The U.S. Marine Corps has established a new office that brings together science, technology, requirements and acquisition experts to help streamline the service in the area of emerging technologies.
The fusion center at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, will allow leaders to discuss which technologies are becoming mature enough for use and what could help the Marine Corps, leaders said Tuesday at a meeting in Washington, D.C. He spoke during a panel discussion at the Modern Marine Corps Conference.
Gen. David Walsh, who heads Brigadier General Marine Corps Systems Command, said he was told to “accelerate the pace” on acquisitions when he took on the role two years ago.
“That includes engaging closely with our research institutes and industry partners to see where the cutting edge of technology is, and to be prepared and ready to embrace technology as it matures,” he said.
With the establishment of this fusion center, the team is expected to ensure that funds are channeled into the development of technology that fills the most critical capability gaps. In addition, the group will proactively consider the doctrine, training, and retention strategies that will accompany the new technology.
In general, technology itself matures faster than other aspects: doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership and education, people, and facilities (DOTMLPF), Walsh said.
However, trying to achieve rapid acquisition often requires trade-offs.
“We can get it to the Marines now, do the first iteration, equip the first unit, and training will begin,” he said after the fact. “Or we will wait until all of his same DOTMLPF considerations are in place and ready and then bring in new technology on a slower timeline.”
But the Fusion Center is wondering what technologies are in the works to reduce trade-offs, especially if officials can begin to consider the implications for training and retention while researchers mature the technology. He pointed out that it provides the acquisition community with an improved view of what is happening.
Stephen Bowdren, the service’s program executive officer for land systems, looks into the science and technology pipeline and says his team is incorporating new technologies into existing programs as part of engineering change proposals and technology innovation efforts. He said that he could consider it. Alternatively, he added, his office would consider what technology would be needed to launch a new records program.
While the Fusion Center is intended to improve communication between various communities, the Corps will focus on acquiring capabilities rather than specific hardware solutions to move acquisition efforts faster and be more agile. I’m also trying to become one.
Bowdren also noted that the new office could benefit the way the service manages its various portfolios.
For example, the Marine Corps needs a ground-based air defense system that includes sensors, target identification tools, kinetic and non-kinetic effectors. However, because different geographies and different Marine Corps formations may have slightly different air defense needs, Bowdren leverages the Fusion Center to collectively cover all service needs within this broad capability set. This means that you will be able to build a series of systems that will
Megan Eckstein is a naval warfare reporter for Defense News. She has reported military news since 2009, focusing on U.S. Navy and Marine Corps operations, acquisition programs, and budgets. Geographically she reports from four fleets and she is happiest when she is filing articles from ships. Megan is a graduate of the University of Maryland.
