MARCH 2025AEROSPACEDEFENSEREVIEW.COM8In My OpinionColonel 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. 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 By Marcus Reynolds, Program Manager, Training Systems, Marine Corps Systems Command WARFARE REIMAGINED: THE NEXT GENERATION OF MARINE CORPS TRAINING
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