Marine Corps Systems Command

Mission

Marine Corps Systems Command serves as the Department of the Navy's systems command for Marine Corps ground weapon and information technology system programs in order to equip and sustain Marine forces with expeditionary and crisis-response capabilities.

History

MCSC traces its beginning to the Marine Corps Research, Development and Acquisition Command (MCRDAC), which the Marine Corps established Nov. 18, 1987, as required by the Goldwater Nichols Act. General Alfred Gray, then-Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC), established the MCRDAC to streamline the systems acquisition process, incorporate the operating forces in identifying deficiencies and establish clear lines of authority, responsibility and accountability.

In addition to improving the acquisition process, MCRDAC was organized to comply with Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of the Navy initiatives. MCRDAC took the majority of the following separate activities and integrated them into one: the Development Center at Quantico, Va., the current Headquarters Marine Corps staff of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Research, Development and Studies, and the Acquisition Division of the Deputy Chief of Staff of Installations and Logistics.

A little more than four years later, as directed by Marine Corps Order 5000, on Jan. 1, 1992, the Corps re-designated MCRDAC as MCSC. The new Command was established to streamline the acquisition and life cycle management processes to improve readiness of the Fleet Marine Force (FMF), increase responsiveness and support for the FMF, and reduce costs. MCSC became responsible for those processes and functions that involve system acquisition and life cycle management formerly assigned to Headquarters Marine Corps (HQMC), Marine Corps logistic bases and MCRDAC.

Throughout its history the Command has taken on more and more responsibilities. In 1990 the assault amphibious vehicle program transferred from the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA). In 1995 automated manpower and logistics support systems migrated from HQMC and mission requirements for Total Life Cycle Support emerged. In 2001 the Application Support Branch transferred from HQMC, and the Command implemented a new realignment. Two years later MCSC moved into its remodeled facility at Hospital Point on Marine Corps Base Quantico. In 2007 the Marine Corps established Program Executive Officer (PEO) Land Systems, fully supported by MCSC. In fact, the Command currently supports multiple PEOs within DOD. In 2011 MCSC completed its transition to a competency-aligned organization, and in 2012 the Command changed its program management offices and evolved to its current structure. In November 2012 the Command celebrated its Silver Anniversary.

The Command reports to the CMC for in-service support, operating forces support and the execution of logistics sustainment. For research, development and acquisition matters, MCSC reports directly to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (ASN) for Research, Development and Acquisition (RDA).

Information Systems & Infrastructure (PM ISI)

Program Manager Information Systems and Infrastructure provides acquisition and sustainment of systems, applications and infrastructure to meet the needs of the Marine Corps. The Product Manager (PdM) portfolios for PM ISI are:

MAGTF Command, Control & Communications (PM MC3)

Program Manager Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Command, Control and Communications provides counter-improvised explosive device (CIED) and Force Protection systems; tactical communication systems; networking and satellite communications; MAGTF command and control systems; and integration, interoperability and situational awareness. The Product Manager (PdM) portfolios for PM MC3 are:

Marine Intelligence (PM MI)

Program Manager Marine Intelligence expeditiously provides the Marine Corps with Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance-Enterprise (MCISR-E) integrated capabilities required by Marine commanders and Marine Air-Ground Task Force intelligence units. The PM MI portfolio provides systems for the collection, analysis, utilization and dissemination of signals, human and geospatial intelligence, and other forms of intelligence-related information. The Product Manager (PdM) portfolios for PM MI are:

Infantry Weapons Systems (PM IWS)

Program Manager Infantry Weapon Systems equips and sustains the Marine Corps with fully integrated infantry weapons and related systems. PM IWS identifies and manages resources necessary for acquisition of required capabilities. It develops, tests and fields weapons and equipment. PM IWS plans and executes the in-service support of fielded equipment, in partnership with Logistics Command and other stakeholders, in order to ensure it is available for our Marines when needed. The Product Manager (PdM) portfolios for PM IWS are:

Armor & Fire Support Systems (PM AFSS)

Program Manager Armor and Fire Support Systems equips the operating forces with fire support systems, High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, Expeditionary Fire Support Systems, Tank Systems, Information Related Capabilities, and Radar Systems. The Product Manager (PdM) portfolios for PM AFSS are:

Combat Support Systems (PM CSS)

Program Manager Combat Support Systems provides the operating forces with acquisition and lifecycle management of expeditionary power; combat engineering; test, measurement and diagnostic equipment; combat support systems; and unmanned ground systems.

Ammunition (PM Ammo)

Program Manager Ammunition acquires and provides worldwide integrated logistics support (ILS) for all Marine Corps ground conventional ammunition, explosives and related items to support the operating forces and maximize readiness. ILS responsibilities include operational logistics; supply chain management; distribution management; maintenance and strategic prepositioning capability; and sustainability. Additionally, PM Ammo implements and manages the Explosives Safety Management Program for the Marine Corps. The Product Manager (PdM) portfolios for PM Ammo are:

Light Armored Vehicles (PM LAV)

Program Manager Light Armored Vehicle supports and modernizes the Family of Light Armored Vehicles. PM LAV is composed of multi-functional acquisition associates who are responsible for the life-cycle management of both Marine Corps and Foreign Military Sales programs. PM LAV is a professional work force and executes all acquisition disciplines to include program management, logistics, engineering, procurement, contracting, financial management, quality assurance and test and evaluation. Efficiencies are continually pursued between the Marine Corps and Foreign Military Sales programs. The Product Manager (PdM) portfolios for PM LAV are:

Training Systems (PM TRASYS)

Program Manager Training Systems (PM TRASYS) improves the effectiveness of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force and globally deployed maritime expeditionary forces by providing training support and developing and sustaining training systems and devices. They are the training systems acquisition arm for the Marine Corps. The various training products they provide include simulators, mock weapons, range targets and range instrumentation. PM TRASYS also provides training technology research and development, distributed learning capabilities, training observation capabilities, after-action review systems, training personnel and combat environment role players. The Product Manager (PdM) portfolios for PM TRASYS are:

International Programs (IP)

The International Programs office at Marine Corps Systems Command plans, coordinates, implements and executes all Marine Corps-related Security Cooperation acquisition and logistics matters. it provides military assistance to friendly foreign governments through the sale of defense articles and services, international agreements and cooperation, comparative testing programs, disclosure of classified information requests, technology transfer, and the development of procedures, instructions and technical data packages.

Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity (MCTSSA)

MCTSSA provides test and evaluation, engineering, and deployed technical support for USMC and joint service command, control, computer, and communications (C4) systems throughout all acquisition life-cycle phases.

Marine Enhancement Program (MEP)

The Marine Corps stood up the Marine Enhancement Program (MEP) in 1989 in response to congressional guidance to establish a program dedicated to improving the “lethality, comfort and survivability” of the individual Marine. Items procured and fielded by MEP seek to reduce the load, increase the survivability, enhance the safety, and improve the lethality of the individual Combat Arms Marine.

Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP)

The Marine Corps Systems Command Office of Small Business Programs includes veteran-owned, service-disabled, HUBZone, small disadvantaged, and women-owned small businesses.

Systems Engineering, Interoperability, Architectures & Technology (SIAT)

The SIAT organization is responsible for leading Marine Air-Ground Task Force systems engineering and integration efforts, ensuring Marine Corps systems interoperability with coalition and joint forces, and identifying and pursuing science and technology transition opportunities for Marine Corps systems. The Deputy Commander (DC) SIAT is the technical authority for all Marine Corps Systems Command and Program Executive Officer Land Systems programs.

Technology Transition Office (TTO)

The TTO coordinates Marine Corps Systems Command modernization plans, enables prototype experimentation, and performs technology readiness assessments.