Warfare Reimagined: The Next Generation of Marine Corps Training

Colonel Reynolds is the program manager assigned to manage acquisition and life-cycle support of Marine Corps ground training systems, devices, and training support services. A West Virginia native, Colonel Reynolds enlisted into the Marine Corps in 1993 and commissioned in 1998.  Throughout his diverse career, he has served in a myriad of assignments including more than a decade overseas, deploying throughout the Indo-Pacific as well as combat deployments to Kuwait in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and leading an Embedded Training Team in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. 

The Evolution of Marine Corps Training 

Marine Corps training has evolved significantly, particularly in developing capabilities. Today, various models aim to equip Marines with advanced training systems, including a “training as a service” approach. This acquisition approach comes in two forms: Government-Owned, Contractor-Operated (GOCO) systems and Contractor-Owned, Contractor-Operated (COCO) systems. COCO systems are often more expensive due to the significant contractor investment required to develop and produce rapid technological advancements. One example is the Advanced Small Arms Lethality Trainer (ASALT), which serves as a “warfighter gym” for Marines. 

ASALT helps Marines train in a safe but challenging environment. It combines physical exercises like burpees and pushups with simulated target practice, focusing on team coordination and stress management. 

The key benefit of ASALT is that it increases human performance, both cognitive and physical, associated with individual marksmanship skill. In live-fire exercises, there’s always the risk of injury; a residual benefit of ASALT is that it does not carry this risk while ensuring high-quality training. Marines can practice under stress without the risk of real harm, allowing them to refine their skills before advancing to live fire drills. 

The Crawl-Walk-Run Approach to Training 

In the Marine Corps, we follow a training methodology known as crawl-walk-run. Initially, during the crawl phase, Marines are introduced to a task without live ammunition, often moving through a scenario slowly to understand their role. Next, in the walk phase, blanks may be introduced, and more control is given to Marines, building their confidence and familiarity with the scenario.  After that, if the officer in charge or the range safety officer is satisfied that the Marines can conduct this training safely, then they will incorporate live rounds to that in the run phase.

Enhancing the Training Process 

What’s great about the ASALT system is that it enhances the entire training process leveraging simulation. Marines can get immediate feedback from trainers on their performance. For instance, if a Marine is jerking the trigger instead of squeezing it, trainers can offer real-time corrections. Visual feedback is also available, allowing Marines to see their mistakes and make adjustments immediately. The benefit of using a system like ASALT is Marine increased readiness. 

“The future of training lies in smaller, mission-focused models that are more efficient and scalable for field deployment, enhancing real-world military applications” 

Marines can complete several days' worth of training in just a few hours. This approach maintains high performance standards by giving Marines more reps and sets leading up to a live fire event.  Moreover, because range time is often limited, using ASALT allows Marines to maximize proficiency and thereby maximize their live-fire experience once they hit the range. 

Balancing Innovation and Cost in Marine Corps Training 

One of the main challenges in using rapidly evolving technology is ensuring timely updates, a responsibility that often falls on contractors. Contractors compete for contracts every one to five years, which motivates them to continuously enhance their products. In contrast, if the military managed these systems, the refresh rates may potentially be slower due to the high costs involved.

For example, military systems might be refreshed every three to five years, depending on Cyber security updates and other factors. A GOCO system might allow for broader deployment across the fleet, but it would require a substantial investment to maintain and regularly upgrade capabilities. Each decision about whether to use a GOCO or COCO model is based on a business case analysis, focusing on long-term efficiency. 

Contractor-Owned and Government-Owned Training Systems 

Currently, the Marine Corps has two contracts for COCO systems, one of which is ASALT, the other involves trackless mobile infantry targets. These robotic targets simulate a “thinking enemy” by reacting to fire and adapting their behavior like charging at Marines or changing direction. This forces Marines to adapt quickly, making decisions under stress and elevating their heart rates, which better simulates combat conditions.  

In contrast, many other training systems follow a GOCO model, such as the underwater egress trainer. This system prepares Marines for emergency escapes from submerged vehicles. During training, Marines are submerged, flipped upside down and required to safely escape. Initially operated as a contractor-owned service at four locations—Okinawa, Camp Pendleton, Camp Lejeune, and Hawaii—it cost about $9 million annually to maintain. However, the Marine Corps later purchased the hardware, restructured the contract to a GOCO model and cut the annual cost to around $4.5 million dollars.

Aligning Training Platforms with Operational Needs 

The Marine Corps is increasingly aligning government-owned training platforms with operational needs to improve cost efficiency. Not all training scenarios fit a service-based model, which is why the Marine Corps has opted for a GOCO system for certain programs, such as the force-on force capability. This system enables Marines to engage in simulated combat across multiple locations. By keeping control over spares and development, the Marine Corps ensures that specific operational requirements are met while maintaining cost-effectiveness. 

Expanding Joint Training Capabilities 

The Marine Corps is also advancing joint training capabilities by developing a live, virtual and constructive training environment (LVC-TE), leveraging tools across different military services. As future conflicts will likely involve joint operations, collaboration with the Army, Navy, Air Force and Space Force is crucial. The goal is to train in an environment that simulates Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) capabilities, which will allow for the testing and refining of command relationships and strategies before real-world operations. 

Incorporating AI into Training Scenarios 

A key focus area for future training development is the possibility of AI integration into training platforms. AI can transform how enemy behavior is simulated in exercises by introducing unpredictability. Instead of relying on repetitive patterns, AI would allow for more dynamic and adaptable scenarios, forcing commanders to think on their feet and react to unexpected developments. The goal would be to create a more realistic training experience and push leaders to develop more flexible strategies. 

To advance AI integration, the Marine Corps has developed a strategy with five core goals: 

1. Align AI missions with Marine Corps objectives. 

2. Build an AI-competent workforce. 

3. Scale AI deployment across all units.

4. Establish clear AI governance to define its usage and boundaries. 

5. Foster partnerships with other military branches to share knowledge and capabilities.

New Strategies and Collaborative Efforts  

We're currently leveraging OTAs across several of our programs to pursue new capabilities. We collaborate closely with the Army and Navy, particularly here at Team Orlando. These partnerships help us tap into more resources and capabilities, despite the Marine Corps' relatively small budget. Working with sister services and industry in the Orlando area has been highly beneficial, enabling us to stay at the forefront of training innovation while maximizing cost efficiency. By embracing AI and collaborating with other branches, the Marine Corps is positioning itself to meet future challenges effectively. The goal is to ensure that training remains cutting-edge, adaptable, and aligned with real-world operational needs.