U.S. Marine Corps Establishes Fusion Center to Streamline Technology Acquisition and Requirements

The U.S. Marine Corps is taking a significant step forward in modernizing its technology acquisition process with the establishment of a new Fusion Center at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. This new office brings together science, technology, requirements, and acquisition professionals to streamline the process of fielding new technology for the service.

During a panel discussion at the Modern Day Marine conference in Washington, D.C., leaders highlighted the importance of the Fusion Center in determining which technologies are mature enough to be utilized by the Marine Corps. Brig. Gen. David Walsh, who heads Marine Corps Systems Command, emphasized the need to “pick up the pace” for acquisition and stay on the cutting edge of technology.

With the Fusion Center in place, the Marine Corps aims to ensure that it is investing in technologies that address critical capability gaps. The team will also consider factors such as doctrine, training, sustainment strategies, and more when evaluating new technology. By taking a holistic approach to technology acquisition, the Marine Corps hopes to reduce trade-offs and make more informed decisions.

Stephen Bowdren, the service’s program executive officer for land systems, noted that the Fusion Center will allow his team to consider incorporating new technology into existing programs or potentially standing up new programs of record. This approach will enable the Marine Corps to become more agile and focus on acquiring capabilities rather than specific hardware solutions.

Overall, the establishment of the Fusion Center represents a significant step forward for the Marine Corps in modernizing its technology acquisition process. By improving communication among various communities and focusing on capabilities, the Marine Corps is positioning itself to meet the evolving challenges of modern warfare.