Marcus Reynolds
Reynolds is an experienced Marine with a proven track record in the military industry. He is skilled in operations management, government affairs, combat, physical security and counterinsurgency. He holds a Master of Science (MS) in Project Management from Colorado Technical University and is a highly capable military and protective services professional.
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 model 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 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 provides valuable reps and sets in a controlled setting. In live-fire exercises, there’s always the risk of injury, but ASALT eliminates this danger 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 walking 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 we'll incorporate live rounds to that.
The future of training lies in smaller, mission-focused models that are more efficient and scalable for field deployment, enhancing real-world military applications.
Speeding Up the Training Process
What’s great about the ASALT system is that it speeds up the entire training process. 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 the efficiency it brings to training. Marines can complete several days' worth of training in just a few hours. This approach reduces the amount of time and ammunition required for live-fire training while maintaining high standards. Moreover, because range time is often limited, using ASALT allows Marines to maximize their live-fire experience once they actually 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 would be slower due to the high costs involved.
For example, military systems might be refreshed every three to five years, depending on cybersecurity 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 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, akin to an advanced version of laser tag, 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, leveraging tools across different military services. As future conflicts will likely involve joint operations, collaboration with the Army, Navy and Air 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 integration of AI into training platforms. AI can transform how enemy behavior is simulated in exercises by introducing unpredictability. Instead of relying on repetitive patterns, AI allows for more dynamic and adaptable scenarios, forcing commanders to think on their feet and react to unexpected developments. This creates a more realistic training experience and pushes 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.
I've been exploring about five AI tools on my phone to assess their capabilities and I see significant potential in generative AI for military applications. Smaller, mission-focused AI models hold particular promise as they are more efficient and better suited for scalable, field-deployed solutions. These models can target specific mission data, making them ideal for military applications.
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.
