

to conduct their daily operations. The 

Marine Corps investment in information 

technology, its associated workforce, and 

the processes that support the MCEN allow warfighting and business operations 

to be conducted over secure, reliable networks for the MAGTF and supporting 

establishment commanders.
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chapter 3: programs

The Assault Amphibious Vehicle–Command; Command 

and Control Upgrade Program (AAVC7 C2 Upgrade)

Description

The AAVC7 C2 Upgrade is focused 

on providing an improved Command and 

Control (C2) capability to the operating 

forces until the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle reaches its scheduled Full Operational Capability (FOC) in 2025. The AAVC7 

C2 Upgrade Program will include replacement of antiquated tactical radios with 

current fielded radio systems, integration 

of a UHF Line Of Sight (LOS) and UHF 

Satellite Communications (SATCOM) capability, replacement of the obsolete vehicle intercommunications system, integration of a Blue Force Situational Awareness 

(BFSA) capability, redesign of the staff 

workstations, and integration of a tactical 

data network capable of hosting applicable 

Marine Air Ground Task Force C2 applications –– Advanced Field Artillery Tactical 

Data System (AFATDS) and the C2 Personal Computer (C2PC). Additionally, the 

C2 upgrade includes the installation of an 

auxiliary power unit that provides power 

to the C2 suite for extended periods without the need to idle the AAVC7 engine, in 

support of silent-watch operations.

Operational Impact

The last C2 improvements to the 

AAVC7 were fielded in 1994. The AAVC7 

C2 upgrade program will provide the 

supported infantry battalion/regimental staffs with an improved C2 capability to address the gap that exists during 

amphibious operations and extended 

operations ashore. Specific operational 

improvements are updated tactical radios, the addition of a UHF LOS-SATCOM 

capability, integration of a new BFSA capability, and the integration of a tactical 

data network capable of hosting AFATDS 

and C2PC. These additional capabilities 

will align the AAVC7 with the common 

network architecture used by today’s 

ground forces at the battalion and regiment levels.

Program Status

The AAVC7 C2 Upgrade Program 

was designated an Acquisition Category 

IV (T) program during fourth quarter 

FY 2007. Preliminary Design Review was 

conducted during fourth quarter FY 2008 

and Critical Design Review during second quarter FY 2009; Milestone C will be 

conducted second quarter FY 2010. Initial 

Operational Capability is planned for FY 

2011 and FOC is planned for FY 2012.

Procurement Profile: FY2010 FY2011 

Quantity: 0 50

Developer/Manufacturer:

SPAWAR Systems Center Charleston, SC
94

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Multi-Band Radio (MBR)

Description

The AN/PRC-117F MBR is a manpack tactical radio that covers the entire 

30 to 512 MHz frequency range and provides embedded communications security, satellite communications (SATCOM), 

and electronic counter-countermeasures 

capabilities. The AN/PRC-117F provides 

secure interoperability with Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System 

and a host of other tactical radios. The 

AN/PRC-117F can be configured for 

vehicular platforms using the AN/VRC103(V)2 installation kit. The hardware 

can be reconfigured and software reprogrammed to optimize performance and 

add capabilities without opening the 

radio. The AN/PRC-117F and AN/VRC103(V)2 are used for data/voice transfer 

to pass critical tactical, as well as, routine 

administrative and logistics information in both the data and voice modes 

utilizing Line of Sight (LOS), Very High 

Frequency, and Ultra-High Frequency 

(UHF) spectrums and Beyond LOS, using UHF satellite communications. Additionally, these radios will provide the 

Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) 

reliable long-haul reconnaissance and 

tactical air request communications. The 

manpack radio and its vehicular mount 

are employed in at the division, regiment, 

and battalion as well as other elements of 

the MAGTF. The AN/PRC-117F is the replacement radio for the SINCGARS, AN/

PSC-5, and AN/PRC-119 radios.

Operational Impact

The AN/PRC-117F and the AN/

VRC-103(V)2 provide the Marine with 

the ability to significantly reduce the 

communications footprint by providing 

the ability to effectively cover the previous communications spectrum with a 

single system, compared to the legacy capability that required at least two distinct 

radios. Additionally, the AN/PRC-117F 

and AN/VRC-103(V)2 add significant 

data capabilities within those spectrums 

where in some cases they did not exist. 

This increased capability better facilitates 

the distribution of Command and Control across the battlefield in general and at 

lower echelon in particular. 

Program Status

The AN/PRC-117F is 85 percent 

fielded throughout the Marine Corps and 

is predominately in a sustainment mode. 

The Approved Acquisition Objective 

(AAO) is 10,078 units. Software upgrades 

and Engineering Change Proposals (ECP) 

are planned for future technological 

insertions.

The VRC-103(V)2 is 55 percent 

fielded throughout the Marine Corps. 

Installation kits to replace those diverted 

for use within Mine Resistant Ambush 

Protected vehicles are being acquired. 

The AAO is 3118. The VRC-103(V)2 is 

the replacement platform for vehicular 

mounted SINCGARS, AN/PSC-5, and 

AN/PRC-119 radios. Software upgrades 

and ECP are planned for future technological insertions. 

Procurement Profile: FY 2010 FY 2011

Quantity: 0 0

Developer/Manufacturer: 

Harris Corporation, Rochester, NY
95

chapter 3: programs

Description

The AN/PRC-150(C) manpack High 

Frequency (HF) radio provides half-duplex HF and Very High Frequency (VHF) 

tactical radio communications and is the 

replacement for the AN/PRC-104 radio. 

It provides voice or data (using a modem) 

through single sideband modulation. The 

AN/PRC-150(C)’s 20 watt power output 

is provided by either the standard family of rechargeable or non-rechargeable 

military batteries or by external electrical 

power. Transmission security is provided 

through the AN/PRC-150(C)’s embedded Type 1 encryption. It can be used for 

either data/voice transfer to pass critical 

tactical as well as routine administrative and logistics information using the 

full HF spectrum or limited portions of 

the VHF spectrum. The AN/MRC-148 is 

the replacement radio for the AN/MRC138 radio, and the AN/VRC-104(V)5 is 

the replacement radio for the previously 

mounted AN/PRC-104s systems. 

Operational Impact

The AN/PRC-150(C) provides the 

Marine with the ability to significantly 

reduce the communications footprint by 

providing the ability to effectively cover 

the previous communications spectrum 

with a single system, compared to the 

legacy capability that required at least 

two distinct radios. Additionally, the AN/

PRC-150(C) adds significant increased 

data capabilities within those spectrums. 

This increased capability better facilitates 

long-haul distribution of Command and 

Control across the battlefield. 

Program Status

The AN/PRC-150(C) is 87 percent 

fielded throughout the Marine Corps and 

is in predominately a sustainment mode. 

The AAO is 5,315 units. 

The AN/TRC-209 is 60 percent 

fielded throughout the Marine Corps. 

All assets have been purchased for the 

active forces, and the remaining units to 

be fielded are in the Reserves. However, 

the AN/TRC-209 is considered to be in a 

predominately sustainment mode. The 

AAO is 873 units. 

The AN/MRC-148 is 87 percent 

fielded throughout the Marine Corps 

and is predominately in a sustainment 

mode. Fielding of any remaining quantities might be delayed until assets diverted to MRAP are replaced. The AAO is 

1,385 units. 

The AN/VRC-104(V)5 is only marginally fielded to date due to a lack of 

identification of intend target platforms. 

All assets have been acquired, but await 

target identification. The AAO is 755 

units. Software upgrades and Engineering Change Proposals are planned for 

future technological insertions for all of 

these systems. 

Procurement Profile: FY 2010 FY 2011

Quantity: 0 0

Developer/Manufacturer: 

Harris Corporation, Rochester, NY

High Frequency Radio (HFR)
part 3: 

INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE, 

AND RECONNAISSANCE 
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chapter 3: programs

Introduction

Marine Corps Intelligence provides mission-essential support to overseas operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, while striving toward a systematic approach to integrate 

intelligence disciplines and staff functions on the battlefield. To ensure future success, 

intelligence must be optimized to provide predictive analysis, understand complexity, and exploit the potential of new technologies. It will need to do this while being 

responsive to the more sophisticated intelligence requirements that the emerging Enhanced Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Operations (EMO) and the hybrid 

threat environment demand. Most fundamentally:

The mission of Marine Corps Intelligence is to form an all-source Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance enterprise optimized by educated analytical judgment; focused on MAGTF expeditionary operations at the tactical and 

operational levels. This enterprise must be flexible, agile, anticipatory and fully 

integrated into the national intelligence community. 

Meeting this challenge necessitates a variety of material and non-material solutions 

within the Marine Corps Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Enterprise 

(MCISR-E). MCISR-E does not change existing command relationships or reduce the 

operational authority of commanders. Instead, it merges policies on intelligence data 

management, intelligence systems architecture and human intelligence and signals intelligence tasking authorities with an operating concept that achieves synergy through 

integrating existing functions and capabilities in order to better support all echelons 

of the MAGTF. 

The purpose of this mission is to deliver fused, all-source, actionable intelligence 

or knowledge at the point of decision. All echelons of the force, from squad leader to 

Marine Expeditionary Force commander, must have timely access to the collective 

knowledge, data, resources and expertise of the enterprise.
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Marine Corps Intelligence, Surveillance, 

and Reconnaissance Enterprise (MCISR-E)

The production of Marine Corps Intelligence is evolving from an assortment 

of partially connected units and intelligence systems to an “enterprise” solution 

in which all Intelligence, Surveillance, and 

Reconnaissance (ISR) functions and traditional and non-traditional ISR sources 

are leveraged. Thus, MCISR-E expands the 

inherent ISR capacity of units at all echelons across the force by providing better 

integration of intelligence information to 

address complex collection environments 

through a flexible organizational construct. Meanwhile, leaders and units will 

contribute to a culture of institutional data 

and information collaboration and sharing while embracing operational flexibility 

through adaptive responses in operating 

concepts, doctrine, training, and material 

solutions. When fully implemented, the 

MCISR-E will provide each component element with access to the shared knowledge, 

data, resources, and expertise from the entire enterprise. Enterprise standards will 

also be compatible and consistent with the 

Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) 

Command and Control (C2) framework, 

facilitating the use of operational reporting and non-traditional ISR data by elements of the MCISR-E and providing 

for timely dissemination and sharing of 

relevant intelligence with Marine leaders 

at every echelon. Through our enterprise 

capabilities, Marine Corps ISR also leverages national, joint, and combat support 

agency capabilities to address MAGTF requirements, while serving as a contributing partner to those agencies.

MCISR-E includes all Marine Corps 

ISR assets, and functions covering the entire range of people, doctrine, policy, organizations, training, education, equipment, 

and facilities. The equipment acquisition 

strategy initially focuses on the intelligence 

processing, exploitation, analysis, and 

production systems within the Distributed Common Ground System–Marine 

Corps (DCGS-MC). Other functions of 

the MCISR-E include persistent ISR and 

actionable intelligence. Persistent ISR provides the means for tasking, direction, and 

collection, while actionable intelligence 

addresses the systems associated with dissemination, use, and feedback of intelligence. Through persistent ISR, the Marine 

Corps will seek to build a holistic collection 

strategy that includes joint and national 

ISR assets as well as a variety of organic 

battlefield sensors capable of providing 

non-traditional ISR support. Within the 

enterprise construct, the Marine Corps are 

also developing capabilities to enable tactical units to collect, report, receive, and use 

intelligence and combat information. This 

includes company-level intelligence cells 

focused on gathering the information, 

providing an initial assessment for the 

company-specific operational area, and 

feeding data into intel systems for higherlevel analysis. An additional example is the 

initiation of the Counterintelligence/Human Intelligence (CI/HUMINT) enterprise, which includes developing tactical 

questioners and tactical debriefers.

The organizational relationships, resources, and systems architecture of the 
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MCISR-E provides each element with extensive access to the broad capabilities of 

the enterprise, the means to contribute its 

data and analysis to the enterprise, and the 

ability to collaborate across the enterprise. 

By providing common access to situational awareness, understanding and predictive analysis of the threat and relevant 

aspects of the operating environment, this 

enterprise enables and enhances decisionmaking by leaders at all echelons. The 

MCISR-E provides an adaptive, flexible 

ISR framework supporting the intelligence 

requirements of a multi-capable MAGTF 

as it executes expeditionary operations 

against hybrid threats in a complex environment. MCISR-E will be organized into 

three distinct nodes: 

• Fixed – Primary reachback and data 

storage site for expeditionary intelligence 

support. The fixed Site will serve as the 

Marine Corps’ primary connection to 

national agencies and the data exposure 

point for all ISR data to the Intelligence 

Community. There will be one MCISRE Fixed Site managed by the Marine 

Corps Intelligence Activity.

• Garrison – Intelligence planning, analysis, and production in collaboration with 

expeditionary forces. These reachback 

sites are located at each of the Marine 

Expeditionary Forces and will be capable 

of supporting forward operations from 

garrison, or deploying to augment tactical, expeditionary nodes.

• Expeditionary – Deployable, tailorable 

and aligned to the mission. These nodes 

operate in theater with joint forwarddeployed sensors and warfighters and 

provide maneuver units direct-support 

teams for intelligence collection, analysis, production and use.
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USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Description

DCGS-MC, in compliance with the 

Department of Defense DCGS Family of 

Systems concept, is a service-level effort to 

migrate select Marine Corps Intelligence, 

Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) 

processing and exploitation capabilities into a single, integrated, net-centric 

baseline. As the processing, exploitation, 

analysis, and production component of 

the Marine Corps ISR Enterprise, DCGSMC will comprise functional capability 

sets that support Marine intelligence analysts across the Marine Air Ground Task 

Force by making organic and external allsource ISR data more visible, accessible, 

and understandable.

The DCGS-MC concept originated 

with the DCGS Mission Area Initial Capabilities Document Joint Requirements 

Oversight Council (JROC) Memorandum 001-03, dated 6 January 2003, which 

established the overarching requirements 

for a collection of net-centric-capable systems that would contribute to joint and 

combined warfighter needs for ISR support. The JROC directed each service to 

pursue a coordinated developmental path 

based on the implementation of common 

enterprise standards and services consistent with the Department of Defense’s 

net-centric vision. The DCGS Integration Backbone (DIB) is the basic building block for interoperability between the 

Services’ DCGS programs. The DCGS 

DIB is currently managed by a separately 

chartered DIB Management Office that 

directs day-to-day developmental efforts 

in coordination with the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Special Operations Command. The Office of the Under Secretary 

of Defense (Intelligence) oversees the 

various DCGS program offices.

Operational Impact

DCGS-MC will migrate selected legacy ISR processing and exploitation capabilities, resulting in increased unit-level 

and enterprise-level capacity for injesting 

sensor data, streamlined production of 

intelligence information, and enhanced 

management of finished intelligence 

products.

Program Status

The DCGS-MC program is projected 

to achieve Milestone B during third quarter FY 2010 and proceed as an Acquisition 

Category I program. The program entered 

the technology development phase in November 2008 and will fully leverage the 

developmental efforts of its sister services’ 

DCGS programs, as their developmental 

efforts are fully underway. The program 

acquisition strategy is based on an incremental development path optimized to 

rapidly introduce government and commercial technologies, enterprise standards, 

and modular hardware components in 

order to minimize costs and program risk. 

The program is subsuming the Tactical 

Exploitation Group and Topographic Production Capability programs during FY 

2010 as part of the Increment I development. DCGS-MC Increment II will assume Tier I Intelligence Analysis System 

functionality. 

Distributed Common Ground System–

Marine Corps (DCGS-MC)
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Global Command and Control Systems-Integrated Imagery 

and Intelligence (GCCS-I3) 

Description

GCCS-I3 provides software segment 

development and technical integration 

among the joint GCCS-I3 architecture, the 

USMC Intelligence Analysis System (IAS), 

and the Tactical Control and Analysis Center. Marines use GCCS-I3 software on the 

IAS to provide an analytical capability at 

all levels, from the battalion/squadron up 

to the Marine Expeditionary Force. 

GCCS-I3 provides the operational 

commander with situational awareness, 

track management, imagery, and other 

intelligence data using a standard set of 

integrated, linked tools and services that 

maximize commonality via the Common Operational Picture across the tactical, theater, and national communities. 

GCCS-I3 operates in joint and servicespecific environments and is interoperable 

and compliant with the Common Operational Environment that will facilitate the 

migration of USMC systems to the Global 

Information Grid Enterprises Services and 

Net-Centric Enterprise Services.

Operational Impact

GCCS-I3 is the core software for the 

IAS, and works to ensure that the IAS 

software is interoperable with the Marine 

Corps’ communication and data transmission systems. Several Marine Corps 

intelligence systems use GCCS-I3 as their 

core software and/or individual segments 

as major components of their software 

baseline, including:

• Technical Control and Analysis Center

• Topographic Production Capability 

• Tactical Exploitation Group 

• Counterintelligence/Human 

Intelligence Equipment Program

• Tactical Remote Sensor System

• Joint Surveillance Target Attack 

Radar System

Program Status

GCCS-I3 has several long-term and 

short-term goals to enhance the interoperability and procurement decisions for 

Marine Corps intelligence systems. In the 

long-term, this program seeks to achieve 

integrated, fully interoperable Marine 

Corps intelligence systems. In the shortterm, the program seeks to establish a 

process and a corresponding set of procedures designed to allow the Marine 

Corps to make informed procurement 

decisions. GCCS-I3 has four mission areas: Administration and Infrastructure 

Support; Program Manager-Level Configuration Management Processes and 

Functions; Science and Technology Engineering Support; and Integration Support Team.
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USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Description

JSTARS is a long-range, air-toground surveillance system consisting of 

an airborne element and a ground element. The airborne element — the E-8C 

aircraft — is fitted with a large phasedarray radar mounted on the fuselage and 

multiple operator terminals. Radar data 

are distributed via an encrypted, jamresistant Surveillance and Control Data 

Link (SCDL) for transmission to one of 

two JSTARS ground systems: the Common Ground Station (CGS) or Joint 

Services Workstation (JSWS). The sensor suite provides detection and tracking data on targets through the use of 

the Moving Target Indicator (MTI), 

Fixed Target Indicator (FTI), and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). FTI and 

MTI data are used to detect, locate, and 

identify the movement of enemy targets, 

while SAR identifies critical fixed targets 

such as bridges, harbors, airports, buildings, or stationary vehicles. The CGS is a 

ground-based receiving and processing 

display system that receives JSTARS data 

directly from the E-8C JSTARS aircraft 

through the SCDL to the Ground Data 

Terminal. Once JSTARS data are collected at the ground receiver site, MTI/FTI/

SAR data are sent across the Marine Air 

Ground Task Force Command, Control, 

Communications, Computers and Intelligence network. The CGS is also capable 

of receiving and fusing imagery data from 

unmanned aerial systems directly with 

JSTARS data, providing an enhanced collection-processing capability. The JSWS 

is a functionally equivalent, transit-cased 

subset of the CGS. 

Operational Impact

The CGS and JSWS support a wide 

range of global missions including wartime battlefield management, peacekeeping operations, counter narcotics, 

and contingency operations. The CGS 

and JSWS are capable of operating in 

diverse geographic and weather conditions and provide an increased level of 

certainty to commanders. As organic 

Marine Corps intelligence assets, the 

CGS and JSWS have played a crucial 

role in current operations, resulting in 

JSTARS assuming an additional mission of Improvised Explosive Device 

prevention and detection.

Program Status

JSTARS is post-Milestone C in the 

Operations and Support phase. The Marine Corps has fielded three JSTARS CGSs 

and seven JSWSs. Each Marine Expeditionary Force has a CGS. The program is 

currently conducting two levels of effort: 

maintenance and upgrade of the current 

JSTARS ground systems; and research and 

development of future MTI collection capabilities in a net-centric environment as 

part of the DCGS-MC Enterprise.

Developer/Manufacturer: 

Prime Hardware Integrator: General 

Dynamics C4 (GC4S), Scottsdale, AZ 

Software Integrator: Harris Corporation, 

Melbourne, FL 

Surveillance Control Data Link (SCDL) 

Developer: Cubic Defense Systems, 

San Diego, CA

Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS)
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Description

CIHEP consists of 12 modules to support the full spectrum of CI/HUMINT 

operational requirements. The suite includes imagery; commercial satellite 

communications; Very High Frequency, 

Ultra-High Frequency (UHF), and UHF 

tactical satellite communications; auxiliary power; automated data processing; and 

sensitive technical support equipment. 

All equipment is stored and transported 

in lightweight, modular, and deployable 

cases to facilitate task organization of 

equipment for assigned missions. The 

CIHEP Software Baseline is standardized 

among the computer assets in the suite 

and provides reporting, low-level analysis, communications, mapping, still and 

video image processing, and Common 

Operational Picture applications. It also 

integrates with the Intelligence Analysis System Family of Systems using the 

MarineLink application suite.

Operational Impact

CIHEP enhances the HUMINT Exploitation Teams’ (HET) ability to conduct HUMINT and CI operations and to 

accomplish other assigned tasks in support of Marine Air Ground Task Force 

missions at the tactical, operational and 

service levels. The equipment suite provides HETs with an organic capability to 

research collection requirements, process 

collected information, produce intelliCounterintelligence (CI) and Human Intelligence (HUMINT) 

Equipment Program (CIHEP)
104

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

gence reports, and disseminate those reports securely to supported commanders 

and intelligence officers. The suite also 

includes equipment to provide limited 

organic technical support to CI and HUMINT operations.

Program Status

In May 1999, CIHEP was designated 

an Abbreviated Acquisition Program of 

Record. A Limited User Evaluation was 

performed in March 2000, with a Milestone C production and fielding decision 

in April 2000. Initial Operational Capability was achieved in September 2001, 

with fielding of completed modules to 

the Marine Expeditionary Forces, Reserves, and the Navy and Marine Corps 

Intelligence Training Center. Full Operational Capability was reached in September 2002. The program was restructured 

in 2006, creating ten modules vice a single 

system. This streamlined program management by grouping equipment capabilities and enhanced logistics management 

and equipment task organization by unit 

mission. In 2008, two additional modules 

(media exploitation capabilities) were 

added, bringing the total to 12 modules. 

CIHEP is currently in a maintenance and 

refresh cycle, during which selected components of modules are refreshed. CIHEP 

continues to procure and field equipment 

to meet the demands of the total force 

structure increase, the Grow the Force 

initiative, and the addition of the Marine 

Special Operations Command. Of the 12 

modules in CIHEP, ten are fielded exclusively to CI/HUMINT organizations at 

various levels of command. The Media 

Exploitation-Light module is fielded to 

both CI/HUMINT and Radio Battalion 

(RadBn) assets, and the Media Exploitation-Heavy will be fielded exclusively to 

the RadBns. 

Procurement Profile: FY 2010 FY 2011

Software Baseline: 1* 1*

Data Processing 

Module: 0 0

Advanced Imagery 

Module: 0 133*

Commercial Handheld 

SatCom Set: 95 0

Commercial 

SatCom Set: 235* 0

Tactical SatCom Set: 0 0

Tactical Handheld 

Communication Set: 0 0

Surveillance Comm 

Module: 0 120

Technical Support 

Set: 112* 112*

Technical Surveillance 

Module: 11* 11*

Vehicle Accessory 

Module: 0 0

Media Exploitation– 

Light: 203* 0

Media Exploitation– 

Heavy: 56 0

* Will refresh selected components

Developer/Manufacturer: 

Ideal Technology Corp Orlando, FL; Klas 

Telecom, Inc., Washington, D.C.; Thales 

Communications, Inc. Clarksburg, MD; 

Harris Communications Corp, Rochester, 

NY; Panasonic Corp, Secaucus NJ; Automated Business Power, Gaithersburg, MD

Program and Logistics Support: 

L-3 Communications, Stafford, VA; 

General Dynamics, Stafford, VA (ICE2); 

MTCSC Stafford, VA; SPAWAR Systems 

Center Charleston, Charleston, SC
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Description

SI Comms is the former Trojan Special 

Purpose Integrated Remote Intelligence 

Terminal (Trojan SPIRIT) program and 

focuses on meeting broad-ranging intelligence communications requirements. SI 

Comms is a portfolio consisting of several 

high-bandwidth communications systems 

ranging in size from man-portable suitcases to trailer-mounted solutions. Each has a 

unique capability set that corresponds to 

a specific mission profile and requirement. 

However, all systems provide the Marine 

Air Ground Task Force Commander a near 

real-time means by which to move perishable data for the subsequent production of 

timely, actionable intelligence in support 

of indications and warning, high-value 

target operations, and target package processing. 

Trojan SPIRIT LITE: The TROJAN 

SPIRIT LITE, AN/TSQ-226(V)1, is a secure High Frequency dual-band multichannel Satellite Communications terminal using a 2.4-meter antenna. The system 

is packaged in 17-22 transit cases including 

support items (spares, test, equipment and 

uninterrupted power systems) for a total 

weight of 2,200 pounds and a volume of 

103 cubic feet. It is easily transportable via 

High Mobility Multi-Wheeled Vehicle or 

commercial vehicle. The system provides 

a fly-away capability for enhanced voice 

video and data communications from 64 

Kbps to 1.544 Mbps. These communications links can be both Secret (Collateral) 

and TS/SCI simultaneously. 

SWE-Dish: IPT Suitcase, AN/USC-68, 

is a 0.9m dish (Ku Band) capable of up to 4 

Mbps duplex transmission of IP standard 

data, voice, and video. The IPT Suitcase 

is a large suitcase size (27.6x18.5x12.2 in) 

and weighs approximately 86 pounds. The 

IPT Suitcase typically serves as the “spoke” 

in a Hub/Spoke architecture with a 5 to 1 

ratio.

FA-150T MIL Fly-Away: AN/USC-67, 

is a 1.5m dish (Ku, C, and X Band) capable 

of up to 60 Mbps IP encrypted traffic. The 

FA-150T MIL Fly-Away incorporates integrated packaging consisting of a rugged 

case with integrated wheels. All packaging 

material (case, lids, etc.) are used to create 

a stable antenna platform. The FA-150T 

MIL Fly-Away measures (47.0x29.9.20.9 

in) when stored and weighs 132 lbs. The 

FA-150T MIL Fly-Away typically serves 

as the “hub” in a Hub/Spoke architecture 

with a 1 to 5 ratio.

DIVN: The Defense Intelligence VSAT 

Network FoS is a family of modular, small 

satellite communications terminals that 

provide secure, rapidly deployable, broadband communications. The DIVN FoS is 

capable of providing data, voice, and video 

on any security domain including Non-Secure Internet Protocol Routing Network, 

Secure Internet Protocol Routing Network, Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System (JWICS), and Coalition networks. The DIVN FoS consists of 

three specifically sized solution sets:

• DIVN- Mini: BGAN/GRRIP terminal is 

capable of up to 492 kbps throughput. 

This system fits in a single rugged, waterproof case (16x13x6.87 in) and weighs 

28 pounds. It can be set up in less than 

15 minutes.

Special Intelligence Communications (SI Comms)
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USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

• DIVN-Lite: 0.9-1.2m dish (Ku Band) is 

capable of up to 3.5 Mbps uplink and 40 

Mbps downlink. This system is commercial air checkable and can be set up 

in less than 30 minutes.

• DIVN: 1.8m dish (C Band) is capable of 

up to 4.125 Mbps uplink and 84 Mbps 

downlink. This system is small, truck 

transportable and can be set up in less 

than one hour.

Operational Impact

SI Comms provides short-haul and 

long-haul capabilities using existing communications networks and access providers (e.g., Defense Intelligence Activity, Defense Information Systems Agency, 

USA INSCOM). SI Comms is deployed in 

support of Radio Battalions, Intelligence 

Battalions, Special Security Communications Teams supporting Marine Divisions/Marine Air Wings, and Marine Special Operations Command Detachments. 

The Military Occupational Specialty intended to operate this equipment is the 

Special Intelligence Communicator. The 

purpose of these systems is to provide 

a worldwide, forward-deployed, quickreaction reporting and analysis capability 

to military intelligence units for training, 

and for low-to-high intensity conflict. 

The SI Comms provide Marine Corps 

commanders dedicated secure, mobile, 

data and voice communications that can 

receive, transmit and disseminate bulk 

data and imagery products from, and to 

national and tactical intelligence sources. 

Program Status

The Approve Acquisition Objective 

(AAO) for palletized systems increased to 

35 during the first quarter FY 2009 based 

on effectiveness in supporting Operations 

Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom. The 

AAO for mobile systems also increased 

to 20 systems. Marine Corps Combat 

Development Command is conducting a 

Capabilities Based Assessment to determine 21st-Century Special Intelligence 

communications requirements. Wartime 

sustainment is the primary focus in early 

2010. IPv6 and other technology upgrades for existing Trojan SPIRIT systems 

commenced in FY 2009. 
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Intelligence Analysis System (IAS)

Description

IAS uses a three-tiered approach for 

receiving, parsing, analyzing, and disseminating fused, all-source intelligence. The 

first tier, the Marine Expeditionary Force 

(MEF) IAS, is a mobile system that supports the MEF Command Element. The 

second-tier Intelligence Operations Server (IOSv2a or IOSv3) is a team-portable 

system designed to support intelligence 

operations at the major subordinate commands. The third tier, the Intelligence 

Operations Workstation (IOWv2), is the 

link to intelligence data for the battalion, 

squadron, and company levels, using client/server technology for a “reachback” 

capability to higher commands for intelligence information updates. The IOWv2 

can also function as a stand-alone workstation, operating with certain limitations 

in a disconnected environment. 

Operational Impact

Fielding of the MEF IAS has provided Marine Air Ground Task Force 

commanders with a mobile, all-source, 

intelligence data fusion and dissemination capability. The IOSv2a (Unix) and 

IOSv3 (Windows) give the commander at 

the Marine Expeditionary Unit, regiment, 

and group levels access to time-sensitive 

intelligence data that is crucial to the 

military decision making process and the 

conduct of intelligence preparation of the 

battlefield. 

Program Status

The MEF IAS is currently in the post 

production/fielding phase of the acquisition process. All systems were fielded to 

the operating forces along with Marine 

Reserve units. All elements of IAS were 

refreshed during FY 2009. The IAS Family of Systems executes periodic hardware 

and peripheral refreshes as per the Program Manager Navy Marine Corps Intranet/Information Technology refresh 

schedule. One major software fielding 

and one service pack is fielded per fiscal 

year. MEF IAS functionality will be subsumed in Distributed Common Ground 

System–Marine Corps Increment II. 

Procurement Profile: FY2010 FY2011

Software: 1 1 

Service Pack: 1 1 

IAS FoS Refresh 1 0 

Developer/Manufacturer: 

MTC Services Corporation, Stafford, VA; 

KnowBiz, San Diego, CA; EMA, Charleston, SC; and SPAWAR, Charleston, SC

Hardware components: Commercial-offthe-shelf (COTS) and non-developmental 

items (NDI)

Software components: Various COTS and 

government-off-the-shelf developers

Key GOTS software developers and system integration of hardware and software: 

EMA, Charleston, SC; Dynamic Tactics 

for C4ISR Solutions, Charleston, SC; 

L-3 Communications, Virginia Beach, 

VA; SRC, Charleston, SC; and SPAWAR, 

Charleston, SC
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USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Description

TCAC is the Marine Corps’ senior 

Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) system. 

TCAC fills the Marine Corps’ requirement 

for a semi-automated tactical SIGINT 

and Electronic Warfare (EW) fusion system that can adequately perform the processing, analysis, and reporting functions 

of the operating forces Radio Battalions 

(RadBn) and Marine Tactical Electronic 

Warfare Squadrons (VMAQ) in order to 

support the mission of providing timely 

and accurate SIGINT and EW support to 

Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) 

operations. TCAC fuses intelligence from 

organic, theater, and national collection 

for dissemination to tactical users. TCAC 

is the focal point of the RadBn SIGINT 

operations. In addition, TCAC delivers 

an enhanced automated intelligence processing, analyzing, and reporting capability that improves the total control and 

management of SIGINT/EW capabilities 

to include the production and dissemination of SIGINT/EW information for the 

MAGTF. 

Operational Impact

TCAC enables Marines to fulfill their 

mission to include: providing SIGINT 

and mission planning support to MAGTF 

Command Element, Aviation Combat 

Element, and Ground Combat Element; 

interfacing with appropriate national, 

theater, and organic intelligence sources; 

and identifying high interest events and 

equipment failures. TCAC is deployed in 

support of MAGTF operations worldwide. TCAC is employed in two configurations; the TCAC Remote Analysis 

Workstation (RAWS) and the Transportable Workstation. 

Program Status

TCAC is a post-milestone C program 

(production and deployment phase) and 

is currently undergoing incremental upgrades which will enhance the current capabilities of the existing systems. Major 

enhancements include Windows Server 

upgrade, Full Disk Encryption (FDE), a 

fully integrated audio processing capability, a Semantic Wiki with user-defined 

alerts, and integration with the Real Time 

Regional Gateway. The Approved Acquisition Objective for the TCAC is:

• AN/UYQ-83B TCAC RAWS: 50

• AN/MYQ-9B Transportable 

Workstation: 302

• AN/UYK-166 TCAC MLS: 5

• AN/UYQ-103 Tactical ONEROOF: 48

Procurement Profile: FY2010 FY2011

Windows Servers 0 40

Monitor Keyboard 

Assembly 75 0

Uninterrupted Power 

Sources (UPS) 55 0 

FDE Drives 500 500

Printers 40 35

Transit Cases 55 0

Developer/Manufacturer: 

MTSC, Stafford, VA; SPAWAR, 

Charleston, SC; Lockheed Martin 

Technical Operations, Camarillo, CA

Technical Control and Analysis Center (TCAC) 
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MAGTF Secondary Imagery Dissemination System (MSIDS)

Description

MSIDS provides organic tactical 

digital imagery collection, transmission, 

and receiving capability to the MAGTF 

Commander. MSIDS comprises Commercial-Off-the-Shelf (COTS) components necessary to enable Marines at all 

echelons of the Marine Expeditionary 

Force to capture, manipulate, annotate, 

transmit, or receive imagery and video in 

near real-time, internally with subordinate commands that are widely separated 

throughout the area of operations and 

externally with high adjacent commands. 

The MSIDS Video Exploitation Workstation (VEW) suite provides an organic 

digital imagery processing capability to 

manipulate, annotate, digitize and edit 

video/still imagery, and brief intelligence 

products. The MSIDS capability resides 

with all G/S-2 echelons of the MAGTF, 

Reconnaissance Battalions, Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalions, Infantry Battalion Scout Sniper Platoons, 

Marine Special Operations Command, 

Tank Battalions, Artillery Battalions and 

Marine Security Forces. MSIDS is currently employed in every location where 

the Marine Corps conducts military operations. 

Operational Impact

MSIDS provides the only self-contained, hand-held, ground perspective 

imagery capability to MAGTF units and 

is essential in mission planning and intelligence collection. Other MAGTF near 

real-time imaging systems, such as unmanned aerial systems and the F/A-18 

Advanced Tactical Airborne Reconnaissance System, provide overhead imagery 

that cannot capture the detail and ground 

perspective attainable through MSIDS. In 

asymmetric threat environments –– where 

targets of interest are often small, highly 

mobile units such as terrorists or guerilla 

groups –– it is imperative that a MAGTF 

be able to identify individuals and structures from the ground level. Technology 

insertions via a yearly increment refresh 

provide MSIDS equipped Marines with 

the ability to receive needed technological upgrades in a timely manner.

Program Status

The approved MSIDS acquisition strategy specifies a refresh of 

one third of the system’s components 

yearly through a spiral increment of 

the COTS components. The FY 2011-

2012 refresh will replace computers, 

upgrade software, and refresh thermal 

and night vision devices, along with 

continuing the “Grow the Force” initiative fielding.

Procurement Profile: FY 2010 FY 2011

MSIDS computers/SW 0 400

Personal Data 

Controllers 600 330

\Cameras 3000 150

Night Vision 0 50

Thermal 0 400

VEW 0 0

Developer/Manufacturer: 

Canon, Panasonic, ITT, ViaSat and FLIR

MTCSC, Stafford, VA

EYAK Technologies, Anchorage, AK

Integrity Data Inc, Colorado Springs, CO
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USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Description

The TPCS-MPC provides the Marine 

Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) with 

integrated, semi-automated Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) equipment to conduct 

communications intelligence, direction 

finding, computer-aided SIGINT analysis, and indications and warnings. TPCSMPC is scalable to meet tactical mission 

requirements, having single collection 

outstations for stand-alone requirements 

and integrated capabilities. TPCS-MPC is 

not a “new system development” effort, 

but rather a program with continuous upgrades. The primary emphasis is on modular, scalable functionality, with a rapid 

procurement of readily available Commercial-Off-The-Shelf/GovernmentOff-The-Shelf/Non-Developmental Item 

(COTS/GOTS/NDI) technologies. The 

program requires limited integration to 

allow rapid fielding of new capabilities to 

Marine Corps Radio Battalions (RadBns). 

TPCS-MPC suites will consist of platform 

integration kits which provide the interface devices required to deploy various 

configurations of the exploitation modules on non-dedicated platforms such 

as the High Mobility Multi-Wheeled Vehicle, Mine Resistant Ambush Protected 

vehicle, and Mobile Electronic Warfare 

Support System vehicle. 

Operational Impact

The mission of TPCS-MPC is to provide Marine Corps RadBns with a semiautomated, team transportable, modular, 

and scalable communications intelligence 

capability to support the MAGTF. TPCSMPC is directly supporting Marines in 

current operations.

Program Status

The TPCS-MPC Block 0 configuration is currently in production and 

reached Full Operational Capability in 

2009. The Block 1 effort was initiated 

with a Milestone B decision in December 

2008.

Developer/Manufacturer: 

Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, Charleston, SC; Digital Receiver 

Technology, Germantown, MD; Scientific 

Research Corporation, Charleston SC.

Team Portable Communications System-Multi Platform 

Capable (TPCS-MPC)
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Expeditionary Intelligence Support

The Marine Corps Intelligence Activity (MCIA) provides tailored intelligence 

products and services to the Marine Corps, 

other services and the Intelligence Community based on expeditionary mission 

profiles in littoral areas. As the Marine 

Corps’ Intelligence Production Center, 

MCIA plays a key role in the development 

of service doctrine, force structure, training and education, and systems development and acquisition. 

MCIA comprises a command element; a production and analysis element 

that includes analysis, imagery, and topographic support; a counterintelligence/

human intelligence element; and a cryptologic support element. Each element 

provides unique capabilities that enable 

MCIA to fully support intelligence requirements in all facets of expeditionary 

operations. Together, these elements deliver “excellence in expeditionary intelligence” to MCIA’s broad and growing 

customer set. 

MCIA engages with Marine units 

scheduled for deployment ensuring that 

each command understands MCIA capabilities and limitations in providing 

support during pre-deployment, deployment, and post-deployment. Frequently, 

pre-deployment engagement includes 

command site visits encouraging the full 

identification of specific, detailed intelligence requirements and preliminary estimates of supportability, not only using 

MCIA’s own internal capabilities but also 

its unique ability to leverage the larger Intelligence Community to help solve Marine Corps operating forces intelligence 

challenges. 

During deployment, MCIA maintains contact with the deployed unit ensuring continued support to operational 

requirements. Additionally, during a deployment MCIA may provide a liaison 

officer facilitating direct representation 

and a better understanding of intelligence requirements. All intelligence requirements adhere to appropriate chains 

of command to include each supported 

Combatant Command. 

After the deployment ends, MCIA 

coordinates and conducts a post-deployment brief. This brief includes not only 

the supported units and MCIA, but also 

any other organizations that contributed to the intelligence support effort. 

The intent is to review the intelligence 

requirements submitted with the intelligence support provided and determine 

what worked well, what needs improvement and capture lessons learned for the 

future. 

This unyielding focus on supporting Marine Forces — be they deployed in 

harm’s way, preparing to deploy, or safely 

returned to their homeport — is the 

hallmark of MCIA’s expeditionary intelligence support.
part 4: 

Ground Mobility and 

Fire Support
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Introduction

Today’s operational environment demands speed, agility, and mobility of ground 

forces to respond to, if not anticipate, an adversary’s actions, often in complex, ambiguous battlefields, against irregular forces and in a wide variety of operational –– desert, 

jungle, mountain, and Arctic –– environments. Individual Marines must also be capable 

of deterring and defeating the conventional force of more traditional adversaries, where 

the ability to maneuver with speed and agility also remains paramount to achieving mission objectives. An important enabler of maneuver warfare mobility is the individual 

Marine’s ability to call in offensive and defensive fires from ground-based, airborne, and 

seaborne systems. Timely, responsive, high-accuracy and precision fires can often mean 

the difference between success and failure.

The Army and Marine Corps are working together to develop tactical wheeled vehicle requirements for the joint forces. The defined capabilities reflect an appropriate 

balance in the survivability, mobility, payload, networking, transportability, and sustainability. The Army/Marine Corps Board has proven a valuable forum for coordination 

of the development, fielding strategies, and production of armoring kits, up-armored 

High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles, and rapid response to requests for MineResistant Ambush-Protected Vehicles. 

In 2007, “The Major Combat Operations Analysis for Fiscal Years 2014 to 2024” 

study scrutinized the current organic fire support of the Marine Air Ground Task Force 

(MAGTF) to determine the adequacy, integration, and modernization requirements for 

ground, aviation, and naval surfaces fires. The Marine Corps also performed a supplemental historical study using Operation Iraqi Freedom data to examine MAGTF fires in 

the full spectrum of warfare. These studies reconfirmed our development of the Triad of 

Ground Indirect Fires. Several innovative systems related to fire support significantly enhanced the warfighting efficiency and effectiveness of the MAGTF, including the M777A2 

Lightweight Howitzer, High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, Expeditionary Fire Support System, Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System, and the Target Location, Designation, and Handoff system.

 
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Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV)

Description

The Marine Corps’ number-one priority ground program, the EFV, will be 

the primary means of tactical mobility 

for the Marine rifle squad during ship-toshore amphibious operations and subsequent operations ashore. The EFV is a 

ship to shore self-deploying, high-water 

speed, armored amphibious vehicle capable of transporting Marines from ships 

located beyond the horizon to inland objectives. The EFV will have the speed and 

maneuvering capabilities to operate with 

main battle tanks on land. In addition, 

the vehicles can use virtually all bodies of 

water as avenues of approach and maneuver. The EFV is a fully tracked infantry 

combat vehicle that will be operated and 

maintained by a crew of three Marines 

and have a troop capacity of 17 Marines 

with their individual combat equipment. 

The EFV replaces the Assault Amphibious Vehicle (AAV7A1) that was fielded in 

1972 and will be more than 40 years old 

when the EFV is fielded.

Operational Impact

The EFV’s high speed on land and 

water, highly lethal day/night-fighting 

ability, advanced armor, and nuclear, 

biological, and chemical protection will 

significantly enhance the lethality and 

survivability of Marine maneuver units 

across the spectrum of operations. The 

EFV enables the Navy and Marine Corps 

team to project power from the sea base in 

a manner that will exploit intervening sea 

and land terrain, achieve surprise, avoid 

enemy strengths, and generate never-before-realized operational tempo, survivability, and lethality across the spectrum 

of conflict.

Program Status

The EFV program is in the Systems 

Development and Demonstration Phase 

of the acquisition process. Following a 

successful review process, the program 

released a design at Critical Design Review conducted during the first quarter 

FY 2009 that met all allocated requirements, including reliability. These improvements will be demonstrated during 

Developmental Test and Operational Test 

starting in the second quarter FY 2010 

on seven prototypes. The Low Rate Initial Production decision (Milestone C) is 

programmed for FY 2012, with Full Rate 

Production to begin in FY 2015. IOC is 

scheduled for 2016 and FOC is scheduled 

for 2026.

Procurement Profile: The acquisition 

objective is 573 EFVs.

Developer/Manufacturer:

The Joint Services Manufacturing Center in 

Lima, OH, is the production and assembly 

site for the EFV. The prime contractor is 

General Dynamics Amphibious Systems, 

Woodbridge, VA
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Description

MRAP vehicles are V-shaped hulled, 

raised chassis, armored vehicles with 

blast-resistant underbodies designed to 

protect crews from mine and Improvised 

Explosive Device (IED) blasts, as well 

as fragmentary and small-arms threats. 

Four categories of MRAP vehicles carry 

out several critical missions:

• MRAP-All Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV) 

supports small-unit combat operations 

in complex and highly restricted rural, 

mountainous, and urban terrains. The 

M-ATV provides better overall mobility 

characteristics than the original CAT I, 

II, and III MRAP vehicles and provides 

better survivability characteristics than 

any High Mobility Multi-Wheeled Vehicle variant. The M-ATV retains the 

same survivability threshold as the 

MRAP CAT I, II, and III vehicles. The 

M-ATV will support mounted patrols, 

reconnaissance, security, convoy protection, casualty evacuation, data interchange, and command and control 

functions. 

• Category I vehicles support operations 

in an urban environment and other 

restricted/confined spaces; including 

mounted patrols, reconnaissance, security, convoy protection, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), communications, casualty evacuation (CASEVAC), 

command and control, and combat service support.

• Category II vehicles support multi-mission operations such as convoy security, troop and cargo transport, limited 

combat engineering and EOD support, 

CASEVAC, and ambulance.

• Category III vehicles support mine/IED 

clearance operations that also include 

route clearance. 

Operational Impact

Because Marine units operating in 

a complex security environment require 

vehicles capable of surviving mine/IED, 

small-arms fire, rocket-propelled grenade, 

and vehicle-borne IED attacks, MRAP 

vehicles provide deployed commanders, 

various units, EOD, and Combat Engineer teams with survivable ground-mobility platforms. Marines participate in 

and/or respond rapidly to a variety of offensive, stability, and security operations 

without a large security contingent and 

they need a vehicle capable of functioning in a counter attack after surviving a 

“first blow” ambush or attack. 

Program Status

A sole-source contract was awarded 

in November 2006 for 200 CAT II and up 

to 80 CAT III vehicles to bridge urgent 

warfighting needs, after which a competitive acquisition for the balance of CAT I 

and CAT II platforms was put in place. In 

January 2007, nine indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contracts were awarded 

to vendors that demonstrated capabilities 

to meet the program’s overarching objective of producing the maximum number 

of survivable, safe, and sustainable MRAP 

vehicles in the shortest period of time. 

The Joint Program Office (JPO) has used 

Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected (MRAP) Vehicle
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USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

a series of Low Rate Initial Production 

delivery orders with six of the vendors to 

order a majority of the vehicles. 

A total of 22,882 vehicles are being 

procured for the Army, Marine Corps, 

Air Force, Navy, and the U.S. Special Operations Command. The Marine Corps is 

executing the joint program on behalf of 

the Navy (lead Service). To date, the JPO 

has acquired 20,205 vehicles (including 

137 legacy systems) to satisfy the acquisition objective.

Force Protection, Industries (FPI) 

and the other MRAP CAT I and II vehicle 

manufacturers have completed production of all vehicles for the Marine Corps 

and the JPO. The Marine Corps Force, 

Central Command objective was reached 

in June 2008. International customer vehicle production will continue at FPI.

As of September 2009, 16,454 MRAP 

vehicles had been accepted by the government; 14,412 vehicles have been fielded 

to units in theater (9,548 in Iraq, 3,304 in 

Afghanistan, and 1,560 in Kuwait, Qatar, 

and Bahrain.

The JPO has initiated a constant 

modernization process and Capability 

Insertion (CI) program in Theater for vehicles redeploying from Iraq to Afghanistan. All MRAP Cougars (CAT I and CAT 

II) in Afghanistan, for example, are being 

upgraded with Independent Suspension 

Systems (ISS) to improve durability and 

survivability in the more difficult Afghan 

terrain. The JPO is also assessing the use 

of ISS on other MRAP vehicles. Additional modernization efforts include bar 

armor, rocket propelled grenade defeat, 

Automatic Fire Suppression Systems and 

other improvements to enhance MRAP 

performance in the Afghanistan. 

The JPO awarded a contract to Oshkosh Corporation in June 2009 for a 

smaller, more agile MRAP variant. The 

M-ATV fulfills an urgent and compelling requirement to protect Marines with 

a highly survivable and off-road capable 

vehicle. The current M-ATV requirement 

is for 6,644 vehicles. M-ATVs began arriving in Afghanistan in October 2009. 

Procurement Profile: FY2007-FY2010

Army 15,941

Marine Corps 4,115

Navy 661

Air Force 810

SOCOM 1,129

Test Vehicles 226

TOTAL 22,882

Developer/Manufacturer:

BAE, York, PA

BAE-TVS, Sealy, TX

Force Protection, Industries, Inc. (FPI), 

Charleston, SC

General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada 

(GDLS-C), London, Ontario 

Navistar Defense, LLC, Warrenville, IL

Oshkosh Corporation, Oshkosh, WI
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Marine Personnel Carrier (MPC)

Description

The MPC will provide three infantry battalions expeditionary maneuver 

protection against ground combat and 

irregular warfare threats. An MPC company lifts an infantry battalion along 

with infantry’s organic wheeled assets. 

MPCs will be employed by the Assault 

Amphibian Battalions and will have three 

variants. The MPC-Personnel will be the 

base variant, two of which transport and 

support a reinforced infantry squad. The 

MPC-Command will be employed as a 

mobile command-echelon/ fire-support 

coordination center for infantry battalion 

headquarters. The MPC-Recovery will be 

the maintenance and recovery variant of 

the MPC.

Operational Impact

The MPC supports expeditionary 

maneuver by enhancing Marine operating forces’ tactical mobility at high protection levels. It possesses a balance of 

performance, payload, and protection 

across the range of military operations. 

MPCs will be optimized to support the 

Ground Combat Element conducting irregular or major combat operations. This 

protected mobility capability is essential 

in achieving critical operational and tactical outcomes, e.g., gaining access, shaping the operational environment, seizing 

and maintaining the initiative, gaining 

and maintaining continuous pressure 

and positioning forces to locate, identify, 

destroy, neutralize, or suppress targets as 

required.

Program Status

In the spring of 2008, the Marine Requirements Oversight Council validated 

the MPC requirement and approved the 

materiel solution as an advanced-generation armored personnel carrier and that 

the MPCs be integrated into the Assault 

Amphibian battalions. Milestone A is 

slated for the second quarter FY 2010. At 

that time, an acquisition strategy of full 

and open competition will be initiated.
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USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Internally Transportable Vehicle (ITV)

Description

The ITV will be a highly mobile 

weapons-capable light-strike platform 

that can support a variety of operations. 

It will provide Marine Air Ground Task 

Force (MAGTF) ground combat units 

with a vehicle transportable in CH-53E/K 

helicopters and MV-22 tilt-rotor aircraft. It also will provide reconnaissance 

units equal or greater mobility than the 

MAGTF maneuver elements they support, thereby enhancing mission performance and survivability. 

Operational Impact

The ITV will allow MAGTF commanders to take maximum advantage of 

the speed and range offered by the MV22 and CH-53E/K by deploying ground 

units equipped with highly mobile lightstrike vehicles armed with heavy or medium machine guns. The Interim Fast 

Attack Vehicle (IFAV) is currently fielded 

and is deployable inside the CH-53E aircraft, but the Ground Combat Element 

currently has no ground-mobility platform that can deploy inside the MV-22. 

ITV will replace the Interim Fast Attack 

Vehicle.

Program Status

The ITV Program is currently in 

production and deployment. A full rate 

production decision was approved in July 

2008 and Initial Operational Capability 

was achieved in June 2009, when one infantry battalion received 15 ITVs.

Procurement Profile: FY 2010 FY 2011

Quantity: 40 73

Developer/Manufacturer:

General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical 

Systems, St. Petersburg, FL, with subcontractor American Growler, Robbins, NC
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High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) 

Expanded Capacity Vehicle (HMMWV ECV)

Description

The HMMWV ECV is the fourthgeneration design of the HMMWV and 

is replacing the aging fleet of baseline A1 

variants and some A2 variants. The HMMWV was originally fielded to Marine 

Corps units in the mid-1980s. The ECV 

is the latest generation and upgrades 

include: a 6.5L turbo engine; microprocessor-controlled engine electrical start 

system; more powerful Environment 

Protection Agency compliant engine; increased payload (500 pounds); improved 

corrosion prevention; and access panels 

to facilitate maintenance. Current armor 

guidance from the Marine Corps Combat 

Development Command is 100 percent of 

the HMMWV fleet is to have Integrated 

Armor Package (IAP) at a minimum, and 

60 percent are to be fully up-armored.

Operational Impact

To successfully accomplish their missions, Marine Air Ground Task Forces 

(MAGTFs) require a light tactical vehicle 

for command and control, troop transport, light cargo transport, shelter carrier, towed weapons prime mover, and 

weapons platform throughout all areas 

of the battlefield or mission area. Also, 71 

Marine Corps component programs use 

the HMMWV as their prime mover. For 

units that require specific vehicle configurations, the detailed requirements will 

be provided in kit form, capable of being 

installed at the general support maintenance level or below, or by incorporation of Component of Major End Items/

Component of End Items by the system 

integrator. To meet the new Approved 

Acquisition Objective (AAO) and have 

100 percent of the HMMWVs with the 

IAP and 60 percent fully up-armored, a 

major transition of HMMWV types and 

configurations is on-going. Operational 

and emergent requirements are being 

sourced; however there exists a significant AAO shortfall that will be addressed 

in the FY 2012 program.

Program Status

The Marine Corps has procured, 

fielded, and supported large numbers of 

HMMWVs since the mid-1980s, and the 

infrastructure and processes are well established to support fielding ECVs, and 

to phase-out baseline A1 and some A2 

variants. Training courses and technical manuals are being updated, and ECV 

unique parts and tools are being integrated into the existing supply system. The 

AAO for the USMC is 26,502 units. With 

the realignment of the AAO validation, 

MAGTF Table of Equipment review, and 

armoring guidance, the total HMMWV 

A2 and ECVs procured that meet the 

AAO requirement is 17,722. The USMC 

Armoring Strategy is currently being 

drafted and could further shape the HMMWV program.

Procurement Profile: FY 2010 FY 2011

Quantity: 53 208
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USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Description

The JLTV is a joint Army/Marine 

Corps multinational program for a family of light tactical vehicles and companion trailers. JLTV objectives include: 

increased protection and performance; 

minimizing ownership costs by maximizing commonality and reliability; increasing fuel efficiency; and executing effective 

competition throughout the program development. The JLTV Family of Vehicles 

(FoVs) includes ten configurations and 

companion trailers in three payload categories. Commonality of components, 

maintenance procedures, and training 

between all variants will minimize total 

ownership costs. 

Operational Impact

The JLTV FoVs will be capable of operating across a broad spectrum of terrain 

and weather conditions. The approved 

JLTV Initial Capabilities Document, 

and the Draft Capabilities Development 

Document (CDD) identifies required capabilities for the next generation of light 

tactical vehicles needed to support joint 

forces across the full range of military operations and provide a vital force enabler, 

multiplier, and extender.

The joint services intend to replace 

a portion of the HMMWV fleet with 

JLTVs as part of the ground transportation modernization effort, but it is not 

meant to be a direct replacement for existing vehicles. JLTV will give the warfighter 

increased protection through the use of 

scalable armor solutions, while returning 

the payload currently traded by existing 

tactical vehicles for added armor protection. Using a system of systems approach, 

JLTV will increase warfighter maneuver 

capacity by providing protected mobility 

on the modern battlefield. JLTV’s performance characteristics will exceed the unarmored HMMWV and will return expeditionary mobility to the joint services.

Program Status

The JLTV program is currently in the 

Technology Development (TD) phase. 

The Defense Acquisition Executive (DAE) 

approved the Milestone A Decision in 

December 2007. A Request for Proposals 

was released in February 2008 and three 

contracts were awarded in October 2008 

to BAE Systems, General Tactical Vehicles 

(a joint venture between General Dynamics Land Systems and AM General), 

and Lockheed Martin. The results of the 

27-month TD phase will inform and support finalization of the CDD scheduled 

for completion in FY 2011 prior to Milestone B.

The three original equipment manufacturers will then deliver seven prototype vehicles and four trailers for testing 

during third quarter FY 2010, which will 

be followed with 12 months of government testing. Upon the completion of 

the TD phase, the services currently anticipate conducting another full and open 

competition with award of two contracts 

for the Engineering and Manufacturing 

Development phase, with full production 

and fielding anticipated in FY 2013. The 

Marine Corps’ Approved Acquisition Objective is for 5,500 vehicles. 

Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV)
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Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR)

Description

The MTVR program is replacing the 

aging medium truck fleet (M809/M939) 

series 5-ton trucks with state-of-theart commercial automotive technology. 

The MTVR has an increased payload of 

7.1 tons off-road and 15 tons on-road, a 

high-performance suspension, traction 

control, new engine, central tire inflation 

system, automatic transmission, and corrosion technology upgrades. 

There are several variants of the basic MTVR platform for different tasking, 

including a cargo variant, dump truck, 

a wrecker, and a tractor. The dump and 

wrecker variants maintain maximum 

commonality with the basic MTVR cargo 

chassis while performing their unique 

missions. The Marine Corps is procuring the Navy tractor variant to serve as 

the prime mover for the Mk 970 refueler 

variant, and the Navy also uses MTVR vehicles for construction battalion (Seabee) 

operations.

The MTVR Armor System (MAS) 

provides complete 360-degree protection 

as well as overhead and underbody protection for the crew compartment using 

Mil-A-46100 High Hard Steel and Metal 

Composite standards. It is designed for 

the life of the vehicle (22 years). The MAS 

is capable of withstanding small-arms 

fire, improvised explosive devices, and 

mines. It includes upgraded suspension, 

air condition system, removable armored 

personnel carrier (with ballistic glass), 

machine gun mounts, and the Marine 

Corps Transparent Armor Gun Shield.

The MAS is a permanent modification to the vehicle, and includes an 

upgraded front suspension and cabin 

rebuild. The kit includes an integrated 

air-conditioning system and machine gun 

mount. The Cargo MAS kit includes an 

optional removable Troop Carrier (with 

ballistic glass), which also supports Maritime Pre-positioned Shipping (MPS) requirements.

Operational Impact

More than 1,300 MTVRs are being 

used in theater. The MTVR can readily 

negotiate terrain twice as rough as the 

5-ton’s capability.

Program Status

The MAS is installed in all MTVR 

variants in Iraq and Afghanistan, and 

the service has continued to improve the 

MAS in response to Urgent Universal 

Needs Statements –– adding increased 

underbody blast protection, fuel tank 

fire-protection kits, and 300-amp alternator kits (e.g., for powering counter improvised explosive devices). Every MTVR 

that leaves the forward operating base 

is equipped with the MAS. Discussions 

are ongoing with the Office of Naval Research, Program Manager Expeditionary 

Power Systems, and Program Executive 

Officer Land Systems for a follow-on Exportable Power (diesel hybrid).
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USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Logistics Vehicle System Replacement (LVSR)

Description

The LVSR will replace the current 

Marine Corps heavy-tactical wheeled vehicle, the Logistics Vehicle System (LVS). 

As the Marine Corps’ heavy-tactical distribution system, the LVSR cargo variant will transport several cargoes: bulk 

liquids (fuel and water); ammunition; 

standardized containers; bulk, breakbulk, and palletized cargo; and bridging 

equipment. The LVSR will have wrecker 

and tracker variants as well and will be 

employed throughout the MAGTF. The 

vehicle base design includes factoryinstalled armor and is also designed to 

accept an add-on armor kit for increased 

crew protection. 

The all wheel drive vehicle is equipped 

with an independent suspension system 

for superior off-road mobility in the most 

severe environments. The LVSR features 

an on-road payload capacity of 22.5 tons 

and an off-road payload capacity of 16.5 

tons. Its maneuverability is increased by 

four-axle steering capabilities. The LVSR 

is also equipped with advanced electronics system for in-cab diagnostics of the 

vehicle’s critical systems, including the 

engine, transmission, and brakes. It uses 

a single-source lubrication system for 

easier maintenance and has a 600-horsepower C15 engine. 

Operational Impact

To successfully accomplish their mission, MAGTFs require a heavy ground logistics distribution system that is highly 

mobile, efficient, extremely reliable, and 

flexible. This system must be capable of 

operating over increased distances with 

increased payloads to meet the demands 

of Expeditionary Maneuver Warfare. The 

LVSR will rapidly distribute all classes of 

supply, while including a self-loading/unloading capability to reduce dependence 

on external material handling equipment. 

For example, the LVSR will help address 

one of the Marine Corps’ biggest challenges in Afghanistan of getting supplies, 

equipment, and logistics into the remote 

areas that Marines are operating. 

Program Status

LVSR achieved Initial Operational 

Capability in September 2009. The original indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity 

order contract for the LVSR was awarded 

in May 2006 to Oshkosh Defense, Oshkosh, WI. The contract has a value of $987 

million based on a production quantity 

of 1,699 units. As of end FY 2009, 663 

vehicles had been placed under contract. 

Full-rate vehicle production began in 

December 2008 and includes add-on armor “B” kits, in addition to the factoryinstalled integral (“A” kit) armor, and can 

be applied in the field. 

Developer/Manufacturer:

Oshkosh Defense Corporation, Oshkosh, WI
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Description

The R2C capability set mitigates the 

threat of mines, Improvised Explosive 

Devices and obstacles along routes in the 

Marine Air Ground Task Force Area of 

Operation. R2C units can perform standoff detection, interrogation, marking, and 

clearance of explosive and non-explosive 

obstacles in order to ensure the mobility 

of friendly forces. In addition, it provides 

a rapidly employable set capable of performing route reconnaissance to obtain 

information about key terrain features, 

route conditions, and obstacles along 

specific routes. The R2C set will reside in 

combat engineer battalions (CEB), engineer support battalions (ESB), and Marine wing support squadrons (MWSS). 

Each CEB and ESB will be assigned three 

sets and each MWSS will be assigned 

one set.

Operational Impact

This mobility capability is essential 

for maintaining access, shaping the battlespace, establishing the initiative, positioning forces, and supporting dispersed 

forces. This capability ensures maneuver 

and sustainment forces reach their objectives when subject to attack by the variety of explosive weapons and ambushes 

characteristic of irregular warfare. It provides warfighter and system survivability 

against asymmetric threats. R2C operations also enable the effective execution 

of the stability operations tasks of initial 

humanitarian assistance, limited governance, restoration of essential public services, and other reconstruction assistance 

by providing access and protection to the 

executing forces and agencies and gathers 

geospatial information vital for mobility 

planning.

Program Status

This is a FY 2010 new start Program 

of Record. The Capability Production 

Document was approved by the Marine 

Requirements Oversight Council in August 2009. Increment I consists of procuring Light Weight Mine Rollers, Robots, 

Vehicle Mounted Mine Detectors, and 

Light Weight Route Clearance Blades that 

will augment currently fielded CAT I, II & 

III Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected vehicles to provide an initial R2C capability 

set. Increment II consists of the fielding 

of refurbished CAT I and II MRAPs, CAT 

III Marine Personnel Carriers, addition 

of an Interrogation Arm onto specified 

R2C platforms, and procurement of Automated Route Reconnaissance Kits and 

Vehicle Optic Senor Systems.

Procurement Profile: FY 2010 FY 2011

Increment I Sets 12 11

Developer/Manufacturer:

The R2C Family of Systems uses products 

from multiple vendors and government 

agencies with the largest being Force Protection, Industries, Inc. (FPII), Charleston, 

SC, and General Dynamics Land Systems, 

Sterling Heights, MI 

Route Reconnaissance and Clearance (R2C) 

Family of Systems 
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USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Expeditionary Fire Support System (EFSS)

Description

The EFSS will be the third and final system of a land-based fire-support 

triad that also includes the Lightweight 

155mm Howitzer and the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). 

Accompanying Marine Air Ground Task 

Forces (MAGTFs) in all types of expeditionary operations, EFSS will be the 

primary indirect fire-support system for 

the vertical-assault element of the ShipTo-Objective Maneuver force. As such, 

the EFSS launcher, the mobility platform, 

a portion of the basic load of ammunition, and a portion of its crew will be internally transportable by a single CH-53E 

helicopter or a single MV-22 tilt-rotor 

aircraft, and will possess the greatest possible range and flexibility of employment 

for operational maneuver from the sea. 

Operational Impact

The EFSS will expand the maneuver 

commander’s spectrum of fire support 

options and be capable of successfully engaging a spectrum of potential point and 

area targets, including motorized, light 

armored and dismounted personnel; 

command and control systems; and indirect-fire systems. The EFSS will afford the 

MAGTF commander increased flexibility 

in tailoring his fire-support systems to 

support the scheme of maneuver. EFSSequipped units will be particularly well 

suited for missions requiring speed, tactical agility, and vertical transportability. 

The EFSS design and configuration will 

ensure that its tactical mobility, in the air 

and on the ground, is equal to that of the 

force supported. 

Program Status

The EFSS Program is currently in 

production and deployment. Full rate 

production was approved in June 2008 

and Initial Operational Capability was 

achieved in March 2009, when one artillery regiment received six EFSS systems.

Procurement Profile: FY 2010 FY 2011

Quantity: 20 10

Developer/Manufacturer:

General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical 

Systems, St. Petersburg, FL, with subcontractor TDA Armaments (THALES Group), 

La Ferte-Saint Aubin, France
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Description

HIMARS is a C-130-transportable, 

wheeled, indirect-fire, rocket/missile system capable of firing all rockets and missiles in the current and future Multiple 

Launch Rocket System (MLRS) Family 

of Munitions (MFOM). The HIMARS 

launcher consists of a fire-control system, carrier (automotive platform), and 

launcher-loader module that will perform all operations necessary to complete 

a fire mission. The system is defined as 

one launcher, two resupply vehicles, and 

two resupply trailers and munitions.

Operational Impact

HIMARS addresses an identified, 

critical warfighting deficiency in Marine 

Corps fire support. HIMARS will primarily employ the Guided MLRS rocket 

to provide precision fires in support of 

maneuver forces. HIMARS is a transformational, 24-hour, ground-based, 

responsive, general support/general 

support-reinforcing, precision, indirectfire weapon system that accurately engages targets at long ranges (40+ miles) 

with high volumes of lethal fire under 

all weather conditions and throughout 

all phases of combat operations ashore. 

HIMARS will be fielded to two battalions 

(one active and one Reserve) in the Marine Corps. 

Program Status

The HIMARS program is in the operations and support phase. HIMARS 

achieved Initial Operational Capability in 

fourth quarter FY 2008. Full Operational 

Capability will be achieved in FY 2010.

Procurement Profile: FY 2010 FY 2011

Quantity: 0 0

Developer/Manufacturer:

Launcher and MFOM: Lockheed Martin 

Corporation,

Missiles & Fire Control Division, Dallas, TX

Re-Supply System: Oshkosh Truck Corporation, Oshkosh, WI

High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS)
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Lightweight 155mm Howitzer (LW155)

Description

The LW155 is a joint Marine Corps/

Army program to develop, produce, 

and field a towed 155mm howitzer that 

provides increased mobility, survivability, deployability, and sustainability in 

expeditionary operations throughout 

the world. The LW155, designated the 

M777/M777A2, is a direct- and generalsupport artillery system replacing the 

M198 155mm Medium Towed Howitzer 

in both services. It has incorporated innovative design technologies to overcome 

deficiencies inherent in the current M198 

howitzer. The LW155 is the first ground 

combat system whose major structures 

are made of high-strength titanium alloy, 

and the system makes extensive use of hydraulics to operate the breech, load tray, 

recoil, and wheel arms. The combination 

of titanium structures and the use of hydraulic systems resulted in a significant 

weight savings (more than 7,000 pounds) 

compared to the M198 system. Additionally, the M777/M777A2 emplaces three 

times faster, displaces four times faster, 

traverses 32 percent more terrain worldwide and is 70 percent more survivable 

than the M198.

The M777A2 is capable of firing 

unassisted high explosive projectiles using conventional and modular propellants to a range of 15 miles and rocket 

assisted projectiles to approximately 19 

miles; however, the addition of the digital 

fire-control system (DFCS) enables the 

weapon to program and fire the M982 

Excalibur precision-guided munitions 

to ranges of 24 miles with better than 

10-meter circular error probable (CEP) 

accuracy (i.e., 50 percent of the rounds 

will impact within ten meters of the aim 

point). The weapon is capable of firing up 

to four rounds per minute with sustainment firing of two rounds per minute.

The M777A2 is an upgrade to the basic weapon that adds a digital fire-control 

system using a global positioning system, 

an inertial navigation unit, and a vehicle 

motion sensor to accurately locate and 

orient the weapon to deliver greater accuracy, responsiveness, and reliability. The 

system also integrates radios for voice 

and digital communications and a Chief 

of Section Display that is decoupled and 

mounted into the cab of the prime mover 

for use as a navigation aid. 

Operational Impact

The LW155 provides significantly 

greater combat capability to troops. The 

weight reduction improves transportability and mobility without impacting range 
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or accuracy. The lightweight M777A2 

can be airlifted by the CH-53E/K and the 

MV-22 Osprey into remote high-altitude 

locations inaccessible by ground transportation. Some M777A2 facts:

• The M777A2 can fire the precision 

guided Excalibur munitions, co-developed by BAE Systems Global Combat 

Systems, up to 24 miles with sufficient 

accuracy, for example, to target selected 

portions of a building, reducing the 

chance of non-combatant casualties and 

enabling supporting fire to be delivered 

much closer to friendly troops.

• It can fire a standard 43.5 kilogram shell 

almost 21 miles at 2.5 times the speed 

of sound. The projectile takes about a 

minute to fly the distance and reaches 

a maximum height of 12 kilometers. 

The shell reaches its maximum speed of 

1,800 miles per hour by the time it exits 

the muzzle of the gun.

• The energy released firing at maximum 

range is 40 megajoules. 

• The internal cannon peak pressure during firing reaches 60,000 pounds per 

square inch.

• The wind speed, meteorological conditions and even the Earth’s rotation 

are taken into account for accurate 

targeting.

• The gun remains stable when firing, 

despite its lightweight, by being “out of 

balance” with the barrel mounted low 

and forward.

Program Status

The LW155 is in-service with the U.S. 

Marine Corps and Army and has been deployed in current operations. The Canadian army purchased the base M777 under a foreign military sale (FMS) contract 

and has 16 M777A2 howitzers in service 

with the Royal Horse Artillery in Afghanistan. Canada will be receiving an additional 21 howitzers. Australia has a FMS 

case under way to purchase the M777A2. 

Through May 2009, the total number of 

orders for the gun had reached 737 units.

Developer/Manufacturer:

Manufacture and assembly of the titanium 

structures and recoil components: Barrowin-Furness, UK

Integration and testing: BAE Systems Global 

Combat Systems, Hattiesburg, MS
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Target Location, Designation, and Hand-off 

System (TLDHS)

Description

A joint fires/combined-arms tool, 

the TLDHS is a modular, man-portable, 

equipment suite that provides the capability to quickly and accurately acquire 

targets in day, night, and near-all weather 

visibility conditions. It is the first system 

within the Department of Defense approved for fielding that allows observers 

to control Close Air Support (CAS) as 

well as artillery and naval fire-support 

missions on a single system using digital 

communications. 

Operational Impact

TLDHS enables operators to conduct 

target acquisition and target hand-off to 

fire support agencies using existing and 

planned communications equipment to 

support maneuver units of the Marine 

Air Ground Task Force. Operators are 

able to accurately determine and designate a target’s location and then digitally 

transmit (hand-off) these target data to 

supporting arms elements. The TLDHS 

employs a laser designator for precisionguided munitions and laser spot trackers, 

and it also generates accurate coordinates 

for global positioning system-guided 

weapons, including Excalibur and Joint 

Direct Attack Munitions. The primary 

operators are Forward Air Controllers 

(FAC) and Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) for CAS, Forward Observers (FO) for field artillery missions, Fire 

Power Control Teams of the Air and Naval Gunfire Liaison Companies, Marine 

Corps Special Operations Command, 

and the supporting training commands. 

TLDHS maintains interoperability with 

several systems, including Advanced Field 

Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS), 

Naval Fire Control System, Joint Tactical Common Operational Picture Workstation Gateway, Common Laser Range 

Finder, and the AN/PRC-117 Tactical 

Combat Net Radio. TLDHS is developed 

to be interoperable with numerous joint 

services fire command and control systems and delivery platforms. 

Program Status

An evolutionary acquisition approach is used for this Acquisition Category III program. TLDHS is currently 

in Block II Full Rate Production. TLDHS 

Block II provides extended CAS functionality for the FAC/ Joint Terminal 

Attack Controllers via enhanced digital 

interfaces with the F-16, AV-8B and F/A18 aircraft. Block II also adds the ability 

for FOs to conduct indirect fire missions 

via the AFATDS. The program is scheduled to reach Full Operational Capability 

in the fourth quarter FY 2011. The Approved Acquisition Objective is 976 with 

496 fielded through FY 2009.

Developer/Manufacturer:

Stauder Technologies, Saint Peters, MO
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Description

FTAS is the Ground Combat Element’s (GCE) indirect-fire acquisition 

capability. The FTAS comprises the AN/

TPQ-46 Firefinder Ground Weapons 

Locating Radar (GWLR), the AN/TPQ48 Lightweight Counter Mortar Radar (LCMR), and the Target Processing 

Set (TPS).

Operational Impact

The AN/TPQ-46 Firefinder provides 

the ability to locate Indirect Fire (IDF) 

weapons to include mortars, artillery, and 

rockets within a 1600 mill search sector 

from ranges of .75 to 24 kilometers and is 

the primary IDF detection system in the 

Marine Corps.

The AN/TPQ-48 LCMR provides a 

6400 mil mortar detection capability at 

ranges of 1 to 5 kilometers, short-range 

detection coverage, and slewing/cueing 

intelligence to the AN/TPQ-46 via the 

AN/TSQ-267. 

The AN/TSQ-267 TPS is the command and control (C2) node of the FTAS 

capability providing radar deployment 

orders, support functions and provides 

target data to the counterfire/countermeasure servicing agent. The TPS uses 

the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data 

System as its primary communication, 

and C2 tool. As a program within Program Manager Radar Systems, the capability is being fielded under an Abbreviated Acquisition Program (AAP). 

Program Status

The FTAS Program Office is supporting the warfighter with all three systems. 

The Firefinder and LCMR are deployed. 

The Marine Corps is procuring and fielding an additional 22 Firefinder radar systems to support expanded requirements. 

The LCMR is being fielded under an AAP, 

with an Approved Acquisition Objective 

(AAO) of 46 systems. Procurements for 

both the Firefinder and LCMR have been 

funded using Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) procurement. AAO for 

TPS is seven sets, two per for each active 

duty artillery regiment and one for the reserve component. Naval Surface Warfare 

Center, Crane, IN, is the system integrator 

as this program provides an S788 shelter 

configured to house the existing suite of 

C2 equipment. 

Developer/Manufacturer:

AN/TPQ-46: The system is a combination of 

a control shelter manufactured by Northrop 

Grumman, an antenna transceiver manufactured by Thales Raytheon, as well as prime 

mover and communication equipment. 

LCMR: Syracuse Research Corporation

The Family of Target Acquisition Systems (FTAS)
part 5: 

Aviation
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Introduction

Fixed and rotary-wing aircraft organic to the Marine Air Ground Task Force 

(MAGTF) shape the battlespace and fight the battle, often in direct support of individual 

Marines on the ground. This air-ground combined-arms team has proven unequalled 

in answering the Nation’s calls across the spectrum of operations, from humanitarian 

assistance to delivering ordnance on target during crisis and conflict. Regardless of the 

multifaceted and dynamic threats faced, the mission remains unchanged: to remain the 

MAGTF’s aviation force in readiness.

Today, the priority is to replace legacy aircraft — some of which have been flying 

since the Vietnam War — with vastly more capable aircraft. The Marine Corps challenge is to remain engaged operationally, sustaining the force while executing a transition strategy for the future. In that regard, the Marine Aviation Plan is a phased, multiyear plan looking out ten years and beyond, incorporating force structure changes to 

balance the active duty and reserve components. The Marine Corps is introducing generation-skipping technologies while providing critical manpower increases simultaneously, to all flying squadrons and selected sections of the Marine Aircraft Group and 

Marine Aircraft Wing headquarters. Critical to this effort are our numerous transition 

task forces, leading the way as we transition from 13 types of legacy aircraft to seven 

new platforms. 

The Marine Corps transition strategy can be separated into two mutually supportive efforts: sustain the legacy fleet and transition to new aircraft. Sustaining the legacy 

fleet includes upgrading command and control systems as well as aviation ground support systems in four concurrent programs:

• Aviation Combat Element (ACE) legacy aircraft modernization

• Theater Battle Management Core System 

• The Joint Interface Control Office Support System

• Aviation Ground Support System

The Marine Corps will transition to new aircraft and systems on schedule and 

within established budgets. The overarching transition strategy detailed in the Marine 

Aviation Plan is our roadmap for navigating through this challenge. This living document outlines the Marine Corps’ multiyear transition plan to a dramatically changed 

fleet, and provides details for:

• F-35B Short Take-Off Vertical Landing Joint Strike Fighter (STOVL JSF) program 

• MV-22 Osprey program 

• H-1 Upgrade program (UH-1Y / AH-1Z)

• KC-130J transition and Harvest Hawk system introduction

• CH-53K program and heavy lift requirements

• Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) programs and upgrades 

• Operational support aircraft sustainment and upgrades
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Aviation Combat Element (ACE) Legacy Aircraft Modernization

The Marine Corps has several significant aviation modernization programs underway to restore and enhance 

the capabilities of its existing aircraft and 

systems. These modernization efforts are 

vital to the Marine Corps’ near- to midterm combat capabilities. 

CH-46E Sea Knight

The CH-46E Sea Knight performs 

medium-lift combat missions in the execution of the assault support function 

of Marine aviation. The CH-46E is fulfilling critical roles in combat operations 

throughout the globe and continues to 

be deployed with Marine Expeditionary Units. Sustainability, performance 

improvements, and payload-recovery 

programs are essential to ensure the 

platform continues to meet Marine Air 

Ground Task Force (MAGTF) and joint 

warfighting requirements through 2019. 

Because the CH-46E continues to play a 

vital role in support of overseas contingency operations, aircraft survivability 

equipment systems are being upgraded 

to mitigate enemy threats, including the 

missile warning system, countermeasures 

dispensing system and system to defeat 

infrared missiles. Numerous weight reduction initiatives have commenced and 

include lightweight ceramic armor and 

lightweight armored aircrew seats. CH46E readiness and utilization rates are at 

historic highs, and the efforts underway 

will help these aircraft perform the mission safely and effectively until their retirement.

CH-53E Super Stallion 

The CH-53E Super Stallion is a threeengine, long-range, heavy-lift helicopter 

that has been key to the assault support 

function of Marine aviation. However, 

the CH-53E cannot support the range 

and payload requirements of Marine 

Corps future warfighting concepts. The 

current fleet of aircraft is being flown at 

higher rates than planned due to global 

commitments. A sustainment strategy has 

therefore been implemented to address 

critical fatigue, obsolescence, and reliability issues. A fully new-build design of the 

Marine Corps heavy-lift platform, focusing on reliability, maintainability, cost of 

ownership, and performance, is required 

to meet MAGTF and joint warfighting re-
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quirements during the next 25 years. 

The CH-53K program is the material solution to maintaining a heavy-lift 

capability beyond the year 2025. The CH53K is a critical ship-to-objective enabler 

that will replace the CH-53E, which has 

been fulfilling the heavy lift requirements 

for more than 20 years. The CH-53K will 

provide the Marine Corps with the ability to transport 27,000 pounds of cargo 

out to 110 nautical miles, generating 

nearly three times the lift capability of the 

CH-53E under the same environmental 

conditions, while fitting under the same 

shipboard footprint. Major system improvements of the new-build helicopter 

include: larger and more capable engines; 

an expanded gross weight airframe; an 

enhanced drive train; advanced composite rotor blades; a modern interoperable 

cockpit; improved external and internal 

cargo handling systems; and increased 

survivability and force-protection measures.

AV-8B Harrier 

The AV-8B Harrier Open Systems 

Core Avionics Requirement, which updates obsolete software and computer 

equipment, has been improved to increase 

the weapons and sensors capabilities of 

the aircraft. OSCAR with Operational 

Flight Program H5.0 enables the AV-8B 

to employ the Dual-Mode Laser-Guided 

Bomb (DM-LGB) and provides multiple 

improvements in LITENING advanced 

targeting pod capability.

The upgrades to the LITENING pod 

continue to improve the AV-8B’s lethality 

and survivability. This third-generation 

forward-looking infrared set, dual fieldof-view television seeker, and infrared 

marker provide improved target recognition and identification and precision targeting capability. Most LITENING pods 

have also been equipped with a C-band 

video downlink, which allows real-time 

video to be sent to ground-based commanders and forward air controllers/joint 

tactical air controllers equipped with the 

Rover III receiver station. This facilitates 

time-sensitive targeting and reduces the 

risk of fratricide and collateral damage.

In order to maintain a world-class 

training environment, the two-seat TAV8B trainers have been upgraded with the 

OSCAR mission computer, night vision 

goggle-compatible lighting, and the more 

powerful and reliable Rolls Royce Pegasus 

(408) engine. These improvements are increasing the training capability of the AV8B fleet replacement squadron, as well as 

the abilities of replacement pilots reporting to fleet squadrons. The enhancements 

to the Harrier are critical in providing 

continued support to the MAGTF until the implementation and Joint Strike 

Fighter transition is complete. 
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USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

F/A-18 Hornet

The F/A-18A+ Upgrade (Engineering 

Change Proposal 583) consists primarily 

of avionics and hardware upgrades that 

allow the F/A-18A+ Hornet to process 

and use updated versions of F/A-18C 

software and accessories. A large portion 

of this modification enhances commonality between the “A+” and “C” aircraft, 

reducing logistics footprint and pilot 

and maintenance training requirements, 

as well as mitigating obsolescence issues. 

The modified “A+” aircraft is compatible 

with a Lot XVII F/A-18C aircraft, an aircraft eight years younger than the “A+” 

Hornets. This upgrade also enables the 

“A+” aircraft to employ all current and 

programmed future weapons. 

Fifty-six aircraft are scheduled to 

receive the upgrade, enabling the upgraded “A” model aircraft to remain active through 2020. These additional, capable F/A-18 airframes are instrumental 

in supporting the Navy-Marine Corps 

Tactical Aviation Integration (TAI) plan.

The F/A-18D Advanced Tactical Airborne Reconnaissance System (ATARS) 

provides manned airborne tactical reconnaissance capability to the MAGTF. 

ATARS incorporates multiple sensor 

capabilities including electro-optical, 

infrared, and synthetic aperture radar. 

ATARS-equipped aircraft carry all sensor capabilities simultaneously, enabling 

imagery selectable by the aircrew in 

flight. Another significant capability of 

ATARS is its ability to transmit digitallycollected data in near-real time to ground 

receiving stations. This imagery can be 

data-linked to various intelligence systems for national exploitation via the 

Tactical Exploitation Group. Twentytwo ATARS sensor suites and 31 ATARSmodified aircraft were operational in all 

five Marine Corps F/A-18D squadrons in 

January 2009. 

The LITENING advanced targeting 

pod provides the F/A-18 with a significant 

improvement in lethality. LITENING is 

the Marine Corps’ third-generation capability for its expeditionary aircraft. 

This forward-looking infrared sensor, 

dual field-of-view television seeker, and 

infrared marker provide improved target 

recognition and identification, and precision targeting capability. All F/A-18 and 

AV-8B supporting overseas contingency 

operations are deploying with LITENING pods with video downlinks. 

Based upon the LITENING pod’s 

proven combat value during recent operations, the Marine Corps has modified 

expeditionary F/A-18 and EA-6B Prowler 

aircraft to carry the LITENING pod. It is 

a proven capability that enables Marine 

aviation to support the MAGTF and joint 

force commanders.
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EA-6B Prowler

EA-6B Prowlers are an essential, 

combat-proven element of the MAGTF 

and joint force. The primary mission is 

Electronic Warfare (EW), which includes 

electronic attack (EA), electronic warfare 

support (ES), and electronic protection 

(EP). EA-6B aircraft and systems are in 

the process of a modification and upgrade effort to the Improved Capabilities 

III (ICAP III) weapon system for both 

Marine and Navy squadrons. The core 

of the ICAP III is the ALQ-218 digital receiver system, the same system the Navy 

adapted for their new EA-18G Growler. 

This is the first significant receiver upgrade to the Prowler since its fleet introduction in 1971 making advanced signal 

targeting possible. These new receivers 

and the additional computing capacity in ICAP III enables improved aircrew 

situational awareness, more precise and 

effective jamming, increased readiness 

and availability, and a reduction in life 

cycle costs.

ICAP III attained initial operational 

capability (IOC) for the Navy in FY 2005. 

Since that time, the capability has been 

combat proven by squadrons in carrier air 

wings and ashore. The Marine Corps will 

receive its first ICAP III in March 2010, 

and plans to complete the transition to 

an all ICAP III force in FY 2012. During 

this time the Marine Corps will retain its 

four operational squadrons (VMAQs) 

with a Primary Mission Aircraft Authorization (PMAA) of twenty Prowlers. After the Navy completes its transition to 

an all EA-18G force in 2015, the Marine 

Prowler community will continue training aircrew through 2016, at which time 

the USMC EA-6B “sundown” will begin, 

with one squadron standing down per 

year until finished in 2019.

There will be no single platform to 

replace the EA-6B. Rather, EW capability for the MAGTF will be provided from 

numerous systems, both airborne and 

ground-based. The vision of MAGTF EW 

is a composite of manned and unmanned 

surface, air, and space-based assets, fully 

networked and collaborating to provide 

the MAGTF commander the ability to 

dominate the EM spectrum at the time 

and place of his choosing. For the next 

decade the EA-6B ICAP III will be the 

cornerstone of MAGTF EW and will be 

joined over time by capabilities fielded 

on UAS, fixed & rotary wing aircraft and 

JSF, as well as in the Radio battalions and 

other units within the Ground Combat 

Element.
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The Marine Wing Support Group 

(MWSG) provides functional support to 

enable Marine aviation operations in an 

expeditionary environment. These capabilities are also relevant to the joint force 

commander on the battlefield, where forward basing and rapid aviation support 

might be required. AGS is scalable and 

sustainable, but must continue to modernize to support current and future Aviation Combat Element (ACE) expeditionary operations. The MWSGs and Marine 

Wing Support Squadrons (MWSS) are 

undergoing several equipment and structure refinements and capability enhancements to plan rapidly and deploy, and to 

provide AGS to the ACE commanders’ 

training and wartime requirements. Additionally, the MWSGs and MWSSs will 

integrate improvements in logistics processes and information technologies as 

part of the current logistics modernization (LOGMOD) initiatives.

Continued operational, training and 

equipment enhancements will keep AGS 

on par with evolving Marine Corps future operational and logistics concepts. 

Future AGS capability must provide measured AGS: required amounts of fuel, 

ammunition, logistics and ACE-specific 

services must be ready at a time and place 

of the ACE or site commander’s choosing. The MWSS will maintain its core 

capability to establish and operate one 

Forward Operating Base (FOB, or main 

airfield) and two Forward Arming and 

Refueling Points (FARPs) simultaneously. 

Embedded within the MWSS will be taskorganized and -equipped capability sets 

(internal to the squadrons and loaded 

aboard Maritime Prepositioning Force 

ships) that can be employed rapidly for 

ACE mission tasking.

Through capability enhancements, 

the MWSS will reduce its footprint ashore 

and have the ability to set up swiftly, provide necessary AGS for short-duration 

operations, and displace and relocate 

within minutes. Using mobility to reduce vulnerability will be central to ACE 

force protection; also, the reintegration of 

military police into the Marine Aircraft 

Wing (MAW) enables self-defense capability should the ACE be engaged at 

operational sites. 

AGS Command 

and Control

Key to the effective sustainment of 

the ACE and Marine Air Ground Task 

Force (MAGTF) fight will be a greater 

level of integration into the ACE command and information architecture. To 

ensure seamless mission planning and 

operations for AGS, the MWSS Aviation Ground Support Operations Center 

(AGSOC) will be linked to the ACE command information network and site command network to monitor ACE support 

requirements, to provide increased situational awareness to higher and adjacent 

commands, and to act rapidly to support 

ACE operations. 

Aviation Ground Support (AGS)
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Logistics Integration

The integration of all logistics assets 

ashore will be a critical enabler to MAGTF 

operations. Interoperability between the 

Logistics Combat Element (LCE) and the 

MWSS must remain seamless. 

Expeditionary Airfield 

(EAF) / Aircraft Rescue 

and Fire Fighting 

Modernization (ARFF) 

The AGS modernization initiative 

will ensure that the MWSS is capable of 

supporting the ACE during expeditionary maneuver warfare operations. The intent of the Expeditionary Airfield (EAF) / 

Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) 

modernization initiative is to provide a 

more-rapidly deployable, maneuverable, 

and responsive expeditionary airfield capability that supports advanced aviation 

systems and platforms. EAF/ARFF modernization programs include:

• Advanced lightweight matting capable 

of supporting F-35B Lightning II operations

• Man-portable, all-weather airfield lighting systems

• Rapidly-deployable, self-contained airfield damage-repair systems

• Modernized firefighting vehicles and 

systems

Meteorological Mobile 

Facility Replacement–

Next Generation 

The next-generation Meteorological 

Mobile Facility Replacement [METMF(R) 

NEXTGEN] will replace the legacy 

METMF(R) weather van and provide a 

modular and scalable meteorological capability throughout the battlespace using 

a HMMWV- mounted facility capable of 

providing real-time environmental sensing and weather data in support of the 

MAGTF during expeditionary operations. The METMF(R) NEXTGEN will 

enable the Marine meteorological center 

(METOC) forecaster to turn relevant environmental data into actionable intelligence, which in turn will facilitate timely 

operational decision-making.

Regional Meteorological 

Centers 

The Regional Meteorological Centers 

(RMC) became operational in FY 2008 

and provide consolidated hubs on each 

coast (Cherry Point, NC; and Miramar, 

CA) to distribute meteorological forecast, weather alerts and tactical weather 

products to Marine Corps air stations 

and facilities in the continental United 

States. The RMC also serves as a training 

center for METOC personnel and ensures that entry-level METOC personnel 

are trained to provide support to the ACE 

during garrison as well as expeditionary 

operations.

AGS Expansion 

The expansion of AGS capability will 

include the establishment of an MWSS 

(-) to support Marine Aircraft Group-24 

(MAG-24) and Marine aviation units operating in Hawaii and Guam. AGS capabilities will support emerging MAG-24 

operational and logistics needs.
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USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

F-35B Lightning II Short Take-Off Vertical Landing (STOVL) 

Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) 

Description

The F-35B Lightning II STOVL JSF 

is a single-engine, very low observable, 

supersonic strike-fighter aircraft capable 

of short take-offs and vertical landings 

ashore and at sea. The multi-capable JSF 

combat system will combine the basing 

flexibility of the AV-8B with the multi-role 

capabilities, speed, and maneuverability 

of the F/A-18 and the electronic warfare 

dominance of the EA-6B. Co-located with 

Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) 

maneuver elements, the JSF will fulfill 

the Marine Corps’ air-to-ground and 

air-to-air requirements in support of the 

commander’s intent. The very low radar 

cross-section, superior sensor integration 

and robust net-enabled capabilities far 

exceed even the most advanced legacy aircraft in the areas of survivability, lethality, 

and supportability. 

Designed from the outset with all six 

functions of Marine air in mind, the F35B will ensure the MAGTF commander 

can maneuver in time and space at his 

discretion and will be able to deliver kinetic, non-kinetic, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) resources (scaled appropriately), precisely 

when and where they are needed. 

Operational Impact

The STOVL JSF provides a multimission offensive air support and an offensive/ defensive anti-air capability. The 

STOVL JSF also provides the MAGTF 

with a platform capable of tactical air 

control and tactical reconnaissance. Additionally, the aircraft will be able to provide destruction of enemy air defenses as 

well as Electronic Warfare (EW) — both 

electronic surveillance and electronic attack. 

The Joint Strike Fighter family of aircraft includes the short takeoff, vertical 

landing variant for the U.S. Marine Corps 

and British forces; conventional takeoff 

and landing for the U.S. Air Force; and 

the aircraft carrier-capable variant for the 

U.S. Navy. The JSF will replace the Marine 

Corps’ AV-8B, EA-6B and F/A-18A/C/D; 

the Air Force’s F-16C and A-10; and the 

Navy’s F/A-18C. Commonality among 

the variants helps reduce both development and lifecycle costs, and will result in 

the greatest “bang for the buck” compared 

to developing three separate aircraft.

The requirements for the JSF are focused on readiness, the combined-arms 

concept, expeditionary capability, and 

conducting expeditionary maneuver war-
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fare. The F-35B will be a MAGTF integrator, bringing capabilities and options 

to the decision-maker. The F-35 will incorporate advanced mission systems, including the Active Electronically Scanned 

Array (AESA) radar, Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS), and Distributed 

Aperture System (DAS). AESA, EOTS, 

and DAS information will be incorporated into a pilot’s helmet-mounted display 

system, negating the need for a traditional 

heads-up display in the cockpit. In addition to the F-35’s inherent EW capability, 

the JSF has been selected as a threshold 

platform for the Next-Generation Jammer (NGJ) program. The NGJ replaces 

legacy ALQ-99 jamming pods flown on 

both the EA-6B and EA-18G aircraft. The 

additional capabilities NGJ brings can be 

fielded on all 2,400+ U.S. F-35 variants. 

This will move EW focus away from lowdensity / high-demand assets like the aging EA-6Bs and instead make EW ubiquitous throughout the battlespace.

Program Status

The JSF is a joint program with the 

Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and international partners: Australia, Canada, 

Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. These 

countries are “ground-floor” participants 

and partners in the F-35 program, not 

foreign military sales customers. 

The JSF Systems Development and 

Demonstration (SDD) phase is scheduled to last until 2014. The SDD phase 

will include the certification of various 

precision engagement capabilities, as well 

as of cutting-edge sensor fusion that will 

directly support MAGTF and joint force 

commanders. Since completing the critical design review, the prime contractor 

has begun assembling long-lead items in 

preparation for starting Low Rate Initial 

Production. 

The first STOVL test article, BF-1, 

successfully completed first flight in June 

2008. BF-1 and BF-2 are now at NAS 

Patuxent River, as our program builds to 

a total of seven aircraft in developmental 

flight test. The Marine Corps’ robust developmental test schedule will be followed 

by operational test where the design will 

be evaluated for operational suitability and employment with our operating 

forces. Initial Operational Capability is 

scheduled for 2012.

Procurement Profile: FY 2010 FY 2011

Quantity: 16 17

Developer/Manufacturer:

Air Vehicle: Lockheed Martin, Northrop 

Grumman, and British Aerospace 

Engineering

Propulsion: Pratt & Whitney and General 

Electric
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USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Transition Plan

VMFAT-501, the first Marine Corps 

JSF Short Take-off Vertical Landing 

(STOVL) training squadron, will stand 

up on 2 April 2010, as part of the JSF Joint 

Integrated Training Center. VMFAT-501 

will be assigned operational control and 

administrative control to 2d Marine Aircraft Wing but with a command training relationship and co-location with the 

U.S. Air Force (USAF) 33d Fighter Wing, 

a USAF training wing. Initial students 

are expected to start training in early 

2011. The Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) detachment stands up at 

Edwards AFB in February 2012 and commences Block 2.0 OT&E in the summer 

of 2012.

The Marine Corps’ F-35B will be capable of operating from aircraft carriers, 

“L”-class amphibious assault ships, main 

operating bases, and austere sites ashore. 

The STOVL F-35B will provide the Marine Corps with a low observable, stateof-the-art, high-performance, multi-role 

offensive aircraft. The JSF Operational 

Requirements Document stipulates the 

F-35B will have a 450-nautical mile combat radius when employed from a ship 

and be capable of 550-foot short takeoffs 

with a full internal payload (two 1,000 

pound-class weapons and two air-to-air 

missiles) on ship-launched missions. The 

United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force and 

Royal Navy and the Italian Navy will also 

employ the STOVL variant aboard their 

air-capable ships. 

The Corps will employ the F-35B to 

support the six functions of Marine Corps 

aviation. This remarkable breadth of employment will allow the Marine Corps to 

decrease its tactical aviation inventory 

while increasing aircraft lethality, survivability, and supportability compared 

to legacy aircraft. The Marine Corps’ requirement for STOVL is 420 aircraft. 

Once the F-35B enters service, the 

Marine Corps will begin retirement of 

AV-8Bs and F/A-18 Hornets. As currently 

planned, all legacy tactical strike aircraft 

platforms should be retired by 2024. The 

Corps will incorporate an airborne electronic attack capability into the baseline 

F-35 to address the eventual retirement of 

EA-6B Prowlers. This electronic warfare 

capability in STOVL will use a system-of 

systems-approach, in which electronic 

warfare capabilities are distributed across 

manned and unmanned aerial systems. 
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Description

The MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft 

–– the only such opertional military aircraft in the world –– is an advanced-technology Vertical/Short Takeoff and Landing, multi-purpose tactical aircraft that 

will replace the current fleet of Vietnamera CH-46E helicopters. The MV-22B is a 

multi-mission aircraft designed for use by 

all the services. The Marine Corps, Navy, 

and Air Force are committed to fielding 

this unique aircraft.

The MV-22B joins the Joint High 

Speed Vessel, Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle and Landing Craft Air Cushion as the 

seabasing connectors necessary to execute 

expeditionary maneuver warfare. Specific 

missions for the MV-22B include expeditionary assault from land or sea; raid operations; medium cargo lift; tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel; fleet logistics 

support; and special warfare. 

The MV-22B’s design incorporates 

the sophisticated but mature technologies 

of composite materials, fly-by-wire flight 

controls, digital cockpits, and advanced 

manufacturing processes. The MV-22B’s 

prop-rotor system, engine, and transmissions are mounted on each wingtip 

and allow it to operate as a helicopter for 

takeoff and landing. Once airborne, the 

nacelles rotate forward 90 degrees, transitioning the MV-22 into a high-speed, 

high-altitude, fuel-efficient, turbo-prop 

aircraft. 

Operational Impact

The MV-22 will be the cornerstone 

of Marine Corps’ assault support capability, with the speed, endurance, and 

survivability needed to fight and win on 

tomorrow’s battlefield. This combat multiplier represents a quantum improvement in strategic mobility and tactical 

flexibility for expeditionary and Maritime Prepositioning Forces. The Osprey 

has a 350-nautical mile combat radius, 

cruises at 255 knots, and is capable of carrying 24 combat-equipped Marines or a 

10,000 pound external load. With a 2,100 

nm single aerial refueling range, the aircraft also has a strategic self-deployment 

capability.

Program Status

The MV-22 reached IOC in June 

2007 and is currently deployed and in 

direct support of Marine Air Ground 

Task Force operations. Following three 

consecutive deployments to Operation 

IRAQI FREEDOM from October 2007 

until April 2009, the MV-22B began its 

first shipboard deployment in May 2009 

with the 22d Marine Expeditionary Unit 

and were operational in Afghanistan. The 

MV-22 is now on its fifth deployment, 

and in December 2009 entered the theater of war in Afghanistan. The Marine 

Corps’ transition from the CH-46E to the 

MV-22 Osprey Program
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USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

MV-22B continues at the approximate 

rate of two Ospreys delivered per month 

and two squadrons transitioned per year.

Production of the MV-22B is based 

on a block production strategy, which is 

designed to provide continual life-cycle 

and capability improvements throughout 

the life of the platform. Block A-series 

aircraft are designed to serve as nondeployable, training aircraft only, and 

they include software enhancements, a 

nacelle reconfiguration, and additional 

reliability and maintainability improvements compared to the original aircraft 

design. As of January 2010, 30 Block A 

aircraft have been delivered and were 

primarily in service at Marine Corps Air 

Station New River. Block B-series aircraft are the deployable configuration of 

the MV-22B Osprey. These aircraft provide improvements in effectiveness and 

maintainability for operators and maintainers, including improved access to 

the nacelle for inspection purposes and 

substantial reliability and maintenance 

improvements across the entire platform. 

As of January 2010, 54 Block B aircraft 

had been delivered to the fleet. Block C 

series aircraft will incorporate mission 

enhancements and increased operational 

capability. Enhancements will include 

multiple additions: weather radar; a forward-firing ALE-47 dispenser; improved 

hover coupled features; an improved environmental conditioning system; and 

a troop commander situational awareness station. The first Block C aircraft are 

projected to be delivered to the fleet in 

FY 2012.

Procurement Profile: FY 2010 FY 2011

Block B: 30 30

Developer/Manufacturer:

Bell Helicopter Textron, Fort Worth, TX

The Boeing Company, Philadelphia, PA
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Description

The H-1 Upgrades Program (UH-1Y/

AH-1Z) replaces the current two-bladed 

rotor system on the UH-1N and AH-1W 

aircraft with a new four-bladed, all-composite rotor system that is coupled with 

a sophisticated, fully integrated, state-ofthe-art cockpit. The UH-1Y and AH-1Z 

also incorporate a new performancematched transmission, a four-bladed tail 

rotor and drive system, and upgraded 

landing gear. Additionally, structural 

modifications to the AH-1Z provide the 

aircraft with six weapons stations — two 

more than on the AH-1W. The advanced 

cockpit, common to both new aircraft, reduces operator workload, improves situational awareness, and provides growth 

potential for future weapons and joint interoperability. The cockpit integrates onboard planning, communications, digital 

fire control, self-contained navigation, 

and night targeting and weapons systems 

in mirror-imaged crew stations. 

Operational Impact

The UH-1Y (“Venom”) and AH-1Z 

(“Viper”) are approximately 84 percent 

common throughout, which significantly 

benefits Marine Air Ground Task Force 

maintainability and supportability. The 

H-1 Upgrades Program resolves existing 

operational UH-1N power margin and 

AH-1W aircrew workload issues while 

enhancing significantly the tactical capability, operational effectiveness and sustainability of our attack and utility helicopter fleet. 

The Marine Corps’ UH-1Ns are 

reaching the end of their useful lives. Due 

to airframe and engine fatigue, they routinely take off at maximum gross weight, 

with no margin for error. Continued 

implementation of the “Yankee Forward” 

strategy is a top Marine Corps aviation 

priority, and is evidenced by both the 

successful completion of the first UH-1Y 

deployment (with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit in July 2009) and the first 

full squadron deployment of Yankees to 

Afghanistan in the fall of 2009. Due to 

significant operational demands and aircraft attrition in the existing attack and 

utility helicopter fleets, the Marine Corps 

adopted a “build new” strategy for the 

UH-1Y. 

Similarly, the Marine Corps has already begun investing in Non-Recurring 

Engineering for the production of 58 AH1Z “build new” aircraft. These AH-1Zs 

will augment the existing AH-1Ws that 

will be remanufactured. This combined 

build new and remanufacture strategy 

will enable the Marine Corps to increase 

the number of AH-1s available to support 

the Marine Corps’ growth to 202,000 personnel while mitigating the operational 

shortfalls caused by aircraft attrition. 

New squadrons are being established in 

support of the Commandant’s 202K decision: HMLA-467 stood up at Marine 

H-1 Upgrade (UH-1Y Venom/AH-1Z Viper)
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USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point 

in October 2008; HMLA-469 stood up 

at MCAS Camp Pendleton in early 2009; 

HMLA-567 will stand up at MCAS Cherry Point in September 2011 and will perform duties as the East Coast Transition 

Training Unit for the UH-1Y conversion 

of all East Coast tactical squadrons. Both 

HMLA-467 and HMLA-567 will relocate 

to MCAS New River once hangar facilities become available in FY 2012-13. 

Program Status

Twenty-six production aircraft (20 

UH-1Ys/six AH-1Zs) have been delivered through FY 2009. The UH-1Y 

achieved IOC on 8 August 2008 and received its Full Rate Production decision 

17 September 2008. Extensive integrated 

AH-1Z testing was completed in 2009, 

and the aircraft is well postured for a successful Operational Evaluation in March 

2010; it is on schedule to achieve Initial 

Operational Capability in second quarter 

FY 2011. The H-1 Upgrades overall procurement objective is 123 UH-1Ys and 

226 AH-1Zs.

Procurement Profile: FY 2010 FY 2011

Quantity: 28 22

Developer/Manufacturer:

Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Fort Worth, TX

Integrated Cockpit: Northrop Grumman, 

Woodland Hills, CA

AH-1Z Target Sight System: Lockheed Martin, Orlando, FL
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Description

The KC-130 is a versatile four-engine 

tactical aerial refueler/assault support 

aircraft. It is the only long-range, fixedwing, assault-support capability organic 

to the Marine Corps. The KC-130J, with 

its increase in speed (+20 percent) and 

range (+35 percent) compared to legacy 

aircraft, also features an improved air-toair refueling system and a state-of-the-art 

flight station. Other improvements include a Rolls Royce AE 2100D3 propulsion system, Dowty R391 advanced technology six-bladed propeller system, and a 

250-knot cargo ramp and door, providing the Marine Air Ground Task Force 

(MAGTF) commander with a state-ofthe-art, multi-mission, tactical aerial refueler/assault support transport asset well 

into the 21st Century. All of the active 

forces’ legacy KC-130 aircraft have been 

replaced with KC-130Js, and once the reserve squadrons have transitioned to the 

J model the Marine Corps will have one 

type/model/series tactical aerial refueler/

assault support aircraft.

Operational Impact

The KC-130J provides the following 

capabilities: tactical in-flight refueling for 

fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and tilt-rotor 

aircraft; rapid ground refueling of aircraft 

or tactical vehicles; assault air transport of 

air-landed or aerial-delivered (parachute) 

personnel and equipment; airborne command and control augmentation; Pathfinder; battlefield illumination; tactical 

aero-medical evacuation; tactical recovery of aircraft; and personnel support. 

In response to an Urgent Universal 

Need Statement, the Marine Corps is integrating the “Harvest Hawk” roll-on/rolloff ISR/Weapon Mission Kit for in-service KC-130J aircraft. This kit is designed 

to re-configure rapidly any KC-130J aircraft into a platform capable of performing persistent targeting. Additionally, the 

mission kit will enable the aircraft to deliver precision fires from Hellfire, Griffin, 

and Viper Strike munitions. This mission 

kit is designed as a complementary capability that takes advantage of the aircraft’s 

extended endurance and will not detract 

from its ability to perform its primary 

mission of aerial and ground refueling.

This force multiplier is well suited 

to the mission needs of the forward-deployed MAGTF. The KC-130J will bring 

increased capability and mission flexibility to combat planning and operations.

Program Status

The Marine Corps KC-130J requirement is 79 aircraft. The KC-130J is procured as a commercial-off-the-shelf aircraft currently in production. Current 

programming brings the total number of 

KC-130J aircraft to 60. Initial Operational 

Capability was achieved in 2005.

Procurement Profile: FY 2010 FY 2011

Quantity: 0 0

Developer/Manufacturer:

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, 

Marietta, GA

KC-130 Hercules
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USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Description

The CH-53E Super Stallion is a threeengine, long-range, heavy-lift helicopter 

that has been key to the assault support 

function of Marine aviation. However, as 

range and payload requirements increase 

in the future, the Marine Corps’ future 

warfighting concepts will benefit with 

the introduction of a replacement heavy 

lift platform. A sustainment strategy has 

been implemented to address critical fatigue, obsolescence, and reliability issues 

until the aircraft can be replaced. A comprehensive re-design of the Marine Corps 

heavy-lift platform, focusing on reliability, maintainability, cost of ownership, and 

performance, is required to meet MAGTF 

and joint warfighting requirements. 

The CH-53K is critical to sea-based 

expeditionary maneuver warfare for the 

Marine Corps of 2025. The CH-53K will 

provide the Marine Corps the ability to 

transport 27,000 pounds of cargo out 

to 110 nautical miles, generating nearly 

three times the lift capability of the CH53E under the same environmental conditions while fitting under the same shipboard footprint. The CH-53K will also 

provide unparalleled lift capability under high/hot conditions, similar to those 

found in Afghanistan, thereby expanding greatly the commander’s operational 

reach. Major system improvements of 

this completely new-designed helicopter 

include: larger and more capable engines; 

an expanded gross weight airframe; an 

enhanced drive train; advanced composite rotor blades; a modern interoperable 

cockpit; improved external and internal 

cargo handling systems; and increased 

survivability and force protection.

CH-53K Heavy Lift Helicopter
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Operational Impact

Maintainability and reliability enhancements of the CH-53K will decrease 

recurring operating costs significantly, 

while improving aircraft efficiency and 

operational effectiveness compared to 

the current CH-53E. The CH-53E’s fully 

burdened operating costs are estimated 

to exceed $27,000 per flight hour in 2016. 

The CH-53K will improve the ability of 

the MAGTF and joint task force to project and sustain forces ashore from a seabased center of operations in support of 

Expeditionary Maneuver Warfare, ShipTo-Objective-Maneuver and Distributed 

Operations. The performance improvements will enable the vertical insertion 

of two combat loaded up-armored HMMWV, one Light Armored Vehicle, or one 

9,000-pound sustainment load to each of 

three separate landing zones. 

Program Status

In the past year the CH-53K program 

conducted its Preliminary Design Review and has begun producing long-lead 

items in preparation for building test 

articles under the System Development 

and Demonstration Contract. Critical 

Design Review is slated for fourth quarter 

FY 2010.
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USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

The Marine Corps has employed UAS 

since 1986. The demand for Intelligence 

Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) 

support continues to grow and clearly 

highlights the increased need for UAS in 

the Marine Corps. To fulfill this need, the 

Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron (VMU) has begun an organizational 

transformation that will lead to a flexible, 

scalable, detachment-based squadron. 

The Marine Corps’ UAS concept 

of employment is divided into three 

groups that coincide with various levels 

of capability as well as to the echelon of 

command they support. Marine Corps 

Combat Development Command has 

completed the Marine Corps UAS Family of Systems Concept of Operations and 

the USMC overarching capabilities study, 

which further defines the requirements 

for the USMC UAS Family of Systems.

The Marine Corps is currently transitioning from the older RQ-14 Dragon 

Eye to the joint RQ-11B Raven-B program, which was also selected by the 

Army and the U.S. Special Operations 

Command. Marine Corps battalions employ the small, hand-launched RQ-11B 

Raven at the company level. This system 

has shown great success for small-unit 

front-line commanders in Operation 

Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation 

Enduring Freedom (OEF), providing 

short-range daytime electro-optical and 

nighttime infrared airborne reconnaissance. The Marine Corps is procuring 467 

RQ-11B Raven systems through FY 2010 

(three air vehicles per system) to replace 

the 135 Dragon Eye UAS. 

Regimental and battalion commanders in the Marine Air Ground Task Force 

(MAGTF) will be supported by the Small 

Tactical UAS (STUAS). The systems 

will be provided and operated by VMU 

squadron detachments and will provide 

ISR, communications relay, and target acquisition capabilities to the MAGTF. The 

Marine Corps is currently filling this capability gap in OIF and OEF with an ISR 

services contract provided by the Boeing 

Corporation. Boeing employs the Scan 

Eagle UAS under separate fee-for-service 

agreements for both OIF and OEF. The 

contract will continue to provide this capability until succeeded by STUAS. The 

multi-service sponsored STUAS program 

Initial Capabilities Document was approved by the Joint Requirement Oversight Council in December 2006, and 

the program is currently undergoing the 

source-selection process with an IOC in 

2011.

The largest MAGTFs and their division commanders are supported by the 

largest of three groups of USMC UAS. 

The Marine Corps transitioned to the 

RQ-7B Shadow system during the fourth 

quarter FY 2007 and deployed the system 

with VMU-1 to support OIF operations 

in September 2007. In OIF, the RQ-7B 

has provided improved reliability and 

material readiness compared to the older 

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)
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RQ-2B Pioneer that it replaced. Using 

electro-optical and infrared cameras and 

communications relay payloads, ground 

units have visual access to their areas of 

responsibility and routes, and force protection enhancers prior to, during and after their missions. Programmed upgrades 

for the RQ-7B include increased payload 

capacity as well as a laser designator that 

will permit targeting for laser-guided 

ordnance. 

By FY 2011, the Marine Corps will 

have increased the number of RQ-7B 

Shadow systems in each VMU from one to 

three systems, and reorganized the squadron’s manpower into three detachments. 

This will triple the capability for a VMU 

squadron to support MAGTF operations 

without increasing the unit’s total manpower. Additionally, the Marine Corps 

stood up a third VMU in September 2008 

at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat 

Center Twentynine Palms, CA. VMU-3 

will eventually be relocated to provide 

an increased capability for airborne ISR 

and target acquisition for 3d Marine Expeditionary Force in the Pacific. A fourth 

VMU squadron is scheduled to be stood 

up in Marine Forces Reserves in FY 2010 

and will reach Initial Operational Capability by FY 2011. VMU-4 will augment 

the active-duty force, provide the Marine 

Corps a reserve capacity for the highdemand asset, and serve as a reservoir for 

the retention of specialized UAS skills. 

The Corps will incorporate an Electronic Attack (EA) capability into current and future UAS platforms partly to 

address the eventual retirement of EA6B Prowlers. This EA capability in UAS 

will compose a portion of the system-of 

systems-approach by which electronic 

warfare capabilities are distributed across 

manned and unmanned aerial systems. 

The system-of systems-approach allows 

the nation to move away from low-density/high-demand assets (like the EA-6Bs) 

and make electronic warfare ubiquitous 

across the battlespace.
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USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

OSA aircraft provide air logistics 

support to our warfighters by moving 

high-priority passengers and cargo between and within theaters of operation. 

OSA aircraft carry out short-notice, 

time-critical logistical air movements. 

This relieves front-line tactical squadrons 

for higher-order missions and tasks. By 

freeing our tactical aircraft assets from 

routine missions, OSA aircraft are an effective combat multiplier for the Marine 

Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF), joint 

force, and regional combatant commanders. In peacetime, OSA aircraft are used 

to provide logistic support to ensure military effectiveness in support of national 

defense, essential training for operational 

personnel, and cost-effective seasoning of 

pilots. 

The Marine Corps presently operates four different types of aircraft to fill 

its operational support airlift (OSA) requirements: the C-9 Skytrain; UC-12B/F 

King Air; C-20G Gulfstream IV; and UC35C/D Citation 560 Ultra and Encore. Marine Corps UC-35s are forward-deployed 

in Southwest Asia, providing invaluable 

daily support to the regional combatant 

commander and relief to tactical aircraft 

by moving personnel and cargo throughout the theater. 

In the continental United States 

(CONUS), Marine Corps OSA is scheduled by the U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), through which 

the Joint Operational Support Aircraft 

Center maximizes use of all available 

CONUS OSA assets, regardless of service. 

USTRANSCOM additionally supports 

the MAGTF at combined exercises such 

as Enhanced Mojave Viper. The incorporation of OSA into MAGTF exercises 

relieves participating tactical squadrons 

from much of the exercise-associated administrative logistical airlift requirements. 

This in turn enables tactical squadrons to 

focus time and resources on combat-related flight training. 

Acquisition of relatively low-cost, 

commercial off-the-shelf aircraft with 

minimal militarization is a cost-effective 

way to provide MAGTF commanders 

swift, on-demand operational support. 

OSA aircraft ensure the availability of 

short-notice, time-critical logistical air 

support, with aircraft flown by Marine 

aviators and fully integrated into Marine 

Corps operations.

Operational Support Airlift (OSA)
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Marine aviation is reshaping the 

Corps’ aviation logistics elements to 

enable more responsive, flexible, and 

reliable combat support for future 

conflicts, while they continue to meet today’s readiness needs. Previously, current 

readiness, End to End (E2E) AIRSpeed, 

and Marine Aviation Logistics Support 

Package II (MALSP II) were viewed as 

separate and discrete pillars to improving 

Marine aviation readiness. During the 

next three years, the Corps will mature 

these transformational strategies aggressively so they become mutually reinforcing and provide direct alignment with the 

Marine Corps Vision and Strategy 2025.

Current Readiness (CR). Marine 

aviation commanders and leaders, in 

concert with the Naval Aviation Enterprise, will plan, execute, and manage the 

CR process, maximize readiness of equipment and people, optimize material resource allocations and expenditure, and 

minimize logistics downtime and delays. 

Leaders will drive CR operations to align 

Marine aviation with enabling organizations. This alignment will achieve readiness levels, effectively and predictably, to 

produce core competent aviation squadrons and detachments for warfighting 

missions. 

Marine Aviation Logistics Support 

Program II (MALSP II). MALSP-II increases Marine aviation’s ability to deploy, employ, sustain, and redeploy rapidly to and from in austere regions, as 

well as to handle potential anti-access and 

denied-area scenarios. The Naval Aviation Enterprise’s continuous process improvement strategy (AIRSpeed) is the key 

enabler to modernizing the time-tested 

Marine Aviation Logistics Support Program (MALSP). By applying AIRSpeed, 

MALSP II becomes the comprehensive 

aviation logistics program that expands 

the future ACE’s operational freedom of 

maneuver with a reliable and effective logistics system that is lighter, more adaptive, and proactive. In addition, MALSP 

II provides an improved solution set for 

addressing uncertainty, variability, and 

bottlenecks in the E2E wartime logistics 

chain.

Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron Future [MALS(F)]. The introduction 

of new logistics processes and technology 

will change the organization of the MALS 

of the future. Under MALS(F), aviation logistics is exploring how the future 

MALS will be organized in an AIRSpeedMALSP II environment. The analysis will 

identify notional skill sets, distribution 

capabilities and maintenance capabilities 

for the future MALS. 

Marine Aviation Logistics Transformation
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USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Description

Ground-Based Air Defense Transformation (GBAD-T) is the Marine Corps’ 

air defense capability, using the High 

Mobility Mutipurpose Wheeled Vechicle-based Advanced Man-Portable Air 

Defense System (A-MANPADS) and the 

Stinger missile to defeat fixed and rotary 

wing threats. This system is the Marine 

Corps’ only organic air defense system.

Operational Impact

Using A-MANPADS and the Stinger 

missile, the Low-Altitude Air Defense 

Battalions (LAAD Bns) provide the Marine Air Ground Task Force low-altitude 

air defense against enemy air threats. 

LAAD Bn units deploy with Marine Expeditionary Units as part of the Marine Air 

Control Group detachment to the command element or composite squadron. As 

a future capability, the A-MANPADS Increment I program enhances the systems 

Command, Control, Communications, 

and Computer suite. The hardware and 

software upgrade provides an enhanced 

fire control and air/ground situational 

awareness capability to the LAAD Bns. 

Increment I uses Joint Range Extension 

Application Protocol, a joint certified 

data link, ensuring compatibility with 

legacy and future Command and Control 

architectures. Increment I radios are capable of satellite communications.

Program Status

In May 2009, the Marine Requirements Oversight Council approved the 

GBAD Initial Capabilities Document 

(ICD) that validates existing capability 

gaps against unmanned aerial systems 

and cruise missiles. The GBAD Analysis 

of Alternatives, completed in September 2009, was conducted in an effort to 

identify candidate material solutions for 

the Stinger replacement that fills the gaps 

identified in the GBAD ICD. Requirements for Increment I communications 

enhancements were outlined in a Statement of Need during second quarter FY 

2007. A-MANPADS Increment I is scheduled for a Milestone C Decision in the 

third quarter FY 2010 and Initial Operating Capability is scheduled for first quarter FY 2011. Increment I Full Operational 

Capability is scheduled for FY 2012.

Procurement Profile: FY 2010 FY 2011

Section Leader 

Vehicle 12 10

Fire Units 42 20

Ground-Based Air Defense Transformation (GBAD-T)
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Description

The G/ATOR will be a three-dimensional, expeditionary, short- to mediumrange radar able to detect low observable, 

low radar cross section targets such as 

cruise missiles, aircraft, rockets, artillery, 

and mortars. G/ATOR is being developed 

and fielded in four increments and will 

be employed by the Marine Air Ground 

Task Force (MAGTF) across the range of 

military operations. The four increments 

will cover both aviation and ground missions and will replace five legacy systems. 

Increment I will provide an air surveillance 3D gap-filler radar and provide radar cueing data to future Ground-Based 

Air-Defense (GBAD) equipment in support of MAGTF, joint, and multi-national 

forces. Increment II will provide counter 

battery/target acquisition for the ground 

combat element. Increment III is software 

upgrades which will provide enhanced 

combat identification, increased survivability and other system capabilities. Increment IV will provide an expeditionary 

airport surveillance radar capability to 

the MAGTF. 

G/ATOR will share surveillance data 

with Common Aviation Command and 

Control System and will provide radar 

measurement data to the Navy Cooperative Engagement Capability through the 

Composite Tracking Network. Its expeditionary design ensures it is deployable 

via helicopter, KC-130 or ground vehicles 

during the first stages of operations; thus, 

it can augment sea-based air-defense sensors and command and control capabilities. G/ATOR will provide naval and joint 

forces with an expeditionary radar and 

cruise missile detection capability that 

extends landward battle space coverage. 

When fully fielded, the diverse capabilities of G/ATOR and the many war fighting 

functions it supports will make it highly 

valued to the MAGTF commander. 

Operational Impact

This multi-role, lightweight radar 

represents the next generation of critical 

air and ground warfighting capabilities 

for Marine Corps and joint force commanders –– a scalable, expeditionary and 

netted sensor/sensor to shooter capable 

component of the joint force on the battlefields of the 21st Century. G/ATOR will 

provide increased mobility, improved situational awareness and reduce command 

decision latency; acting as the landward 

extension of Sea Shield, enabling Sea 

Strike and cooperative engagement. 

Program Status

G/ATOR was designated a Special Interest Program by the Under Secretary of 

Defense for Acquisition, Technology and 

Logistics (AT&L) in February 2009. The 

Department of the Navy will continue 

to be the lead acquisition agency for G/

ATOR. The Approved Acquisition Objective is 81 units. 

Ground/Air Task-Oriented Radar (G/ATOR)
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USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Description

The AN/TPS-59(V)3 Radar System 

is the Marine Corps’ only long-range, 

3D, air surveillance, theater ballistic missile (TBM)-capable radar. The AN/TPS59(V)3 is a transportable, solid-state Lband radar that serves as the Marine Air 

Ground Task Force’s (MAGTF’s) principal air surveillance radar and is integrated into the AN/TYQ-23(V)4 Tactical Air 

Operations Module. The radar may also 

be configured for operation with the AN/

MSQ-124 Air Defense Communication 

Platform to provide TBM track data to 

the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System via the Tactical Digital Information Link-Joint Service (TADIL-J) 

Link-16 network. The radar has become a 

key component in the employment of the 

Navy’s Cooperative Engagement Capability and is the Marine Corps’ lead sensor in 

the development of the Composite Tracking Network. The radar has been deployed 

in overseas contingency operations.

Operational Impact

The AN/TPS-59(V)3 Radar System is 

optimized to detect and track TBMs and 

air-breathing aircraft targets that constitute serious threats to MAGTF operations. 

The radar is employed by the Marine Air 

Command and Control squadron during 

sustained operations ashore and as part 

of the joint theater air and missile defense architecture. The radar supports the 

MAGTF commander in anti-air warfare 

operations and en-route traffic control to 

a distance of 300 nautical miles and TBM 

surveillance to 400 nm. 

Program Status

The AN/TPS-59(V)3 Radar System is 

in the sustainment phase of its lifecycle. 

An incremental sustainment strategy of 

engineering change proposals and technical refresh efforts will address diminishing 

manufacturing sources, material shortages, and obsolescence issues to sustain the 

radar beyond the 2020 time frame.

AN/TPS-59(V)3 Radar System
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Description

The P-19A Replacement is an aircraft crash fire rescue vehicle capable of 

addressing the shortcomings of the current P-19A, which was fielded in the early 

1980s. The P-19A Replacement will be 

equipped with advanced fire-suppression 

compounds and extinguishing agents, 

handheld extinguishers, and specialized 

rescue equipment used by firefighters to 

extinguish aircraft and structure fires, 

provide protection for rescue personnel, cool explosive ordnance, extricate 

injured aircrew members, and dispatch 

emergency-response capabilities to crash 

sites. The P-19A Replacement provides 

the functional capability to minimize the 

consequences of an aircraft crash. 

Operational Impact

The P-19A Replacement will be delivered to the objective area via strategic 

airlift (C-17 and C-5) or surface transport 

modes. Upon arrival at the forward operating base, the vehicle will provide rescue 

and fire fighting capabilities to the Marine 

Air Ground Task Force Air Combat Element. The vehicle will provide the same 

capability in garrison at the supporting 

establishments. The legacy P-19 fleet is 

exhibiting considerable readiness issues 

stemming from reliability and electrical 

failures due to the age of the vehicles. The 

current P-19A is a maintenance challenge 

to station and wing mechanics, resulting 

in 50 to 75 percent readiness levels. In addition, because of the unavailability of P19As, some units are not able to conduct 

the necessary training required to keep 

firefighting personnel proficient.

Program Status

A Draft P-19A Replacement Capabilities Development Document was 

released for review in August 2009. The 

P-19A Replacement will enter the acquisition cycle at Milestone B, scheduled for 

late FY 2010. P-19 Replacement Initial 

Operational Capability is planned for FY 

2016 and Full Operational Capability for 

FY 2018.

Procurement Profile: TBD 

Quantity: 160

Developer/Manufacturer: TBD

P19A Aircraft Crash Fire Rescue Vehicle Replacement
part 6: 

Logistics
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Introduction

Logistics support to the Marine warfighter takes on many forms, involves numerous activities, and spans the Marine Corps. Innovative efforts are underway at all levels 

to improve logistics support to Marines, whether in peace or war. The Marine Corps 

Logistics Modernization Strategy will revolutionize how Marines are sustained in 

garrison and on the battlefield through cutting-edge technologies, process improvements, reorganization actions and the realignment of logistics functions. It will involve the combined efforts of every active duty, reserve, and civilian Marine logistician 

serving today. 
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Logistics Modernization (Log Mod)

Logistics Modernization is the transformation of logistics functions to be 

more capable, effective and responsive to 

Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) 

operations. Log Mod is addressing existing logistics shortfalls, incorporating lessons from Operation Iraqi Freedom and 

preparing for Expeditionary Maneuver 

Warfare. Log Mod represents the most 

comprehensive effort ever implemented 

by the Marine Corps to improve tactical 

and operational logistics. Log Mod is a 

three-pronged improvement and integration initiative that focuses on Marine 

Corps people, processes and technology to produce a far more effective and 

efficient Logistics Chain Management 

process by:

• Using the Logistics Operational Architecture to support improvements 

to Marine Logistics Group (MLG) 

organizations, enhance command and 

control, and integrate our distribution, 

maintenance and supply capabilities 

• Modernizing and integrating Information Technology through the acquisition and fielding of the Global Combat 

Support System-Marine Corps

• Modernizing human capabilities with 

new occupational specialties, more 

uniform, deployable organizational 

components and logistics education 

with effective change management and 

communications

Log Mod initially comprised the following initiatives:

• Logistics Operational Architecture

• Command and Control for Logistics

• MAGTF Distribution

• Realignment of Maintenance

• Realignment of Supply

• Marine Logistics Group Reorganization

Through lessons learned from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, maturation within the 

Marine Corps combat development process, growth of the Marine Corps, establishment of logistics advocacy, and results 

of a series of war game efforts, Logistics 

Modernization has evolved in scope to 

best provide future logistics capabilities 

to best support the MAGTF across the 

range of military operations.
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The increasing agility, force projection, and speed of command required on 

the distributed battlefields of today and 

tomorrow require an adaptable, flexible, 

and self-synchronizing logistics support 

network to maintain operational advantage. Marine Air Ground Task Force 

(MAGTF) Sense and Respond Logistics is 

both a strategy and ultimately a technical approach by which the Marine Corps 

will develop and field these current and 

future capabilities in support of Marine 

Corps Vision and Strategy 2025, Marine 

Corps Operating Concepts for a Changing 

Security Environment, the Marine Corps 

Service Campaign Plan, the Marine Corps 

Logistics Roadmap, and ongoing USMC 

Logistics Modernization. As an overarching enterprise/portfolio strategy, MAGTF 

Sense and Respond Logistics will leverage 

existing service, joint, and Department 

of Defense (DoD) programs and guide 

key investments in future logistics capabilities to seamlessly integrate with and 

share information across the Command 

and Control, Maneuver, and Intelligence 

domains. 

The foundation to achieve this 

MAGTF Sense and Respond Logistics 

capability will be the integration and 

synchronization of four capability approach areas: Logistics Management Information; Decision Support; Logistics 

Chain Management; and Command and 

Control for Logistics. Key capabilities will 

include Global Combat Support System–

Marine Corps, Autonomic Logistics–

Marine Corps, Automated Information 

Technologies, and decision-support capabilities such as intelligent course of action support, risk and opportunity cost 

assessment, and dynamic planning and 

re-planning. 

One primary example of how 

MAGTF Sense and Respond Logistics 

will expand the tactical flexibility and 

operational reach of commanders is the 

Autonomic Logistics-Marine Corps. Autonomic Logistics will provide enhanced 

platform and weapon system diagnostics 

and prognostics, to include collecting 

mission-critical data (position, location, 

identification, fuel and ammunition levels, equipment health, and mobile loads) 

that will provide commanders with realtime combat endurance assessments for 

their units. Autonomic Logistics supports 

DoD implementation of Condition Based 

Maintenance Plus, as well as improved 

Total Life Cycle Management and affordability. 

The Marine Corps is also partnered 

with the Navy and the Office of Naval 

Research through Naval Logistics Integration to develop Sense and Respond 

capabilities that integrate Naval Expeditionary Combat Command shore units 

within the MAGTF. 

Sense and Respond Logistics 
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Naval Logistics Integration 

On a day-to-day basis, the naval 

services maintain a persistent presence 

in forward areas. Across the globe, Naval Logistics Integration (NLI) enables 

the support of globally dispersed maritime forces through integrated coherent, 

rapid, and agile logistics capability, with 

a focus on sustainment and end-to-end 

naval logistics support for the warfighter 

— afloat and ashore. NLI directly supports Marine Corps Vision and Strategy 

2025, Marine Corps Operating Concepts 

for a Changing Security Environment, the 

Marine Corps Service Campaign Plan, the 

Marine Corps Logistics Roadmap, and ongoing USMC Logistics Modernization, 

as well as the tenets of Sea Power 21, the 

Naval Operational Concept, Joint Vision 

2020, the Navy’s Concept for Joint Logistics, and the Tri-Service Maritime Strategy. These strategic documents provide 

the framework by which the Navy and 

Marine Corps will operate and support 

joint warfighting capabilities.

The end-state objective of NLI is an 

integrated logistics capability that operates seamlessly whether afloat or ashore 

across the range of military operations to 

support and sustain operating MAGTF 

units in a joint warfighting environment. 

NLI is challenging the status quo in science and technology, policy and doctrine, 

business practices and processes, and 

training and education.

NLI has enabled dramatic improvements in sustaining deployed Navy and 

Marine Corps operating forces by pursuing a number of initiatives. The Navy’s 

Cargo Routing Information File (CRIF) 

more accurately tracks ship movements 

which has reduced customer wait time by 

more than 50 percent for critically needed materiel shipments, with deployed 

Marine Expeditionary Units routinely reporting receipt of urgently needed items 

within ten days while afloat. The Navy’s 

Advanced Traceability and Control 

(ATAC) system, fielded to Marine units, 

has expedited the shipment of more than 

128,000 repairable components with better than 99 percent proof of delivery for 

more than 25 million pounds of cargo 

with a value of $83 million since fielded 

in FY 2005. Moreover, the cost to ship has 

reduced from $4.28 to $1.95 per pound 

during this period.

The NLI effort is also exploring new 

initiatives for the integration and optimization of critical Navy and Marine Corps 

logistics capabilities ashore. Initiatives 

include a Total Life Cycle Management 

(TLCM) approach to the common acquisition of ground personal protective and 

chemical-biological protective equipment; common depot-level maintenance 

capacity management; common tactical 

level equipment maintenance; and common material requisitioning capabilities.

NLI is a formal and collaborative effort between HQMC and OPNAV with 

extensive, ongoing participation of the 

MARFORs and Numbered Fleets. The 

NLI homepage is hosted on the Navy 

Knowledge Online (www.nko.navy.mil) 

portal under the expeditionary logistics 

community link.
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MAGTF Distribution strives to seamlessly execute inbound and outbound 

movements for all classes of supply while 

maintaining Total Asset Visibility (TAV) 

and In-Transit Visibility (ITV) throughout the distribution pipeline. These capabilities are needed in the operating 

forces to mitigate unsynchronized and 

sub-optimized distribution support to 

the warfighter, both in garrison and while 

deployed. The shift in defense planning 

in countering asymmetric threats drives 

the need for a rapid, flexible, and precise 

distribution system. The future Marine 

Corps operational concepts to meet the 

new threats require a distribution system that can support Marines dispersed 

while afloat and ashore and operating 

within compressed decision timelines. 

The MAGTF Distribution initiative is addressing this challenge. This concept describes a logistics process that enables a 

MAGTF to maintain a high operational 

tempo through effective management, 

coordination, and use of end-to-end distribution capabilities. MAGTF Distribution is a shared responsibility across all 

elements of the MAGTF. Key objectives 

of the MAGTF Distribution initiative 

are to:

• To enable visibility across the distribution chain

• To establish roles and responsibilities 

for managing MAGTF distribution capabilities

• To achieve centralized control of the 

MAGTF distribution chain

• To initiate and integrate people, processes, and technologies via new doctrine, organizations, training, and material solutions

MAGTF Distribution is accomplished through the synchronization of 

all elements of the distribution system to 

include visibility, capacity, and control in 

order to successfully deploy and sustain a 

MAGTF engaged in crisis-response and 

combat operations. This synchronization 

integrates distribution processes for materiel, services, and people into a single 

integrated process across the strategic, 

operational, and tactical levels of war. 

MAGTF Distribution involves several key 

enablers:

• Automatic Identification Technology 

(AIT), a suite of technologies, enables 

and facilitates the identification and 

rapid transmission of machine-readable data to Automated Information 

Systems (AIS) to enhance the readiness of deploying forces with improved 

knowledge of equipment. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), a form 

of AIT, uses low-powered radio transmitters to read data stored in an RFID 

tag at distances of one inch to 100 feet 

to track assets, manage inventory, and 

authorize payments.

• Last Tactical Mile (LTM) ITV is a 

lightweight, innovative solution that 

augments existing in-transit visibility 

systems with barcodes and RFID tags 

combined with mobile satellite computing to enable near-real-time in-transit 

visibility and confirmation of delivery 

for sustainment items from a Combat 

Logistics Regiment (CLR) to the supported unit.

Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Distribution
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USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

• Automated Manifest System - (AMS) 

Tactical (AMS-TAC) uses AIT (optical 

memory cards (OMC), 2D barcodes, 

RF tags, and handheld terminals) to improve ITV/TAV through management 

reports, database searches, records editing, file conversion to provide near realtime cargo movement data; AMS-TAC 

is being modified to transmit ITV data 

to GTN via Cargo Movement Operations System (CMOS) and to provide 

receipt data to CMOS.
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Feeding Marines

Changing Expectations for Garrison Mess Hall Operations. Mealtime 

while in garrison should provide Marines 

a break from their daily routine to relax 

and renew. To this end, new menus have 

been developed and the eating environment and operating hours have been 

tailored to fit high-tempo lifestyles. New 

menu offerings provide food items that 

mess hall patrons desire while balancing 

health and nutrition. Options include Fusion (food made to order upon request); 

Market Street Grill (similar in concept to 

Boston MarketTM) providing an upscale 

fast food menu including gourmet hamburgers, pizza and focaccia bread sandwiches; and an extensive soup, salad bar, 

and dessert bar. Alternative menu initiatives implemented in past years include 

the SubMarine program (made-to-order 

sandwiches); Simply-to-go (take-out 

meals); and Xtreme Burrito Program. 

Another welcome change is the extended 

hours of operation offered at select mess 

halls, providing patrons flexibility beyond traditional meal hours. These initiatives are designed to provide the very best 

service possible and are in keeping with 

questions and ideas that have surfaced 

from myriad customer surveys –– ensuring that the Individual Marine remains 

the focus of attention. 

Transitioning Expectations For 

Field Feeding Operations. On par with 

actions taken to support garrison mess 

hall operations, field feeding has taken 

on the challenge to support the needs of 

Marine warfighters by investing in new 

technologies and equipment capable of 

preparing the highest quality meals in the 

most austere environments. One of the 

ways that this is being achieved is with 

the fielding of the Enhanced Tray Ration 

Heating System, which will increase a 

unit’s capability to prepare a wider variety of rations and provide the means to 

serve up to a company-sized unit (twice 

daily) in forward remote areas. This capability is packed, stored and transported 

in a Small Field Refrigeration System, 

allowing the unit to double as a field refrigerator and the system’s embarkation 

container. Another field feeding system 

that is currently in research and design is 

the Expeditionary Field Kitchen (EFK). 

The trailer-mounted EFK is intended to 

support the entire family of combat rations on a highly mobile and expeditionary equipment platform. When fielded, 

the EFK can support up to 500 personnel 

with two hot meals per day. The system 

allows food service personnel the ability 

to rapidly setup or tear down the kitchen 

in support of high-tempo operations and 

is sure to be the forward feeding solution 

of the future.
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Description

The Marine Corps Family of MHE 

encompasses a wide variety of material-handling assets, ranging from light 

forklifts to heavy cranes and container handlers. Specific systems include: 

Rough-Terrain Container Handler; Extended Boom Forklift; Light-Capability, 

Rough-Terrain Forklift; High-speed, 

High-mobility Crane; Air Mobile Crane; 

Mobile Welding Shop; and, Multi-Purpose, Rubber-Tired Articulated Tractor.

Operational Impact

Procurement of these systems will ensure that Logistics Combat Element entities have the ability to support the scheme 

of maneuver and logistical requirements 

of their supported Marine Air Ground 

Task Force.

Program Status

The Family of MHE program maintains the Marine Corps’ material-handling and transportation-support capability. As such, various items are replaced 

as determined appropriate by the life cycle manager, Program Manager Engineer 

Systems. Specific items may be managed 

as acquisition or abbreviated-acquisition 

programs, and there are several acquisition programs in progress at any point 

in time.

Procurement Profile: FY 2010 FY 2011

Quantity: Various Various

Developer/Manufacturer:

Extended boom forklift: JLG Industries, Inc., 

McConnellsburg, PA

Light-capability, rough-terrain forklift: Terex 

American Crane, Wilmington, NC

Multi-purpose, rubber-tired, articulatedsteering tractor: John Deere, Davenport, IA

All Terrain Crane: TEREX DEMAG CRANES 

Stafford VA/Germany

Rough Terrain Container Handler: Kalmar 

LLC, San Antonio, TX

Tactical Welding Shop: Power Manufacturing, Covington, TN

Family of Material Handling Equipment (MHE)
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Description

The Marine Corps Family of Power 

Equipment encompasses a portfolio program to continuously procure, update, 

and replenish more than 30,000 items 

of power equipment, including skidmounted and trailer-mounted diesel generators, floodlights, power distribution 

sets, electrician toolkits, power supplies, 

radio power adaptors, battery chargers, 

renewable energy systems, and on-board 

vehicle power systems. The Marine Corps 

Family of Environmental Control Equipment continuously procures, updates, 

and replenishes more than 8,000 items 

that include tactically hardened Environmental Control Units, refrigerated containers, and refrigeration tool kits. Both 

families of equipment are used to support 

all command, ground combat, aviation, 

and logistics elements throughout the 

Marine Corps that require tactical power 

and environmental control in support of 

air control, communication/information 

systems, life support systems, and general 

power/heating-ventilation-air conditioning requirements. Paramount in each 

family is fielding Environmental Protection Agency-compliant equipment to 

meet stringent air quality and zero-ozone 

depleting standards, while maintaining 

military compatibility, energy efficiency, 

transportability, durability, and simplicity of operation.

Operational Impact

Procurement of these systems will 

ensure that the Command Element, Aviation Combat Element, Ground Combat 

Element, and Logistics Combat Element 

entities have the ability to support all 

requirements of the Marine Air Ground 

Task Force with deployable and energyefficient equipment.

Program Status

Within the families of power equipment and environmental control equipment, various items are replaced as determined appropriate by the life cycle 

manager, Program Manager Expeditionary Power Systems. All items are managed 

as acquisition or abbreviated-acquisition 

programs, with multiple acquisition programs in progress at any point in time.

Procurement Profile: FY 2010 FY 2011

Quantity: Various Various

Developer/Manufacturer:

Environmental Control Units – NordicAir Inc, 

Geneva, OH

Current Tactical Generators – 

DRS, Bridgeport CT and L-3, Tulsa, OK 

Future Tactical Generators – ONAN 

Cummins, Minneapolis, MN

Battery Chargers – Bren-tronics Inc, 

Commack, NY

Battery Managers & Analyzers – PulseTech 

Corp., Waco, TX

Refrigerated Containers – SeaBox Inc, East 

Rutherford, NJ

Solar Power System – IRIS Technology, 

Irvine, CA

Power Distribution – LEX Product, 

Stamford, CT

Floodlights / Generators – Magnum 

Products, Berlin, WI

Integrated Trailer, ECU& Generator – General 

Dynamics, Tucson, AZ

On-Board Vehicle Power System – Oshkosh 

Truck Co., Oshkosh, WI

Marine Corps Families of Power and Environmental 

Control Equipment
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Description

The LWPS is a lightweight, modular, 

highly transportable, self-contained water purification system. The LWPS will replace the legacy fresh-water filtration system with an advanced pre-filtration and 

reverse-osmosis system. Using state-ofthe-art technology, the LWPS will provide 

the capability to purify water from brackish and seawater and Nuclear/Biological/

Chemical contaminated water sources. 

The LWPS is capable of producing 125 

gallons per hour (GPH) from fresh water sources and 75 GPH from a natural 

surface seawater or groundwater source. 

This production rate allows two LWPS to 

produce up to 2,500 gallons of water per 

day –– the complete potable water needs 

of one Marine infantry company.

Operational Impact

The LWPS provides the capability to 

produce purified water from almost any 

water source, significantly reducing the 

logistics requirements associated with the 

transport of bulk potable water on a distributed battlefield. An entire system can 

be transported by a single High Mobility 

Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle or helicopter in order to provide flexibility in 

executing expeditionary operations. 

Program Status

A Firm Fixed Price contract was 

awarded in FY 2008 to Terra Group Corporation. Production Qualification Testing was conducted during fourth quarter 

FY 2009 at Aberdeen Test Center, Aberdeen, MD; Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center, Port Hueneme, CA; 

and Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, 

NC. Field User Evaluation was conducted 

during the first quarter FY 2010 at Camp 

Lejeune. Fielding of the LWPS is expected 

to start in FY 2010. 

A total of 146 LWPS will be procured 

through FY 2012. 

Developer/Manufacturer: 

Terra Group Corporation

Lightweight Water Purification System (LWPS)
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Description

Class V(W) Conventional Ground 

Ammunition consists of more than 300 

individual ammunition and explosives 

items in the Marine Corps ammunition 

stockpile. These items support all major 

weapons systems employed by the Marine Corps, including artillery, tank, small 

arms (such as 9mm, 5.56mm, 7.62mm, 

and .50-caliber), rockets, missiles, medium caliber (25mm and 40mm), mineclearance systems, 120mm rifled mortars 

for the Expeditionary Fire Support System, 30mm in support of the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle, and the family 

of 60mm and 81mm mortar ammunition. Conventional ground ammunition 

also includes individually employed and 

hand-emplaced material, such as grenades, demolition equipment, pyrotechnics, and signaling devices. Also included 

are training and mission-unique items, 

such as non-lethal munitions, Special Effects Ammunition Markings System, and 

Military Working Dog Scent Kits. 

Operational Impact

Ammunition procurement supports 

a wide spectrum of Marine Corps requirements that are categorized within 

two major elements. The first is the War 

Reserve Munitions Requirement, which 

includes combat, current operations/

forward presence, and strategic readiness 

requirements. The second is the Training/

Testing Requirement, which includes livefire training and weapons-systems testing. 

The combination of these two categories 

constitutes the Marine Corps’ Total Munitions Requirement (TMR). With the 

continuing global missions facing the 

U.S., it is imperative that the Marine 

Corps maintains a healthy procurement 

profile to address the growing demands 

of the Marine forces for both war-reserve 

and live-fire training. Past efforts within 

the ammunition procurement appropriation have helped the Marine Corps 

to maintain readiness levels while meeting current demands for ammunition 

and explosives required for current operations. During the past two fiscal years, 

ammunition investment has allowed for 

sufficient flexibility in supporting several 

munitions based urgent need statements 

generated by the operating forces. 

Program Status

The Marine Corps ammunition processes and the current funding profile will 

continue to ensure sufficient ammunition 

is available for future combat or peacekeeping operations involving active-duty 

and Reserve Marine forces. Further, Marine Corps investments will allow ammunition production to keep pace with the 

phased growth of the Marine Corps. 

Developer/Manufacturer: 

Small Arms Family: Alliant Tech Systems, 

Independence, MO; and General Dynamics 

Ordnance Systems, Marion, IL 

Mortar Family: American Ordnance, Milan, 

TN; Medico, Wilkes-Barre, PA; L3 Communications, Lancaster, PA; HITECH, East 

Camden, AR; Wilkinson Manufacturing, Port 

Calhoun, NE; and Armtec Defense Products, 

Coachella, CA.

Tank Ammunition: Alliant Tech Systems, 

Plymouth, MN; American Ordnance, 

Middleton, IA

Artillery Ammunition: Chamberlain Manufacturing, Scranton, PA; and American 

Ordnance, Middleton, IA

Rockets: NAMMO/Talley Defense Systems, 

Mesa, AZ; and SAAB Bofors Dynamics, 

Karlskoga, Sweden

Conventional Ground Ammunition (Class V(W))
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USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Description

The CEEMC will enhance the conduct of critical Marine Corps electronics 

equipment maintenance and repair missions. It will replace the Electronics Maintenance Complex (EMC) legacy shelters 

that were fielded in the early 1980s and 

have exceeded their life expectancies. The 

CEEMC Shelter provides standardized 

expandable rigid-wall shelters that are 

easily relocated, compatible with current 

Marine Corps transportation modes, require minimum maintenance, and will 

protect equipment and personnel while 

conducting maintenance functions needed to support deployed operations. The 

CEEMC expandable rigid-wall shelter 

meets the International Standardization 

Organization (ISO) certifications, optimizes work space, and is compatible with 

standard Marine Corps power-generation 

units, environmental-control units, and 

transportation assets. 

Operational Impact

The Marine Corps has critical field 

electronics maintenance capability requirements in support of current operations and global mission needs. The 

CEEMC will significantly enhance the 

warfighters’ readiness by optimizing 

the capacity to perform Operator Crew 

through Field Level repair of satellite radio systems, ground radio systems, telephone systems, fiber optic communication systems, cryptographic equipment, 

computer systems, Light Armored Vehicle 

(LAV) weapons systems, and small arms. 

Program Status

CEEMC will move into its Phase II, 

Milestone C (Production and Limited 

Fielding), during fourth quarter FY 2009. 

This approval authorized the procurement and build out of four additional 

shelters to be fielded and used by the 

operating forces for a period of approximately six months in order to identify 

any engineering changes prior to going 

into full production. The first of these 

four shelters was issued to 1st Marine 

Expeditionary Force (MEF) during first 

quarter FY 2010, and the remaining three 

shelters will be issued to I and II MEFs 

during first and second quarter FY 2010. 

The CEEMC Shelter also underwent ISO 

testing and recertification during first 

quarter FY 2010. Other current efforts 

include the completion of requisite acquisition documentation; logistical and 

lifecycle management planning; and, further coordination with all stakeholders in 

preparation for Phase III, Full Fielding in 

third quarter FY 2010. 

Procurement Profile: FY 2010 FY 2011

Quantity: 16 12

Developer/Manufacturer: 

Guichner Shelter Systems, Dallastown, PA

Communication Electronics Equipment Maintenance 

Complex (CEEMC) Rigid-Wall Shelter
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Description

The Marine Corps FTSS are shelters 

for tactical use that maximize modularity, ease of use, operational effectiveness, 

durability, and the ability to connect with 

vehicles and like shelters. It includes the 

Expeditionary Shelter System, General 

Purpose Medium Shelter, Lightweight 

Maintenance Enclosure, Combat Tent, 

10-Man Arctic Tent, and the Extreme 

Cold Weather Tent. 

Operational Impact

The FTSS will provide protection 

from the natural environment to the operating forces for use in varied mission 

roles (e.g., Command and Control, Administration, Billeting, Supply, Medical, 

Dental and Messing). The FTSS is not designed to counter a specific threat. Rather, 

it is intended to improve the effectiveness 

with which a variety of battlefield functions are accomplished. 

Program Status

The FTSS is currently in Post Milestone C and is being fielded to the operating forces. 

Procurement Profile: FY 2011 FY 2012

Quantity: 11,200 10,212

Developer/Manufacturer: 

Utilis USA, Fort Walton Beach, FL

Outdoor Ventures Corporation, Stearns, KY

Diamond Brand, Arden, NC

Johnson Outdoors, Binghamton, NY

Base-X Inc., Fairfield, VA

Camel Manufacturing Company, Pioneer, TN

Family of Tactical Soft Shelters (FTSS)
part 7: 

Maritime Support
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Introduction

Marines have always been “soldiers of the sea.” When the Continental Congress 

decided on November 10, 1775 to raise two battalions of Marines, it specified “...that 

particular care be taken, that no such person...enlisted into said battalions, but such 

as are good seaman, or so acquainted with maritime affairs as to be able to serve to 

advantage by sea when required.” Colonel Commandant John Harris wrote in 1863, 

“We are of the Navy; are governed by Naval Regulations on shore and afloat....” 

During Operation Desert Storm, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General 

Colin Powell, remarked, “Lying offshore, ready to act, the presence of ships and 

Marines sometimes means much more than just having air power or ship’s fire, when 

it comes to deterring a crisis. And the ships and Marines may not have to do anything 

but lie offshore.”

The close relationship between the Navy and the Marine Corps, tempered by operations and combat in every corner of the world since the War of Independence, remains 

strong today. Whether on board ship or on the ground, the individual Marine remains 

at heart a “soldier of the sea.”

The forward-deployed Navy-Marine Corps Team provides the Combatant Commanders with scalable options for presence, security force assistance, crisis response, 

and combat power. Marines deployed on naval shipping combine forward presence 

with flexible and scalable response forces. Together, as America’s force in readiness, 

we represent the United States on the high seas, in the littorals and ashore, and will 

continue to play a pivotal role in protecting vital interests. Under the 2007 tri-service 

maritime strategy, A Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower, we will work 

closely with the Navy and Coast Guard. Individual Marines, Sailors, and Coast 

Guardsmen represent a military partnership that is second to none.
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USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Amphibious Warships

Amphibious warfare ships are the 

centerpieces of the Navy/Marine Corps’ 

forcible-entry and seabasing capability 

and have played essential roles in global 

operations. These ships are equipped with 

aviation-assault and surface-assault capabilities, which, coupled with their inherent survivability and self-defense systems, 

support a broad range of mission requirements. They provide the most formidable 

expeditionary forcible-entry capability in 

the world, the development and maintenance of which is the responsibility of the 

Marine Corps under U.S. Code Title X.

The Marine Corps operational requirement is for two Marine Expeditionary Brigade Assault Echelons (MEB AE) 

of forcible-entry capability reinforced 

by an additional MEB from the Maritime Prepositioning Force (Future). The 

two-MEB AE forcible-entry capability 

requires 34 amphibious warfare ships (17 

ships per MEB). When forward-presence 

requirements are considered with the 2.0 

MEB lift requirement, AE requirements 

total 38 ships. Of these 38 ships, 11 must 

be aviation-capable large-deck ships 

(LHA/LHD/LHA(R)) to accommodate 

the MEB’s Aviation Combat Element.

Ten large-deck ships (eight Waspclass LHDs and two Tarawa-Class LHAs) 

are in service in the spring of 2010. The 

eighth Wasp-class multi-purpose amphibious assault ship, the USS Makin 

Island (LHD 8), was delivered in 2009. 

LHD 8 is similar to LHD 1 through LHD 

7 but is powered by gas turbine engines 

and has all-electric auxiliaries.

Amphibious Assault Ship 

Replacement (LHA(R))

The amphibious fleet is organized for 

persistent forward presence and includes 

nine Amphibious Ready Groups — each 

comprising three amphibious ships. The 

centerpiece of the ARG is a Wasp (LHD 1)- 

class or Tarawa (LHA 1)-class amphibious 

assault ship. The Tarawa-class amphibious assault ships reach the ends of their 

expected service lives between 2015 and 

2018. The first of three LHA Replacement 

(LHA(R)) ships, the USS America (LHA 

6), began construction in 2008. LHA 6 

design modifications optimize aviation 

support for MV-22 Osprey and F-35 Joint 

Strike Fighter operations. Removal of the 
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well deck provides for an extended hangar deck with two wider high-bay areas, 

each fitted with an overhead crane for aircraft maintenance. Other enhancements 

include a reconfigurable command and 

control complex, a hospital facility, and 

extensive support activities. 

San Antonio-Class (LPD 

17) Amphibious Transport 

Dock Ship

The LPD 17 San Antonio class amphibious warfare ship represents the Department of the Navy’s (DoN) commitment to a modern expeditionary fleet and 

will assist the Marine Corps’s naval forces 

across the spectrum of warfare. The first 

five ships of the class –– the USS San Antonio (LPD 17), USS New Orleans (LPD 

18), USS Mesa Verde (LPD-19), USS 

Green Bay (LPD-20), and USS New York

(LPD-21) –– have been commissioned as 

of early 2010. The San Antonio class LPDs 

will replace the remaining ships of the 

LPD 4 Austin class.

The class’ unique design facilitates 

expands force coverage and decreases reaction times of forward-deployed Marine 

Expeditionary Units. In forcible-entry 

operations, the LPD-17 helps maintain a 

robust surface assault and rapid off-load 

capability for the Marine Air Ground 

Task Force well into the future. The San 

Antonio class warships incorporate advanced characteristics for amphibious 

ships. Each ship has 699 enhanced berths 

for embarked Marines, plus a surge capacity of another 101 berths. Each also 

has a vehicle-stowage capacity of 24,600 

square feet, cargo-stowage capacity of 

more than 33,000 cubic feet, and a welldeck sized for two Landing Craft Air 

Cushions (LCAC) or one Landing Craft 

Utility. Flight decks can support operations by two CH-53E/K Super Stallions, 

two MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, or 

four CH-46E Sea Knight helicopters. The 

ships in this class are outfitted with two 

Rolling Airframe Missile launchers for 

self-defense and incorporate design features that present a significantly reduced 

radar cross-section, compared to previous amphibious ships.
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The Joint High-Speed Vessel (JHSV) 

will provide the critical intra-theater, 

surface-connector capability that will enable the Joint Force Commander to project forces and sustainment at high speeds 

over operational distances. The JHSV will 

be capable of self-deploying to the theater of operations and, once in theater, 

provide the high-speed means to move 

forces and supplies within that theater. 

Specifically, the JHSV will provide the capability to deliver equipment, personnel 

and supplies over the intra-theater ranges 

to shallow, austere, and degraded ports. It 

will provide support to seabasing and will 

bridge the gap between low-speed sealift 

and high-speed airlift. 

The JHSV reached Milestone B in 

November 2008, which authorized system 

design development and detailed design. 

Low rate initial production was also approved. The JHSV lead ship is scheduled 

to deliver in FY 2012 with additional ships 

to follow in the subsequent years. The 

contract includes options for nine additional vessels to be awarded between FY 

2009 and FY 2013. In the interim, highspeed vessels will continue to be leased in 

the Pacific Command area of responsibility to satisfy compelling requirements. 

Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV)
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The LCAC is a high-speed, fully amphibious craft with a design payload of 60 

tons at speeds in excess of 40 knots and 

a nominal range of 200 nautical miles. 

The LCAC’s ability to ride on a cushion 

of air allows it to operate directly from 

the well decks of amphibious warships 

and to access more than 70 percent of the 

world’s beaches, compared to 17 percent 

for conventional landing craft. A service 

life extension program (SLEP) began in 

late 2000 for the 72 active LCACs, which 

provides major refurbishment that will 

extend craft life to 30 years and increased 

payload capacity from 60 to 75 tons in an 

overload condition. The goal is to carry 

out five LCAC SLEPs per year. During 

SLEP, LCACs receive a system upgrade 

that includes new command, control, 

communication, and navigation equipment; buoyancy box and rotating machinery refurbishment; enhanced engines; 

and upgrades of the current skirt system 

with an improved deep skirt, thereby increasing the performance envelope. 

The Ship-to-Shore Connector (SSC) 

is the planned replacement for the in-service LCACs and the LCAC (SLEP) as these 

craft reach the ends of their service lives. 

In December 2007, the Navy Resources, 

Requirements Review board selected the 

73 Short Ton Air Cushion Vehicle concept 

in the approved Initial Capabilities Development Document as the SSC platform. 

The program has achieved Milestone A 

and a set-based design has been completed. A Request for Proposal for Detail, 

Design, and Construction is planned for 

release in FY 2010, with contract award 

expected in FY 2011, and delivery of the 

test and training craft in FY 2016. 

Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) / 

Ship to Shore Connector (SSC)
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USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

The Marine Corps’ current prepositioning programs provide the equipment 

and supplies for elements of three Marine 

Expeditionary Brigades (MEBs) afloat 

and elements of a fourth MEB in Marine 

Corps Prepositioning Program–Norway 

(MCPP-N). The current program, however, must continue to evolve to meet 

the challenges of a strategic environment 

with greater anti-access challenges. Marine Corps prepositioning, both ashore 

and afloat, is programmed for significant 

change through 2025. The most marked 

changes will occur in the afloat program, 

where the capability to conduct sustained 

sea-based operations with limited host 

nation infrastructure in the Joint Operating Area (JOA) will provide a greatly expanded set of options for the Combatant 

Commanders. A detailed integration plan 

has been developed to ensure the new capabilities are seamlessly incorporated into 

the existing program. The plan described 

below depicts how the new platforms will 

be integrated and provides a snap shot of 

the capability of the program at different 

timeframes.

By 2010, each Maritime Prepositioned Squadron (MPSRON) will have 

gained increased organic ship-to-shore 

movement capability with the complete 

fielding of the Integrated Navy Lighterage System (INLS). The INLS provides 

operability in higher sea states and greater throughput capacity than the legacy 

lighterage it replaces. Through 2011, the 

Maritime Prepositioning Force (MPF) 

squadrons will be recapitalized with 

Military Sealift Command (MSC) either 

purchasing or terminating the leases on 

the current leased ships. The recapitalization plan also includes the purchase of 

a general-purpose container ship and a 

tanker ship. The final major enhancement 

that will occur in this time period is the 

integration of one Large Medium-Speed 

Roll-On Roll-Off (LMSR) ship into each 

MPSRON. The LMSRs will provide more 

stowage space to accommodate the larger 

and more numerous equipment of the 

programmed MEB. The addition of the 

three LMSRs will provide a net increase 

of more than 400,000 square feet, or 18 

percent, by 2011. The first LMSR, USNS 

Sisler, was integrated into MPSRON-1 in 

2008. USNS Dahl joined MPSRON-3 in 

January 2010, and USNS Seay will join 

MPSRON-2 in January 2011. 

While the current prepositioning 

program provides significant capability to the Combatant Commanders, it 

is limited in some areas, especially the 

ability to conduct sea-based operations. 

The closure of forces requires a secure 

airfield and a secure port or beach landing site in the JOA –– a significant constraint on some operations. Current MPF 

platforms can embark limited personnel 

pier side, at anchor, or via a single-spot 

flight deck capable of supporting rotary 

wing operations, including the CH-53E. 

However, the platforms lack the billeting and support services to facilitate a 

sea-based force. Equipment and supplies 

are currently administratively stowed to 

maximize all available space. This “dense 

packing” of the ships precludes the conduct of assembly operations aboard MPF 

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ships. Current platforms can support the 

limited employment of forces from a sea 

base; however, this requires significant 

planning prior to backloading the ships 

during the preceding MPF Maintenance 

Cycle. Since there are no maintenance 

facilities aboard current MPF vessels, all 

reconstitution must be done ashore before back loading any of the equipment 

or supplies.

Between 2012 and 2016, new MPF 

ships will be integrated to the MPSRONs. 

Each new platform will incrementally 

transform the existing MPSRONs and 

provide an immediate operational benefit to the Combatant Commanders. A 

Mobile Landing Platform (MLP) with 

associated Ship-to-Shore Connectors will 

provide the squadrons their first organic 

over-the-horizon surface connector capability. The Dry Cargo/Ammunition 

(T-AKE) ship will enable the selective 

access of supplies allowing the building 

of tailored sustainment packages for the 

forces operating ashore. During this transition period, training and exercises will 

focus on the development of new tactics, techniques, and procedures as well 

as doctrinal and organizational changes 

to fully realize the enhanced ability and 

operational utility of afloat prepositioning. The LMSR will interface with the 

vehicle transfer system on the MLP permitting at-sea transfer of equipment and 

personnel through NATO sea state three. 
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USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Firepower, including responsive, lethal 

and persistent fires from U.S. Navy surface 

ships, is essential in expeditionary operations. A robust, around-the-clock, allweather, sea-based surface fire support capability is vital to the success of naval forces 

engaged in littoral combat operations. 

The current Naval Surface Fires Support 

(NSFS) capability does not meet required 

range, volume, and accuracy for supporting expeditionary operations throughout 

an extended battlespace. The Navy continues to pursue development and testing of 

an extended-range and guided-fire support 

capability to support the Marine Corps 

Vision and Strategy 2025 and the combined-service strategic vision articulated 

in A Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century 

Seapower.

In December 2005, The Joint Requirements Oversight Council validated the 

Joint Fires in Support of Expeditionary 

Operations in the Littorals Initial Capabilities Document (ICD). The ICD identified 

NSFS as a potential solution to mitigate 

gaps in weapons and engagement capability in the littoral environment. The gaps 

include the ability to engage targets in close 

support of maneuver forces or when collateral damage is a concern, the ability to 

provide volume effects over an area target 

or for sustained periods of time, and the 

ability to engage moving point and area 

target under restricted weather conditions. 

An Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) is being 

conducted to determine what weapons systems and platforms will meet the ICD requirements. This AoA will be the basis for 

a combined Marine Corps/Navy strategy 

to map out those programs and initiatives 

necessary to address the recognized gaps in 

fire support capability and capacity.

Beginning in 2014, the Navy will field 

a fully integrated, transformational fire 

support system: the DDG 1000 Zumwalt

class multi-mission destroyer. Equipped 

with two 155mm Advanced Gun Systems 

(AGS), each with a 300-round magazine, 

the DDG 1000 will add considerable firepower and flexibility to an Expeditionary Strike Group or Expeditionary Strike 

Force. The AGS, firing the Long-Range 

Land-Attack Projectile, will increase the lethal effects of the Marine Air Ground Task 

Force (MAGTF) NSFS fires to greater than 

63 nautical miles. The DDG 1000 will also 

be the first naval ship designed to integrate 

counter-fire detection with the dual-band 

radar (DBR). The DBR will be networked 

Naval Surface Fire Support (NSFS) Initiatives
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to the ground and naval sensors network 

and can digitally communicate the information to the Supporting Arms Coordination Center or Fire Support Coordination 

Center for engagement.

Future technologies will further develop transformational NSFS. New science and technology efforts are underway, 

which include the Electromagnetic Rail 

Gun. Future battlefield commanders may 

harness the destructive power of mach 7+ 

propelled projectiles launched by electromagnetic energy generated on board the 

Navy’s future family of all-electric ships. 

The Marine Corps will continue to monitor developing technologies with an eye 

toward how they might be integrated to 

support future operating concepts.

NSFS will offer a complementary capability to tactical aviation and ground fire 

systems, completing the joint triad of fires. 

Emerging capabilities will reshape the way 

fires are planned and used by the MAGTF. 

With continued commitment, the Marine 

Corps and the rest of the Joint community 

can rely upon NSFS as readily available, 

all-weather fire support systems capable 

of engaging targets across the full range of 

military operations in the littorals.
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USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

A family of Navy and Marine Corps 

MCM systems is being developed and 

fielded to allow joint/combined sea-based 

forces to conduct expeditionary operations at a time and place of our choosing, 

to include terrain defended by anti-access 

systems such as mines and obstacles. Tactics, techniques, procedures, and material 

solutions are being developed to support 

seamless naval expeditionary operations 

throughout the littoral and beyond.

From the Stern Gate 

through the Beach 

Sea-based forces first require an effective mine countermeasures capability 

to open and maintain sea lines of communication and to operate within the littoral battle space. The ability to operate 

in areas defended by enemy mines and 

obstacles requires a family of capabilities, 

which includes detection, location, neutralization, marking, and data dissemination. This family of capabilities will allow 

commanders to detect and avoid mines 

and obstacles when possible, and breach 

when necessary. 

In conducting Operational Maneuver from the Sea (OMFTS) and Ship-ToObjective-Maneuver, the Marine Corps 

relies upon the Navy to maneuver its expeditionary forces to the beach, allowing 

the deployment and prosecution of operations ashore. Forces, equipment, and 

supplies will have to cross the beach regardless of future vertical-lift capabilities. 

In specific areas of national strategic interest, the assault force faces challenges in 

detection and avoidance of littoral waters 

and landing beaches fouled by mines and 

obstacles. In these areas of present and future interest, suitable landing beaches are 

limited—and our potential adversaries 

are aware of them. 

The Navy’s triad of deep-water MCM 

capabilities resides in surface mine countermeasure ships, airborne mine countermeasure helicopter squadrons, and 

underwater mine countermeasure teams 

consisting of explosive ordnance disposal 

(EOD) detachments, equipped with marine mammal systems and unmanned 

vehicles. The MCM triad stands ready 

to conduct large-area or long-endurance 

MCM operations from deep water to the 

40-foot depth contour.

The Navy is engaged in an effort to 

augment the triad with MCM systems 

embarked on ships of Carrier and Expeditionary Strike Groups, as well as 

equipping the Littoral Combat Ships 

with MCM mission modules. These are 

designed to provide a self-contained, “organic” capability to detect, avoid, and/or 

neutralize mines within an operationally 

acceptable timeline and with acceptable 

levels of operational risk. This next generation of systems includes the Remote 

Mine-Hunting System and the MH-60s 

Mine warfare helicopter with advanced 

sonar and sweep gear among others.

The physics of ship-draft requirements, sensor and system operating limits, diver physiology, mine characteristics, 

and an extremely dynamic environment, 

combined with the requirement for covert operations and many other factors, 

limit effectiveness of deep water systems 

Mine Countermeasures (MCM) 
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in very shallow water (VSW - 10 to 40 feet 

deep), the surf zone (SZ - 10 feet to the 

beach), and Beach Zone (BZ) operations.

In response, the Navy has developed 

a specialized family of capabilities to contend with mines and obstacles in these 

technologically challenging environments. Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 1 (EOD MU 1), formerly known 

as the Naval Special Clearance Team 1 

(NSCT-1), which consists of a 180-man 

unit composed of Navy EOD, Marine 

Reconnaissance Divers, and support 

personnel—fulfills an important part of 

the requirement. EOD MU-1 employs 

unmanned underwater vehicles, marine 

mammals, and divers to conduct lowvisibility mine exploration, reconnaissance, and clearance operations in waters 

from 40- to 10- feet deep and Beach Zone 

(BZ) operations. Data collection devices 

such as the Coastal Battlefield Reconnaissance and Analysis (COBRA) System will 

provide the Navy and Marine Corps with 

essential visual reconnaissance information on mine lines and SZ/BZ defenses. 

The Navy’s science and technology effort 

is also investigating the effectiveness of 

precision-delivered Joint Direct Attack 

Munitions (JDAM) against certain SZ/

BZ mines and obstacles. The JDAM Assault Breaching System (JABS) capability 

provides a limited SZ/BZ MCM, obstacle 

breaching capability.

In the long-term, the science and 

technology endeavor is pursuing “smart” 

bomb- and gun-delivered munitions 

designed to destroy concentrations of 

SZ/BZ mines. This includes the Navy’s 

Counter Mine System (CMS) which uses 

a spray of small darts to neutralize mines 

in the beach and surf zones. This promising technological approach offers the 

potential for standoff operations and the 

removal of men and mammals from the 

minefield—two key MCM goals.

Through the Beach 

and Beyond 

Once ashore, naval expeditionary forces must be capable of detecting, 

breaching, clearing, proofing, marking 

mines and obstacles, and the dissemination mine and obstacle data across the 

Naval Forces from the critical Navy-Marine Corps handoff in the vicinity of the 

beach exit to the force objectives and beyond. Marine Corps commanders must 

be able to detect and avoid landmines 

and Improvised Explosive Devices and 

obstacles when possible, and breach them 

when necessary. The Marine Corps’ current inventory of MCM systems includes 

the AN/PSS-14 Mine Detector (which utilizes ground penetrating radar to locate 

mines), explosive breaching systems-the 

Assault Amphibian Vehicle with Mk154 

Triple-Shot Line Charge, Mk155 Mine 

Clearing Line Charge (MICLIC), and 

Anti-Personnel Obstacle Breaching System (APOBS)—and mechanical breaching/clearing/proofing systems (M1 tank 

with track-width mine plow and armored 

D-7 dozer). In aggregate, these systems 

provide a limited and aging deliberate 

breaching capability. They do not meet 

the detection, speed, and responsiveness 

requirements of the modern battlefield.
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USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

The Assault Breacher Vehicle (ABV) 

has been fielded to meet its Initial Operational Capability scheduled for fiscal year 

2009. ABV is a single-platform minefield breaching/clearing/proofing/marking system that possesses the speed and 

mobility of modern mechanized forces. 

Combining two Mk155 Line Charges, a 

Full-Width Mine Plow, and a breached 

lane marking system on an M1 tank chassis, the ABV will offer deliberate and “instride” breaching capabilities—allowing 

commanders to maintain initiative and 

momentum.

MCM doctrine, training, and equipment are continuously evolving to cover 

capability gaps, replace obsolete equipment, and meet the challenges posed 

by newer threats, such as the greatly increased use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), off-route mines, and antihelicopter mines. 

Current Marine Corps MCM systems face challenges in providing force 

commanders with the desired “in-stride” 

capability to achieve and maintain initiative and momentum in a full spectrum 

anti-access environment. The Marine 

Corps has a MAGTF MCM master plan, 

designed to fill remaining capability gaps 

and provide a road map for the future. 
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part 8: 

Training and Education
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chapter 3: programs

Introduction

The training and education of Marines is the cornerstone of ensuring that the 

Marine Corps remains the world’s premier warfighting organization. The training associated with preparing Marines for the full spectrum of conflict is demanding and ensures that they are ready for the challenges of an uncertain world. Through a deliberate 

building-block approach to training and education conducted at world-class facilities, 

the Marine Corps continues to provide the individual Marine and Marine organizations, from fire teams to Marine Expeditionary Brigades, with the requisite skills to 

meet their assigned mission essential tasks. This training is enhanced with the integration of modeling, simulation, and training systems. 

As the Marine Corps reduces force levels in Iraq and at the same time continues 

combat operations in Afghanistan, we are simultaneously reconstituting the force to 

ensure our ability to meet both current and future requirements. Looking toward the 

uncertain future, we will continue to maintain our irregular warfare skills developed in 

support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, while also revitalizing 

core skills required to maintain a truly multi-capable force able to prosecute actions 

across the Range of Military Operations. 

Future conflicts will likely consist of a hybrid of conventional war, irregular challenges, terrorism and criminal activities, involving states, proxy forces, and armed 

groups. Preparing the Marine Corps for hybrid challenges in complex environments 

requires proficiency across six core competencies as outlined in the Marine Corps 

Vision and Strategy 2025.

To meet these challenges, the Marine Corps Training and Education Command 

will provide a training environment that is responsive and relevant, preparing individual Marines and Marine Corps units via targeted, progressive training and continuous assessment.
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USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Our individual training begins at 

our recruit depots where young men 

and women are transformed into United 

States Marines through a thorough indoctrination to our history, customs and 

traditions, thereby imbuing them with 

the mental, moral and physical foundation necessary for successful service to 

Corps and Country. Our training develops physically fit, tactically and technically proficient warriors of high moral character with a bias for action, possessing 

the courage to make ethically sound decisions, and capable of properly preparing 

and leading Marines to successfully accomplish their unit’s mission in combat. 

As Marines progress through the ranks, 

they develop skills within and beyond 

their military occupational specialty that 

will allow them to perform challenging 

missions across a wide range of military 

operations. As we look towards an uncertain future, a primary individual training focus area for the Marine Corps is the 

improvement of our small unit leaders’ 

intuitive ability to assess, decide, and act 

while operating in a more decentralized 

manner. 

MAGTF Training

Amphibious Core Training. The 

Marine Corps is developing and refining 

key training programs to reinvigorate our 

amphibious capability. The Training and 

Education Command (TECOM) is preparing individual Marines through training and education at the Marine Corps 

Expeditionary Warfare School, the Marine Corps Command and Staff College, 

and various courses at the Expeditionary 

Warfare Training Groups Atlantic and Pacific, such as the Type Commander Amphibious Training. We will prepare Marine Air Ground Task Forces (MAGTFs) 

by training alongside the Navy through 

such exercises as amphibious landing exercises and Marine Expeditionary Brigade 

(MEB) exercises. 

Combined Arms Exercise – Next 

(CAX-Next). TECOM is developing 

the next generation of battalion, regiment, and MEB-level combined arms 

exercise program. This program will be 

similar in scale to the type of combined 

arms training that was conducted prior 

to Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and the Mojave Viper 

pre-deployment training program. It 

will include all elements of the MAGTF 

including command elements, ground 

combat elements, logistics combat elements, and aviation combat elements. 

CAX-Next will provide the force with 

the combined arms skills that make the 

MAGTF a force multiplier, as well as continue to reinforce the skills necessary for 

counter insurgency operations.

MAGTF Large-Scale Exercise (LSE). 

The MAGTF LSE is a Marine Expeditionary Brigade and Marine Expeditionary 

Force-level exercise program within a 

joint context that will include live/virtual/constructive training linked through 

a supporting network across the United 

States and with amphibious forces afloat. 

MAGTF LSE will increase joint and 

amphibious capabilities as the Marine 

Corps reconstitutes its full amphibious 

capability.

Individual and MAGTF Training
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Leveraging several joint initiatives 

from the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), the Chairman Joint Chief 

of Staff, and the U.S. Joint Forces Command, TECOM incorporates joint, interagency, and multinational training 

context into dynamic, capabilities-based 

training in support of national security 

requirements.

Joint Training. Through the OSDsponsored Joint National Training Capability (JNTC), TECOM has integrated 

specific joint context solutions to identified joint training shortfalls at U.S. Marine 

Corps Joint National Training Capabilityaccredited programs: Marine Air Ground 

Task Force Training Command, 29 Palms, 

CA; Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron-1 (MAWTS-1), Yuma, 

AZ; Marine Air Ground Task Force Staff 

Training Program, Quantico, VA; Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, 

CA; and Marine Corps Tactics and Operations Group (MCTOG), 29 Palms, CA. 

The JNTC also provides several tools that 

support the incorporation of joint training into service Title X responsibilities. 

One of these tools is the Joint Training 

Enterprise Network (JTEN) that is the 

communications network for JNTC. The 

JTEN is a high-capacity, rapidly reconfigurable network that supports joint training exercises, experimentation, and the 

evaluation of new warfighting concepts. 

Additionally, it allows for inter- and intraservice forces to link simulation networks 

in order to train in a live, virtual and constructive environment that blends live 

tactical forces with manned simulators 

and sophisticated computer models.

Interagency Cooperation and 

Training. In order to increase realism and 

meet mission training standards at predeployment training programs, TECOM 

leverages the Department of Defense Interagency Request Process in identifying 

USMC Interagency participation requirements for our U.S. Government Agency 

partners. Additionally, through efforts 

with U.S. Agency for International Development, the Security Cooperation Education and Training Center, and MCTOG, 

deploying units have been trained in the 

use of the Tactical Conflict Assessment 

and Planning Framework that assists 

Commanders with identifying the root 

causes of instability in their location, and 

target efforts to address these problems. 

TECOM assists the State Department’s 

Foreign Service Institute by instructing a 

Military Culture class during the monthly Iraq Provincial Reconstruction Team 

(PRT) Orientation and Afghanistan Familiarization Courses. 

Multi-national Training. TECOM’s 

intent is to build robust training relationships with multi-national partners 

through the development of an institutionally sound strategy to improve interoperability. One area focuses on Operational level interaction, primarily through 

coordination and reciprocal participation in Mission Rehearsal Exercises with 

partner nations which USMC units are 

frequently adjacent to during current operations. Additionally, institutional-level 

interoperability is being pursued through 

staff and instructor exchange programs in 

respective training organizations. 

Joint, Intergovernmental, and Multi-national (JIM) Training
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USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

To prepare Marines and the operating 

forces for the current fights and operating 

environments, The Training and Education Command (TECOM) developed an 

extensive PTP based on the Pre-Deployment Training Continuum. The PTP establishes a coherent progression of skilllevel training, conducted by commanders, 

and evaluated at PTP Mission Rehearsal 

Exercises (MRX). Training is conducted in 

four nested “blocks” in ascending competency levels. Marine Expeditionary Force 

commanders determine what level of 

competency is required for each deploying unit based on mission essential task 

analysis, set unit priority for service level 

training events, and ensure units participating in service-level training events have 

appropriate support attachments during 

respective blocks of training. The PTP 

Continuum is comprised of:

Block 1: Block 1A and 1B training 

consist of Sustained Core Skills Training, 

Core Plus Skills Training, and Marine 

Corps Common Skills (MCCS) Sustainment Training. Core Plus Skills are those 

combat-focused skills that are environment, mission, rank or billet specific and 

are developed after a Marine is assigned to 

an operational unit. Block 1 training also 

includes formal schools training. Career 

progression training is critical to effective 

building block training and the intent is 

for all incoming leaders to have received 

the appropriate schooling prior to beginning the units’ collective training. For 

aviation units, Block 1 provides resident 

instructor development, certification, and 

sustainment of qualifications/designations of individual aircrew and maintainers for annual training requirements.

Block 2: Block 2 training consists 

of Core Capabilities Training conducted 

within a unit. Core Capabilities are the 

essential collective functions a unit must 

be capable of performing during extended combat operations. For battalionsized units, Block 2 is company-level and 

below training. For squadrons, Block 2 is 

Core Skills refinement and flight leadership development, normally single ship 

through division flight operations.

Block 3: Block 3 training is based on 

unit Mission Essential Tasks and consists 

of Advanced Core Capabilities (or Core 

Plus for Aviation) Training conducted 

by a unit and by the unit’s higher headquarters. For battalion-sized units, Block 

3 is battalion-level training. For Aviation 

units, Block 3 is squadron level integration with adjacent aviation and supported 

ground units utilizing formalized Command and Control functions to perform 

assigned METs to their required output 

standards.

Block 4: Block 4 training is battalion/

squadron-level core competency training 

and is also known as the unit’s Mission 

Rehearsal Exercise (MRX). Block 4 training is a unit’s “graduation” predeployment 

training exercise and is individually-tailored to support and assess a unit’s ability 

to perform tasks on its assigned mission 

METL(s). Battalion and higher deploying 

units will typically undergo a TECOMsupported MRX. Deploying units that 

do not participate in an MRX complete 

an Alternate Mission Rehearsal Exercise 

that is supported by the parent Marine 

Expeditionary Force. The MRX provides 

information for the MEF Commanding 

General’s unit certification process.

Enhanced Mojave Viper

Conducted aboard the Marine Corps 

Air-Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC) 

Pre-deployment Training Program (PTP)
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in 29 Palms, CA, Enhanced Mojave Viper 

is a 28-day full-spectrum exercise that 

focuses on providing a service-level assessment of battalions and squadrons in 

preparation for deployment. The exercise 

force composition consists of two infantry battalions, a combat logistics battalion, and three flying squadrons (fixed 

wing, rotary wing, and assault support). 

Throughout the 28-day exercise, units 

undergo full-spectrum training in offensive operations, defensive operations, 

Military Operations Other Than War and 

Counter Insurgency. Under various conditions to include desert, limited visibility, 

urban, rural, joint, and interagency, units 

are provided a live-fire, combined-arms 

training venue that closely resembles 

the conditions they will operate in once 

deployed. 

Exercise Mountain 

Warrior

Mountain Warrior is the Block 3 Marine Air Ground Task Force Operations 

Course at the Mountain Warfare Training 

Center (MWTC), near Bridgeport, CA. 

Other local training areas are also used, 

including Hawthorne Army Depot at 

Hawthorne, NV; Naval Air Station Fallon, 

NV; and Lucky Boy Pass (off-road driving 

and counter-Improvised Explosive Device 

training). This course provides the opportunity for theater-specific pre-deployment 

training for USMC battalions and regimental staffs deploying to Afghanistan. 

The course consists of scalable, tailored 

training packages for units ranging in 

size from the company to battalion with 

a regimental headquarters. Currently, 

Marine ground combat forces deploying 

to Afghanistan conduct pre-deployment 

training during Exercise Mojave Viper, 

with training modified to be Afghanistanspecific. A variation of Exercise Mountain Warrior conducted at MWTC and 

MCAGCC will likely serve as the mission 

rehearsal exercise for USMC forces deploying to Afghanistan in the future.

Pre-deployment Training Continuum

Figure 1 
190

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Marine Corps combat readiness depends on the continued availability of 

Ranges and Training Areas (RTAs) that 

provide realistic, mission-oriented training in complex environments. The Marine Corps Training and Education 

Command (TECOM) has identified a 

comprehensive set of Corps-wide range 

requirements. These requirements are 

articulated in a Marine Corps Reference 

Publication, which defines the unconstrained range capabilities needed for 

accomplishing both urgent immediate 

and anticipated future training needs. In 

that regard, TECOM has established six 

cornerstone objectives for transforming 

RTAs:

1. Preserve and enhance the live-fire 

combined arms training capabilities 

of Marine Corps Air Ground Combat 

Center/Marine Air Ground Task Force 

Training Command, 29 Palms, CA and 

Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma Range 

Complex, AZ.

2. Recapture the Marine Air Ground Training Force (MAGTF) and unit training 

capabilities of the nation’s two premier 

littoral training areas, Camp Lejeune, 

NC, and Camp Pendleton, CA.

3. Leverage technology to support every 

level of training with a goal of providing timely and objective feedback to 

the training audience.

4. Honor our commitments to protecting 

the environment, while preserving and 

enhancing our ability to conduct livefire and maneuver training.

5. Ensure that our training complexes are 

available to, and capable of supporting, cross-Service training.

6. Support the emerging Joint National 

Training Capability with the common range infrastructure and systems 

architecture to ensure effective joint 

training.

The Corps has made significant investments in range instrumentation, targets, and simulation technologies to upgrade and modernize training. However, 

there remain areas of significant concern. 

Current range-complex configurations 

are not optimal for today’s training requirements, and they will not be adequate 

for future weapons systems. Our current 

range complexes provide insufficient unconstrained maneuver space for Marine 

Air Ground Task Force training. Our 

range-planning initiatives aim at addressing these concerns to assure our ability to 

meet future training requirements. Specific issues include:

• Marine Expeditionary Brigade-level fire 

and maneuver training area

• East Coast aviation training range to accommodate the increased airspace and 

weapons requirements of precisionguided munitions and the F-35 Joint 

Strike Fighter

• Enhanced training opportunities for 

Marine units stationed in the Pacific

The Marine Corps has made considerable progress in the past seven years 

on cataloging, assessing, managing, and 

funding critical RTA complexes. There 

has been progress in identifying and 

quantifying the impacts of encroachment 

and incorporating those assessments into 

a comprehensive range management 

system. Important investments have been 

made to enhance range maintenance and 

modernization programs. In early 2010, 

all major Marine Corps installations are 

undergoing range modernization. The 

Mission-Capable Ranges initiative is supported by the acquisition program for 

Range Modernization/Transformation 

program.

Multi-Capable Training Ranges
191

chapter 3: programs

MAGTF Training Simulations Division (MTSD), a directorate of the TECOM, 

has established a training modeling and 

simulation community of interest to facilitate information exchange and address 

specific focus areas, such as infantry skills 

simulations, staff training environments, 

and simulation system Integration, Interoperability, Interconnectivity, Compatibility and networking. Participants in 

this forum are drawn from throughout 

the Marine Corps and industry. With this 

forum’s input, MTSD is writing a training modeling and simulation strategy and 

master plan that will meet MAGTF training needs.

Small-unit training is receiving particular focus by TECOM to prepare Marines for contemporary and future operating environments. For squad-level training 

needs, TECOM is building upon the Infantry Immersion Trainer (IIT) facility developed by I Marine Expeditionary Force 

(MEF) to institutionalize this capability 

for the other MEFs. The IIT provides a key 

bridge to TECOM’s future squad training 

initiative, the Squad Immersive Training 

Environment (SITE) program. SITE is 

envisioned as a multifaceted “toolkit” of 

integrated live, virtual, and constructive 

training capabilities that commanders can 

leverage to train their small units at all 

points along the training continuum. The 

SITE “toolkit” is predicted to include IIT, 

current virtual training systems appropriate for small units, and future capabilities that leverage emerging technologies. 

In support of the Enhanced Company 

Operations concept, MTSD is examining 

the networking of selected staff training, 

combined arms, combat convoy, combat 

vehicle, and aviation simulation systems to 

enable better training capabilities among 

critical MAGTF building blocks.

The U.S. Joint Forces Command recently approved and funded TECOM’s 

request to integrate the Marine Corps’ 

MAGTF Tactical Warfare Simulation system into its joint live, virtual, and constructive (JLVC) federation. This incorporation will provide higher simulation 

fidelity of MAGTF and amphibious operations in joint exercises and enable the 

Marine Corps to better leverage the many 

JLVC tools to support Service training and 

Combatant Commander regional engagement exercises. TECOM is pursuing appropriate linkages among existing Marine 

Corps simulations to provide more robust 

capabilities and examining simulations 

that address Political, Military, Economic, 

Social, Infrastructure, and Information 

issues. 

Finally, TECOM is conducting an assessment of live, virtual, and constructive 

training environment capabilities. This 

analysis will identify gaps in the Marine 

Corps’ ability to link different current capabilities and delineate integration standards for future capabilities. TECOM is examining networking requirements to link 

simulation systems with each other and 

with live domain capabilities, and as well 

as provide access to existing Marine Corps, 

joint, interagency, and multinational partner training and modeling simulation networks. Such a network would support distributed training venues between MAGTF 

elements, enable large-scale MAGTF exercises, and facilitate Marine Corps participation in joint, interagency, and multinational exercises. 

Modeling and Simulation (M&S)
192

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Description

CACCTUS is a combined arms staff 

training system that, when fully fielded, 

will enable comprehensive Marine Corps 

staff, unit, and team training at home 

station Combined Arms Staff Training 

(CAST) facilities and through distributed 

training involving CAST facilities across 

the Marine Corps. CACCTUS is an upgrade to the USMC’s CAST that provides 

fire-support training for the Marine Air 

Ground Task Force (MAGTF) elements 

up to and including the Marine Expeditionary Brigade level. CACCTUS is envisioned to provide a capability to tie into 

existing systems such as MAGTF Tactical 

Warfare Simulation.

Operational Impact

Using the system components and 

simulation capabilities, two- and threedimension visuals, interfaced Command, 

Control, Communication, Computers, 

and Intelligence (C4I), synthetic terrain, 

and an After Action Review, the concept 

of operations for the CACCTUS system 

is to immerse the trainees in a realistic, 

scenario-driven environment to enable 

commanders and their battle staffs to 

train or rehearse combined arms tactics, 

techniques and procedures and decisionmaking processes. In addition, CACCTUS will provide training across a live, 

virtual, and constructive training network 

through interoperability with appropriate 

C4I systems in a training environment. 

Program Status

CACCTUS is fielded and providing 

Battalion Level training at MAGTF Training Center 29 Palms, CA, and II Marine 

Expeditionary Force (MEF) Camp LeJeune, NC, and will achieve Initial Operational Capability in November 2009. Current CAST facilities at III MEF Okinawa, 

Japan; I MEF Camp Pendleton, CA; and 

Kaneohe Bay, HI will be upgraded to 

CACCTUS and all five sites will be operating with CACCTUS Version 5.1 by 

May 2010.

Procurement Profile: FY 2010 FY 2011

Quantity: 3 0

Developer/Manufacturer: 

Cole Engineering Services Inc., Orlando, FL

Collective Training Systems

Combined Arms Command and Control Training Upgrade 

System (CACCTUS)
193

chapter 3: programs

Description

The CVTS for the M1A1 Main Battle 

Tank, Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) and 

Assault Amphibious Vehicle (AAV) provides gunnery and tactical training on 

these vehicles. The M1A1 and LAV-25 requirements are satisfied by the Advanced 

Gunnery Training System (AGTS). The 

AAV requirements are satisfied by the 

AAV-Turret Trainer (AAV-TT). 

Operational Impact

The AGTS and AAV-TT provide the 

ability to train M1A1, LAV-25, and AAV 

crewmembers to approved standards of 

combat skills and readiness. The end state 

systems are institutional, deployable, and 

table-top (M1A1/LAV-25) systems supporting individual, collective (crew, section, and platoon), combined arms, and 

joint training scenarios. 

Program Status

The M1A1 systems (institutional/

desktop/table top (FY 2010) ) are fielded 

at the following active units: 29 Palms, CA 

(4/3/10) and Camp Lejeune, NC (4/3/10) 

and the following reserve units: Camp 

Pendleton, CA (3/1/5); Yakima, WA 

(1/0/1); Boise, ID (1/0/1); 29 Palms, CA 

(1/0/1); Ft Knox, KY (1/1/1); and Camp 

Lejeune, NC (1/0/1).

The LAV-25 systems (institutional/

desktop/table top (FY2010)) are fielded 

at the following active units: Camp Pendleton, CA (6/2/11); Camp Lejeune, NC 

(4/1/8); 29 Palms, CA (4/0/8); and Okinawa, JP (1/1/0) and the following reserve 

units: Camp Pendleton, CA (0/0/1); Ft Detrick, MD (1/1/3); Riverton, UT (1/0/3); 

Camp Upshur, VA (1/1/1); Syracuse, NY 

(1/0/1); and Eastover, SC (1/1/3).

The AAV-TT systems (institutional/

deployable (FY 2011)) are fielded at the 

following active units: Camp Lejeune, 

NC (3/3); Camp Pendleton, CA (5/5); 29 

Palms, CA (1/1); Kaneohe Bay, HI (1/1); 

and Okinawa, JP (1/1), and the following 

reserve units: (Tampa, FL (1/1); Norfolk, 

VA (1/1); Gulfport, MS (1/1), Jacksonville, FL (1/1), and Galveston, TX (1/1).

Procurement Profile: FY 2010 FY 2011

M1A1 Tabletops 31 0

M1A1-DAGTS 0 6

LAV Tabletops 39 0

LAV-DAGTS 0 17

AAVTT 0 0

Developer/Manufacturer: 

Lockheed Martin, Orlando, FL.; TJ Inc., 

Orlando, FL; Naval Air Warfare Center 

Training Systems Division, Orlando, FL.

Combat Vehicle Training System (CVTS)
194

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Description

MTWS is the Marine Corps’ only 

aggregate-level constructive simulation 

system designed to support the training 

of Senior Commanders and their staffs in 

command and control processes and procedures. The system provides interactive, 

multi-sided, force-on-force, real-time 

modeling and simulation with standalone tactical combat scenarios for air 

ground, surface, and amphibious operations. 

Operational Impact

With interfaces to fielded Marine 

Corps C4I systems such as Command 

and Control Personal Computer and Intelligence Operations Server, MTWS provides the battle staff the ability to seamlessly train with and use their Command, 

Control, Communications, Computers 

and Intelligence systems during the execution on an MTWS supported training 

event. Through the implementation of a 

High Level Architecture interface between 

MTWS and the entity-level Joint Conflict 

and Tactical Simulation (JCATS) system, 

high-resolution tactical objectives can be 

simulated in JCATS and reflected within 

the context of a larger operational scenario conducted in MTWS.

Program Status

In 2009, MTWS was selected by US 

Joint Forces Command to participate as a 

federate simulation in the Joint Live-Virtual-Constructive federation supporting 

the Joint National Training Capability. 

MTWS has been the combat simulation 

system used to support I Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) and II MEF Mission Rehearsal Exercise (MRX) prior to 

Operation Iraqi Freedom deployment, 

MEF-level exercises at III MEF, Weapon 

and Tactics Instructor course in Yuma, 

7th Marines Regimental MRX at the Marine Corps Tactics and Operations Group, 

Eastern Cross exercises at the Expeditionary Warfare School, coalition exercises 

with the Royal Thai Supreme Command, 

and numerous Battalion Command Post 

Exercises.

Procurement Profile: FY 2010 FY 2011

Quantity: 0 0

Developer/Manufacturer: 

L-3 Communications, Command & 

Control Systems and Software Division, 

Eatontown, NJ

Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) 

Tactical Warfare Simulation (MTWS)
195

chapter 3: programs

Description

The CCS is an immersive training 

environment for convoy operations that 

include basic procedures for driver, gunner, and passengers in tactical scenarios 

related to combat operations. 

Operational Impact

The simulator provides instruction 

in convoy operations including; resupply, 

patrol, logistics support, high-value target 

extraction, Medical Evacuation, call for 

close air support, call for fire and training 

in convoy tactics, techniques, procedures 

and use of weapons in compliance with 

the Rules of Engagement. The CCS also 

provides training for both vehicle operators and individuals in vehicle and small 

arms weapon use, command and control, 

and Improvised Explosive Device attacks, 

response, and countermeasures. CCS 

provides guidance for Marines to respond 

to ambush attack and evolving enemy 

tactics in Military Operations on Urban 

Terrain settings.

Program Status

The CCS is the third generation of 

convoy trainers procured through the full 

and open competitive acquisition process. In first quarter FY 2008, Lockheed 

Martin, Simulations Training & Support, 

Orlando, FL, was awarded the contract to 

manufacture up to nine Combat Convoy 

Simulators. As of October 2009, trainers 

had been fielded to Camp Pendleton, CA, 

Kaneohe Bay, HI, and Camp Lejeune, NC. 

The Naval Expeditionary Combat Command has purchased two trainers, the 

first of which has been fielded to Gulfport, MS; the second will be fielded by 

second quarter FY 2010 at Point Mugu, 

CA. Future Marine Corps fielding includes Mojave Viper, Marine Corps Air 

Ground Combat Center 29 Palms, CA, 

and Okinawa, Japan.

Procurement Profile: FY 2010 FY 2011

Quantity: 2 0

Developer/Manufacturer: 

Lockheed Martin, Simulations Training & 

Support, Orlando, FL

Combat Convoy Simulator (CCS)
196

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Description

The DVTE is a laptop personal computer based simulation system capable of 

emulating organic and supporting Infantry Battalion weapons systems and training scenarios to facilitate Training and 

Readiness manual training. Its portable 

configuration allows Marines to train 

in areas where there are few options for 

training; garrison, aboard ship, at remote 

reserve locations, and deployed. DVTE 

training includes language and culture 

training, platoon and squad level tactics, employment of supporting arms, 

and various Recognition of Combatants 

packages. 

The supporting arms component of 

DVTE is accomplished by the Combined 

Arms Network (CAN). The CAN version 

1.3.1 is comprised of Assault Amphibious 

Vehicle, M1A1, Light Armored Vehicle, 

and AH-1 connected to the Joint Semi 

Autonomous Force for training forward 

observers and forward air controllers. The 

CAN connects to select Marine Corps 

gear, Advanced Field Artillery Tactical 

Data System, Strikelink, and the Raven-B 

and Shadow systems, to allow training on 

a wide variety of fire-support and observer platforms. 

Another component of 

DVTE is the Virtual Battle Space 2 

(VBS2), version 1.3, which trains 

Marines on everything from 

command and control to convoy 

standard operating procedures. 

VBS2 provides a three-dimensional synthetic environment 

for tactical training required by 

Marines. 

Operational Impact

DVTE is part of a Commander’s “training toolkit” contributing 

to the building-block approach to standards-based training focusing on achieving improved levels of combat readiness.

Program Status

One hundred and twelve DVTE suites 

have been fielded to the Battle Simulation 

Centers and active duty Marine units of 

I Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF), II 

MEF, and III MEF and to various schoolhouses, including the Basic School and 

School of Infantry. Fifty-two DVTE suites 

have been fielded to Marine Forces Reserve at training sites in 25 states. The 

fielding of the remaining suites to the active and reserve forces will be completed 

in FY 2010.

Procurement Profile: FY 2010 FY 2011

Quantity: 100 0

Developer/Manufacturer: 

Lockheed Martin, Burlington, MA; Alion 

Science and Technology, Norfolk, VA; AVT

Simulation, Orlando, FL; Mobius Industries, 

Bellevue, WA; Bohemia Interactive, NSW 

Australia

Deployable Virtual Training Environment (DVTE)
197

chapter 3: programs

Description

The RM/T program modernizes 

major Marine Corps live training ranges 

with a dynamic training system capable 

of real-time and post-mission battle 

tracking, data collection and the deliverance of value-added After Action Review. 

Interface with installation Command and 

Control training centers (e.g., Battle Staff 

Training Facility, Combined Arms Staff 

Trainer, and Battle Staff Simulation Center) is paramount to producing multiplescenario events that deliver relevant and 

realistic training. Integrating live and 

simulated training technologies, the fielded capabilities actively enhance live-fire, 

force-on-target, and force-on-force training through extensive after-action review 

with ground truth feedback (objective 

versus subjective), realistic representation 

of opposing forces, and enhanced range 

and exercise control capabilities.

Operational Impact

RM/T links Marine Corps live training to the tenets of Training Transformation–Joint National Training Capability 

and Joint Assessment and Evaluation Capability. Instrumentation allows Service 

and joint virtual and constructive forces 

to interact with Marine Corps live training forces from distributed locations. 

Eventually expanded to incorporate coalition forces, Marine Air Ground Task 

Force live training in open and urban terrain is enhanced by providing capabilities to conduct realistic training. This will 

exercise all battlefield operating systems, 

and allow continuous assessment of performance, interoperability and identification of emerging requirements.

Program Status

Sponsored by the Range and Training 

Area Management Division, Training and 

Range Training Systems

Range Modernization/Transformation (RM/T)
198

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Education Command and managed by 

Program Manager Training Systems, Marine Corps Systems Command, RM/T is 

the capability end state guiding integrated 

design of live fire training programs of record that upgrade Marine Corps training 

capabilities in an incremental manner. 

Development and production efforts are 

under way for urban training environments, ground position location systems, 

instrumented tactical engagement simulation systems, opposing forces threat 

systems (including targets), and data collection systems in order to instrument 

the live training environment at multiple 

Marine Corps Bases and Stations during 

2010. A parallel effort is enhancing the 

RM/T Data Collection System (Marine 

Corps-Instrumented Training System) 

to provide interface of Improvised Explosive Device and Joint Counter Radiocontrolled Improvised Explosive Device 

Electronic Warfare System surrogate devices with live training audiences and to 

extend the R/MT Data Collection System 

functions from exercise design through 

playback and after-action review. 
199

chapter 3: programs

Description

CAMOUT provides a realistic environment to support a variety of training tasks related to the deployment and 

maneuvers in an urban setting for the 

Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB) 

and its constituent elements. CAMOUT 

enables MEBs to conduct training in an 

environment that resembles “real world” 

urban conditions. CAMOUT provides a 

challenging and complex urban training 

environment that replicates the difficulties units face as they communicate, coordinate, maintain situational awareness, 

navigate, and track urban operations. 

Operational Impact

Within CAMOUT, Marines are confronted with a full range of tactical challenges from humanitarian relief efforts 

to peacekeeping and law enforcement 

to direct combat. All these scenarios can 

be encountered in a complex urban setting within a relatively brief timeframe or 

small physical area, known as the “three 

block war.”

Program Status

In early 2010, three CAMOUT urban 

districts are being employed, along with 

role players and atmospherics in support 

of enhancing Mojave Viper exercises.

Procurement Profile: FY 2010 FY 2011

CAMOUT 3 0

Developer/Manufacturer: 

Allied Containers System, Pleasant Hill, CA

Combined Arms Military Operations in Urban Terrain 

(CAMOUT) Training System
200

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Description

HSTL are designed to provide counter-Improvised Explosive Device (IED) 

training environments, which provide 

“real world” training challenges. These 

environments are constructed to include 

pedestrian and vehicle lanes for training on individual and unit (mounted/

dismounted) IED awareness and reaction, route clearing operations and search 

techniques and procedures. In addition to the pedestrian and vehicle lanes, 

these training environments incorporate 

structures used to replicate urban environments experienced during route 

clearance and IED defeat missions. The 

structures replicate mosques, industrial 

buildings, schools, hospitals, government 

buildings and market places in an effort 

to provide an accurate representation of 

scenarios experienced within the theater 

of operation.

Operational Impact

Like the capabilities within the 

Combined Arms Military Operations in 

Urban Terrain training system and the 

Home Station Military Operations in Urban Terrain Training System, HS Training 

Lanes incorporates “real world” conditions that focus on the terrain and the 

potential threat of IEDs. 

Program Status

Currently the IED Training Lanes are 

being installed, one at Camp Pendleton, 

CA. and one at Marine Air Ground Task 

Force Training Center, 29 Palms, CA. 

Both facilities incorporate multiple lanes 

for both foot and vehicle traffic and have 

MOUT training facilities installed to simulate market places, villages, mosques and 

other structures found within the theater 

of operation. Both locations will be completed and operational this calendar year.

Procurement Profile: FY 2010 FY 2011

Quantity: 3 0

Developer/Manufacturer: 

Parsons Corporation, Pasadena, CA.

Home Station Training Lanes (HSTL)
201

chapter 3: programs

Description

IITs are small-unit training ranges 

consisting of urban structures finished 

and decorated to replicate geo-specific 

locations. Unique from first generation 

MOUT training facilities, individual 

feedback is enhanced by the ranges’ integration and pairing with direct fire training systems, virtual simulation screens 

and windows, and video instrumentation 

for after action review to create a small 

unit training range on par with modern 

crew simulators. Integration of additional live training instrumentation systems, 

and live role players is accomplished by 

exercise design. The indoor and outdoor 

training environments highly replicate 

current operational theaters by stimulating all senses to stress small-unit actions 

and the small-unit leader’s tactical, moral, and ethical decision making within the 

context of operational culture.

Operational Impact

IITs provide a small-unit decision 

and rehearsal training range for Squad 

and Fire Team capstone training and 

evaluation in support of Pre-deployment 

Training Program (PTP) Phase III. Training lessons learned are also collected to 

form requirements basis for the Marine 

Corps’ future Squad Immersive Training 

Environment.

Program Status

This effort uses existing Marine 

Corps-wide procurement vehicles to provide Home Station MOUT non-live fire 

structures and Tactical Video Capture 

System After Action Review. Developed 

immersive effects initially fielded only to 

IITs will also be applies to Home Station 

MOUT training ranges when company 

and battalion training objectives warrant 

the training benefit derived. 

Procurement Profile: FY 2010 FY 2011

Quantity: 2 1 

Developer/Manufacturer: 

Parsons Corporation, Pasadena, CA; Global 

Security and Engineering Solutioins/L-3 

Corporation, Chantilly, VA; others TBD

Infantry Immersive Trainer (IIT)
202

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Description

Integrated Global Positioning System (GPS) Radio System (IGRS). The 

IGRS is a developmental effort which 

supports the tracking of dismounted 

troops and vehicles in open terrain by 

augmenting Marines and vehicular Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System 

(MILES) tactical engagement simulation 

systems with a GPS and Radio Frequency 

(RF) based tracking system. This system 

is specifically designed for use at Marine 

Air Ground Task Force Training Center 

29 Palms, CA across the fixed range infrastructure. 

Deployable Instrumented Training 

System (DITS). DITS supports the tracking of dismounted troops and vehicles in 

open terrain by instrumenting Marine 

Corps personnel and vehicles with a GPS 

and RF based (Ultra High Frequency) 

tracking system. This system is a Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS)-based 

product optimized for non-permanent 

infrastructure. DITS can track 1,200 participants simultaneously. This system can 

be used with room association devices to 

provide fully integrated indoor tracking. 

After Action Review (AAR) data is gathered on the fly and exported to a presentation program that can display time synched text, images, video, and audio. Unit 

commanders can request a take-home 

package that will play on any Windowsbased computer system. 

Instrumented Tactical Engagement 

System (I-TESS). I-TESS will be used 

to support direct force-on-force tactical engagement training. This system 

will consist of the following type components: Small Arms Transmitter (SAT), 

Man-worn Detection System (MDS), 

Command and Control (C2 - mobile & 

portable versions), and Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) Building 

Instrumentation, and Simulated Battlefield Weapons. The SAT will be used on 

the M4 and M16 type rifles and the M249 

Squad Automatic Weapon. The MDS and 

range equipment will be used to instrument the individual Marine for direct 

force-on-force engagement adjudication and to include the ability to support 

instrumentation functions such as PLI 

reporting. The I-TESS system will be 

used in MOUT Facilities and Non-Live 

Fire Maneuver Ranges located at various 

Marine Corp bases and installations.

Operational Impact

The Marine Corps requires training 

systems that provide real-time situation 

awareness, exercise control capabilities, 

and adjudicate indirect fire engagements 

so as to help facilitate the training exercise objectives. There is a need to collect 

the training actions/interactions of the 

Marines during the training exercise with 

the ability to provide immediate access 

of collected data for After Action Review 

purposes.

Program Status

G-PLI achieved Program of Record status as an Abbreviated Acquisition Program. 520 units of IGRS 

and 991 units of DITS have been deGround-Position Location Information (G-PLI) Systems
203

chapter 3: programs

livered. I-TESS will be delivered as 

follows: 

I-TESS – 2400 units will be delivered 

to Quantico, Camp Lejeune, Camp Pendleton, Hawaii, and 29 Palms 

Procurement Profile: FY 2010 FY 2011

Quantity: 1200 1200 

Developer/Manufacturer: 

SAAB Training USA, Orlando, FL

SRI International, Menlo Park, CA
204

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Marine Corp Instrumentation Training System (MC-ITS)

Description

MC-ITS is an exercise control and 

after action review base-system capable 

of monitoring real-time live training 

and exercises for the purposes of instrumentation data collection, analysis, and 

review. MC-ITS will provide the capability to simultaneously support multiple 

training exercises. It will provide objective data collection and analysis of unit 

performance in force-on- force, forceon-target, Live Fire, and associated Command Post Exercises. The system will 

collate training feedback materials from 

varied training support and simulation 

systems to provide a comprehensive After 

Action Review (AAR) package for associated training elements. MC-ITS training 

capabilities will additionally enhance the 

procedures in the employment of Operational Counter Radio-controlled Improvised Explosive Device Electronic Warfare 

System devices by integrated training capabilities of the Counter Radio Electronic 

Warfare 2 and Marine Corps-Training 

Improvised Explosive Device training devices. This integration extends real-time 

visualization, Situational Awareness, and 

AAR for Counter-IED training. 

Operational Impact

MC-ITS will integrate live training 

with other simulation environments to 

provide the doctrinally correct battlespace 

and Marine Air Ground Task Force elements needed to provide tactical and operational realism for integrated training. 

Program Status

1 company level set will be delivered 

to 29 Palms in FY 2010, 2 battalion level 

sets will be delivered to 29 Palms in FY11; 

with follow on to all locations where Tactical Video Capture System and I-Tactical 

Engagement Simulation Systems will be 

deployed. This system was developed by 

Unitech/Riptide.

Procurement Profile: FY 2010 FY 2011

Quantity: 1 2

Developer/Manufacturer: 

Lockheed Martin (Unitech) and Riptide, 

Orlando, FL
205

chapter 3: programs

Description

The TVCS provides video-based RealTime Visualization, Situation Awareness, 

and After Action Review (AAR) capabilities. The TVCS will support these capabilities by using a video-stitching process 

that combines raw/captured video from 

multiple cameras into a single wide-panoramic view. The panoramic view is used 

in real-time to observe Marine’s Urban 

Warfare tactics and for later use during 

group and individual AAR evaluation 

sessions. The TVCS AAR will also allow 

for insertion of text, graphics, 3D views, 

and audio.

Operational Impact

TVCS synchronized video play back 

of urban maneuver allows identification 

of training friction points supporting after action reviews at various USMC Military Operations in Urban Terrain training venues.

Program Status

This system is presently seeking Program of Record status as Acquisition Category IV (M). Installation completion 

at MCB Camp Pendleton is expected in 

FY 2010. Additionally, in first quarter 

FY 2009, the Joint Improvised Explosive 

Device Defeat Organization (JIEDDO) in 

collaboration with the Marine Corps and 

The U.S. Navy Expeditionary Combat 

Command identified the need to support 

JIEDDO’s mission to identify and defeat 

the device requirement. To support this 

critical training, JIEDDO funded and 

sponsored procurement of eight TVCS 

for Home Station Training Lanes at three 

Marine Corps and five Navy sites.

Procurement Profile: FY 2010 FY 2011

Quantity: 8 8

Developer/Manufacturer: 

Global Security and Engineering 

Solutioins/L-3 Corporation, Chantilly, VA

Tactical Video Capture System (TVCS)
206

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Description

OLCTS provides interactive language 

and culture training packages designed to 

shrink training time by using computerbased interactive training and a common 

architecture that allow sharing of content 

across multiple training delivery platforms. This pedagogical framework supports continuous learning by the Marine 

throughout the deployment and mission 

planning cycles. The language and culture 

packages are available on desktop, laptop, 

web based, hand-held and mission-rehearsal training platforms. Trainees communicate using a speaker-independent 

continuous speech recognition system 

with animated characters representing 

local people in simulated mission scenarios implemented on top of a commercial 

gaming engine using Situated Culture 

Methodology and artificial intelligence 

technology.

Operational Impact

OLCTS provides a repository and 

common framework for shared language 

and culture training packages relevant 

to Marine Corps operations world wide. 

OLCTS will provide initial acquisition 

and sustainment language and culture 

training that enable Marines to become 

culturally and linguistically adept to perform any mission, anywhere, and anytime.

Program Status

Products are currently available are: 

Iraqi; Pashto; Dari; Sahel French.

Procurement Profile: FY 2010 FY 2011

2 2

Developer/Manufacturer: 

Alelo, Tactical Language Training, 

Los Angeles, CA

Culture & Language Training Systems

Operational Language & Culture Training System (OLCTS)
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Description

The VCAT, sponsored by the US Joint 

Forces Command, is a Sharable Content 

Object Reference Model compliant webbased cultural awareness training game 

integrated with the Atlas Pro learning 

management system and delivered via 

Joint Knowledge Online. VCAT provides 

immersive training for joint warriors deploying to the Horn of Africa for multiple 

mission sets, and multiple scenarios using Situated Culture Methodology. This 

methodology focuses on situated culture, 

consistent with the five dimensions of 

“operational culture” used by the Center for Advanced Operational Culture 

Learning. 

Operational Impact

The VCAT prototype provides cultural awareness training for individual augmenters prior to their deployment to the 

Horn of Africa area of responsibility. The 

mission areas include civil affairs, security cooperation and humanitarian relief 

missions for both junior and senior leaders. VCAT will provide cultural awareness 

training that enables Marines to become 

culturally adept to perform any mission, 

anywhere and anytime.

Program Status

Horn of Africa is currently available 

via the Joint Knowledge Development 

and Distribution Capability at: http://jko.

jfcom.mil/ and will be available in the future via MarineNet.

Procurement Profile: FY 2010 FY 2011

1 1

Developer/Manufacturer: 

Alelo, Tactical Language Training, LLC, 

Los Angeles, CA

Virtual Cultural Awareness Trainer (VCAT)
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USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Description

APM C< is conducting Research 

and Development to develop, deliver, and 

evaluate training technologies for enhancing the individual Marine’s cognitive 

skills for Improvised Explosive Device defeat (IED-D). APM C< recognizes the 

role of language and culture in detecting 

indicators of threat. The Program Manager Training Systems Command (PM 

TRASYS) Cognitive Skills for Asymmetric 

Warfare program is moving beyond basic 

declarative knowledge and procedural 

training to develop and evaluate training based on a cognitive approach that 

includes a cultural framework to improve 

the decisions and judgments required for 

successful IED-D. The goal is to develop 

a single cognitive training and assessment 

curriculum for mounted and dismounted 

patrols at the platoon echelon level and 

below. 

Operational Impact

The products developed for use in 

pre-deployment home station training 

will better prepare Marines to conduct 

more productive live training exercises at 

Mojave Viper. Training is designed to accelerate the basics of tactical expertise for 

our most junior warriors in areas such as 

understanding the enemy’s motivations 

and capabilities, understanding the terrain as it applies to IED-D, understanding 

timing, knowing one’s own capabilities, 

and understanding the human terrain 

thorough the lens of IED-D.

Program Status

The following products are currently 

available:

• “Insurgent Mindset Training” is a Virtual Battle Space 2-based training module 

that enables the warfighter to take the 

perspective of insurgents by emplacing 

IEDs to attack convoys, and also to play 

Marines tasked with predicting, detecting, and avoiding IEDs during a patrol. 

The Insurgent Mindset Training prototype will be included in a future VBS2 

release. 

• The Scenario-based Performance Assessment System for Learning in Team 

Environments (SPOTLITE) tool was 

developed for the USMC Engineer Center of Excellence for use at live training 

ranges to allow observers to measure 

and assess team and individual performance in real-time during simulated 

training exercises. Developed for use on 

a handheld tablet personal computer, 

SPOTLITE allows evaluators to more 

reliably and completely collect real-time 

data during simulated and live training 

exercises and then upload the data to a 

trending tool that permits analysis of 

data and trends over time.

Developer/Manufacturer: 

Insurgent Mindset Training and the Cognitively-Enhanced VBS2 TSP: Cognitive 

Training Solutions, Avon, OH.

Cognitive Skills Assessment for Asymmetric Warfare: Cognitive Performance Group, 

Orlando, FL.

Spotlite and Trending Tool: Aptima, Inc., 

Woburn, MA.

Cognitive Skills Training for Asymmetric Warfare
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Description

Overseas Contingency Operations, 

particularly when the focus of effort is 

counter insurgency, nation-building, humanitarian or disaster relief, shaping operations or other operations that could 

be termed “irregular,” require emphasis 

on knowledge of foreign cultures (operational culture learning) and foreign languages. Foreign language instruction has 

become a critical part of the Pre-deployment Training Program for Marine operating forces. However, the Marine Corps 

cannot afford the time or expense to send 

every Marine through formal language 

training such as that offered at the Defense Language Institute. Instead the LLRCs provide a cost effective platform for 

home station language and culture training. The LLRCs are state of the art classrooms specifically designed and equipped 

with the capability to provide language 

learning up to Defense Language Institute Interagency Language Roundtable 

Level 1+. The LLRC classrooms will accommodate up to 16 students and one 

instructor supported by appropriate 

computers, software, servers, multi-media equipment, unrestricted high speed 

internet connectivity, unrestricted foreign language television and radio as well 

as technical support. The LLRC program 

will provide for a curriculum of the most 

important languages and cultures of the 

highest priority geo-specific areas as determined by force commanders.

Operational Impact

The LLRCs provide a permanent, 

fully integrated operational language 

and culture training capability to Marine 

Corps operating forces at the largest bases/stations for the foreign languages most 

needed and used by Marines across the 

spectrum of operations. 

Program Status

LLRCs are currently operational 

at: MCB Okinawa; MCB Kaneohe Bay, 

Ft Story, VA; MCAS Cherry Point, NC, 

Camp Delmar, CA; Camp Pendleton, CA; 

Camp Lejeune, NC. The LLRCs are operated by the Center for Advanced Operational Culture Learning

Procurement Profile: FY 2010 FY 2011

2 1

Developer/Manufacturer: 

Trofholz Technologies, Inc., Rocklin, CA

Language Learning Resource Centers (LLRCs)
210

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Description

HEAT training is one of the final 

steps in an overall Vehicle Safety Training 

program and is a mandated requirement 

for all Marines prior to deployment in 

theater. The HEAT trainer simulates the 

conditions of a vehicle roll over and provides each member of the HMMWV crew 

“rehearsal” of how to respond with immediate action. The total vehicle-training 

program incorporates academic training 

in risk management, drivers training, 

rules of the road for the particular country or theater of operations, and handson training with specific equipment in 

which the crew will operate. 

Operational Impact

The Commandant of the Marine 

Corps has directed the procurement of the 

HEAT for both Continental United States 

and overseas training in order to provide 

simulation training for Marines and Sailors on the procedures to egress a vehicle 

after roll-over, how to recognize the vehicle conditions indicative of a pending 

roll-over, and to reinforce the importance 

of properly wearing the safety restraint. 

Through repetitive training in a HEAT 

simulator, the US Army has estimated 

that soldiers have increased their chances 

of survivability from a roll-over situation 

by 250 percent, developed better skills in 

avoiding dynamic vehicle rollovers and 

reduced their emergency reaction egress 

time from 60 seconds to out of the vehicle and ready to engage the enemy in 

six seconds. The HEAT system training is 

a mandated requirement for all Marines 

prior to deployment to Operations Iraqi 

Freedom and Enduring Freedom. In September 2007, US Marine Forces Central 

Command mandated roll-over training 

as pre-deployment requirement, which 

was documented in HEAT Marine Corps 

Combat Development Command Statement of Need December 2007. 

Program Status

HEAT was accepted in POM 10 

but not funded until FY 2012. As of FY 

2010, 13 have been fielded Camp Pendleton, CA; Camp Lejeune, NC; 29 Palms, 

CA; Camp Hansen, JPN; Kaneohe Bay, 

HI; New River, NC; Cherry Point, NC; 

Beaufort, SC; Yuma, AZ; and Miramar, 

CA; with another five are to be fielded in 

FY 2010 to include fielding are Iwakuni, 

Japan, and Quantico, VA. Additionally, 

Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization is funding a new start 

program for delivery of five HEATs to the 

Naval Expeditionary Combat Command. 

Procurement Profile: FY 2010 FY 2011

5 0

Developer/Manufacturer: 

MCA Albany, GA

Individual Training Systems

High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) 

Egress Assistance Trainer (HEAT)
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chapter 3: programs

The MET is designed to train Marines how to properly egress from a CAT 

I, CAT II and CAT III MRAP vehicle. Like 

the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled 

Vehicle (HMMWV) Egress Assistance 

Trainer (HEAT), it provides Marines the 

opportunity to experience vehicle rollover within a controlled environment, 

with the inside of the cab conditions literally and virtually the same as in reallife conditions. This proactive responsive 

type training also allows the Marine the 

rehearsal and physical executable natural 

response conditioning that is necessary 

in a roll-over. Given the right controlled 

training environment, this training affords the Marine with the practical experience needed to conduct proper egress 

procedures. This type of training, like the 

HEAT, reinforces the proper seatbelt/harness restraints use, and helps develop the 

muscle-memory responsive situational 

awareness skills of individual and crew 

alike that would be reactionary and proactive under any circumstance while in 

transit in any MRAP vehicle.

The MRAP is a larger vehicle with 

more personnel inside, which could result in more confusion and chaos during a rollover. Due to the higher center 

of gravity that is presented by this type 

of vehicle, the MRAP presents a higher 

probability of rolling over. The increased 

usage of the MRAPs in both Operations 

Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom 

caused the Joint Program Office to determine that it would also create an egress 

trainer similar to the HEAT to address the 

issues with egression from a rolled mishap. MET is designed to put Marines in 

a rollover environment and teach them 

teamwork and effective communication 

skills within that environment, so that 

they will properly egress a MRAP. The 

MET seats up to 10 personnel, which is 

substantially more than the HEAT. The 

MET has a functional gunner’s position, 

and within the MET, the gunner is trained 

on the proper use of the harness and the 

actions they must perform prior, during, 

and after a rollover event. 

Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) 

Egress Trainer (MET)
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USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Description

The ISMT - Enhanced (ISMT-E) is 

a three dimensional simulation based 

trainer for indoor use capable of instructing in basic and advanced marksmanship, shoot/no-shoot judgment, combat 

marksmanship, and weapons employment tactics. The trainer consists of an 

Instructor Station, audio/visual system, 

and weapons firing positions. Each firing 

position is capable of operating simulated 

weapons that includes simulated AT4, M2 

(.50 cal), M9, M16A4, M16A2 Fully Sensored, M240G, M203, MK19, MP5, Squad 

Automatic Weapon, M870 12 gauge shotgun, Shoulder-launched Multi-purpose 

Assault Weapon, M224 60mm Mortar, 

M252 81mm Mortar, M4A1, SRAW 

(Predator), and Joint Services Combat 

Shotgun. The ISMT-E has five firing positions. The Infantry Squad Trainer-Enhanced (IST-E) consists of three ISMTE trainers connected as a single system 

providing twelve firing positions. A large 

display device provides simulated targets. 

The simulated weapons are used to fire 

upon the simulated targets with an indication of the round fired. The Instructor 

Station controls the training and provides 

feedback of the results. ISMT-E/IST-Es 

also provide Forward Observer Spotting/

Control of indirect fire and night vision 

training capabilities in addition to the 

baseline features. The ISMT-E/IST-E systems are used both within the continental 

United States and outside CONUS. 

Operational Impact

The ISMT is used for remedial, virtual, instruction in basic and advanced 

marksmanship, shoot/no-shoot judgment, combat marksmanship, and weapons employment tactics. This program 

is required to continue to allow simulated training in myriad scenarios both 

at home station, during pre-deployment 

training, and while on deployment.

Program Status

Originated by a 1998 Operational Requirements Document, ISMT is a fielded 

Acquisition Category IV Program. There 

are currently 627 current systems fielded 

to active duty bases and stations, I, II, and 

III Marine Expeditionary Forces, USMC 

Reserve facilities, and aboard Naval Expeditionary ships. Systems are currently 

being catalogued for improved management of operation and sustainment. 

Procurement Profile: FY 2010 FY 2011

Quantity: 30 0

Developer/Manufacturer: 

MEGGITT Defense Systems Inc, Irvine, CA

Tatitlek Inc, Anchorage, AK

Skylla, Inc, Dumfries, VA

Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer (ISMT)
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chapter 3: programs

Description

The SAVT will advance the training 

capability, operational readiness, and tactical proficiency of USMC Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs), Forward 

Observers, and Forward Air Controllers. 

These personnel will use training scenarios that require the placement of tactical 

ordnance on selected targets using Joint 

Close Air Support procedures and observed fire procedures for Naval Surface 

Fire Support, artillery and mortar fire to 

perform destruction, neutralization, suppression, illumination/coordinated illumination, interdiction, and harassmentfire missions. 

Operational Impact

With recent Marine Corps doctrine changes, Joint JTAC memorandum 

agreement and certification by Joint 

forces Command of the Navy’s Multipurpose Supporting Arms Trainer/SAVT 

simulation events can replace 33 percent 

of the Marine Corps’ live fire Training 

and Readiness and Joint Service currency 

training requirements.

Program Status

The SAVT Mission Needs Statement 

was approved in 1998, with the Universal 

Urgent Needs Statement dated December 2006. There are currently six systems 

fielded to active duty bases and stations, 

I, II, and III Marine Expeditionary Force. 

The following enhancements to SAVT 

are planned enhancements after initial 

fielding:

• Strike Link

• Video Scout

• PLDR

• Multiple Launch Rocket System

• Laser Modeling

Procurement Profile: FY 2010 FY 2011

Quantity: 6 0

Developer/Manufacturer: 

TJ Inc., Christmas, FL

Supporting Arms Virtual Trainers (SAVT)
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USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

The Marine Corps’ martial culture 

has wrought and distinguished the service since its birth in 1775. It is a culture 

founded on the close combat of ships of 

sail and defeating the Barbary Pirates during the late 18th Century...storming the 

bois de Belleau during the Great War...

holding “Bloody Ridge” on Guadalcanal during World War II...and, most recently, intense, close-quarter combat in 

the Iraq and Afghanistan campaigns. In 

order to prepare Marines for the conflicts 

yet to come, General James L. Jones, the 

32nd Commandant of the Marine Corps, 

envisioned a program that would provide 

Marines the tools to conduct hand-tohand combat and to realize the potential 

of every Marine as a warrior. The Marine 

Corps Martial Arts Program is the product of that vision.

MCMAP is based on five, coloredbelt levels with six different degrees of 

Black Belt. Each belt level is broken down 

into three disciplines, each of which a 

Marine must become proficient in before 

attaining the next belt level. The mental, 

character, and physical disciplines of the 

warrior are the foundation of the Martial 

Arts Program. The mental discipline consists of warrior studies, martial culture 

studies, combative behavior studies, and 

other professional military education. 

The character discipline is built around 

the Marine Corps’ core values of Honor, 

Courage, and Commitment. The character discipline underscores the role of the 

warrior on and off the battlefield...24 

hours a day...seven days a week. The 

physical discipline consists of the 184 

techniques taught throughout the five 

belt levels.

Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP)
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chapter 3: programs

Description

MCDL, also known as “MarineNet,” is 

the Marine Corps’ learning management 

system and infrastructure that enables 

Marines to receive training and education 

via the appropriate interactive media, 

when and where the learning is needed. 

Managed by the College of Continuing 

Education (CCE), MCDL provides the 

operational forces access to the distance 

learning resources and performance support tools that increases the effectiveness 

of training and education through use of 

technology. MarineNet courseware facilitates career progression and expedites the 

training process by granting rapid online course enrollments and online test 

completion. Test scores are available immediately and students are able to print 

courseware completion certificates online. Student activity is electronically entered into the Marine Corps Total Force 

System via the Marine Corps Training Information Management System database 

providing promotion points, self education bonus points and Reserve retirement 

credits. To meet the access requirements 

of the operational forces, CCE has fielded 

various distance learning suites to the 

major Marine Corps bases and stations. 

The key infrastructure components of 

MCDL are as follows: 

• Content Delivery Engines (Network 

Appliances that host content) 

• Centralized Learning Management 

System for Student Administration 

• Learning Resource Centers (LRC)

• Video Teletraining Training Centers

• Deployable Learning Resource Centers 

(DLRC)

Available electronic courseware products 

include:

• Required Pre-Deployment Training

• Required Annual Training

• Military Occupational Specialty and 

Common Skills Training

• Cultural and Language Courses

• Professional Military Education 

Courses

• Business Skills and Information Technology Courses

• Online Reference Material and Job 

Aids

• Online Testing

Operational Impact

The Marine Corps Distance Learning Program contributes to the Marine 

Corps’ operational readiness by providing all Marines with access to required 

pre-deployment training, military occupational specialty common skills training 

opportunities, and Professional Military 

Education. Distance learning capabilities fill critical gaps in the training and 

education continuum and can reduce the 

amount of time Marines are required to 

be away from their home duty station attending formal training. Distance learning gives the commander a better-trained 

Marine while increasing personnel availability to accomplish the unit’s mission.

Program Status

Throughout the Marine Corps, 42 

LRCs have been fielded and are currently 

operational and 54 DLRCs are fielded and 

available for units to check out.

Marine Corps Distance Learning (MCDL)
216

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

The MCU, also known as Education 

Command, oversees a progressive series 

of schools that Marines attend throughout their careers, regardless of military 

occupations. Incorporating pedagogical 

approaches common to any higher education institution, the combined doctoral-level and military faculty strives to foster critical thinking and decision making 

skills through a balance of directed readings and writings, guest lectures, historical case studies, small-group discussions, 

military planning exercises, and shared 

experiences. MCU is accredited by the 

Commission of Colleges of the Southern 

Association of Colleges and Schools. 

MCU is the PME advocate for the 

Marine Corps and is charged with developing, implementing and monitoring 

PME policies/programs and educating 

the force. The progressive PME learning 

system is designed to educate Marines bygrade throughout their careers. PME programs consist of resident and nonresident 

instruction, professional self-study, and 

professional reading program. Resident 

programs present a unique learning opportunity in that they allow sister service, 

interagency, and foreign 

service students to participate in the education 

and exchange of ideas 

with Marine students. 

Nonresident programs 

are also critical to the 

education of the force, 

as a majority of the 

population must pursue 

education via distance 

education rather than 

resident instruction.

The main campus of MCU is located 

at Quantico, VA, and consists of the following officer PME schools and colleges: 

the Expeditionary Warfare School for 

captains, the Command and Staff College for majors, the School of Advanced 

Warfighting, (second year majors), and 

the Marine Corps War College, lieutenant colonels. Enlisted resident education 

is conducted at the Quantico Staff Noncommissioned Officer Academy and five 

satellite academies worldwide. 

The curricula of both the resident 

and nonresident education programs will 

continue to address Marine Air Ground 

Task Force proficiency in the core warfighting functions of combined arms, 

amphibious operations, and maritime 

pre-positioning operations, in addition 

to developing and expanding the Corps’ 

irregular warfare/counterinsurgency capabilities. The University intends to promote and develop the Marine Corps War 

College into a robust institution by expanding the student population to more 

fully support the Corp’s requirements. 

The enlisted PME programs are being revised to ensure resident and nonresident 

The Marine Corps University (MCU) and Professional 

Military Education (PME)
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chapter 3: programs

programs are coordinated, relevant, and 

meet the needs of the operating forces. 

The Center for Middle East Studies will 

grow into a Center for Strategic Studies 

focused on multiple regional areas of significance to the Marine Corps and the nation. The Center will expand its capacity 

to research and publish on issues associated with strategic assessments, regional 

security, diplomacy, alliance relations, 

technological and military developments, 

and U.S. foreign policy. A major component of the Center will be outreach to 

other PME institutions, civilian academic 

programs, and research institutes.

MCU leadership is exploring a concept of establishing regional campuses in 

order to give the university the capacity 

to expand and engage the student population in a meaningful and global way. 

The intent is to provide outreach and 

resources to the significant percentage 

of MCU students completing their PME 

from a distance by providing: comprehensive and immediate access to MCU 

research and academic resources; central 

access for students and faculty to assemble and participate in a learning environment; decentralized delivery of MCUdeveloped courses that ensures common 

content and uniformity; and use of technologies that link home campus with regional campuses and individual students. 

Regional campuses will permit a global 

MCU presence and central management 

of resources. Through its combined emphasis on courses, symposia, and publications, MCU will continue to develop Marines, sister service members, interagency 

personnel, and multinational partners.
part 9: 

SUPPORTING ESTABLISHMENT
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chapter 3: programs

Introduction

The Supporting Establishment –– Marine Corps Installations, Recruiting Activities, Reserve Support Activities, and Special Supporting Activities –– provides the foundation and framework for Marine Corps’ readiness in the 21st Century. The programs 

discussed in this section are vitally important to the Marine Corps and the Nation. 

They are fundamental to the combat readiness of Marine Corps operating forces and 

are integral to the support of individual Marines, Sailors, and their families. 
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USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Manpower Recruiting 

FY 2009 was a very productive year 

for the Marines of the Marine Corps Recruiting Command (MCRC) as they contributed to the Marine Corps achieving an 

end-strength of 202,000. This was accomplished without reducing the high quality 

standards expected and required to grow 

the force. Achieving this mission with the 

continued challenges of recruiting during 

wartime persisted, testing the ability and 

professionalism of our recruiting force. 

MCRC once again far surpassed its mission requirements, exceeding all quality 

benchmarks as it accomplished this milestone achievement. 

Recruiting remains the lifeblood of 

our Corps. The ability of MCRC to not 

only meet, but exceed the quality standards set forth by the Commandant of 

the Marine Corps serves as a testament 

to the professionalism and dedication of 

the recruiting force. It is the individual 

Marine recruiter who, tasked with ensuring that all applicants meet the nation’s 

expectations of its Marines, serves as the 

gatekeeper to our Corps. Thanks to their 

efforts the Corps has not wavered in accessing only the most highly qualified 

applicants. In addition to recruiting the 

Nation’s best and brightest to become Marines, the individual recruiter continues 

to serve as an ambassador in local communities and to the American public. Recruiters put a familiar face to the nationally recognized reputation of the Marine 

Corps and stand as examples of all that 

is best about the nation and her Corps. 

The individual recruiter serves as the singular most influential factor inspiring applicants to take up the challenge of serving as a United States Marine, who once 

transformed, will be a Marine for life. 

Selection to recruiting duty is a 

unique and highly discerning process. 

Over the last fiscal year this process has 

become even more rigorous. Those considered for assignment as recruiters must 

first undergo extensive screening at their 

home station and are continuously evaluated for their suitability during their time 

at Recruiters School. They are representative of the best NCO’s and SNCO’s 

the Marine Corps has to offer. Intensive 

training at Recruiters School ensures that 

recruiters are thoroughly prepared to 

face the multi-faceted challenges that lay 

ahead. Their training is continuously reinforced and built upon throughout their 
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chapter 3: programs

recruiting tour, ensuring that the recruiter remains armed with the most current, 

and effective, tools to facilitate success.

Even before a prospective applicant 

meets with a recruiter in person it is likely 

that he or she will have been exposed to 

the Marine Corps’ message of making 

Marines, winning the nation’s battles and 

developing quality citizens. This is not by 

accident; it is accomplished through comprehensive and intensely focused marketing and advertising programs. These programs serve to reinforce the elite warrior 

image and positive message that is communicated daily by the individual recruiter and is supported by his collateral materials. To effectively maintain this message, 

marketing and advertising programs 

continue to emphasize core competencies 

of building brand awareness, generating 

quality leads for recruiters and developing recruiter support material for use in 

the recruiting process. High-quality advertising efforts properly focused on the 

target markets of prospective recruits and 

their influencers creates and maintains 

awareness of Marine Corps opportunities 

among America’s young men and women 

and those who influence their decisions.

Paid advertising continues to be the 

most effective means to communicate the 

Marine Corps’ message and, as a result, 

remains the focus of advertising efforts. 

As advertising costs continue to increase 

it is imperative that the advertising budget remains competitive in order to ensure that the recruiting message reaches 

the right audience. This is especially true 

as the Marine Corps moves forward into 

FY 2010 and beyond, as the strength of 

the recruiting force is reduced and Marines are returned to the operating forces. 

Marine Corps recruiting successes during 

the past several years are a direct reflection of the superior efforts of a quality 

recruiting force and the supporting arms 

of effective marketing and advertising 

programs. 

MCRC achieved unprecedented success in FY 2009 by making 101.0 percent of its enlisted shipping objectives 

to include exceeding all Department of 

Defense (DoD) and Marine Corps quality standards. For example, 98.5 percent 

of those shipped to recruit training were 

Tier 1 high school graduates, above the 

DoD and Marine Corps standards of 90 

and 95 percent, respectively. Additionally, 69.7 percent were in the I-IIIA upper mental group — again, well above the 

DoD and Marine Corps standards of 60 

percent and 63 percent, respectively. The 

Marine Corps Reserve achieved 107.7 

percent of its recruiting goals with the 

accession of 5,701 Non-Prior Service Marines. Of these, 98.3 percent were Tier I 

high school graduates and 73.5 percent 

were in the I-IIIA mental groups. In addition, MCRC accessed 3,862 Prior Service 

Marines into the Marine Corps Reserves, 

achieving 100 percent of the objective. 

Success was also achieved in the officer mission by obtaining at least 100 

percent in all categories of air, ground, 

and law. Increases from commissioning sources like the U.S. Naval Academy 

(USNA) and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) are currently con-
222

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

tributing an appropriate percent to meet 

the overall annual officer requirement. 

In doing so, Officer Selection Teams are 

now able to focus on the college campus 

market for contracting future officers 

through the Platoon Leaders Class (PLC) 

Program. This will ensure that the quality of the Officer Corps is maintained well 

into the future. 

In all recruiting efforts, diversity, in 

both the enlisted and officer ranks, remains an important priority for MCRC. 

Increased awareness in underrepresented 

markets will remain a key aspect of the 

marketing and advertising campaigns. 

This will be augmented by enhanced outreach efforts, as MCRC strives to have a 

physical presence at key events interacting 

with prospective applicants and their influencers. This increased focus on diversity will continue until the Marine Corps 

mirrors the face of the nation it serves. 

The superior results achieved by 

MCRC during FY 2009 ensured that the 

command continued its legacy of success. MCRC recognizes that during FY 

2010 there will be new challenges, some 

expected, other which will be unexpected. 

While FY 2009 was a year marked by great 

success, and MCRC is well-positioned for 

continued success in FY 2010, there is no 

time to rest on the laurels of previous accomplishments. MCRC will move into 

the next fiscal year with a level of intensity that has led to its past successes and 

which ensures success in the future. As 

long as Marines recruit Marines, mission 

accomplishment can never be in doubt. 
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chapter 3: programs

Marine Corps Recruiting Information Support System–

Recruiting Station (MCRISS-RS)

Description

The deployment of MCRISS-RS 

streamlines the entire enlistment process 

and provides immediate benefits in manhour savings by eliminating redundant 

data entry and improving the quality of 

information available. Moreover, the system directly interfaces with and supports 

key information technology initiatives 

of the U.S. Military Entrance Processing 

Command by electronically scheduling 

applicants for processing and receiving 

electronic processing results. MCRISSRS interfaces with the Joint Personnel 

Adjudication System at the Office of Personnel Management to ensure security 

background checks are fully completed 

on each applicant. MCRISS-RS harnesses 

state-of-the-art technology and provides 

the Marine Corps Recruiting Command 

with a solid foundation from which to 

grow future manpower information systems, such as MCRISS-Recruiting SubStation (RSS) and MCRISS-Officer Selection System (OSS).

The development and deployment 

of MCRISS-RSS/OSS promises to automate both the officer and enlisted side of 

recruiting at the recruiter/officer selection officer (OSO) level through a proven 

framework of systematic recruiting. Systematic recruiting establishes procedures 

for standardization, management/planning, training, and action by focusing 

the OSO, RSS Staff Non-Commissioned 

Officer In Charge, and recruiter on those 

activities and programs vital to effective 

recruiting. MCRISS-RSS will encompass 

all 11 components of enlisted systematic 

recruiting while MCRISS-OSS will encompass the 14 components of officer 

systematic recruiting. This effort will 

further eliminate redundant data entry 

and save an extremely valuable resource: 

time.

Operational Impact

Time is the recruiter’s greatest challenge and most precious asset. A recruiter’s achievement and success are 

measured only by the number of qualified, quality individuals interviewed, contracted, and shipped to recruit training or 

Officer Candidate School. MCRISS-RSS/

OSS, coupled with solid skills, will systematically organize the recruiter’s day, 

week, and month. With this added organization, the recruiter will be armed to 

conduct prospecting in a more efficient 

manner, saving time and ensuring consistency in the execution of prospecting 

plans. 

Program Status

Procurement Profile: FY 2010 efforts 

will deploy MCRISS-OSS (the first increment of six MCRISS-RSS components), 

new automated enlisted applicant package, new Automated Commissioning 

Package, and develop the second increment of RSS.

Developer/Manufacturer: 

Stanley Associates, Arlington, VA

Subcontracts: Segue Technologies, 

Arlington, VA; Tedrad Digital Integrity, 

Washington, D.C.; and Firefly Database 

Solutions Inc., Nokesville, VA
224

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Marine Corps Retention

Enlisted Personnel

Enlisted retention achievements contribute to the Marine Corps’ success in 

reaching key end strength milestones and 

ensure the proper grade shape and experience to the enlisted career force. The Marine Corps continues to retain both firstand subsequent-term enlisted Marines at 

unprecedented levels in order to shape 

the Non-Commissioned Officer and Staff 

Non-Commissioned Officer leadership 

required by the 202,000 end strength. 

The Corps’ retention efforts match the 

required skills and grades necessary for a 

1:2 deployment-to-dwell time ratio. Retention goals increased in FY 2008 to support the growth and proper shaping of 

our current and future career force. In FY 

2009, the Marine Corps achieved 15,949 

reenlistments among eligible first-term 

and subsequent-term populations. The 

Marine Corps reached these retention 

goals earlier in the fiscal year than at any 

other time in the program’s history. The 

8,012 first-term reenlistments achieved in 

FY 2009 were the second-highest number 

ever achieved. The Marine Corps reenlisted 33.7 percent of the eligible first-term 

population, compared to an average of 24 

percent in a traditional fiscal year. Similarly, we reenlisted 78.2 percent of the eligible career force, compared to 60 percent 

in a traditional fiscal year. 

Retention goals will remain aggressive as the Marine Corps continues to 

shape the enlisted career force. The Selective Reenlistment Bonus Program (SRBP) 

clearly aided reenlistment endeavors and 

improved retention for some critical skill 

shortages. The creation of new operational units has led to shortages in many 

occupational specialties that span the 

Marine Air Ground Task Force, such as 

intelligence, explosive ordnance disposal, 

reconnaissance, and artillery, thereby justifying SRBP funding levels. 

Although the SRBP greatly assists 

with this retention success, intangible attributes such as pride of service and the 

satisfaction of leadership remain significant influences on retention. All leaders 

within the officer and enlisted ranks must 

ensure Marines are educated on the importance of retention and on evolving 

retention policies and incentives. Leaders 

must emphasize the intangibles of service 

to aid quality Marines in their individual 

reenlistment decisions. 

Marine Corps retention efforts are 

enhanced by the 404 career retention specialists that specialize in and assist commanders in the retention of Marines. Also 

supporting retention efforts is the Enlisted Career Counseling and Performance 

Evaluation Unit resident in the Enlisted 

Assignments Branch at Headquarters 

Marine Corps. The six Marines in this 

unit provide career guidance to enlisted 
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career Marines, performance evaluations 

on retention and retirement requests, 

and informational briefs to commands 

throughout the Marine Corps. The unit 

also provides formal instruction on promotion and career progression to all 

academies, the Sergeants Course, Career 

Course and Advanced Course, as well as 

the Infantry Unit Leaders Course. It conducts command visits on U.S. east and 

west coasts and the throughout the Far 

East, reaching more than 150,000 personnel per year. 

Officers

The Marine Corps officer retention 

goal is to retain the best and most fully 

qualified officers in the right grades and 

with the right skills to provide the capabilities required in the operating forces. 

Historically, the aggregate officer retention rate is 90.5 percent. For FY 2009, the 

Marine Corps achieved a retention rate 

of 92.5 percent. Regardless of that success, the Marine Corps continues to look 

for indicators of higher attrition in future 

years. 

Although overall officer retention 

is excellent, shortages do exist in certain grades and skills, requiring careful 

management and innovative solutions. 

To this end, the Marine Corps has active 

programs in place, both monetary and 

non-monetary, to ensure officer retention 

remains high. Monetary tools already 

implemented include Aviation Continuation Pay and Law School Education 

Debt Subsidy. Non-monetary programs 

include voluntary lateral moves, interservice transfers to the Marine Corps, and 

Return to Active Duty. All of these programs provide incentives to officers for 

continued service while retaining Marine 

Corps flexibility to meet requirements 

across the Marine Corps Total Force.
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USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Civilian Marines

Civilian Marines are valuable assets 

to the Total Force team. Marines at all 

ranks recognize, more than ever before, 

the importance of Civilian Marines who 

provide critical support in numerous areas throughout the Corps. Civilian Marines total approximately 35,000, with an 

expected growth of another 5,000 during 

the next five years. Serving primarily as a 

major element of the supporting establishment, Civilian Marines are now being 

called upon to serve in positions traditionally occupied by military personnel and 

deploy along with operational forces. The 

Marine Corps is focused on ensuring the 

Nation has a Civilian Marine workforce 

equipped with the leadership skills and 

technical competencies necessary to meet 

the challenges of today as well as in the future. Flexibilities in how we manage Civilian Marines also play a key role in helping 

the Marine Corps meet its mission.

Civilian Workforce Development: 

The Marine Corps is committed to improving the leadership skills and opportunities for training and education of 

Civilian Marines. Civilian Marines are afforded the opportunity to advance their 

career development through centrally 

managed programs. There are numerous 

programs, courses, and seminars available. Opportunities exist for both new/

entry-level and senior/expert-level employees. The Civilian Workforce Development Application (CWDA) was designed 

to assist the Marine Corps in managing 

civilian workforce development activities. 

CWDA is a web application that contains 

data related to the leadership and functional core competencies of the Communities of Interest (COI). The long-term 

vision for CWDA is that it will facilitate 

organizational management and workforce shaping.

Community Management: COIs 

provide enterprise-wide communications, collect and share best practices, 

focus on technical aspects and training 

needs, and ensure competencies and career paths are developed for the community. In the Marine Corps, there are 

20 communities that encompass more 

than 350 job series. COIs are led by senior civilians of the community, typically 

members of the Senior Executive Service. 

They are responsible for establishing the 

community vision and plan, in addition 

to serving as advocates for Civilian Marines who work in the job series within 

their COIs. 

Labor Relations: The Marine Corps 

maintains relations with 17 bargaining 

units representing 17,000 Civilian Marines throughout the Marine Corps. Federal unions have a representative role established by statute and are kept informed 

of programs and changes that will impact 

employees. A master labor agreement, 
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covering all bargaining unit employees, 

was negotiated with the American Federation of Government Employees in an effort to enhance morale and productivity, 

limit job turnover, and help organizations 

increase performance and improve business results. The key function of labor 

relations is to develop strategies for effective communication and investigating 

and establishing work/life balance initiatives to create a more positive workplace 

environment.

Civilian Police 

Recruitment Initiative

As Marines continue to deploy worldwide to fill critical national defense requirements, Civilian Marines provide essential installation support here at home.

In 2007, the Marine Corps adopted a 

plan to hire approximately 1,200 Civilian 

Police Officers. That expansion of civilian 

policing will reduce the operational stress 

on Marine Corps Military Police while 

improving security and police services 

across the Marine Corps.

This initiative hired 725 Civilian Police Officers during FY 2008 and FY 2009, 

with the rest of the hiring programmed 

for the next two years; this will include 

the establishment of Marine Corps Police 

Departments in Bridgeport, CA (Mountain Warfare Training Center) and New 

Orleans, LA (Federal City). New recruits 

must complete an intense ten-week regional training academy that certifies 

them as Marine Corps Police Officers 

before being assigned to police duties at 

the installations where they were hired. 

These Civilian Marines are now working side-by-side with Marine Corps Military Police at Marine Corps installations 

across the United States. This initiative 

seeks to attract, hire, and retain a fully viable civilian police workforce by the end 

of FY 2011.
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USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Total Force Structure Management System (TFSMS)

Description

The Total Force Structure Management System (TFSMS) serves as the authoritative source for the Marine Corps’ 

default force structure data. TFSMS provides a single, accurate, synchronized, 

and timely system for force structure 

information in support of the Marine 

Corps’ focus on re-engineering processes 

to support the enterprise while optimizing its business functions through available information technology. Within the 

Total Force Management process, TFSMS 

enhances the Marine Corps’ ability to efficiently and effectively address future 

capabilities in the framework of United 

States Code Title 10 responsibilities, 

which include organizing, training, and 

equipping forces as a component of the 

national military capability. To facilitate 

the integration of capabilities into the 

operating forces, TFSMS specifies Marine 

Corps force structure requirements and 

authorizations in the form of Tables of 

Organizations and Equipment (TO&E), 

which comprise billets and authorized 

equipment. Furthermore, TFSMS serves 

as the primary data source and business 

process engine for the Total Force Structure Process activities. In 2010, TFSMS’ 

force structuring and technical capabilities are being enhanced to encompass a 

broader vision to support future Joint 

Force Management capabilities through 

the Global Force Management Data Initiative (GFM DI) Organization Servers. 

Operational Impact

TFSMS users span the Marine Corps 

from HQMC to the operating forces. 

Transactional users or super users are responsible for the input and maintenance 

of TFSMS data through submission of 

TO&E Change Requests (TOECRs). The 

review and approval of TOECRs is managed through TFSMS Workflow, which 

extends the Marine Corps’ force structure 

management process down to the unit 

level by enabling individuals to submit 

TOECRs that contribute to the makeup 

of the current and future force.

Program Status

In early 2010, TFSMS has more than 

3,000 transactional and 9,000 non-transactional users, which include Marines, 

civilians, and contractors. TFSMS Block 

I completes in FY 2010 with Increment 

II initial capability planned for FY 2012. 

Increment II establishes the foundation 

for evolving from force structuring to enabling Total Force Management as it relates to expeditionary force development 

and the integration of manning, equipping, and training processes. Increment 

II introduces further net-centric-enabled 

force structuring functionality, achieve 

Approved Acquisition Objective process 

integration and institute “Blue in Support 

of Green” aviation equipment visibility.
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Installations and Military Construction

Marine Corps bases and stations represent irreplaceable national assets. They 

are fundamental to combat readiness 

with regard to pre-deployment training 

and the launching, sustaining, and reconstituting of Marine operating forces. 

In 2025, Marine Corps installations will 

provide an even higher quality training 

environment directly supporting the Total Force in Readiness. Additionally, those 

bases and stations are and will continue 

to be integral to the quality of life of Marines, Sailors and their families. 

The current operation and maintenance of these installations as well as their 

future development and use require planning, wise investment, and sound execution. Numerous Corps-wide efforts are 

underway to ensure Marine Corps installations are ready, responsive, and capable 

of meeting current and future support 

requirements of a 202,000-strong Marine 

Corps. 

The Marine Corps has more than $50 

billion worth of facilities that are used to 

train, house, and provide excellent quality of life for Marines and their families. 

Examples of these facilities are barracks, 

hangers, runways, sewage treatment 

plants, roads, and electrical lines. These 

facilities are used to perform mission-essential tasks, and they must be appropriately maintained. Adequately sustaining 

required facilities is the highest facilities 

management priority.

Military Construction

Upon reexamination of the Marine 

Corps’ structure and manning relative 

to its expected long-term mission needs, 

the President approved a permanent end 

strength increase of 27,000 Marines, from 

the base of 175,000 to 202,000 Marines by 

2012. This goal was reached in FY 2009. 

To ensure that these Marines have adequate facilities in which to live and work, 

the President’s FY 2007 Supplemental 

request included $324 million to accomplish critical path infrastructure projects. 

In 2008, Congress approved construction 

projects that totaled $668 million in the 

FY 2008 Global War on Terrorism and the 

FY 2008 Military Construction and Family Housing programs. In FY 2009 and 

FY 2010, Congress approved $1.4 billion 

and $2 billion respectively to support 

“Grow-the-Force” requirements. The 

balance of this investment requirement, 

including military construction and family housing, is being aggressively programmed.

The Marine Corps has a multi-faceted program that is addressing baseline 

infrastructure improvements at installations and supporting the Defense Posture Review Initiative to move Marines 

to Guam. An additional $325 million in 

Military Construction has been approved 

by Congress in support these programs in 

FY 2010. This funding is critical to maintaining and improving installations and 

providing adequate facilities both in the 

continental United States and abroad.
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USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Energy Initiative

The USMC’s emerging energy strategy builds on past achievements and will 

transform the Marine Corps’ energy posture to appropriately consider energy in 

the decision-making process. The new 

strategy will recognize that expeditionary 

operations and USMC installations each 

have sets of energy requirements, challenges, and opportunities. New technologies will be leveraged to reduce energy 

demands and increase alternative and 

renewable energy supplies. Accountability and change initiatives will be captured 

in new policies and doctrine in three primary areas: tactical equipment; facilities; 

and garrison mobile equipment.

Tactical Equipment. CMC’s Policy 

Memorandum 2-02 introduced the consideration of fuel efficiency Key Performance Parameters (KPPs) in retrofit and 

acquisition of all major equipment platforms. Although Marine Corps operational energy-reduction efforts are challenged by ongoing overseas contingency 

operations and the continuing growth of 

Marine operational forces, two primary 

approaches are being implemented to reduce expeditionary energy consumption 

and increase warfighter energy independence. The first is to ensure mandatory 

consideration of energy efficiency as a 

KPP in all replacement platforms. The 

Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, the replacement for the High Mobility Multipurpose 

Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), is the first 

item to formally incorporate an energyefficiency KPP. The second is to partner 

acquisition and Research and Development (R&D) activities to develop and 

obtain alternative and renewable energy 

sources. Through January 2010, several 

R&D initiatives have benefited from Economic Stimulus funding:

• Improved Environmental Control Units 

– $3.5 million to deliver 15 systems in 

FY 2010

• Integrated Trailer, Environmental Control Units, and Generators – $2.5 million to field five systems in FY 2010

• Onboard Vehicle Power for both Medium Truck Vehicle Replacements and 

HMMWVs – $4.0 million to deliver five 

systems in FY 2010

• Immediate implementation of energy-savings methods and materials in 

forward-deployed contingency installations (e.g., foaming of relocatable 

dwellings to reduce energy use for climate control)

• Investment in research, development, 

and acquisition to reduce battlefield 

overland supply distribution.

Facilities. In April 2009 the Commandant published the Facilities Energy 

& Water Management Campaign Plan 

that addresses strategic and immediate 

actions to reduce energy usage at Marine 

Corps installations. This plan under-
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scored the Marine Corps’ commitment to 

aggressively identify, develop, and implement energy efficiency strategies as well 

as to comprehensively develop renewable 

energy sources to meet mission and mandated requirements. The Commandant’s 

intent for this over-arching effort is to: 

(1) ensure a secure and reliable energy 

and water supply to support the operating forces and their families through the 

efficient management of energy and water facilities infrastructure; (2) achieve 

energy and water efficiency goals mandated by the President and Congress to 

support national efforts to lower greenhouse gas emissions, reduce the Nation’s 

dependence on foreign oil, and promote 

conservation of water supplies; and (3) 

reduce life-cycle operating costs of Marine Corps facilities and manage future 

commodity price volatility. 

To meet these three goals, the plan 

identified ten specific actions to be in 

place by the end of FY 2010 –– giving the 

program the nickname, “Ten x ’10” –– 

that the Marine Corps is undertaking in 

its installations energy program:

• Commitment of top down leadership to 

energy use reduction

• Ensure appropriate levels of resources are made available to support the 

required energy and water efficiency 

initiatives

• Commitment to sustainable facility 

design and operations

• Procure energy efficient equipment and 

products

• Invest in emerging energy efficient 

technology

• Phase out use of incandescent light 

bulbs by 2010

• Aggressively pursue large-scale renewable energy projects to include geothermal energy where feasible

• Implement aggressive demand-shedding and peak shaving strategies

• Expanded use of the USMC robust 

Geospatial Information Systems data 

system to increase real-time energy 

usage awareness and reduction opportunities
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USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

• Implement training and awareness 

programs to emphasize user controlled 

reductions

Garrison Mobile Equipment (GME). 

GME is a centrally managed program 

of off-the-shelf, commercially available 

equipment that focuses on supporting 

installation transportation requirements. 

These assets are used to perform ground 

transportation, fire fighting (buildings/

grounds and aircraft), rescue functions, 

construction, material handling, and 

maintenance functions at Marine Corps 

installations. In early 2010, the fleet totals 

more than 13,000 sedans, station wagons, 

buses, general-purpose heavy and light 

trucks, fire and refuse-collection trucks 

and tractors, engineer and construction 

equipment, forklifts, warehouse cranes, 

and platform trucks. The GME fleet exists 

to support the day-to-day operations of 

the installation and directly supports the 

operating forces by minimizing the use of 

tactical vehicles in garrison.

The Marine Corps has in place an 

aggressive program to pursue petroleum 

fuel reduction and conservation in the 

GME fleet. The Marine Corps has repeatedly exceeded the Energy Policy Act of 

1992 Alternative Fuel Vehicle acquisition 

requirements and has been a leader in the 

Department of Defense and other Federal 

agencies in the adoption of efficient vehicle technologies and the use of alternative fuels, including electricity, E85, compressed natural gas, hybrids, biodiesel, 

and hydrogen.

Recognizing the difficulties of using 

some alternative fuel vehicles without 

adequate refueling infrastructure, the 

Marine Corps is investing in alternative 

refueling infrastructure (e.g., refueling 

stations) where needed to complement 

the increase in alternative fueled vehicles. 

Of special note, the Marine Corps 

is also testing hydrogen-powered fuel cell 

vehicle operations and has established our 

first hydrogen generation and refueling 

station at Camp Pendleton California in 

support of fuel cell vehicle development.
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Environmental, Natural, and Cultural 

Resources Stewardship

Excellence in warfighting requires 

unencumbered access to the land, sea, and 

airspace needed to conduct quality, realistic training. Unless properly managed, 

Marine Corps land, sea, and airspace resources can become damaged to the point 

where realistic training is degraded. Effective environmental management ensures mission readiness by allowing the 

Marine Corps to sustain and enhance 

these training assets, while protecting the 

health of local citizens, Marines, and the 

valuable resources entrusted to the Marine Corps.

Compliance with applicable laws and 

regulations is as important as ever, and 

the Marine Corps enhances mission capabilities through a systematic approach 

to environmental management that 

promotes integrated land management 

principles and pollution prevention. To 

ensure that frequent, repeated use of land 

for readiness purposes can be sustained, 

each installation having stewardship responsibilities for natural and/or cultural 

resources prepares and implements an Integrated Natural Resources Management 

Plan and an Integrated Cultural Resources Management Plan. Implementation of 

these plans ensures our lands are managed in a sustainable manner. The Marine 

Corps also seeks ways to reduce pollution 

through material substitution, best management practices, and training Marines 

and civilians to perform their jobs in an 

environmentally sound manner. 

In FY 2009, the Marine Corps established Marine Corps Air Station Miramar 

and Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow 

as “Green” bases to lead efforts to promote sound environmental stewardship 

through promotion of energy efficiency, 

use of alternative energy sources, pollution prevention, and sustainable environmental and other installation practices. Projects are underway in FY 2010 or 

planned for the future to make these installations “Green” models for the Marine 

Corps and the Department of Defense.
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USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Housing 

Bachelor Enlisted Quarters (BEQ). 

Bachelor housing is one of the Commandant’s top Military Construction priorities. The Commandant’s BEQ Initiative, 

initiated in 2006 as part of Program 

Objective Memorandum 2008, provided 

more than $1.7 billion in construction 

funds to correct barracks space shortfalls, implement renovations, and provide collateral equipment. Subsequently, 

the Commandant approved an additional 

$1.2 billion in new construction during 

FY 2009-2013 period to add barracks 

spaces associated with the “Grow-theForce” initiative. These initiatives will 

eliminate existing BEQ space deficiencies 

and inadequate barracks and achieve the 

Marine Corps desired “2+0” assignment 

standard by FY 2014.

The new BEQs will be highly modern 

living facilities for Marines and Sailors 

and will include rooms with improved 

aesthetics and bathroom configurations, 

enhanced recreation and laundry areas, 

and will be designed to optimize climate 

control and energy efficiency. For existing BEQs, we are continuing the “Whole 

Room Concept” replacement furniture 

program to replace entire room furnishings on a cyclical basis.

Family Housing. In September 2007, 

the Marine Corps privatized all family housing units where it was economically advantageous and authorized; for 

example, military housing legislative authorities prohibit housing privatization at 

overseas locations. In early 2010, there are 

more than 22,000 units of housing privatized and less than 1,000 Marine Corpsowned and -managed units remaining.

The Marine Corps has leveraged private financing to government investment 

at a ratio of approximately 5.4 to 1. This 

has enabled the Marine Corps to quickly 

and significantly upgrade family housing infrastructure and improve housing management. As a defining metric, 

the family housing occupant satisfaction 

levels continue to be much higher than 

when the housing units were managed 

and maintained by the service. Housing 

referral, the process of assisting military 

families find housing, is still retained by 

the government, however.

Constructing deficit housing, mainly 

attributable to new housing requirements 

associated with the Grow-the-Force build 

up, will continue through 2014, principally at MCB Camp Pendleton, MCB Camp 

Lejeune, and Marine Corps Air Ground 

Combat Center Twenty Nine Palms. New 

units constructed at these facilities will 

be modern and energy efficient, and will 

continue to improve the quality of life of 

Marines, Sailors, and their families.
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Continuous Process Improvement (CPI)

If the Marine Corps is to transform 

successfully, the performance of processes 

that support the warfighter must become 

more effective and efficient. To that end, 

the Continuous Process Improvement 

(CPI) program provides leaders a flexible, internal, economical, disciplined capability to improve performance, safety, 

and quality of life, and, to mitigate the 

impact of resource pressure. The terms 

performance and process improvement 

are distinctly different but related. Performance Improvement is the result of 

this program. Process improvement is 

the means to obtain results.

The Marine Corps invests $5.7 million annually (in labor and training costs) 

to support performance improvements 

across the Service. The benefits and results of the investment include:

• A CPI program office and a cadre of 

in-house performance improvement 

expertise to coordinate policy, develop 

standard methods, and assist organizational leaders to build and sustain 

in-house capability to improve performance 

• A “learn by doing” training curriculum 

that coaches Marines and civilian Marine personnel to make improvements 

and solve problems using standard improvement methods 

• An enterprise-wide software tool that 

monitors progress of training and improvement projects and shares results 

from improvement initiatives –– so 

they can be replicated

• Improved readiness, improved quality 

of life for Marines and family members, 

improved workforce safety, reduced 

time required to complete work, and 

reduced costs

The modest annual investment to 

create and sustain an internal capability 

to improve performance will pay dividends indefinitely into the future and will 

become increasingly more important. 

Indeed, the value of FY 2009 benefits was 

estimated at $56.5 million (a 10:1 ratio on 

investment).

Since 2008, the USMC has completed more than 300 improvement projects, 

with another 194 in progress in early 

2010. Results are being achieved in a variety of areas including: reducing aircraft 

not mission ready due to supply; reducing 

cycle time of depot rebuild for Amphibious Assault Vehicles, M-16s, and High 

Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles; 

reducing wait times for Marines and their 

family members to obtain identification 

cards; reducing discharge time for Marines who fail to complete basic training; 

improving the validation process of invoices; reducing the time required to process valor awards; improving the regional 

radar service in the southwest region; 

and streamlining the process to check-in/

check out personnel. 

The Marine Corps’ CPI program is 

thus a critical element in performance, 

readiness, safety, quality of life, and 

stewardship of the taxpayer resources 

entrusted to us. 
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USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Reserve Marines understand the cost 

of protecting the American way of life, 

and although some have paid the ultimate price, dedicated men and women 

continue to volunteer to serve their country in the Marine Corps Reserve. The Marine Corps Reserve continues to fill critical requirements in support of overseas 

contingency operations, particularly in 

Iraq and Afghanistan. At home, Marine 

Forces Reserve maintains Reserve Marines and assets pre-positioned throughout the country, ready to assist with not 

only national defense missions, but also 

civil-military missions such as providing 

disaster relief.

Despite the current high operational 

tempo, the Marine Corps Reserve continues to recruit and retain top-notch 

Marines. New Marines are consistently 

brought into the Reserves at a rate of 20 

to 25 percent of the Selected Reserve’s end 

strength per year. This, in addition to our 

current force, provides continued capability to augment and reinforce the Active 

Component. As the Active Component 

increased its end strength to 202,000, it 

is important to note that higher levels of 

retention in the Active Component, and 

greater numbers of Marines from the Reserve Component volunteering for fulltime active duty with the Active Component, reduced the number of personnel 

transitioning into the Selected Marine 

Corps Reserve. 

The Marine Corps Reserve is a full 

partner of the Marine Corps’ Total Force. 

Reserve Marines continue to prove their 

dedication to their country and fellow 

citizens. Their continuing honor, courage, and commitment to warfighting excellence while maintaining close ties to 

their community truly set them apart as 

“citizen soldiers.” They recognize that they 

have a crucial mission and the American 

people will continue to expect the most 

from them while continuing to support 

them. Marine Forces Reserve, with its 

well-equipped, well-led, and well-trained 

professional men and women, will continue to be an integral part of the Marine 

Corps.

Marine Corps Reserve
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part 10: 

FORCE PROTECTION
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chapter 3: programs

Introduction

Force Protection covers a wide range of programs from non-lethal weapons to 

chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) detection and protection 

equipment. Non-lethal capabilities increase survivability of friendly forces and noncombatants by providing the ability to apply force in circumstances where minimizing 

casualties and collateral damage is critical. CBRN equipment provides the Marine with 

the necessary capability to operate in a contaminated environment and still accomplish 

the mission. These are important supporting programs for the Marine and the operating forces. 
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USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Program (JNLWP)

Description

The Department of Defense (DoD) 

defines non-lethal weapons as “weapons, 

devices, and munitions that are explicitly 

designed and primarily employed to incapacitate targeted personnel or materiel 

immediately, while minimizing fatalities, 

permanent injury to personnel and undesired damage to property in the target 

area or environment. Non-lethal weapons 

are intended to have reversible effects on 

personnel and materiel.”

Since 1996, the JNLWP has been 

overseeing the research and development 

of non-lethal weapons and stimulating 

non-lethal requirements. The JNLWP 

makes program recommendations to the 

services regarding fielding of non-lethal 

weapons and assists in the development 

of training programs. The Commandant 

of the Marine Corps serves as the Executive Agent for the DoD Non-Lethal 

Weapons Program and as such is an active service participant in the JNLWP. The 

Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Directorate, 

based at Marine Corps Base Quantico, 

VA, manages the day-to-day operations 

of the program. 

Operational Impact

The Marine Corps recognizes that 

future conflicts will seldom be classified 

as either solely conventional or irregular 

warfare; rather, they will be hybrid conflicts requiring a broad range of capabilities. A key concept the Marine Corps has 

adopted in response to hybrid warfare is 

the “3-block war” construct, which places 

operations into three categories: assist 

(humanitarian/disaster response); enforce (stability operations); and defeat 

(counter-insurgency and major combat 

operations).

Meeting the challenge of protecting 

the force in an environment such as the 

“3-block war,” where the enemy’s use of 

asymmetric tactics requires the operating forces to have the ability to adapt to 

situations using escalation of force (EoF) 

capabilities. EoF comprises the application of and, if necessary, elevation to the 

minimum force necessary to achieve objectives. To support the development of 

additional and enhanced Marine Corpsspecific requirements, the Marine Corps 

developed an Initial Capabilities Document (ICD) for EoF which was approved 

by the Marine Requirements Oversight 

Council (MROC) in August 2009. 

Currently, the EoF Mission Modules 

(EoF-MM) and the Dazzling Laser are 

contributing to the Marine Corps’ ability 

to successfully conduct stability operations in theater. 

Program Status

Many non-lethal weapons are already 

fielded, and research efforts continue on a 

host of developing technologies that will 

help fill many of the non-lethal capability 

gaps the services have identified. Fielded non-lethal weapons include bluntimpact munitions, optical warning and 

distraction devices, acoustic hailing devices, vehicle arresting devices, flash-bang 

grenades and munitions, and temporary 

incapacitation devices such as human 

electro-muscular incapacitation (HEMI) 

devices. 
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chapter 3: programs

MAGTF CBRN Assessment and Consequence Management 

Set (MAGTF CBRN ACM Set)

Description

The MAGTF CBRN ACM Set is a 

suite of specialized detection/identification and protective equipment that 

enhances traditional passive defense operations and allows chemical, biological, 

radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) reconnaissance elements to confirm or deny 

the presence of a broad range of CBRN 

hazards and provide protection to operate in the most hazardous of environments. CBRN defense personnel at the 

major subordinate command (MSC) and 

Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) levels, 

in the active and reserve forces, use the 

MAGTF CBRN ACM set. 

Operational Impact

The MAGTF CBRN ACM Set will 

provide a more efficient and effective detection and identification capability to the 

MAGTF commander. The MAGTF CBRN 

ACM Set will support the characterization of hazardous material attacks, events 

or accidents across the range of military 

operations and combat weapon of mass 

destruction (WMD) operations. This capability will enhance the commander’s 

risk-based decision-making ability as it 

pertains to contamination avoidance, 

personal protection, and CBRN reconnaissance. 

Program Status

Fielding of the MAGTF CBRN ACM 

Sets began in the second quarter FY 2009. 

The Approved Acquisition Objective is 

27 sets (two per MSC, one per MEU, and 

two at Marine Forces Reserve). All 27 sets 

have been procured and fielding is anticipated to be completed by third quarter 

FY 2010. 
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USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Hailing and Warning Green Beam Laser Systems 

Description

The Marine Corps adopted the use of 

Green Beam Laser Systems in support of 

Escalation of Force (EoF) type missions. 

This non-lethal device provides a visual 

warning capability to gain the attention 

of personnel approaching lethal force 

authorized zones. The current systems 

authorized for use are the Green Beam 

Designator III (Custom) (GBD-IIIC) and 

the 532P-M Glare MOUT (Mini-Green) 

systems. The systems provide safe and effective visual hail and warn technology to 

minimize the risk of injury or death to 

civilian and military personnel as well as 

limit collateral damage to property and 

local infrastructure. To help in further reducing the risk of injury, a Safety Control 

Module (SCM) has been incorporated 

onto the GBD-IIIC. The SCM prevents 

inadvertent lazing within the nominal 

ocular hazard distance of the system. 

Once incorporated on the GBD-IIIC, the 

system is designated as the LA-9/P.

Operational Impact

The LA-9/P and Mini-Green allow 

personnel engaged in combat, stability 

and security, and force-protection operations to employ an intense visual cueing 

device to hail and warn personnel and 

vehicles at safe standoff distances. The 

two laser systems, along with other nonlethal weapons systems, will provide EoF 

capabilities to protect Marines against the 

threat of Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs). 

Program Status

A total of 1,185 GBD-IIICs have been 

fielded. Deliveries of the SCM began in 

fourth quarter FY 2009. In addition to 

the 1,185 GBD units, an additional 282 

LA-9/P will be procured during FY 2010. 

The Mini-Greens were provided to the 

Marine Corps by the Army Rapid Equipping Force in 2008. The Marine Corps 

will acquire an additional 228 Mini-Green 

systems in FY 2010. The LA-9/P and 

the Mini-Green will be replaced by the 

Ocular Interruption Device beginning in 

FY 2015. 

Procurement Profile: FY 2010 FY 2011

LA-9/P: 282 0

Mini-Green: 228 0

Developer/Manufacturer: 

B. E. Meyers Inc, Redmond, WA
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chapter 3: programs

VENOMTM Non-Lethal Tube Launched Munitions System 

(NL/TLMS)

Description

The VENOMTM NL/TLMS is a 

40mm, multi-shot, electrically actuated, 

non-lethal munitions grenade launcher 

mounted to the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) 

Marine Corps Transparent Armored Gun 

Shield (MCTAGS) turret. The NL/TLMS 

consists of three banks of ten launch 

tubes, each at fixed angles of 10, 20, and 

30 degrees from the horizontal, achieving 360° degree coverage by traversing the 

HMMWV turret. The NL/TLMS fires a 

multi-flash-bank grenade out to a range 

of approximately 130 meters. The system 

comprises a launcher, hand controller, 

and cable subsystems. The hand-controller firing system is used to fire the three 

banks of ten rounds each. 

Operational Impact

The NL/TLMS will enable Marines 

to deter and dissuade errant vehicle operators from encroaching security zones 

established during convoy, vehicle check 

point, and entry control point operations 

by providing a high volume of non-lethal 

fire at range during day and night missions. This capability will increase the 

standoff distance between the Marine 

and a potential threat while allowing time 

to determine intent and to escalate force 

if necessary. 

Program Status

A Limited User Evaluation was 

conducted on the NL/TLMS by operating forces at the Expeditionary Systems 

Evaluation Division (ESED) of the Naval 

Surface Warfare Center (NSWC Crane) 

located in Fallbrook, CA from 19 April 

through 2 May 2009. Twenty-five NL/

TLMS are planned to undergo an Operational Environmental Evaluation (OEE) 

in theater during the second quarter 

FY 2010 and will be subsequently fielded 

as initial production units.

A full rate production contract for 

225 systems is scheduled to be awarded 

in the second quarter FY 2010. The NL/

TLMS Approved Acquisition Objective is 

250 units. 

Procurement Profile: FY 2010 FY 2011

VENOMTM: 225 0

Developer/Manufacturer: 

Combined Systems, Inc., Jamestown, PA
244

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Mission Payload Module Non-Lethal Weapons System 

(MPM-NLWS)

Description

The Mission Payload Module NonLethal Weapons System (MPM-NLWS) 

program will develop and field a new 

vehicle-mounted, tube-launched munitions delivery system with a novel pyrotechnic munition designed to render 

targeted personnel temporarily incapacitated. It will disable, inhibit, or degrade 

one or more functions or capabilities of 

a target to render it ineffective within a 

specified zone of influence. The objective 

of the program is to provide a capability 

to deliver counter-personnel non-lethal 

effects applicable to controlling crowds, 

denying or defending areas, controlling 

access, and engaging threats while providing sufficient standoff for protection 

of friendly forces. The initial increment 

of MPM-NLWS will be mounted onto 

the Marine Corps Transparent Armored 

Gun Shield (MCTAGS) on a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) and its replacement vehicle. 

Operational Impact

The MPM-NLWS will allow the Marine infantryman to effectively launch 

non-lethal munitions to a broader area 

with a greater duration of effects and volume of fire. Employment of the MPMNLWS will grant commanders additional 

options short of lethal force and flexibility in implementing rules of engagement 

with less-restrictive measures. 

Program Status

MPM-NLWS achieved Milestone A in 

2004. The Capability Development Document was approved in November 2007. 

Anticipate awarding contracts to industry 

for the Technology Development Phase 

in the second quarter FY 2010. The Approved Acquisition Objective is 312 units, 

with IOC anticipated in the first quarter 

FY 2016. 

Developer/Manufacturer: TBD 
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chapter 3: programs

Escalation of Force Mission-Module (EoF-MM)

Description

The Escalation of Force Mission 

Module contains equipment required to 

satisfy the operational requirement for 

an enhanced capability to apply nonlethal force. The EoF-MM will consist of 

selected equipment that provides operational capabilities for use during escalation of force situations found primarily, 

but not exclusively, when operating under 

restricted rules of engagement. 

The EoF-MM will support the following capabilities: vehicle control point; 

entry control point; convoy security; 

crowd control; detain personnel; conduct 

search; clear facilities; conduct cordon; 

urban patrol; and establish and secure 

perimeter. 

The basic building block of the EoFMM is the Equipment Set. Each Equipment Set will consist of specific material 

and non-material solutions that, when 

used together, enable Marines to adequately and safely complete a select Mission Capability Task. Two or more Equipment Sets combine to form a Capability 

Module that provides the equipment and 

supplies to perform a given task, such as 

establish and secure perimeter or conduct 

cordon. 

Operational Impact

The EoF-MM provides the appropriate weapons and equipment to employ a 

range of non-lethal operations and nonlethal tactics. The fielding of the EoF-MM 

to the operating forces is intended to augment existing lethal capabilities. 

Program Status

Fifty-three EoF-MM Capability Sets 

will be procured and fielded in a two increments. MCCDC is in the process of 

identifying the items comprising Increment 2. Once decisions have been made, 

a detailed schedule will be developed on 

the delivery of the EoF-MM and disposal/

retrofit of the in-service Force Protection 

Capability Set (FPCS). 

Procurement Profile: FY 2010 FY 2011

EoF-MM: 43 10

Developer/Manufacturer: 

Aardvark Tactical Incorporated, Azusa, CA
246

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Identity Dominance System (IDS)

Description

The requirement for an enduring 

Marine Corps biometric capability originated from urgent warfighter requests to 

support counter-insurgency operations 

in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Biometric 

Automated Toolset (BAT) is the currently 

fielded system that was a commercial-offthe-shelf (COTS) item delivered to fulfill 

an immediate need. The Identity Dominance System will replace BAT with improvements such as increased data storage 

and longer battery life. The IDS will be a 

multimodal biometric collection system 

that collects and compares unique, individual biometric characteristics to enroll, 

identify and track persons of interest and 

build digital dossiers on the individuals 

for purposes that include anti-terrorism/

force protection, local employee screening, detention management, civil affairs, 

base access, humanitarian assistance, 

population control, counter intelligence 

and high-value target identification. The 

IDS is anticipated to be a three-tiered system with hardware and software including a server suite capability, a client suite 

capability, and a family of hand-held 

capabilities.

Operational Impact

The primary mission of the IDS is 

to provide the Marine Air-Ground Task 

Force (MAGTF) with the means to identify persons encountered in the battlespace. 

The capability requires that the MAGTF 

commander be able to collect, match, 

store, and share biometric data. The IDS 

will enable the Marine to collect appropriate biometric, biographical and reference information on an individual and 

match this locally developed information 

with pre-existing information available to 

the expeditionary force. 

Program Status

IDS is seeking a Milestone B decision in FY 2010. It is designated as ACAT 

I – Special Interest based on a September 

2008 Acquisition Decision Memorandum 

that assigned all DoD biometrics systems 

to that category. IDS is scheduled for IOC 

in FY 2013. 
247

chapter 3: programs

Counter Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device 

(RCIED) Electronic Warfare (CREW)

Description

The CREW systems are vehiclemounted, fixed-site, and man-portable 

backpack active/reactive electronic countermeasure systems (ECM) designed to 

counter high and low powered radiocontrolled improvised explosive devices. 

Operational Impact

The Marine Corps CREW program 

provides Marines with an effective electronic warfare capability to counter the 

threat posed by RCIEDs and to improve 

force protection. By the end of FY 2010, 

CREW Vehicle Receiver/Jammer (CVRJ) 

will be the primary vehicle-mounted jammer, having fully replaced Chameleon and 

Hunter. The Quick Reaction Dismounted 

(QRD) system is the current man-portable system. It provides coverage in the low 

to high band range depending upon the 

system configuration, protecting troops 

from RCIEDs when they are dismounted 

and operating outside the protective envelop of a mounted or fixed site CREW 

system. Marine Corps CREW will sustain 

423 QRD systems until they are replaced 

with CREW 3.1 systems in FY 2010. The 

CVRJ system will provide the necessary 

force protection required in the current 

conflicts. 

Program Status

The Marine Corps CREW program 

was designated as an ACAT II program 

in February 2007, and was granted a fullrate production decision in March 2007. 

The CREW program initially acquired a 

total of 10,089 Chameleon and Hunter 

systems. This initial capability evolved 

into CREW 2.1, the CVRJ. In February 

2009 the CREW Program Office Acquisition Strategy/Acquisition Plan (AS/

AP) was approved for acquisition of 

up to 8,000 CVRJs. The spiral 3.3 Joint 

CREW (JCREW) Capabilities Development Document was approved on 

23 December 2008. JCREW 3.3 is the 

next iteration of CREW systems and its 

planned Marine Corps Approved Acquisition Objective is 4,500 systems. JCREW 

Initial Operational Capability is scheduled for FY2013 and Full Operational 

Capability is scheduled for FY 2015. The 

Joint CREW Program Office is the lead 

acquisition agency for CVRJ and future 

CREW systems. 
chapter

4
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chapter 4: CURRENT OPERATIONS

CURRENT OPERATIONS

Today, the Marine Corps is deployed around the globe engaged in several overseas 

contingency operations. With more than 24,000 Marines deployed throughout the U.S. 

Central Command and other austere locations worldwide, we are fighting a cunning 

and adaptive enemy in increasingly complex forms of warfare.

Deployed Marine forces have participated in over one-hundred theater security 

cooperation events which ranged from mobile training teams in Central America to 

Marine Expeditionary Unit exercises in Djibouti, Jordan, and Qatar. Units have supported civil, military, and humanitarian assistance operations such as New Horizons 

events in Georgetown, Guyana and land mine removal in Azerbaijan.

The persistent engagement of the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) in supporting U.S. National Security objectives has remained enduring through the decades. 

During 1990 and 1991 and again from 2003 to 2009, Marine combat forces were deployed to Iraq in support of Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Marines have 

been involved in Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) in Afghanistan from its inception in 2001. During the period 1992 to 2002 Marine units continuously deployed to 

support humanitarian missions providing much needed assistance in times of crisis involving earthquakes and floods and they assisted in the evacuation of noncombatants. 

Finally, Marine units were often called upon to provide security deployments to enforce no-fly zones, maritime interdiction, and counter-drug/peacekeeping operations. 

These trends clearly indicate the continued relevance of the MAGTF to effectively meet 

the ever changing demands of a dynamic world.

In 2009, the Marine Corps was called upon, as in previous years, to participate in 

a wide range of operations and training exercises to support geographical combatant 

commanders. The following list highlights a majority of these operations and exercises. 
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USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

U.S. Northern Command

Operations and Contingencies

Mission Location Unit Dates

Joint Task Force – North (JTF-N)

Intelligence Support San Diego, CA Det, MARFORRES 17 Sep 08 – 8 Mar 10

Laredo, TX

Engineer Road Support Columbus, NM Det, MWSS-172 9 Jan 09 – 13 Feb 09

4th CEB 2 Jun 09 – 4 Jul 09

Ground Sensors Support San Ysidro, CA Det, 4th Ground 1 Feb 09 – 30 Mar 09

Sensor Plt

Aviation Recon Support San Ysidro, CA HMLA-269 9 Feb 09 – 30 Mar 09

Det, HMM-764

Det, MAG-29

Ground Sensors Support Tucson, AZ 15th MEU 9 Oct 09 – 19 Nov 09

Naval Security

Refuel/Defuel Security Norfolk, VA 3rd Plt, 2d FAST Co 1 Aug 09 – 20 Oct 09

64th UN General Assembly

EOD Support New York, NY Det, 9th ESB 17 Sep 09 – 28 Sep 09

Exercises and Theater Security Cooperation

Exercise Location Unit Dates

Mojave Viper (OIF/OEF Pre-deployment Training)

1-09 29 Palms, CA 2d Bn, 1st MAR 27 Oct 08 – 27 Nov 08

2-09 29 Palms, CA 1st Bn, 7th MAR 17 Nov 08 – 18 Dec 08

3-09 29 Palms, CA 2d Bn, 8th MAR 29 Dec 08 – 29 Jan 09

4-09 29 Palms, CA 1st Bn, 8th MAR 12 Jan 09 – 12 Feb 09

5-09 29 Palms, CA 3d Bn, 3d MAR 26 Jan 09 – 26 Feb 09

6-09 29 Palms, CA 2d Bn, 23d MAR 9 Feb 09 – 12 Mar 09

7-09 29 Palms, CA 1st Bn, 5th MAR 2 Mar 09 -2 Apr 09

8-09 29 Palms, CA 2d Bn, 3d MAR 16 Mar 09 – 16 Apr 09

9-09 29 Palms, CA Not Conducted Not Conducted

10-09 29 Palms, CA 3d Bn, 9th MAR 30 May 09 – 26 Jun 09

11-09 29 Palms, CA 1st Bn, 6th MAR 30 May 09 – 26 Jun 09

12-09 29 Palms, CA 3d Bn, 4th MAR 4 Jul 09 – 31 Jul 09

13-09 29 Palms, CA 3d Bn, 6th MAR 4 Jul 09 – 31 Jul 09

14-09 29 Palms, CA 3d Bn, 24th MAR 8 Aug 09 – 4 Sep 09

15-09 29 Palms, CA 2d Bn, 2d MAR 8 Aug 09 – 4 Sep 09

16-09 29 Palms, CA 1st Bn, 3d MAR 12 Sep 09 – 9 Oct 09

1-10 29 Palms, CA 1st Bn, 4th MAR 13 Nov 09 – 11 Dec 09

3d Bn, 7th MAR
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chapter 4: CURRENT OPERATIONS

U.S. Southern Command

Exercises and Theater Security Cooperation (cont.)

Exercise Location Unit Dates

Weapons and Tactics Instruction

Aviation Training Yuma, AZ Various aviation units 4 Sep 08 – 14 Oct 08

Aviation Training Yuma, AZ Various aviation units 2 Mar 09 – 26 Apr 09

Aviation Training Yuma, AZ Various aviation units 10 Sep 09 – 13 Oct 09

Desert Talon

Aviation Training Yuma, AZ 2d MAW units 5 Dec 08 – 20 Dec 08

Northern Edge

Joint Interoperability Eielson, AK 1st MAW units 9 Jun 09 – 26 Jun 09

Marine Week

Public Relations Chicago, IL Det, HMM-774 11 May 09 - 17 May 09

Det, HMH-461

Det, VMM-162

Det, HMM-162

Det, Marine Barracks

Det, MCSF Regiment

Operations and Contingencies

Mission Location Unit Dates

Enduring Freedom (JTF-GITMO)

Detainee Operations Guantanamo, Cuba 2 Plts, FAST Co Continual Rotation 

Exercises and Theater Security Cooperation

Exercise Location Unit Dates

Beyond the Horizon

Humanitarian Assistance Honduras Det, 4th CAG 2 Feb 09 – 26 Jun 09

Dominican Republic

Humanitarian Assistance Colombia Det, 4th CAG 1 Jul 09 – 31 Jul 09
252

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Exercises and Theater Security Cooperation (cont.)

Exercise Location Unit Dates

New Horizons

Humanitarian Assistance Guyana Det, 4th CAG 17 Jun 09 – 15 Sep 09

Medical Readiness Peru Det, 4th Medical Bn 5 Sep 09 – 11 Sep 09

Tradewinds

Maritime Security The Bahamas Det,MARFORSOUTH 4 Mar 09 – 18 Mar 09

Dominican Republic

Fuerzas Aliadas Humanitaria 09

Disaster Preparedness Costa Rica Det,MARFORSOUTH 20 Apr 09 – 24 Apr 09

Southern Exchange 09

Combined Interoperability Brazil Det,MARFORSOUTH 12 Jul 09 – 31 Jul 09

Det, 24th MAR

PANAMAX 09

Panama Canal Defense Panama Det,MARFORSOUTH 11 Sep 09 – 22 Sep 09

Det, 3rd CAG

Dutch Marine Bi-Lateral 

Combined Interoperability Aruba Det, 2d Force Recon Co. 24 Oct 09 – 16 Nov 09

Curacao

Theater Security Cooperation

Southern Partnership Caribbean Det, MCTAG aboard 15 Nov 08 – 15 Apr 09

Station HSV Swift

Southern Partnership Southern Cone of Det, II MEF aboard 23 Jun 09 – 23 Aug 09

Station South America USS Oak Hill

Southern Partnership Caribbean Det, II MEF aboard 1 Oct 09 – 21 Dec 09

Station USS Wasp

Amphibious Raid Training Panama Det, MCTAG 15 Nov 08 – 20 Dec 08

Water Survival Training Colombia Det, Marine Water 11 Jan 09 -24 Jan 09

Survival School

Amphibious Raid Training Colombia Det, MCTAG 13 Jan 09 – 7 Feb 09

Small Unit Tactics Training Honduras Det, MCTAG 18 Jan 09 – 7 Feb 09

Marksmanship Training Colombia Det, TECOM 1 Feb 09 – 17 Feb 09

Non-Lethal Weapons Colombia Det, MCTAG 8 Feb 09 – 22 Feb 09

Training

Advance Infantry Training Colombia Det, MCTAG 16 Feb 09 – 21 Feb 09

Training Management Colombia Det, TECOM 15 Feb 09 – 21 Feb 09

Advance Infantry Training Columbia Det, MCTAG 16 Feb 09 – 12 Mar 09

Non-Lethal Training Colombia Det, MCTAG 13 Mar 09 – 25 Mar 09
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chapter 4: CURRENT OPERATIONS

Exercises and Theater Security Cooperation (cont.)

Exercise Location Unit Dates

Theater Security Cooperation (cont.)

Leadership Development Uruguay Det, MCTAG 17 Apr 09 – 8 May 09

Marital Arts Training Brazil Det,MARFORSOUTH 23 May 09 - 30 May 09

Marksmanship Training Panama Det, MCTAG 6 Jun 09 – 20 Jun 09

Small Unit Tactics Training Guatemala Det, MCTAG 1 Aug 09 – 29 Aug 09

Manpower Management Colombia Det, HQMC 9 Aug 09 – 15 Aug 09

Bulk Fuel Training Colombia Det, Bulk Fuel School 24 Aug 09 – 11 Sep 09

Legal Training Colombia Det,MARFORSOUTH 31 Aug 09 – 5 Sep 09

Water Survival Training Colombia Det, Marine Water Survival School 8 Sep 09 – 13 Sep 09

Small Unit Tactics Training Nicaragua Det, MCTAG 12 Sep 09 – 26 Sep 09

Counter IED Training Colombia Det, Engineer School 20 Sep 09 – 26 Sep 09

Bulk Fuel Training Colombia Det, Bulk Fuel School 20 Sep 09 – 7 Oct 09

Small Arms Training Panama Det, MCTAG 17 Oct 09 – 30 Oct 09

Training Management Colombia Det, SOI East 31 Oct 09 – 20 Nov 09

Marksmanship Training Colombia Det, Weapons Training Bn 15 Nov 09 – 21 Nov 09

Small Unit Tactics Training Nicaragua Det, MCTAG 21 Nov 09 – 12 Dec 09

Counterinsurgency Dominican Republic MSOT 8 8 Oct 08 – 30 Mar 09

Training

Operations and Contingencies

Mission Location Unit Dates

Enduring Freedom

Coalition Support Norway Det, MARFOREUR 30 Oct 09 – 3 Nov 09 

Coalition Support Croatia Det, MARFOREUR 26 Feb 09 – 3 Mar 09

13 Apr 09 – 16 Apr 09

Coalition Support Lithuania Det, MARFOREUR 8 May 09 – 12 May 09

28 Jun 09 – 29 Jun 09

Coalition Support Finland Det, MARFOREUR 28 Jun 09 – 2 Jul 09

Coalition Support Estonia Det, MARFOREUR 8 Jul 09 – 25 Jul 09

4 Aug 09 – 20 Aug 09

Coalition Support Georgia Det, MARFOREUR 15 Aug 09 – 18 Aug 09

Det, MCTAG

Coalition Support Poland Det, MARFOREUR 13 Aug 09 – 18 Aug 09

Naval Security

Physical Security Spain 2 Plts, FAST Co Continual Rotation

U.S. European Command
254

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Exercises and Theater Security Cooperation

Exercise Location Unit Dates

Austere Challenge

Joint Interoperability Germany Det, MARFOREUR 22 Jan 09 – 6 Feb 09

Joint Interoperability Germany Det, MARFOREUR 20 Apr 09 – 8 May 09

Noble Shirley

Anti-Terrorism Training Israel Det, MCSF Regiment 23 Feb 09 – 12 Mar 09

Anti-Terrorism Training Israel Det, Antiterrorism Bn 14 Jun 09 – 10 Jul 09

Anti-Terrorism Training Israel 3d Plt, 1st FAST Co 10 Aug 09 – 27 Aug 09

Joint Warrior

Combined Interoperability United Kingdom 1st ANGLICO 6 May 09 – 27 May 09

Det, 10th MAR

Combined Interoperability United Kingdom Det, 2d ANGLICO 30 Sep 09 – 18 Oct 09

Det, 4th ANGLICO

Seabreeze

Maritime Interoperability Norway Det, MARFOREUR 28 May 09 – 3 Jun 09

Tartan Eagle

Anti-Terrorism Training United Kingdom Det, 2d FAST Co 26 Jun 09 – 14 Jul 09

Allied Strike III

JTAC Training Germany 3d and 4th ANGLICO 23 Jul 09 – 9 Aug 09

Combined Endeavor 09

Combined Interoperability Bosnia Det, MARFOREUR 24 Aug 09 – 18 Sep 09

Loyal Midas 09

Maritime Interoperability Greece 15th MEU 1 Sep 09 – 30 Sep 09

4th LSB

Immediate Response

Combined Interoperability Georgia Det, MARFORCOM 24 Oct 09 – 7 Nov 09

Det, MCIA

Steadfast Indicator

Combined Interoperability Romania Det, MARFORRES 26 Sep 09 – 18 Oct 09
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chapter 4: CURRENT OPERATIONS

Exercises and Theater Security Cooperation (cont.)

Exercise Location Unit Dates

Theater Security Cooperation

NCO Development Azerbaijan Det, MARFOREUR 13 Dec 08 – 21 Dec 08

Non-Lethal Weapons Germany Det, 4th MLG 11 Jan 09 – 16 Jan 09

Training

NCO Development Azerbaijan Det, MARFOREUR 8 Mar 09 – 15 Mar 09

Officer Development Bulgaria Det, MARFOREUR 9 Mar 09 – 14 Mar 09

Manpower Management Ukraine Det, HQMC 15 Mar 09 – 21 Mar 09

Peacekeeping Training Montenegro Det, MARFOREUR 16 Mar 09 – 20 Mar 09

Intelligence Training Georgia Det, MARFOREUR 15 Mar 09 – 4 April 09

MOUT Training Moldova Det, MARFOREUR 22 Mar 09 – 28 Mar 09

Communications Training Macedonia Det, MARFOREUR 23 Mar 09 – 27 Mar 09

Logistics Training Armenia, Georgia, Det, MARFOREUR 31 May 09 – 6 Jun 09

Bosnia

Communications Training Azerbaijan Det, MARFOREUR 31 May 09 – 6 Jun 09

Intelligence Training Romania Det, MARFOREUR 8 Jun 09 – 19 Jun 09

Det, TECOM

NCO Development Azerbaijan Det, MARFOREUR 6 Jun 09 – 13 Jun 09

Counter-Intel Training Georgia Det, MARFOREUR 21 Jun 09 – 26 Jun 09

Det, Intel Support Bn

Mortuary Affairs Training Germany Det, 4th MLG 11 Jul 09 – 20 Sep 09

MOUT Training Albania Det, MCSF Regiment 19 Jul 09 – 24 Jul 09

Communication Training Serbia Det, MARFOREUR 19 Jul 09 – 24 Jul 09

Communication Training Romania Det, MARFORRES 19 Jul 09 – 24 Jul 09

Officer Development Georgia Det, Intel Support Bn 15 Aug 09 – 6 Nov 09

Skills Assessment Azerbaijan Det, SCETC 12 Sep 09 -21 Sep 09

NCO Development Azerbaijan Det, MARFOREUR 20 Sep 09 – 27 Sep 09

Non-Lethal Weapons Germany Det, MARFOREUR 22 Sep 09 – 24 Sep 09

Training

Non-Lethal Weapons Germany Det, MARFOREUR 24 Oct 09 – 7 Nov 09

Training Det, MWSS-471
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USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

U.S. Africa Command

Operations and Contingencies

Mission Location Unit Dates

Enduring Freedom (CJTF-Horn of Africa)

Security Cooperation Djibouti Det A, HMH-464 1 Aug 08 – 31 Jan 09

Security Cooperation Djibouti Det, MWSS-471 16 Sep 08 – 1 Apr 09

Enduring Freedom (JSOTF-Trans Sahara)

Intelligence Support Mali Det, MARFORAF 27 Apr 09 – 11 May 09

18 Nov 09 – 20 Dec 09

Logistics Support Senegal Det, MARFORAF 8 Sep 09 – 19 Sep 09

Jupiter Sentinel

Presidential Support Various locations Det, HM-461 22 Jun 09 – 1 Aug 09

Det, MALS-29

Det, MCSF Regiment

Exercises and Theater Security Cooperation

Exercise Location Unit Dates

African Contingency Operations and Training Assistance (ACOTA)

Peacekeeping Training Cameroon, Benin Det, MCTAG 17 Nov 08 – 12 Dec 08

Peacekeeping Training Rwanda Det, MCTAG 26 Jan 09 – 6 Feb 09

Det, MARFORRES 16 Oct 09 – 5 Nov 09

Peacekeeping Training Senegal Det, MCTAG 28 Jan 09 – 11 Feb 09

Peacekeeping Training South Africa Det, MCTAG 1 Feb 09 – 14 Feb 09

Det, MARFORRES 16 Feb 09 – 27 Feb 09

Peacekeeping Training Ghana Det, MCTAG 9 Mar 09 – 21 Mar 09

Peacekeeping Training Tanzania Det, MCTAG 16 Mar 09 – 10 Apr 09

Peacekeeping Training Ethiopia Det, MCTAG 10 Aug 09 – 4 Sep 09

Judicious Response

Command Post Exercise Germany MARFORAF 3 Aug 09 – 14 Aug 09

Shared Accord

Combined Interoperability Benin 3d Bn, 23d MAR 26 May 09 – 29 Jun 09

Det, 4th Dental Bn

Det, 6th Comm Bn

Det, 6th ESBn

African Lion

Combined Interoperability Morocco 3d Bn, 23d MAR 25 Apr 09 – 10 Jun 09

Det, 4th MLG

Det, 4th MAW
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chapter 4: CURRENT OPERATIONS

Exercises and Theater Security Cooperation (cont.)

Exercise Location Unit Dates

MEDFLAG 09

Disaster Preparedness Swaziland Det, 8th Comm Bn 31 Jul 09 – 16 Aug 09 

Det, MARFORAF

African Endeavor 09

Communications Exercise Gabon Det, MARFORAF 28 Sep 09 – 9 Oct 09

Natural Fires 10

Disaster Preparedness Uganda Det, 4th LSBn 1 Oct 09 – 29 Oct 09

Theater Security Cooperation

Africa Partnership Station West Africa Det, MCTAG aboard 15 Jan 09 – 16 Jun 09

USS Nashville

Intel Officer Training Mali Det, MARFORAF 30 Oct 08 – 6 Feb 09

Water Survival Training Cameroon Det, MARFORRES 10 Feb 09 – 20 Feb 09

Small Arms Training Ghana Det, II MEF 13 Feb 09 – 27 Feb 09

Squad Tactics Training Cameroon Det, SCETC 16 Feb 09 – 27 Feb 09

Doctrine Development Cameroon Det, SCETC 27 Feb 09 – 6 Mar 09

Supply Training Senegal Det, 4th MLG 9 Mar 09 – 13 Mar 09

Maintenance Training Botswana Det, SCETC 9 Mar 09 – 13 Mar 09

Intelligence Training Cameroon Det, MCIA 9 Mar 09 – 13 Mar 09

Intel Officer Training Nigeria Det, MARFORAF 6 Apr 09 – 26 Jun 09

QRF and Marital Arts Cameroon Det, MCTAG 4 May 09 – 8 May 09

Training

Intelligence Training Mozambique Det, Intel Support Bn 15 Jun 09 – 19 Jun 09

Logistics Training Mozambique Det, TECOM 27 Jul 09 – 31 Jul 09

Logistics Training Sierra Leone Det, MWSG-47 8 Aug 09 – 3 Sep 09

Force Protection Training Ghana Det, 4th MLG 15 Aug 09 – 22 Aug 09

Logistics Training Cameroon Det, 4th MLG 23 Aug 09 – 28 Aug 09

NCO Development Cameroon Det, MARFORAF 13 Sep 09 – 27 Sep 09

Intel Officer Training Senegal Det, Intel Support Bn 15 Sep 09 – 13 Dec 09

Intelligence Training Tanzania Det, MARFORAF 28 Nov 09 – 5 Dec 09
258

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Operations and Contingencies

Mission Location Unit Dates

Enduring Freedom (JSOTF-Philippines) 

Counterinsurgency Philippines Det, III MEF Continual Rotation

Training

Counterinsurgency Philippines MSOC C 26 Jan 09 -20 Feb 09

Training

Counterinsurgency Philippines MSOC A 2 Feb 09 – 25 Mar 09

Training

Naval Security

Physical Security Japan 2 Plts, FAST Co Continual Rotation

JTF Joint Accounting

EOD Support Laos Det, CSSG-3 13 Apr 09 – 13 Jun 09

Engineer Support Laos Det, 9th ESBn 5 Oct 09 – 10 Dec 09

Engineer Support Vietnam Det, 9th ESBn 12 Oct 09 – 10 Dec 09

Exercises and Theater Security Cooperation

Exercise Location Unit Dates

Forest Light

Bilateral Field Exercise Japan Det, 31st MEU 3 Dec 08 – 31 Dec 08

Bilateral Field Exercise Japan Det, 3d MARDIV 2 Jan 09 – 29 Jan 09

Yama Sakura

Bilateral Command Japan Det, 3d MARDIV 2 Dec 09 – 16 Dec 09

Post Exercise

Shatrujeet

Bilateral Field Exercise India L Co, 3d Bn, 4th MAR 2 Jan 09 – 23 Jan 09

Cobra Gold

Combined Interoperability Thailand 3d MARDIV 12 Jan 09 – 15 Mar 09

CLR-3

31st MEU

Key Resolve/Foal Eagle

Bilateral Command Korea Det, 3d MLG 16 Feb 09 – 27 Apr 09

Post and Field Exercise

Cope Tiger

U.S. Pacific Command
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chapter 4: CURRENT OPERATIONS

Exercises and Theater Security Cooperation (cont.)

Exercise Location Unit Dates

Cope Tiger

Combined Aviation Thailand Det, 1st MAW 2 Mar 09 – 21 Mar 09

Exercise

Southern Canopy

Bilateral Field Exercise Philippines Det, 3d Recon Bn 16 Mar 09 – 16 Apr 09

Balikatan

Bi-Lateral Training Philippines Det, III MEF 16 Mar 09 – 30 Apr 09

Commando Sling

Combined Aviation Singapore VMFA(AW)-224 7 Apr 09 – 25 Apr 09

Exercise

Khaan Quest

Combined Peacekeeping Mongolia Det, CLR-37 22 Apr 09 – 22 May 09

Interoperability

Combined Peacekeeping Mongolia Det, 3d AAV Bn 7 Aug 09 – 22 Aug 09

Interoperability Det, 3d Tank Bn

Ardent Blitz

Bilateral Aviation Exercise Thailand Det, VMFA(AW)-224 11 May 09 – 22 May 09

LF Carat

Series of Multi-national Philippines, Brunei, CLR-35 20 May 09 – 1 Aug 09

Exercises Malaysia, Singapore, 1st Bn, 24th MAR

Thailand 2d Bn, 24th MAR

Det, 3d, 4th AAV Bn Khaan Quest

Air Warrior

Bilateral Aviation Exercise Malaysia Det, VMFA(AW)-225 9 Jun 09 – 7 Jul 09

Talisman Saber

Bilateral Field Exercise Australia 3d MLG 11 Jun 09 – 31 Aug 09

Det, 7th Comm Bn

Ulchi Freedom Guardian

Combined Command Korea Det, III MEF 16 Aug 09 – 27 Aug 09

Post Exercise

Gold Eagle

Bilateral Field Exercise Australia Det, MARFORPAC 1 Sep 09 – 3 Oct 09
260

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Exercises and Theater Security Cooperation (cont.)

Exercise Location Unit Dates

PHIBLEX

Bilateral Amphibious Philippines Det, MWHS-1 16 Sep 09 – 30 Sep 09

Exercise

Theater Security Cooperation

Counterinsurgency Thailand Det, 1st Bn, 3d MAR 6 May 09 – 15 May 09

Training

Leadership Development Mongolia Det, 9th ESBn 10 Jul 09 – 15 Jan 09

EOD Training New Guinea Det, 9th ESBn 27 Jul 09 – 28 Sep 09

Interoperability Training Bangladesh Det, CLR-35 26 Jul 09 – 16 Aug 09

Det, 9th ESBn

Interoperability Training Indonesia Det, MWSS-171 31 Jul 09 – 6 Aug 09

Interoperability Training Cambodia Det, MWSS-172 30 Jul 09 – 23 Aug 09

Counterinsurgency Thailand MSOT 16 17 Jan 09 – 15 May 09

Training

Operations and Contingencies

Mission Location Unit Dates

Iraqi Freedom (Multinational Force - West (MNF-W)) 

Counterinsurgency Iraq II MEF (Forward) Continual Rotation

Iraqi Freedom (Multinational Security Transition Command – Iraq (MNSTC-I))

Transition Training Iraq 20 Military Transition Continual Rotation

Teams

Transition Training Iraq 10 Border Transition Continual Rotation

Teams

Transition Training Iraq 15 Provincial Police Continual Rotation

Transition Teams

Transition Training Iraq 1 Provincial Joint Continual Rotation

Coordination

Transition Team

Iraqi Freedom (Multinational Security Transition Command – Iraq (MNSTC-I))

U.S. Central Command
261

chapter 4: CURRENT OPERATIONS

Operations and Contingencies (cont.)

Mission Location Unit Dates

Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom (Marine Forces Central Command)

Electronic Warfare Iraq VMAQ-1 1 Aug 08 – 1 Feb 09

Electronic Warfare Iraq VMAQ-2 1 Oct 08 – 1 Apr 09

Electronic Warfare Iraq VMAQ-4 1 Apr 09 – 1 Oct 09

Electronic Warfare Iraq VMAQ-3 1 Aug 09 – 1 Jan 10

Electronic Warfare Iraq VMAQ-1 1 Oct 09 – 1 Mar 10

Enduring Freedom (Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan)

Counterinsurgency Afghanistan 2d MEB Continual Rotation

Enduring Freedom (CJSOTF-A)

Counterinsurgency Afghanistan MSOT-5 28 May 08 – 1 Jan 09

Counterinsurgency Afghanistan MSOC I 1 Sep 08 – 30 Jul 09

Counterinsurgency Afghanistan MSOC D 4 Jan 09 – 30 Jul 09

Enduring Freedom (Combined Security Transition Command – Afghanistan)

Transition Training Afghanistan 1 Corps Embedded Continual Rotation

Training Team

Transition Training Afghanistan 6 Battalion Embedded Continual Rotation

Training Team

Naval Security

Physical Security Bahrain 2 Plts, FAST Co Continual Rotation
262

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Mission Location Unit Dates

26th MEU

Security Cooperation EUCOM BLT 2/6 29 Aug 08 – 30 Mar 09

Theater Reserve CENTCOM HMM-264

CLB-26

31st MEU

Security Cooperation PACOM BLT 3/1 7 Jul 08 – 7 Jan 09

Theater Reserve HMM-262

CLB-31

Security Cooperation PACOM BLT 3/5 7 Jan 09 – 7 Jul 09

Theater Reserve HMM-265

CLB-31

Security Cooperation PACOM BLT 2/5 7 Jul 09 – 7 Jan 10

Theater Reserve HMM-265

CLB-31

22d MEU

Security Cooperation EUCOM BLT 3/2 13 May 09 – 8 Dec 09

Theater Reserve CENTCOM VMM-263

CLB-22

11th MEU

Security Cooperation PACOM BLT 2/4 8 Sep 09 – 3 Apr 09

Theater Reserve CENTCOM HMM-166

CLB-11

Marine Expeditionary Units
263

chapter 4: CURRENT OPERATIONS Indian Ocean 11 Marine Expeditionary Unit

Japan• Echo Battery, 2d Battalion,  12 Marines• 2d Battalion, 7th Marines• Elements of 3d Assault  Amphibian Battalion• Marine Attack Squadron 311

• Elements of Marine Light 

Attack Helicopter Squadron 267

• Elements of Marine Heavy  Helicopter Squadron 465• Marine Fighter Attack  Squadron 115

DjiboutiMarine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464

• Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle  Squadron 3• Marine Wing Support Squadron 472• Detachment Marine Air Support  Squadron 1• Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 26• Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364• Detachment Marine Aerial Refueler  Transport Squadron 252• Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 366• Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare  Squadron 3Logistics Combat ElementCombat Logistics Battalion 46

IraqCommand Element• II MEF Forward Command Element• II MEF Forward Headquarters Group• Detachment 2d Intelligence Battalion• Detachment 2d Radio Battalion• Detachment 8th Communications  Battalion• 3d Battalion, 24th Marines• Elements of 3d Combat Engineer  BattalionAviation Combat Element• Marine Aircraft Group 25 (Reinforced)• Detachment Marine Air Control Group 28

Snapshot of Deployed Marine Forces (Dec 2009)

Ground Combat ElementRegimental Combat Team 7• 1st Battalion, 6th Marines• 2d Battalion, 2d Marines• 3d Battalion, 4th Marines• 3d Battalion, 10th Marines• 1st Battalion, 3d Marines• Elements of 2d Reconnaissance Battalion• Battery R, 5th Battalion, 11th Marines• Company B, 2d Assault Amphibian  Battalion (MRAP Co)

Aviation Combat Element

Marine Aircraft Group 40• Marine Attack Squadron 231• Marine Light Attack Squadron 367• Marine Heavy helicopter Squadron 462• Marine Heavy helicopter Squadron 463• Marine Medium Tiltroter Squadron 261• Elements of Marine Aerial Refueler  Transport Squadron 352• Elements of Marine Aerial Refueler  Transport Squadron 152

• Marine Unmanned Aerial  Squadron 3• Marine Aviation Logistics  Squadron 40• Marine Aircraft Control Group 28• Marine Wing Support Squadron 372Logistics Combat Element

Combat Logistics Regiment 2• 7th Engineer Support Battalion• Combat Logistics Battalion 1

Other units

• Regional Corps Advisory  Command, 3d Marine Division• Elements of Marine Special  Operations Battalions 1, 2, 3• Elements of 3d Marines

Afghanistan2d Marine Expeditionary BrigadeCommand Element• 2d Marine Expeditionary Brigade  Headquarters Group• 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company• 5th Battalion, 10th Marines• 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance  Battalion• 2d Combat Engineer Battalion

Snapshot of Deployed Marine Forces (Dec 2009)
chapter

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chapter 5: marine corps almanac

265

Marine Corps Almanac

Introduction

This chapter provides a brief snapshot of the Marine Corps today. It includes a 

brief description of Marine Corps demographics, fiscal posture, and the age of primary 

equipment. As such it gives some insight into the resources that we fuse together to create the world’s premier fighting force. 
266

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

NROTC 218

Platoon Leader Course 383

Officer Candidate Course 473

Military Academy 272

Enlisted Commissioning Programs 228

Warrant Officer Program 264

Other 39

Total 1877

 Type Number

Active Duty Officer Accessions in Fiscal Year 2009

Active Duty Officer Age Distribution

<22 21 0.1%

22 398 1.9%

23 859 4.2%

24 1,175 5.7%

25 1,136 5.5%

26 1,123 5.4%

27 1,061 5.1%

28 1,056 5.1%

29 1,012 4.9%

30 979 4.7%

31-35 4,129 20.0%

36-40 4,418 21.4%

41+ 3,272 15.9%

Total 20,639 100%

 Age Number Percent
267

chapter 5: marine corps almanac

Active Duty Officer Grade Distribution

Warrant Officers 1,964 9.5%

Second Lieutenant 3,278 15.9%

First Lieutenant 3,088 15.0%

Captain 5,913 28.6%

Major 3,757 18.2%

Lieutenant Colonel 1,868 9.1%

Colonel 686 3.3%

General Officers 85 0.4%

Total 20,639 100%

 Rank Number Percent
268

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Active Duty Officer Occupational Field Distribution

 Primary Female Male Total

MOS Code Description Officer Officer Officer

01 Personnel & Administration 173 530 703

02 Intelligence 61 1,274 1,335

03 Infantry 0 2,376 2,376

04 Logistics 178 1,424 1,602

06 Communications 85 1,124 1,209

08 Field Artillery 0 928 928

09 Training 0 13 13

11 Utilities 3 41 44

13 Engineer 46 555 601

18 Tank & AAV 0 327 327

21 Ground Ordnance Maintenance 2 136 138

23 Ammunition & EOD 1 123 124

26 Signals Intelligence 2 39 41

28 Ground Electronics Maintenance 4 100 104

30 Supply Administration & Operations 77 622 699

31 Distribution Management 5 25 30

33 Food Service 3 36 39

34 Financial Management 38 297 335

35 Motor Transport 2 103 105

41 Marine Corps Community Services 3 8 11

43 Public Affairs 32 109 141

44 Legal Services 60 429 489

46 Combat Camera 3 17 20

48 Recruiting & Retention 0 17 17

55 Music 1 21 22

57 CBRN Defense 0 120 120

58 Military Police & Corrections 15 233 248

59 Electronics Maintenance 2 71 73

60 Aircraft Maintenance 19 383 402

63 Organizational Avionics Maint. 2 131 133

65 Aviation Ordnance 3 85 88

66 Aviation Logistics 26 245 271

68 Meteorology & Oceanography 1 31 32

70 Airfield Services 1 34 35

72 Air Control, Support & Anti-Air 55 560 615

73 Navigation Officer 0 13 13

75 Pilot/NFO 176 5,380 5,556

80 Miscellaneous Requirements 123 1,477 1,600

Total 1,202 19,437 20,639
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chapter 5: marine corps almanac

Active Duty Officer Gender Distribution

 Number Percent

 1,202 5.8%

 19,437 94.2%

Total 20,639 100%

Female

Male

Active Duty Officer Grade by Gender

 Rank # Male % Male # Female % Female Total

WO1 242 1.2% 13 1.1% 255

CWO2 774 4.0% 39 3.2% 813

CWO3 495 2.5% 37 3.1% 532

CWO4 256 1.3% 12 1.0% 268

CWO5 91 0.5% 5 0.4% 96

2ndLt 3,021 15.5% 257 21.4% 3,278

1stLt 2,859 14.7% 229 19.1% 3,088

Capt 5,508 28.3% 405 33.7% 5,913

Maj 3,613 18.6% 144 12.0% 3,757

LtCol 1,828 9.4% 40 3.3% 1,868

Col 667 3.4% 19 1.6% 686

General 83 0.4% 2 0.2% 85

Total 19,437 1,202 20,639

Civilian Military Guard/Reserve Children/Other

 Spouses Spouses Spouses Dependents

13,094 807 59 22,033

Active Duty Officer Marine Families
270

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Active Duty Officer Racial and Gender Distribution

Black Black Hispanic Hispanic White White Other Other

 Rank Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Total

WO/CWO 21 243 20 178 62 1,335 3 102 1,964

2ndLt 13 116 19 140 200 2,518 25 247 3,278

1stLt 14 119 19 155 184 2,415 12 170 3,088

Capt 38 284 39 325 293 4,565 35 334 5,913

Maj 16 292 8 206 108 2,913 12 202 3,757

LtCol 3 88 2 56 30 1,615 5 69 1,868

Col 3 21 0 9 15 622 1 15 686

Gen 0 7 1 1 1 74 0 1 85

Total 108 1,170 108 1,070 893 16,057 93 1,140 20,639
271

chapter 5: marine corps almanac

31,413

5,701

Total 37,114

Active accessions

Reserve accessions

Active and Reserve Enlisted Accessions

Active Duty Enlisted Age Distribution

17 281 0.2%

18 8,122 4.5%

19 18,378 10.1%

20 22,257 12.2%

21 22,639 12.4%

22 19,911 10.9%

23 16,498 9.1%

24 13,219 7.3%

25 10,249 5.6%

26-30 27,394 15.0%

31-35 12,546 6.9%

36-40 7,447 4.1%

41+ 3,206 1.8%

Total 182,147 100%

 Age Number Percent
272

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

 Rank Number Percent

Private 12,185 6.7%

Private First Class 23,280 12.8%

Lance Corporal 49,790 27.3%

Corporal 37,336 20.5%

Sergeant 29,505 16.2%

Staff Sergeant 15,777 8.7%

Gunnery Sergeant 8,869 4.9%

1stSgt/MSgt 3,814 2.1%

SgtMaj/MGySgt 1,591 0.9%

Total 182,147 100%

Active Duty Enlisted Grade Distribution
273

chapter 5: marine corps almanac

 Primary Female Male Total

 MOS Code Description Enlisted Enlisted Enlisted

01 Personnel & Administration 1,797 6,510 8,307

02 Intelligence 334 2,738 3,072

03 Infantry 0 36,816 36,816

04 Logistics 504 3,814 4,318

05 MAGTF Plans 39 353 392

06 Communications 1,186 13,804 14,990

08 Field Artillery 0 4,840 4,840

11 Utilities 235 2,796 3,031

13 Engineer 242 8,517 8,759

18 Tank & AAV 0 2,974 2,974

21 Ground Ordnance Maintenance 65 4,549 4,614

23 Ammunition & EOD 193 2,032 2,225

26 Signals Intelligence 307 2,577 2,884

28 Ground Electronics Maintenance 122 4,626 4,748

30 Supply Administration & Operations 1,444 6,116 7,560

31 Distribution Management 127 548 675

33 Food Service 361 2,216 2,577

34 Financial Management 208 1,219 1,427

35 Motor Transport 587 14,818 15,405

41 Marine Corps Community Services 13 125 138

43 Public Affairs 124 376 500

44 Legal Services 122 436 558

46 Combat Camera 108 465 573

48 Recruiting & Retention 76 343 419

55 Music 168 871 1,039

57 CBRN Defense 65 949 1,014

58 Military Police & Corrections 376 4,948 5,324

59 Electronics Maintenance 106 1,681 1,787

60 Aircraft Maintenance 421 4,898 5,319

61 Aircraft Maintenance (Rotary Wing) 212 6,326 6,538

62 Aircraft Maintenance (Fixed Wing) 130 4,277 4,407

63 Organizational Avionics Maint. 284 3,718 4,002

64 Intermediate Avionics Maintenance 228 2,737 2,965

65 Aviation Ordnance 164 2,723 2,887

66 Aviation Logistics 422 1,971 2,393

68 Meteorology & Oceanography 24 302 326

70 Airfield Services 214 2,273 2,487

72 Air Control, Support & Anti-Air 100 1,828 1,928

73 Navigation Officer 16 349 365

80 Miscellaneous Requirements 531 4,917 5,448

84 Career Recruiting 10 537 547 

89 SgtMaj/1stSgt 75 1,494 1,569

Total 11,740 170,407 182,147

Active Duty Enlisted Occupational Field Distribution
274

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

 Number Percent

11,740 6.4%

170,407 93.6%

Total 182,147 100%

Female

Male

 Rank # Male % Male # Female % Female Total

Civilian Military Guard/Reserve Children/

Spouses Spouses Spouses Other Dependents

73,477 7,188 376 83,780

Pvt 11,300 6.6% 885 7.5% 12,185

PFC 21,726 12.7% 1,554 13.2% 23,280

LCpl 46,815 27.5% 2,975 25.3% 49,790

Cpl 34,621 20.3% 2,715 23.1% 37,336

Sgt 27,559 16.2% 1,946 16.6% 29,505

SSgt 14,858 8.7% 919 7.8% 15,777

GySgt 8,374 4.9% 495 4.2% 8,869

1stSgt/MSgt 3,624 2.1% 190 1.6% 3,814

SgtMaj/MGySgt 1,530 0.9% 61 0.5% 1,591

Total 170,407 11,740 182,147

Active Duty Enlisted Gender Distribution

Active Duty Enlisted Grade by Gender

Active Duty Enlisted Marine Families
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chapter 5: marine corps almanac

Active Duty Enlisted Racial and Gender Distribution

Black Black Hispanic Hispanic White White Other Other

 Rank Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Total

Pvt 144 1,089 45 730 650 8,919 46 562 12,185

PFC 236 1,922 132 1,788 1,101 16,959 85 1,057 23,280

LCpl 468 3,754 428 4,871 1,826 35,346 253 2,844 49,790

Cpl 363 2,929 431 4,062 1,620 24,718 301 2,912 37,336

Sgt 335 3,203 379 3,972 995 17,948 237 2,436 29,505

SSgt 213 2,477 201 2,468 417 8,861 88 1,052 15,777

GySgt 132 1,508 96 1,249 216 5,033 51 584 8,869

1stSgt/MSgt 86 827 25 397 72 2,177 7 223 3,814

SgtMaj/MGySgt 25 435 10 132 24 898 2 65 1,591

Total 2,002 18,144 1,747 19,669 6,921 120,859 1,070 11,735 182,147
276

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

 Age Number Percent

 Rank Number Percent

<22 0 0.0%

22 4 0.1%

23 24 0.7%

24 37 1.0%

25 27 0.7%

26 28 0.8%

27 41 1.1%

28 61 1.7%

29 69 1.9%

30 78 2.1%

31-35 576 15.6%

36-40 1,009 27.3%

41-45 811 21.9%

46-50 585 15.8%

51-55 140 3.8%

56-60 16 0.4%

61+ 2 0.1%

Total 3,696 100%

Warrant Officers 333 9.0%

Second Lieutenant 173 4.7%

First Lieutenant 84 2.7%

Captain 633 17.1%

Major 1,039 28.1%

Lieutenant Colonel 1,064 28.8%

Colonel 360 9.7%

General Officers 10 0.8%

Total 3,696 100%

Selected Marine Corps Reserve Officer Age Distribution

Selected Marine Corps Reserve Officer Grade Distribution
277

chapter 5: marine corps almanac

 Primary Female Male Total

 MOS Code Description Officer Officer Officer

Selected Marine Corps Reserve Officer Occupational Field Distribution

01 Personnel & Administration 52 96 148

02 Intelligence 15 271 286

03 Infantry 0 473 473

04 Logistics 53 261 314

06 Communications 17 198 215

08 Field Artillery 0 180 180

09 Training 0 0 0

11 Utilities 0 11 11

13 Engineer 5 134 139

18 Tank and AAV 0 100 100

21 Ground Ordnance Maintenance 0 13 13

23 Ammunition & EOD 0 8 8

26 Signals Intelligence 0 3 3

28 Ground Electronics Maintenance 0 9 9

30 Supply Administration & Operations 17 137 154

31 Distribution Management 0 1 1

33 Food Service 0 1 1

34 Financial Management 7 28 35

35 Motor Transport 0 22 22

41 Marine Corps Community Services 0 0 0

43 Public Affairs 7 19 26

44 Legal Services 18 224 242

46 Combat Camera 0 1 1

57 CBRN Defense 1 30 31

58 Military Police & Corrections 3 43 46

59 Electronics Maintenance 0 2 2

60 Aircraft Maintenance 2 45 47

63 Organizational Avionics Maint. 0 6 6

65 Aviation Ordnance 0 9 9

66 Aviation Logistics 3 26 29

68 Meteorology & Oceanography 0 2 2

70 Airfield Services 0 7 7

72 Air Control, Support & Anti-Air 11 81 92

73 Navigation Officer 0 4 4

75 Pilot/NFO 16 621 637

80 Miscellaneous Requirements 16 387 403

Total 243 3,453 3,696
278

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

 Age Number Percent

 Rank Number Percent

18 531 1.5%

19 1,928 5.5%

20 2,882 8.3%

21 3,582 10.3%

22 3,747 10.8%

23 3,815 10.9%

24 3,727 10.7%

25 3,019 8.7%

26-30 7,068 20.3%

31-35 2,249 6.5%

36-40 1,252 3.6%

41-45 696 2.0%

46-50 252 0.7%

51-55 57 0.2%

56-60 8 0.02%

61+ 1 0.01%

Total 34,814 100%

Private 2,033 5.8%

Private First Class 3,531 10.1%

Lance Corporal 14,611 41.9%

Corporal 6,187 17.8%

Sergeant 4,573 13.1%

Staff Sergeant 1,981 5.7%

Gunnery Sergeant 1,230 3.5%

1stSgt/MSgt 450 1.3%

SgtMaj/MGySgt 218 0.6%

Total 34,814 100%

Selected Marine Corps Reserve Enlisted Age Distribution

Selected Marine Corps Reserve Enlisted Grade Distribution
279

chapter 5: marine corps almanac

Selected Marine Corps Reserve Enlisted Occupational Field Distribution

 Primary Female Male Total

 MOS Code Description Enlisted Enlisted Enlisted

01 Personnel & Administration 344 1,247 1,591

02 Intelligence 31 535 566

03 Infantry 0 7,927 7,927

04 Logistics 100 1,121 1,221

05 MAGTF Plans 2 47 49

06 Communications 153 2,913 3,066

08 Field Artillery 0 1,060 1,060

11 Utilities 73 636 709

13 Engineer 104 2,984 3,088

18 Tank & AAV 0 657 657

21 Ground Ordnance Maintenance 15 856 871

23 Ammunition & EOD 37 432 469

26 Signals Intelligence 9 35 44

28 Ground Electronics Maintenance 9 605 614

30 Supply Administration & Operations 217 1,244 1,461

31 Distribution Management 31 112 143

33 Food Service 53 495 548

34 Financial Management 6 25 31

35 Motor Transport 140 3,687 3,827

43 Public Affairs 4 22 26

44 Legal Services 6 12 18

46 Combat Camera 7 8 15

48 Recruiting & Retention 8 61 69

55 Music 2 1 3

57 CBRN Defense 7 205 212

58 Military Police & Corrections 30 801 831

59 Electronics Maintenance 3 93 96

60 Aircraft Maintenance 34 331 365

61 Aircraft Maintenance (Rotary Wing) 9 360 369

62 Aircraft Maintenance (Fixed Wing) 8 225 233

63 Organizational Avionics Maint. 14 184 198

64 Intermediate Avionics Maintenance 6 144 150

65 Aviation Ordnance 8 181 189

66 Aviation Logistics 35 200 235

68 Meteorology & Oceanography 6 46 52

70 Airfield Services 36 313 349

72 Air Control, Support & Anti-Air 22 161 183

73 Navigation Officer 0 31 31

80 Miscellaneous Requirements 74 2,925 2,999

84 Career Recruiting 2 40 42

89 SgtMaj/1stSgt 3 204 207 

Total 1,648 33,166 34,814
280

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Marine Corps Fiscal Resource Overview

Forecast

As of: 20 Jan 10

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

$B

FY00 FY01 FY02 FY03 FY04 FY05 FY06 FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15

* FY09 (OCO) does not include $235M executed for American Recovery and Reinvestment Act projects

* FY09 OCO includes $1.38B for Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles

* BISOG: Blue in Support of Green

Supplemental BISOG

Baseline BISOG

Supplemental Green

Baseline Green 35.5

48.2

45.1

39.8

34.8

27.3

31.7

29.1

19.4

16.7 15.9

44.0

36.9 37.6 37.9

45.2

12.4

3.5

12.6

4.1

13.9

4.7

0.5

0.3

19.3

0.7

6.1

3.0

0.2

6.3

2.1

18.7 17.2

8.1

6.0

0.4

0.8

7.2

9.6

17.2 17.6

7.4

13.4

1.4

22.0

12.5

8.1

5.6

24.6

9.5

9.3

1.7

26.3

9.4

6.9

2.6

26.6

2.4

8.0

7.0

26.8

8.7

27.4

9.5

28.5

9.1

29.0

8.9

Marine Corps Fiscal Resource Overview

Marine Corps Fiscal Landscape

Marine Corps Fiscal Landscape

FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15

0.00

2.00

4.00

6.00

8.00

10.00

12.00

14.00

16.00

18.00

$ in Billions

As of: 20 Jan 10

Manpower

Operations & Maintenance

Investment

MCON/FH
281

chapter 5: marine corps almanac

Marine Corps Fiscal Year 2011 Total Baseline TO

MPMC

RPMC

DHAMC

DHAMCR

OMMC

OMMCR

PMC

PANMC

RDTEN

MCON

MCNR

FHCON

FHOPS

$971

$20

$118

$26

$1,344

$2,764

$285

$359

$132

$1,142

$617

$13,250

$5,590

Last Updated: RPPC 20 Jan 10

Marine Corps Fiscal Year 2011 Total Baseline TOA ($ in Million)

Marine Corps Fiscal Year 2011 Appropriations

Marine Corps Fiscal Year 2011 Appropriations

MilPers

$15.1B - 57%

Ops & Maint

$5.9B - 22%

Investment

$2.7B - 10%

MCON/FH

$2.9B - 11%

As of: 20 Jan 10
282

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Marine Corps Procurement Summary ($ in Millions)

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

8000

9000

FY00 FY01 FY02 FY03 FY04 FY05 FY06 FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11

Supplemental Request

Baseline

Supplemental Received

$1,292 $1,569

$7,989

$4,247

$7,151

$2,728

$3,584

$901

$3,742

$1,597 $1,259 $1,517 $1,344

$3,433

$1,778 $893

$19

$5,030

$1,405

$8,052

$1,185 $936

$2,429 $3,122

$6,312

$4,374

$3,115

Marine Corps Procurement Summary ($ in Million)

Marine Corps Selected Ground Equipment Age Marine Corps Selected Ground Equipment Ages

VAA 891M SVL VAL

Replacement EF V M777A2 HMMWV A2 ECV LVSR LAV A2

IOC 2016 2005 2001 1999 2006 2009 2005 1991 2008

FOC 2026 2011 2010 2006 2012 2012 2009 1993 2010

M TVR M1A1 HMMWV HIMARS

45

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

Program Service Life

Service Life Extension Program

Average Equipment Age

Age of Oldest In Inventory

42

35

15

20

25

22 22 22

20 20

42

34

13

26

14 15

8 7

2 3

37

29

25

18

30

7

3

10 8
283

chapter 5: marine corps almanac

Marine Corps Selected Aviation Equipment Age Marine Corps Selected Aviation Equipment Ages

AV-8B

Replacement F-35

2016

2026

IOC

FOC

EA-6B

F-35

2016

2026

FA-18A

F-35

2016

2026

FA-18C

F-35

2016

2026

FA-18D

F-35

2016

2026

AH-1W

AH-1Z

2011

2016

CH-46E

MV-22

2007

2018

CH-53D

CH-53K

2017

2022

CH-53E

CH-53K

2017

2022

UH-1N

UH-1Y

2008

2010

UH-1Y

N/A

2008

2010

MV-22B

N/A

2007

2018

KC-130J

N/A

KC-130T

N/A

45

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

Program Service Life

Average Equipment Age

Age of Oldest In Inventory

30 30

38 38

13

33

27 25 25

40 40

39

32

41

20 19

4

23

25

16 15

36

23

29

42

39 37

27

7

2 4

19 20 18 24 21

40

35

25 25

3 1
284

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

APPENDIX A Other Supporting Programs

Marine Corps Embassy Security Group (MCESG)

Marine Security Guards (MSG) have 

been the frontline of defense for U.S. diplomatic missions and the Department of 

State for more than 210 years. The history of Marines supporting Department 

of State diplomatic missions dates to 

March 1799, and most famously with 

First Lieutenant Presley O’Bannon during the Barbary Pirate wars of 1805. A 

Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) 

between the Department of State and 

the Marine Corps was first signed in 

December 1948, formalizing the relationship between the two agencies. MSGs 

have continually exemplified themselves 

during numerous situations: embassy 

bombings in Lebanon, Kenya, and Tanzania; Al Qaeda terrorist attacks in Saudi 

Arabia; and averting an embassy bombing 

through vigilance in Pakistan, to name just 

a few. No matter what the mission, Marine 

Security Guards have always faced challenges and adversaries with steadfast 

courage, determination, and professionalism –– always ready and true to their 

motto, “in every clime and place.”

The MCESG is a global command that 

screens, trains, assigns, organizes, equips, 

and sustains Marines assigned for duty as 

MSGs at designated U.S. diplomatic and 

consular missions. The primary mission 

of a MSG is to provide internal security 

at these facilities to prevent compromise 

of classified information and equipment 

vital to national security. 

Headquartered in Quantico, VA, the 

Commanding Officer of MCESG has 

more than 1,400 Marines assigned to 

the unit, supervising MSG detachments 

in 148 embassies and consulates in 133 

countries, spanning 18 time zones. The 

group has nine regional commands that 

are commanded by a lieutenant colonel; 

four in Frankfurt, Germany that encompass Europe, Scandinavia, Eurasia, and 

North and West Africa; two in Ft. Lauderdale, FL that span the northern and 

southern parts of the Western Hemi-
285

appendix a: other supporting programs

sphere; one in the United Arab Emirates 

that includes the Middle East and South 

Asia; one in Bangkok, Thailand that 

covers East Asia and the Pacific region; 

and one in Pretoria, South Africa that 

is responsible for southern and eastern 

Africa. In 2010, MCESG has 42 posts that 

entitle Marines to hostile fire pay and 

21 posts that qualify Marines for combat 

tax exclusion benefits.

MSGs attend a comprehensive sixweek (eight weeks for detachment commanders) Department of State and 

Marine Corps school in Quantico, where 

they receive specialized training that prepares them to accomplish their primary 

mission of providing internal security. 

During their time in the program, MSGs 

will serve three separate 12-month assignments, and detachment commanders will 

serve two separate 18-month assignments 

at any one of the 148 embassies or consulates. Marine detachments range in size 

from one staff non-commissioned officer 

(SNCO) detachment commander and 

five MSGs, to two SNCOs and 22 MSGs, 

depending on the size of the embassy 

or consulate.
286

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Marine Corps History Division

The mission of the History Division 

is research, writing, documenting, and 

tracking the history of the Marine Corps 

across the entire spectrum of its organizational existence. History Division historians, working within the Marine Corps 

University and in close coordination 

with the National Museum of the Marine Corps and the Library of the Marine 

Corps, are charged with the collection, 

writing, publication, and distribution of 

documents and accounts of permanent 

value to the history of the Corps. During 

2009, the History Division moved into a 

permanent facility on the Marine Corps 

University (MCU) campus, at 3078 Upshur Avenue, Quantico, VA 22193.

The History Division engages in the 

research, writing, and editing of the official histories of the Marine Corps and 

maintains topical working files that cover 

four primary areas of interest to Marine 

Corps history (specific history subjects; 

biographical files on prominent Marines; 

unit files; and geographic area files where 

Marines have operated.) The division also 

conducts research and writes battle studies; deploys combat historians with operational units to collect 

and preserve primary 

source materials; conducts interviews with a 

wide variety of current 

and former Marines in 

support of the division’s 

research and writing 

efforts; edits, designs, 

produces, prints, warehouses, and distributes 

products; compiles, 

edits, and publishes 

Fortitudine, the quarterly bulletin of the 

Marine Corps Historical Program; and 

carries out all functions of the Marine 

Corps University Press. Founded in 2008, 

the Marine Corps University Press seeks 

to further the vision, educational objectives, and curriculum of MCU through 

scholarly dialogue not offered in other 

forums. The Marine Corps University Press published the first issue of the 

Marine Corps University Journal in 2009 

and will produce two issues in 2010. 

The journal features articles, interviews, 

and reviews on issues of strategy and 

international security. 

In addition to the writing and publishing projects noted above, during 2010, 

History Division will expand the operations of MCU Press and Marine Corps 

University Journal. It will also maintain 

progress on a multi-year effort to scan 

and process key Reference Branch materials to make them available in a digital 

format. The History Division’s website 

(www.history.usmc.mil) is continually 

being improved and expanded, as is the 

Marine Corps University Press website 

(www.tecom.usmc.mil/mcu/mcupress/).
287

appendix a: other supporting programs

National Museum of the Marine Corps (NMMC)

The President of the United States 

dedicated the National Museum of the 

Marine Corps (NMMC) on 10 November 

2006. Located in Quantico, VA and with 

an average annual visitor attendance of 

more than 500,000 during each of its first 

three years, the NMMC is one of the most 

popular cultural attractions in Virginia. 

Its exhibitions recreate environments and 

immerse visitors into Marine Corps action. The Marine Corps Museum’s mission includes:

• Collecting and preserving objects that 

reflect the history of the Corps;

• Interpreting Marine Corps history;

• Educating students and families;

• Conducting collections-based research; 

and

• Supporting the recruitment, education, 

and retention of Marines.

The National Museum is being constructed in phases, the first of which includes approximately 120,000 square feet. 

It opened with permanent galleries dedicated to “Making Marines,” World War II, 

the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. In 

2010, three additional galleries will open 

to tell the story of the Marine Corps from 

1775 through World War I. In immersive 

exhibits, visitors take their places alongside Marines in battle. Aircraft, tanks, and 

other vehicles are prominently displayed, 

and period uniforms, weapons, medals, flags, and other artifacts help visitors 

trace the history of the Corps. Future 

phases will add a giant-screen theater, 

classrooms, an art gallery, visible storage, 

and more exhibition space to the flagship 

building. A chapel that overlooks the Museum and Semper Fidelis Memorial Park 

opened in October 2009. Also planned as 

part of the 135-acre “Marine Corps Heritage Center” are a hotel/conference center, 

artifact storage and restoration building, 

hiking trails, and additions to Semper Fidelis Memorial Park.

The NMMC reports to Marine Corps 

University and is federally funded and 

staffed by Marine Corps civilian employees and uniformed Marines. However, its 

construction and expansion would not 

be possible without the assistance of the 

Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. This 

strong public-private partnership, approved by Congress in 2001, allowed for 

the construction of an iconic building 

and the delivery of the highest-quality 

programs. 

The strength of any history museum 

rests with its collections. NMMC’s keystone objects that represent how Marines 
288

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

have waged war since 1775 — weapons, 

tanks, vehicles, aircraft — were transferred to the museum by the Marine 

Corps. But pride in being a Marine has 

prompted many generations of leathernecks to donate their personal items to 

the permanent collection. Because the 

museum is charged with caring for its 

collections — some 30,000 objects — in 

perpetuity, curators add to the collection 

very selectively, consulting a formal collections rationale for guidance. Stewardship responsibilities are divided among 

five broad categories: ordnance; uniforms 

and heraldry; aviation; art; and general 

collections. Curators and collections 

managers work together to fully account 

for the collection.

As is often the case with museums, 

less than ten percent of NMMC’s objects 

are on exhibition at any one time. Most of 

them are in storage at Marine Corps Base 

Quantico, while some objects are on loan 

to other museums around the country. A 

team dedicated to the preservation of aircraft, vehicles, artillery pieces, and other 

large artifacts completes the detailed restoration of several artifacts each year.

An in-house exhibitions team, working with curators and historians, designs 

and oversees permanent and temporary 

installations, including the Commandant’s Corridor at the Pentagon. Museum educators use these exhibits to craft 

formal education programs that meet 

the needs of classroom teachers and are 

linked to specific standards of learning. 

Education at the museum can definitely be fun, especially for (“Little Marines”), with puppet shows, hands-on 

activities, story telling, trains, and gallery 

hunts. During the museum’s second year 

of operation, it served more than 29,000 

students in formal programs. Popular 

family day programs are offered on the 

second Saturday of each month. Marines 
289

appendix a: other supporting programs

attending formal schools also make good 

use of the museum as part of their professional military education.

Since World War II, the Corps has 

been instructing a small number of Marines to “go to war and do art!” Continuing in that tradition, in 2009 the Museum 

deployed two artists to Iraq, Afghanistan, 

and training sites in the United States to 

capture what today’s warriors are accomplishing. More than 60 works from the 

combat art collection were featured in a 

multi-service show in Newport News, VA, 

in 2009.

In 2009, the museum received the 

Themed Entertainment Association’s 

award for Best New Museum, and the 

Secretary of the Navy recognized the museum with the Award of Merit for Group 

Achievement. The museum stands as a 

proud acknowledgement of the courage 

and commitment to duty delivered by 

all Marines, in support of today’s Marine 

Corps families, and as an inspiration to 

the next generation of Americans.

In addition to the NMMC, command specific museums are located at 

Camp Pendleton, CA; Recruit Depots 

San Diego, CA and Parris Island, SC; 

and at Marine Corps Air Station 

Miramar, CA. These museums reflect the 

unique interests and objectives of those 

facilities. For additional information, 

see www.usmcmuseum.org.
290

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Established in 1801, Marine Barracks 

Washington D.C. is the “Oldest Post of 

the Corps” and has been the residence of 

every Commandant of the Marine Corps 

since 1806. The selection of the site for 

the barracks was a matter of personal interest to President Thomas Jefferson, who 

rode through Washington with Lieutenant Colonel Commandant Burrows in 

search of a suitable location. They chose 

the current site due to its location near 

the Washington Navy Yard and its easy 

marching distance of the Capitol. 

Marine Barracks has also been home 

of the United States Marine Band since 

1801. Shortly after its formation in 1798, 

the band played for President John Adams 

at the Executive Mansion. This engagement began a tradition that has become 

so established that today the names “Marine Band” and “The President’s Own” 

are synonymous. John Philip Sousa, the 

most famous director of “The President’s Own,” wrote many of his immortal 

marches –– such as “The Stars and Stripes 

Forever” and “Semper Fidelis” –– while 

stationed here. 

Today, Barracks Marines perform 

many tasks in support of the Marine 

Corps’ diverse missions. These include 

infantry training, ceremonies, and presidential support duty to include a company of “8th and I” Marines that fulfill 

a security mission for the First Family at 

Camp David, MD. 

The barracks is also home to the 

Marine Corps Institute (MCI). Founded 

in 1920 by the 13th Commandant of the 

Marine Corps, General John A. Lejeune, 

MCI is the Corps’ distance training center, which is responsible for all nonresident military education programs.

Evening Parade

An 85-minute performance of music and precision marching, the Evening 

Parade features “The President’s Own” 

United States Marine Band, “The Commandant’s Own” United States Marine 

Drum and Bugle Corps, and the Marine 

Corps Silent Drill Platoon. The Evening 

Parade is held Friday evenings from 7 

May through 27 August 2010. The ceremony starts with an 8:45 p.m. concert by 

“The President’s Own.”

How to Make Parade

Reservations

Seating for the Evening Parade requires a reservation. Guests with reservations are admitted beginning at 7 p.m. 

and should arrive no later than 8 p.m. 

Reservations may be made in writing, facsimile, or, for groups of six or less, online 

Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C.
291

appendix a: other supporting programs

at www.mbw.usmc.mil. Mail reservation 

requests should be addressed to:

Protocol Officer, Marine Barracks 

8th and I Streets, S.E.

Washington, D.C. 20390-5000

They should be mailed at least 30 

days prior to a desired parade date. Requests via facsimile should be faxed to 

the Protocol Officer at (202) 433-4076. 

The request should include the name of 

the party (either group or individual), the 

number of guests in the party, a complete 

return address, and a point of contact 

with a telephone number. An alternate 

parade date should be included in the request in case the primary date requested 

is unavailable. Confirmations and gate 

assignments for reservation requests will 

be made by return mail. At approximately 8:10 p.m., guests without reservations, 

who are waiting outside the main gate 

of the Marine Barracks, are offered unclaimed seats. 

There are no designated public parking spaces in the immediate vicinity of 

the Marine Barracks. Guests can park at 

Maritime Plaza, located at 1201 M Street, 

S.E., for free shuttle service to and from 

the barracks. The first shuttle departs 

Maritime Plaza at 7 p.m. and the last 

shuttle departs the barracks at 11 p.m. 

Additional information is available at the 

parade information line: (202) 433-6060, 

or at the Marine Barracks Washington 

website.

Sunset Parade

A one-hour performance, the Sunset 

Parade features the music of “The Commandant’s Own” United States Marine 

Drum and Bugle Corps and a precision 

drill exhibition by the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon. The Sunset Parade is 

conducted Tuesday evenings from 1 June 

through 10 August 2010, beginning at 

7 p.m. except for the final two parades 

which begin at 6:30pm. The Sunset Parade, held at the Marine Corps War Memorial, is open to the public at no charge. 

Reservations are not necessary. Spacious 

lawns provide ample room for guests to 

bring lawn chairs and blankets for informal viewing. There are no public parking 

spaces available at the memorial grounds 

on parade evenings. Guests may park at 

the Arlington National Cemetery Visitors’ 

Center for a nominal fee. A free shuttle 

service is provided from the Visitors’ 

Center to the War Memorial from 5 to 

7 p.m. before the parade and from 8 to 

9 p.m. following the parade. 
292

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

International Affairs Officer Program (IAOP)

In a rapidly changing and frequently 

chaotic world, well-trained and experienced international specialists are increasingly important for operational and 

strategic success in political-military affairs. The goal of the IAOP is to identify, 

select, and train a corps of officers for future assignments to Marine Corps, joint, 

or combined staffs in operations, planning, or intelligence billets, and for duty 

with the defense attaché system.

The IAOP is an umbrella program 

that governs two separate but related 

occupational fields: the Foreign Area 

Officer and The Regional Affairs Officer. 

Through assignment of free military occupational specialties (FMOS), the IAOP 

manages a system that trains, tracks, and 

assigns officers specializing in international affairs and who continue to maintain proficiency in their primary MOS 

(PMOS) through a dual-track career 

path. The IAOP monitors an officer’s progression from basic level CONUS-based 

education and in-country training (ICT), 

to an experienced international specialist 

possessing a master’s degree in regional 

expertise; and in the case of FAOs, proficiency in a foreign language.

Foreign Area Officers (FAO)

FAOs are at the pinnacle of the international affairs, political-military officer hierarchy. Carefully managed and 

assigned, FAOs provide the Marine Corps 

with the assets it needs to meet the demands of the current and future strategic 

environment. By virtue of their extensive academic training, linguistic skills, 

and regional experience, FAOs are qualified to serve in the most demanding billets within the Marine Corps operating 

forces, as well as service and component 

(MARFOR) headquarters, unified commands, Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) offices, and the Office of the Secretary of 

Defense (OSD).

Officers selected to train as FAOs 

begin with a 12-month assignment to 

the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) in 

Monterey, CA. After completing graduate-level study in international and regional affairs they proceed to the Defense 

Language Institute (DLI), where they 

undergo eight to 15 months of basic language instruction. Their training culminates in a one-year immersion period in 

a country within their regional/linguistic 

area of expertise, in which they are expected to hone their language skills and 

regional knowledge.

Regional Affairs 

Officers (RAO)

The primary purpose of the RAO 

track is to train and identify international 

affairs officers who will serve in billets 

that require specialized regional knowledge but do not require foreign language 

ability. Officers selected to train as RAOs 

report to NPS for 18 months of graduatelevel study in international and regional 

affairs. Upon graduation they immediately apply that education in high-level 

political-military billets within the Marine Corps as well as in joint and other 

Department of Defense (DoD) agencies.
293

appendix a: other supporting programs

As the strategic environment grows 

more complex, emerging requirements 

for regionally focused and culturally adept 

officers will increase. Identification, training, and placement of FAOs and RAOs in 

critical billets will enable commanders 

and staffs to leverage the expertise garnered by international affairs officers and 

will ultimately set the conditions for success both on and off the battlefield. 
294

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

index

A

Acoustic hailing devices, 240

Acquisition, 58-59, 160

categories, 58

milestones, 59

phases, 59

non-development item (NDI), 59

Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System 

(AFATDS), 93, 113, 128, 129, 196

Advanced Gunnery Training System (AGTS), 193

Advanced Tactical Airborne Reconnaissance System 

(ATARS), 109, 134

Advise, train, and assist (ATA), 4, 48, 52

Africa Partnership Station, 257

After action review (AAR), 10-11, 192, 197, 198, 201, 

202, 204, 205

Air defense (AD), 138, 152, 153, 154

Ground-based Air Defense Transformation 

(GBAD-T), 152

Air Naval Gun Fire Liaison Company (ANGLICO), 34, 

38, 41, 42, 128, 254

Air tasking order (ATO), 80

Aircraft, 8, 283

crash fire rescue, P-19, 155

fixed wing, 145, 189

modernization, 8, 131, 132-135

rotary wing, 131, 135, 145, 152, 176, 189

unmanned, 8, 102, 109, 131, 140, 148-149, 152 

Almanac, Marine Corps, iii, 264-283

Ammunition, 9, 76, 122, 124, 136, 159, 167, 177

Amphibious, 12, 19, 26, 114, 140, 175, 186, 191, 

194, 216

Amphibious Operations in the 21st Century, 17

Ready Group (ARG), 25, 172, 

warships, 25, 172, 173

Approved acquisition objective (AAO), 68, 83, 85, 86, 

94, 108, 119, 120, 128, 129, 153, 228, 241, 243, 

244, 247

Area of responsibility (AOR), 54, 152 

Assault Amphibious Vehicle (AAV), 7, 93, 114, 193, 

196, 282

turret trainer, 193

upgrades, 93

Assault echelon (AE), 172

Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps (ACMC), 

29

Asymmetric Warfare, 208 

Aviation, 8, 11, 12, 57, 113, 131, 132, 140, 143, 146, 

153, 172, 188, 191, 225

Combat Element (ACE), 7, 22, 23, 80, 82, 108, 

131, 132, 136, 165, 172, 186 

Ground Support (AGS), 131, 136

Marine Aviation Logistics (MALS), 151

B

Battle site zero (BZO), 76

Biometric Automated Toolset (BAT), 246

Blue Force Tracker (BFT), 87

Blunt impact munitions, 240

C

Camp Fuji, Combined Arms Training Center, 37

Camp Mujuk, 37

Capability Development Document (CDD), 120, 244

Casualty evacuation (CASEVAC), 115

Center for Advanced Operational Culture and 

Learning (CAOCL), 5, 52-53

Center for Irregular Warfare (CIW), 31

Civil Affairs Group (CAG), 41, 42, 52, 251, 252

Civil Military Operations (CMO), 52, 55

Concept for Unified Action through Civil-Military 

Integration, 18

Civilian, Marines, 91, 226, 228, 233

American Federation of Government Employees 

(AFGE), 227

civilian police recruitment initiative, 227

civilian workforce development application, 226

communities of interest (COI), 226

labor relations, 226-227

senior executive service (SES), 226

Chemical Biological Incident Response Force (CBIRF), 

33, 34, 48-49

Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN), 

23, 48, 239

Assessment and Consequence Management 

(ACM), 241

College of Continuing Education (CCE), 215

Combat Logistics Regiment (CLR), 24, 35, 39, 40, 

161

Combat convoy simulator, 195

Combat operations center (COC), AN/TSQ-239(V), 

85, 86

Combat Vehicle Training System (CVTS), 193

Combatant Commanders (COCOM), 25, 27, 32, 48, 

150, 171, 176, 177

unified, 27

geographic, 25, 48

Combined Arms Command and Control Training 

Upgrade System (CACCTUS), 192

Combined Arms Military Operations in Urban Terrain 

(CAMOUT), 199
295

INDEX

Combined Arms Staff Training (CAST), 192

Command and control (C2), 7, 9, 69, 72, 78-95, 202

Command and Control Personal Computer (C2PC), 

86, 93 

Command Element (CE), 9, 22, 23, 107, 108, 111, 

152, 165, 186

Command, control, communication, computer, and 

intelligence (C4I), 23, 49, 84, 192, 194

Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC), ii-iii, 5, 29, 

62, 63, 143, 171, 210, 214, 220, 230, 231, 234, 240, 

290

Commercial of the shelf (COTS), 109, 110, 202, 246

Common Aviation Command and Control System 

(CAC2S), 10, 58, 82, 153 

Common operational picture (COP), 10, 83, 85, 86, 

101, 103, 128 

Communication Electronics Equipment Maintenance 

Complex (CEEMC), 168

Composite Tracking Network (CTN), 84, 153, 154

Computer network defense (CND), 91, 92

Continental United States (CONUS), 28, 54, 81, 137, 

150, 210, 212, 229

Continuous Process Improvement (CPI), 151, 235

Core Competencies, Marine Corps, 3-4, 185, 221

Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC), 84, 153, 

154

Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower, 3, 

15, 171, 178

Counter Radio-controlled Improvised Explosive Device 

(RCIED) Electronic Warfare (CREW), 247

Vehicle receiver/jammer (CVRJ), 247

Joint CREW (JCREW), 247

Counterintelligence (CI), 98, 101, 111

Equipment Program (CIHEP), 103-104

Counterterrorism (CT), 45, 49

Cyberspace, 18

USMC Cyberspace Concept, 18-19

D

Data Distribution System (DDS), 90

Dazzling Laser, 240

Defense Language Institute (DLI), 209, 292

Defense Policy Review Initiative (DPRI), 13

Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office (DRMO), 

54

Department of Defense (DOD), 19, 58, 65, 92, 100, 

128, 159, 187, 221, 232, 233, 240, 292

Department of State (DOS), 284

Deployable Instrumented Training System (DITS), 202

Deployable Virtual Training Environment (DVTE), 196

Deployment, 2, 11, 63, 72, 111, 141, 143, 180, 189, 

194, 199, 206, 210

ratio to dwell, 2, 224

Deputy Commandant (DC), 29

Aviation (AVN), 29

Combat Development and Integration (CD&I), 

29, 31

Installations and Logistics (I&L), 29, 53

Manpower and Reserve Affairs (M&RA), 29, 30, 

62

Plans, Policy and Operations (PP&O), 29

Programs and Resources (P&R), 29

Direct Action (DA), 26, 44, 46

Director, 29

Command, Control, Communications, and 

Computers (C4), 29

Expeditionary Energy, 29

Health Services, 29

Intelligence, 29

Marine Corps Staff (DMCS), 29

Public Affairs, 29

Safety, 29

Doctrine, organization, training, material, logistics, 

personnel, facilities (DOTMLPF), 31, 52 

DOTMLPF Change Request (DCR), 49

Distributed Common Ground System (DCGS), 98, 

100, 102, 107

Dual Vehicle Adapter (DVA), 69-70

E

Electronic countermeasure (ECM), 247

Electronic warfare (EW), 8, 54, 108, 110, 135, 138, 

140, 149, 198, 204, 247, 261

Eleventh Marine Expeditionary Unit (11th MEU), 37, 

38, 262

Energy, ii, 165, 230-232, 233, 234

Enhanced company operations (ECO), 17, 72, 191

Environmental control equipment, 165

Environmental management, 233 

Escalation of force (EOF), 240, 242, 245

mission module (EOF-MM), 245

Evening Parade, 290

dates and times, 290

parking, 290

reservations, 290-291 

Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP), 63

Expeditionary Airfield (EAF), 137

Expeditionary Energy Office, ii

Expeditionary Field Kitchen (EFK), 163
296

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV), 7, 58, 93, 114, 

141, 167

Expeditionary Fire Support System (EFSS), 7, 113, 

124, 167 

Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), 7, 49, 115, 180, 

181, 224

F

Family of systems (FoS), 6, 7, 69, 87, 100, 103, 107, 

123, 148

Fifteenth Marine Expeditionary Unit (15th MEU), 37, 

38, 250, 254

Fire support, 6, 7, 113, 117, 125, 128, 192, 196

naval surface fire support (NSFS), 178-179, 213

First Marine Air Wing (1st MAW), 37, 40, 259

First Marine Division (1st MARDIV), 37

First Marine Expeditionary Brigade (1st MEB), 37, 38

First Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF), 24, 32, 37, 

38-39, 168, 191, 192, 194, 196, 212

First Marine Logistics Group (1st MLG), 37, 39

Fixed wing, 8, 145, 189

AV-8 Harrier, 8, 128, 133, 134, 138, 140

C-9 Skytrain, 150

C-20 Gulfstream, 150

E/A-6 Prowler, 8, 134, 135, 138, 139, 140, 149, 

283

F/A-18 Hornet, 8, 109, 128, 134, 138, 140, 283

F-35 Lightning, Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), 8, 131, 

137, 138-139, 140, 172, 190

KC-130 Hercules, 8, 131, 145, 153, 283

UC-35 Citation, 150

Flame Resistant Organizational Gear (FROG), 73, 74

Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team (FAST), 49-50, 250, 

251, 253, 254, 258, 261

Fleet Marine Forces (FMF), 36

Food service, 163

Force protection (FP), 85, 116, 133, 136, 146, 149, 

239, 242, 246, 247

capability sets, 245

Foreign Area Officer (FAO), 292

Foreign Internal Defense (FID), 26, 44-45, 46

Fortitudine, 286

Forward-in-store (FIS), 54

Fourth Marine Air Wing (4th MAW), 256, 41, 42-43

Fourth Marine Division (4th MARDIV), 41, 42

Fourth Marine Logistics Group (4th MLG), 41, 43, 

255, 256, 257

Full operational capability (FOC), 5, 10, 47, 54, 67, 70, 

93, 104, 110, 125, 128, 152, 155, 247

Full Spectrum Battle Equipment (FSBE), 73

Future Initiatives Transformation Team (FITT), 66

G

Garrison mobile equipment (GME), 230, 232

Geospatial Information Systems (GIS), 231

Global Combat Support System (GCSS), 9, 81

Global Command and Control System (GCCS), 80

Integrated Imagery and Intelligence (I3), 101

Global Information Grid (GIG), 47, 91, 101

Global Positioning System (GPS), 202

Integrated GPS Radio System (IGRS), 202 

Global Response Forces (GRF), 27

Global Status of Resources and Training System 

(GSORTS), 80

Green Beam Laser Systems, 242

Designator III (GBD), 242

Ground Aviation Task Oriented Radar (G/ATOR), 84, 

153

Ground Combat Element (GCE), 6, 22, 51, 64, 108, 

117, 118, 129, 135, 153, 165, 186 

Ground Position Location Information (G-PLI), 202

Guam, 13, 24, 30, 137, 229

H

Hailing and warning laser systems, 242

Green Beam, 242

Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps (HQMC), 29-31, 

160, 228

organization, 31

High frequency (HF), 7, 95, 105

High Mobility Multi-Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), 7, 

105, 110, 115, 120, 137, 147, 230, 243, 244, 282

Egress Assistance Trainer (HEAT), 210-211

Expanded capacity vehicle (ECV), 119

High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), 7, 38, 

42, 113, 124, 125, 282

History Division, 286

Home Station Training Lanes (HSTL), 200

Housing, 5, 229, 234

bachelor enlisted housing (BEQ), 234

family housing, 234 

Howitzer, lightweight, 155mm, (LW155), M777A2, 7, 

113, 126-127, 282

Human Electro-muscular Incapacitation (HEMI), 240

Human Intelligence (HUMINT), 98, 103, 104

exploitation team (HET), 103
297

INDEX

I

Identity Dominance System (IDS), 246

Illumination systems, 75, 76

advanced target pointer illumination aiming light 

(ATPIAL), AN/PEQ-15, 76

mini integrated pointer illuminator module 

(MIPIM), AN/PEG-16A, 76

Improvised explosive device (IED), 115, 182, 200, 

204, 242, 247

defeat, 208 

Joint IED Defeat Organization (JIEDDO), 205

Incident Response Force (IRF), 49

Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer (ISMT), 212

Infantry, 34, 38, 40, 42, 67, 69, 71, 72, 73, 93, 109, 

114, 117, 118, 166, 189, 191, 196, 201, 212, 225, 

244

Infantry Automatic Rifle (IAR), 6, 67 

Infantry Combat Equipment (ICE), 73-74

Infantry Immersive Trainer (IIT), 10-11, 191, 201

Infantry Squad Trainer-Enhanced (IST-E), 212

Information Operations (IO), 5, 19, 45, 54-55

Information Technology (IT), 9, 47, 81, 88, 91, 92, 

107, 158, 215, 223, 228

Initial Capabilities Document (ICD), 79, 100, 120, 148, 

152, 178, 240 

Initial operational capability (IOC), 5, 10, 47, 54, 67, 

84, 86, 93, 104, 118, 122, 124, 125, 135, 139, 144, 

145, 149, 155, 182, 192, 247

Instrumented Tactical Engagement System (I-TESS), 

202-203

Intelligence, 9, 10, 85, 97, 99, 129, 134, 137, 224

analysis system (IAS), 100, 101, 103, 107

expeditionary support, 111

operations workstation (IOW), 107

signals (SIGINT), 97, 108, 110

surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), 10, 86, 

97, 98, 100, 138, 148

Interim Fast Attack Vehicle (IFAV), 118 

Internally Transportable Vehicle (ITV), 118

International Affairs Officer Program (IAOP), 292-293

Foreign Area Officer (FAO), 292

Regional Affairs Officer (RAO), 292

Intra/Inter Squad Radio (IISR), AN/PRC-153, 69, 70

J

Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), 80, 171

Joint Conflict and Tactical Simulation (JCATS), 194

Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV), 141, 174

Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization 

(JIEDDO), 205

Joint Intergovernmental and Multinational Training 

(JIM), 187

Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), 7, 120

Joint non-lethal weapons program (JNLWP), 240

Joint Operations Planning and Execution System 

(JOPES), 80

Joint personnel adjudication system (JPAS), 223

Joint Requirement Oversight Council (JROC), 82, 100 

Joint Special Operations Task Force (JSOTF), 45

Afghanistan, 261

Philippines, 258

Trans-Sahara, 256

Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), 8, 131, 135, 138-139

transition plan, 8, 140

Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System 

(JSTARS), 101, 102

Joint Tactical Common Operational Picture Workstation (JTCW), 10, 86

Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS), 70

Joint task force (JTF), 22, 24, 25, 147

JTF-Global Network Operations (GNO), 47

JTF-Guantanamo (GITMO), 251

JTF-Horn of Africa (HOA), 256

JTF-North, 250

Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC), 128, 213

K

Key Performance Parameters (KPP), 230

L

Land Management, 233

Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC), 141, 173, 175

Language Learning Resource Center (LLRC), 5, 53, 

209

Laser targeting, 76

grenade launcher day/night sight mount 

(GLDNSM), AN/PSQ-18A, 76

high power laser pointer (HPLP), AN/PEQ-18, 76

laser bore sight (LBS), AN/PEM-1, 76

Learning Resource Center (LRC), 209, 215

deployable, 215

Light Armored Vehicle (LAV), 168, 193, 282

Line of sight (LOS), 7, 69, 93, 94

Logistics, 12, 81, 85, 122, 137, 150, 151, 157-169

chain management (LCM), 81, 158

Combat Element (LCE), 8, 22, 24, 137, 164, 

165, 186

distribution, 9, 158, 161

modernization (LOGMOD), 9, 14, 136, 157, 158
298

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

naval logistics integration (NLI), 160

sense and respond, 9, 159

Logistics Vehicle System Replacement (LVSR), 9, 122, 

282

Long War: Send in the Marines, The, 15

M

Man-portable air defense system (MANPADS), 152

Manpower, 11, 131, 149, 265-279

accessions, officer, 266, enlisted, 271

distribution, age, 266, 271, 276, 278 

distribution, gender, 269, 270, 274, 275 

distribution, grade, 267, 270, 272, 274, 276, 

278

families, 269, 274

occupational fields, officer, 268, 277 enlisted, 

273, 279

recruiting and retention, 30, 220-222, 224-225

Marine Air Command and Control System (MACCS), 

82 

Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF), 1, 11, 17, 19, 

22-27, 54, 55, 64, 79, 113, 131, 249

capabilities, 3, 16, 22-23

composition, 3, 4, 6, 23-24 

distribution, 9

Enhanced MAGTF Operations (EMO),15, 97

Evolving the MAGTF for the 21st Century, 17

types of MAGTFs, 24-27

Secondary Imagery Dissemination System 

(MSIDS), 109

sustainability, 6, 27

training, 11, 186

MAGTF Tactical Warfare Simulation (MWTS), 191, 

192, 194 

Marine Air Group (MAG), 24, 34-35, 38-39, 40, 42-43

Marine Air Wing (MAW), 24, 34-35, 38-39, 40, 42-43, 

106, 136

Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron 

(MAWTS), 187

Marine Band, The President’s Own, 290

Marine Barracks, Washington, 8th&I, 29, 290-291

evening parade, 290

sunset parade, 291

Marine Corps Air Facility (MCAF), 33

MCAF Quantico, 33

Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC), 

31, 37, 38-39, 51, 188, 189

Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS), 137

MCAS Beaufort, 33, 35

MCAS Camp Pendleton, 37, 39, 144

MCAS Cherry Point, 33, 34-35, 144, 209

MCAS Futenma, 37, 40

MCAS Iwakuni, 37, 40

MCAS Miramar, 37, 38-39, 233, 288

MCAS New River, 33, 34-35, 142, 144

MCAS Yuma, 37, 38-39, 190

Marine Corps Almanac, iii, 264-283

fiscal year 2011 data, 280-282

enlisted manpower, 271-275, 278-279

officer manpower, 266-270, 276-277

Marine Corps Base (MCB), 51, 198, 215, 229

MCB Camp Butler, 37, 40, 209

MCB Camp Lejeune, 33, 34-35, 44, 166, 234

MCB Camp Pendleton, 37, 38-39, 44, 205, 234, 

288

MCB Hawaii, 37, 40, 209

MCB Quantico, 30, 31, 51, 54, 240, 284

Marine Corps Bases, Atlantic, 33

Marine Corps Bases, Japan, 37

Marine Corps Bases Korea, 37

Marine Corps Bases, Pacific, 37

Marine Corps Combat Development Command 

(MCCDC), 29, 31, 71, 74, 245

organization, 31

Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS), 30, 62, 

63

Marine Corps concepts, 14-19

Marine Corps Distance Learning (MCDL), 215

Marine Corps Embassy Security Group (MCESG), 

284-285

Marine Corps Enterprise Information Technology 

System (MCEITS), 88-89

Marine Corps Enterprise Network (MCEN), 47, 91-92

Marine Corps Exchange (MCX), 62

Marine Corps Family Team Building (MCFTB), 63

Marine Corps Forces Component Command 

(MARFOR), 48, 52, 160

Marine Corps Forces Africa (MARFORAF), 

256-257

Marine Corps Forces Central (MARFORCENT), 

260-261

Marine Corps Forces Command 

(MARFORCOM), 24, 27, 32

 organization, 33

 units, 34-35

Marine Corps Forces Cyber (MARFORCYBER), 

5, 47

Marine Corps Forces Europe (MARFOREUR), 

253-255

Marine Corps Forces Korea, 258-259

Marine Corps Force North (MARFORNORTH), 

250-251

Marine Corps Forces Pacific (MARFORPAC), 24, 

27, 32, 36, 258-260,
299

INDEX

 organization, 37

 units, 38-40

Marine Corps Forces Reserves (MARFORRES), 

41-43, 250

 organization, 41

 units, 42-43

Marine Corps Forces South (MARFORSOUTH), 

251-253

Marine Corps Forces Special Operations 

(MARFORSOC), 32, 44-46, 104, 109, 128

 capabilities, 44-45

 organization, 46

 units, 46

Marine Corps Forces Strategic 

(MARFORSTRAT), 31

Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, 287

Marine Corps Information Operations Center (MCIOC), 

5, 54-55

capabilities, 54

Marine Corps Installations (MCI), 51, 190, 219, 227, 

229-230, 232

MCI-East, 33, 51

MCI-West, 37, 51

Marine Corps Institute (MCI), 290

Marine Corps Instrumentation Training System 

(MC-ITS), 204

Marine Corps Intelligence Activity (MCIA), 111, 254, 

257

Marine Corps Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Enterprise (MCISR-E), 10, 97, 98-99

Marine Corps Logistics Base (MCLB), 233

MCLB Albany, 33, 53

MCLB Barstow, 37, 53, 233

Marine Corps Logistics Command (MCLC), 51, 53-

54, 81

Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP), 214

Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, 

Bridgeport, 37, 187, 189, 227

Marine Corps Network Operations and Security 

Center (MCNOSC), 47, 91 

Marine Corps Operating Concepts for a Changing 

Security Environment, 15, 159, 160

Enhanced MAGTF Operations (EMO),15, 97

crisis response, 16

engagement, 16

power projection, 17

Marine Corps Prepositioning Program – Norway 

(MCPP-N), 28, 176

Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD), 30, 31, 288

Marine Corps Recruiting Command (MCRC), 29, 30, 

220-221

organization, 30

Marine Corps Recruiting Information Support SystemRecruiting Station (MCRISS-RS), 223

MCRISS-Office Selection System (OSS), 223

Marine Corps Security Force Regiment, 33, 34, 49-

50, 254, 255, 256

Marine Corps Service Campaign Plan (MCSCP), 5, 

11, 159, 160

Marine Corps Support Facility, Blount Island, 33, 53

Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM), 58, 71, 72, 74, 198

Marine Corps Tactics and Operations Group (MCTOG), 51, 187

Marine Corps Training and Advisory Group (MCTAG), 

5, 33, 47-48, 252, 253, 256, 257

Marine Corps University (MCU), 216-217, 286

journal, 286

press, 286

Marine Corps Warfighting Lab (MCWL), 31

Marine Division, 24, 34, 38, 40, 42, 106

Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB), 2, 7, 12, 22, 24-

25, 28, 33, 37, 172, 176, 185, 186, 190, 192, 199

Afghanistan, 1, 261

Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF), 2, 11, 13, 22, 24, 

97, 99, 101, 102, 104, 107, 186, 188

Marine Expeditionary Rifle Squad (MERS), 71-72

Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), 22, 24, 25-26, 33, 

37, 73, 107, 132, 152, 160, 173, 241, 262

MEU Augmentation Program (MAP), 54

Marine Logistics Group (MLG), 24, 35, 39, 40, 54, 

158

Marine Personnel Carrier (MPC), 7, 72, 117, 123

Marine Requirements Oversight Council (MROC), 117, 

123, 152, 240

Marine Security Guard (MSG), 284

headquarters, 284

locations, 284-285

mission, 284

Marine Special Operations Battalion (MSOB), 44, 

45-46

Marine Special Operations Company (MSOC), 2, 44, 

46, 258, 261

Marine Special Operations Regiment (MSOR), 44, 46

Marine Special Operations School (MSOS), 44, 46

Marine Special Operations Support Group (MSOSG), 

44, 46

Marine Special Operations Team (MSOT), 44, 253, 

260, 261

Maritime, 28, 160, 171, 216

Prepositioning Force (MPF), 28, 136, 141, 

172, 176
300

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Prepositioning Ships (MPS), 28, 121

MPS Squadrons (MPSRON), 28, 176 

Martial arts, Marine Corps (MCMAP), 214

Material Handling Equipment (MHE), 164

Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR), 9, 58, 

121, 282

Military construction (MILCON), 229, 234

Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), 52, 106, 186, 

215, 292

Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT), 199, 200, 

201, 202, 242

Military Sealift Command (MSC), 28, 176

Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP), 7, 95, 

115-116

All terrain vehicle (M-ATV), 115

Cougar, 116

egress trainer (MET), 211

Mission Payload Module Nonlethal Weapons System 

(MPM-NLWS), 244

Mobile training team (MTT), 53

Mobilization Command (MOBCOM), 41

Modeling and Simulation (M&S), 10-11, 191, 194

MAGTF Training Simulations Division (MTSD), 

191

Modular Sleep System (MSS), 74

Modular Tactical Vest (MTV), 73

Modular Weapon System (MWS), 68

Mountain Cold Weather Layering System (MCWLS), 

73-74

Mountain Warfare Training Center (MWTC), 37, 187, 

189, 227

Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System 

(MILES), 202

Multiple Launch Rocker System (MLRS), 7, 125

N

National Capital Region (NCR), 29, 31

National Museum of the Marine Corps (NMMC), 

287-289

Naval Postgraduate School (NPS), 292

Naval Surface Fire Support (NSFS), 178-179, 213 

Navy Marine Corps Intranet (NMCI), 91

Next Generation Enterprise Network (NGEN), 91

Noncommissioned officer (NCO), 216, 220

Non-lethal weapons, 239, 240, 244

dazzling laser, 240

Green Beam, 242

VENOM, 243

Non-secure Internet Protocol Routing Network 

(NIPRNET), 91 

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), 49

O

Office of Personnel Management (OPM), 223

Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), 187 

Officer Candidate School (OCS), 223

Operating forces, 32-50, 57, 93, 107, 117, 139, 160, 

188, 209, 217, 219, 221, 225, 228, 229, 239

Operational Language and Culture Training System 

(OLCTS), 206

Operational Stress Control and Readiness (OSCAR), 

64

Operational Support Airlift (OSA), 150

Operations, 248

current, 250-262

Enduring Freedom (OEF), 1, 85, 148, 158, 185, 

210, 249, 261

Iraqi Freedom (OIF), 1, 85, 148, 158, 185, 210, 

249, 260-261

Optical warning and distraction, 240

Optics, 68, 75

machine gun day optic (MDO), 75

rifle combat optic (RCO), 75 

squad day optic (SDO), 75 

Outer Tactical Vest (OTV), 73

Overseas contingency operation (OCO), 129, 132, 

134, 154, 209, 230, 236

P

Patient affairs team (PAT), 66

Pre-deployment training program (PTP), 48, 52, 186, 

187, 188-189, 201, 209 

Exercise Mojave Viper, 150, 186, 188-189, 195, 

199, 208, 250

Mission Rehearsal Exercise (MRX), 187, 188, 

189, 194

Exercise Mountain Warrior, 189

Prepositioning, 7, 12, 28, 136, 141, 172, 176-177 

President’s Own, The, 290

Principal end item (PEI), 54

Professional Military Education (PME), 214, 215, 216

Program Manager Training Systems Command 

(PM TRASYS), 208 
301

INDEX

Q

Quality of Life (QOL), 6, 62, 63, 229, 234, 235

R

Radar, 84, 101, 102, 129, 134, 138, 139, 142, 173, 

178, 181, 235

air surveillance, AN/TPS-59, 154

Family of Target Acquisition Systems (FTAS), 129

Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar (G/ATOR), 84, 

153

Radio Battalion (RadBn), 34, 38, 40, 104, 106, 108, 

110, 135

Radio Frequency (RF), 161, 202

Radios, 7

High frequency (HFR), AN/PRC-150, 

AN/PRC-104, 7, 95, 105

Intra/Inter squad radio (IISR), AN/PRC-153, 

69-70

Multi-band (MBR), AN/PRC-117F, AN/PRC-119, 

7, 94

Tactical Handheld Radio (THHR), AN/PRC-148, 

6, 69-70

Range and Training Areas (RTA), 190

Ranges, 10

modernization and transformation (RM/T), 10, 

197-198

multi-capable, 190

Recruiting, 30, 220-222

enlisted, 220-221

Marine Corps Recruiting Command (MCRC), 30, 

220-222

officer, 221-222

Rifle, 6, 67, 68, 75, 202

M16A2, 68

M16A4, 68, 75

M4, 68, 75

Regional Network Operations and Security Center 

(RNOSC), 91

Research and Development (R&D), 19, 58, 72, 102, 

208, 230, 240

Rotary wing, 8, 131, 135, 145, 152, 176, 189

AH-1 Cobra/Viper, 8, 131, 143-144, 196, 283

CH-46 Sea Knight, 8, 132, 141, 173, 283

CH-53 Super Stallion, 8, 118, 124, 127, 131, 

132, 133, 146-147, 173, 176, 283

MV-22 Osprey, 8, 118, 124, 127, 131, 141-142, 

172, 173, 283

UH-1 Huey/Venom, 8, 131, 143-144, 283

Route Reconnaissance and Clearance (R2C), 7, 123

S

Safety Control Module (SCM), 242

Satellite Communications (SATCOM), 93, 94, 103, 

105, 152

Scalable Plate Carrier (SPC), 73

Seabasing, 11-12, 141, 172, 174

Seabasing for the Range of Military Operations, 

18

Second Marine Division (2d MARDIV), 33, 34

Second Marine Air Wing (2d MAW), 33, 34-35

Second Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF), 24, 32, 

33, 34-35, 48, 49, 192, 194, 196, 212, 260

Second Marine Expeditionary Brigade (2d MEB), 33, 

261

Second Marine Logistics Group (2d MLG), 33, 35

Secure Internet Protocol Routing Network (SIPRNET), 

91

Security cooperation (SC), 2, 3, 5, 12, 16, 51-52, 187, 

207

Theater Security Cooperation (TSC), 26, 250-262

Security Cooperation Education and Training Center 

(SCETC), 51-52, 255, 257

Security Cooperation Marine Air Ground Task Force 

(SCMAGTF), 26

Security Force Assistance (SFA), 47-48, 171

Selective Reenlistment Bonus (SRB), 224

Service life extension program (SLEP), 175

Shelters, 85

Communications Electronic Equipment 

Maintenance Complex (CEEMC), 168

Family of Tactical Soft Shelter (FTSS), 169

Ship to Shore Connector (SSC), 12, 175, 177

Shipbuilding, 11, 12

Short take-off vertical landing (STOVL), 8, 131, 138, 

140

Signals intelligence (SIGINT), 97, 108, 110

Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System 

(SINGARS), 69, 94

Single Vehicle Adapter (SVA), 69

Southern Partnership Station, 252

Special Intelligence (SI), 105

communications, 105

Trojan SPIRIT, AN/TSQ-226, 105-106

Special Operations, 2, 26, 44, 100, 128, 148

forces (SOF), 25, 44

Marine Corps Special Operations Command, 

25, 44-46, 104, 106, 109, 116

Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force 

(SPMAGTF), 22, 26
302

USMC Concepts & Programs 2010

Special Reconnaissance (SR), 26, 44, 46

Squad automatic weapon (SAW), M249, 6, 67, 202, 

212

Squad Immersive Training Environment (SITE), 191, 

201

Staff noncommissioned officer (SNCO), 216, 220, 285

Strategic Communications, 19

Subject matter expert (SME), 52-53, 55

Sunset parade, 291

dates and times, 291

location, 291

parking, 291

Supporting Arms Virtual Trainers (SAVT), 213

T

Tables of Organization and Equipment (TO&E), 228

change request (TOECR), 228

Tactical Air Command Center (TACC), 80

Tactical Combat Operations (TCO), 9, 83, 86

Tactical Data Network (TDN), 90, 93

Tactical Data Systems (TDS), 85, 90

Tactical Hand-held Radio (THHR), AN/PRC-148, 6, 

69-70

Tactical operations center (TOC), 87

Tactical Video Capture System (TVCS), 201, 204

Targeting, 75, 76, 127, 133, 134, 135, 139, 143, 

145, 149

Family of Target Acquisition Systems (FTAS), 129

Target Location Designation and Hand-off 

System (TLDHS), 128

Team Portable Communications System-Multi Platform Capable (TPCS-MPC), 110

Technical Control and Analysis Center (TCAC), 101, 

108

Theater Battle Management Core Systems (TBMCS), 

80

Third Marine Air Wing (3d MAW), 37, 38

Third Marine Division (3d MARDIV), 40, 258

Third Marine Expeditionary Brigade (3d MEB), 37, 40

Third Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF), 13, 24, 32, 

37, 40, 149, 192, 194, 196, 212, 259

Third Marine Logistics Group (3d MLG), 37, 40, 258, 

259

Thirteenth Marine Expeditionary Unit (13th MEU), 37, 

38, 143 

Thirty-first Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU), 37, 

40, 258, 262

Three-block war, 199

Total Force Structure Management System (TFSMS), 

228

Training and Education Command (TECOM), 31, 51-

52, 185, 186, 187, 188, 190, 191

Training and Readiness (T&R) Manual, 52, 196

Transition Assistance Management Program (TAMP), 

64

Twenty-second Marine Expeditionary Unit (22d MEU), 

33, 34, 141, 262

Twenty-fourth Marine Expeditionary Unit 24th MEU), 

33, 34

Twenty-sixth Marine Expeditionary Unit (26th MEU), 

33, 34, 262

U

Ultra-high frequency (UHF), 7, 90, 93, 94, 103

Unconventional Warfare (UW), 45

United States Marine Band, 290

Universal Needs Statement (UNS), Urgent, 87, 121

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), 8, 102, 109, 131, 

140, 148-149, 152

V

Vehicle borne improvised explosive device (VBIED), 

242

Vehicles, 6, 94, 102, 137, 145, 155, 193, 202, 232, 

242, 288

combat, 6, 7, 114, 

tactical, 7, 8-9, 113, 115-116, 118, 120, 121, 

123 

VENOM Non-lethal Tube Launched Munitions System 

(NL/TLMS), 243

Very high frequency (VHF), 7, 95

Virtual Cultural Awareness Trainer (VCAT), 207

Vision and Strategy 2025, Marine Corps, iii, 3, 5, 14-

15, 151, 159, 160, 178, 185

W

Warfighter Network Services – Tactical (WFNS-T), 90

Water Purification System, lightweight (LWPS), 166

Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD), 1, 241

combating, 19

Combating Weapons of Mass Destruction

(CWMD), 19

Wounded, ill, and injured (WII), 65-66

Wounded Warrior Regiment (WWR), 65-66