USMC 2030 FORCE DESIGN (FD) AVIATION COMBAT ELEMENT UNMANNED AVIATION (ACE UA) ENTERPRISE PROGRAM
Date Signed: 4/9/2021 | MARADMINS Number: 197/21
Cancelled
MARADMINS : 197/21

R 091900Z APR 21
MARADMIN 197/21
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC AVN AWS WASHINGTON DC//
SUBJECT/USMC 2030 FORCE DESIGN (FD) AVIATION COMBAT ELEMENT UNMANNED AVIATION (ACE UA) ENTERPRISE PROGRAM//
AMPN/REF/A HQMC (AVN) O P5000.1. HQMC AVIATION STAFF REGULATIONS//
REF/B HQMC AVN TRANSTION TASK FORCE CHARTER 7 FEB 2018//
REF/C HQMC (AVN) O P5000.2 USMC 2030 FORCE DESIGN AVIATION COMBAT ELEMENT UNMANNED AVIATION TRANSTION PROGRAM//
REF/D/HQMC AVN ANNUAL AVIATION PLAN//
REF/E/DC CD&I FOUAS ROADMAP//
REF/F/MCO ORDER P3121.1 MARINE CORPS PLANNING AND PROGRAMING//
REF/G/MCO 39001.5B MARINE CORPS EXPEDITIONARY FORCE DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM//
REF/H/38TH COMMANDANT’S INTENT//
REF/I/FORCE DESIGN 2030, MAR 2020//
REF/J/(S) DC CD&I FORCE DESIGN GUIDANCE JUN 2020//
REF/K/(S) DC CD&I MUX REQUIREMENTS CLARIFICATION 1 APR 2020//
REF/L/UAS ADVISORY COUNCIL MUX MALE DECISION 23 SEP 2020//
REF/M/DC CD&I LETTER OF DIVESTMENT FOR RQ-21A UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM//
REF/N/MUX MALE ASN RDA ASSISTED ACQUISTION APPROACH//
REF/O/RQ-21A AIRCRAFT STRIKE AUTHORIZATION 2021-02//
REF/P/(S) CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS USMC FOUAS//
REF/Q/MCBUL 5400 REOGRANIZATION OF MARINE UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE (VMU) SQUADRON-1 MAG-13 3D MAW//
REF/R/MCBUL 5400 REORGANIZATION OF MARINE UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE SQUARDON-3 MAG 24 1ST MAW//
REF/S COMMNAVAIRFOR AVIATION MAINTENANCE ADVISORY (AMA) 2021-03/NAMPPOLICY CLARIFICATION AND CORRECTIONS//
REF/T/FEB 2021 AUTHORIZED STRENGTH REPORT//
REF/U/MCO 5311.1E TOTAL FORCE STRUCTURE PROCESS//
REF/V/REALIGNMENT OF MARINE CORPS RQ-21A ACQUISTION AND FUNDING PRIORITIES 16 OCT 20//
REF/W/MCBUL 5603 MARINE CORPS DOCTRINAL PROPONENCY ASSIGNMENTS//
REF/X/MCO 5215.IK MARINE CORPS DIRECTIVES MANAGEMENT PROGRAM//
REF/Y/MCO 5600.20R MARINE CORPS DOCTRINAL PUBLICATIONS SYSTEM//
REF/Z/NAVMC 1200.1F MOS MANUAL//
REF/AA/MCO 1520.29 MARINE CORPS AVIATOR PRODUCTION PROCESS AND STAKEHOLDER REPSONSIBILITIES//
REF/AB/SECNAV INSTRUCTION 5000.42 DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY ACQUISTION FOR THE RAPID DEVELOPMENT, DEMONSTRATION AND FIELDING OF CAPABILITY//
REF/AC/SECNAV INSTRUCTION 5000.2F DEFENSE ACQUISTION SYSTEM AND JOINT CAPABILITIES INTEGRATION AND DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM//
REF/AD/SENAV M-5000.2 ACQUISITION AND CAPABILITIES GUIDEBOOK//
REF/AE/OPNAV INSTRUCTION 1500.76C NAVAL TRAINING SYSTEMS REQUIREMENTS AQUISITION, AND MANAGEMENT//
REF/AF/OPNAV INSTRUCTION 3750.6 NAVAL AVIATION SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM//
REF/AG/COMNAVAIRFORINST 4790.2B NAVAL AVIATION MAINTENANCE PROGRAM//
REF/AH/NAVMC 3500.14 AVIATION TRAINING AND READINESS PROGRAM MANUAL//
REF/AI/CNAF 3710 NATOPS GENERAL FLIGHT OPERATIONS INSTRUCTIONS//
REF/AJ/SECNAV INSTRUCTION 5442.3 MANAGEMENT OF NAVAL AIRCRAFT INVENTORY//
REF/AK/MARADMIN 148/20 ESTABLISHMENT OF THE MARINE CORPS STRATEGIC BASING PROCESS//
REF/AL/IS MCO P7300.21A, MARINE CORPS FINANCIAL EXECUTION STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE MANUAL//
POC/MAJ D. D. LEWIS/AWS-UAS/DSN: 223-0952/COMM: (703) 693-0952/DANIEL.D.LEWIS@USMC.MIL//
POC/MR. MARK DETHLEFSEN/AWS-UAS/DSN: 223-5371/COMM: (703) 697-5371/MARK.E.DETHLEFSEN.CTR@USMC.MIL//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  This is a DC AVN, DC CD&I coordinated message.
1.a.  Background.  The Deputy Commandant for Aviation (DCA) serves as the principal advisor to the Commandant on all aviation matters.  DCA develops, integrates, and coordinates plans and policies to manage the total life cycle of Marine Corps aviation programs.  DCA develops policy and directs practices and logistics resources as the designated Service lead within the Naval Aviation Enterprise (NAE), and in partnership with Commander Naval Air Forces and Commander Naval Air Systems Command, to provide for and sustain the material readiness and safety of aviation platforms.  In support of the Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration (DC CD&I), DCA identifies emerging aviation concepts, technologies, capabilities, and systems that will enhance the lethality of the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF).  In support of Deputy Commandant for Programs and Resources (DC P&R), DCA serves as the resource sponsor for Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV) Total Obligation Authority (TOA) funds appropriated for Marine Corps aviation programs.
2.  Situation.  DCA has been tasked by the CMC in executing the transition of ACE UA in accordance with the CMC’s 2030 Force Design.  More specifically, in order to enhance Marine Unmanned Aerial Squadron (VMU) capability and its integration into advanced based operations, the VMU’s will reorganize and transition from Group 3 Lite to Group 5 unmanned aerial systems.
2.a.  In support of the CMC’s 2030 FD, with support from the Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration (DC, CD&I), Deputy Commandant for Information (DCI), Commanding General Training and Education Command (CG TECOM), Deputy Commandant Plans Programs and Operations (DC PPO), Deputy Commandant Manpower and Reserve Affairs (DC M&RA), Deputy Commandant Installations and Logistics (DC I&L) and in conjunction with Chief of Naval Air Forces (CNAF), Naval Aviation Systems Command (NAVAIR) acquisitions, the USMC 2030 FD ACE UAE Program is formed.
2.b.  Effective introduction, implementation, and transition of new UA capabilities requires a closely coordinated effort across multiple HQMC Pillars and subordinate stakeholders.  This calls for a lead agent, or office of primary responsibility (OPR), to collaborate and synchronize the myriad of decisions and actions necessary which in this case is in the form of a Transition Task Force (TTF).
3.  Mission.  This MARADMIN establishes a standing USMC 2030 FD ACE UA TTF to actuate the ACE UA Enterprise into a cohesive effort for the introduction of new ACE unmanned aerial systems (UAS) capabilities and accompanying payload capabilities into the operating forces.  This directed TTF provides a proactive coordination, collaboration and synchronization mechanism suited to align the Naval Aviation and USMC Enterprises to provide a method of iterative planning and actions to carry out a smooth transition and enable incorporation of new UA platforms and capabilities into the USMC aviation operational forces in accordance with the USMC Family of Unmanned Aerial Systems Roadmap.
4.  Roles and Responsibilities. The ACE UA TTF has functional and fiduciary responsibility to the DCA in providing oversight for the necessary actions that enables the introduction and integration of future ACE UA platforms into the Operating Forces and stands as a forum for the intersection and interaction of operating forces and the supporting establishment to accomplish that end.
4.a. The TTF will develop and execute a transition management plan that will monitor and facilitate implementation of ACE UAS Programs of Record and their integration into the VMU.  With the advisement and support of HQMC agencies, resource sponsors, acquisition authorities, technical advisors, supporting establishment and operating forces, the TTF will identify, prioritize and resolve issues affecting the implementation of the those programs.
4.b.  FD as well as Naval & Joint integration of future UA missions will have a myriad of influences on future ACE UAS capability development, acquisition and procurement.  This development must be balanced by Fiscal Year Program Objective Memorandum Budgeting and forecasts, and be considerate of the Divestment and Disposal plan of the UAS programs declared no-longer operationally relevant.  Through the ACE UA TTF, the divestment plan must be synchronized with the new UAS Program of Record (PoR) acquisition strategy and aligned with the overall ACE UAS transition roadmap across the entire Doctrine Organization Training Material Logistics Personnel Facilities-Cost in addition to overall FD transitions affecting aviation and UAS.
5.  ACE UAS TTF Assigned Tasks.  The TTF will engage and coordinate with appropriate Department of Defense (DOD), Department of the Air Force, Naval Air Systems Command and Marine Corps agencies to identify, analyze, and resolve challenges to the implementation and transition of the new ACE UAS capabilities with no less than the following tasks:
5.a.  In coordination with NAVIAR, supervise the execution of ACE UA Roadmap.
5.b.  Provide support in developing doctrine for ACE UA operations in Expeditionary Advanced Based and Littoral Operations in the Contested Environment operations.
5.c.  Ensure current and future naval operational infrastructure supports planned ACE UA operational concepts.
5.d.  Assist and supervise in generating program funding plans that supports DC CDI ACE UA Early Operational Capability (EOC), Initial Operational Capability (IOC) and Fully Operational Capability (FOC) requirements.
5.e.  In support of DC PP&O, conduct feasibility/cost assessments for ACE UA support basing requirements.
5.f.  In support of DC I&L, conduct facilities assessment to include base IT infrastructure.
5.g.  Execute VMU basing and movement activities with external agencies and headquarters (e.g. POLAD, OSD(P), USINDOPACOM, U.S. Forces, Japan and Joint Staff).
5.h.  Ensure ACE UA roadmap, plans and polices are aligned with the Marine Corps Information Environment Enterprise (MCIEE).
5.i.  Confirm and synchronize requirements for ACE UASs to have the ability to seamlessly integrate into the Joint Tactical Grid, Naval Tactical Grid and Joint All Domain Command and Control.
5.j.  Supervise and report the status of POA&Ms of transitioning VMUs with all manning, training, and equipping to be complete in accordance with the FoUAS Roadmap.
5.k.  In coordination with PMA-263, develop and supervise a Plan of Actions and Milestones to divest of RQ-21 from VMUs.
5.l.  In support of DC CD&I, regularly review and validate VMU Mission Statement and Mission Essential Tasks (MET) ACE UA requirements.
5.m.  In concert with DC M&RA, define, characterize and develop ACE UA “Deployed in Garrison” doctrine through examination of DOTMLPF considerations that inform USMC policy adjustments to support the Remote-Split Operations (RSO) employment concept for Group 5 UAS operations.
5.n.  Assess communications support needs and make recommendation to refine organizational structure given future ACE UAS information systems capabilities and requirements.
5.o.  Review and update ACE UAS MOS stipulations and requirements for critical technical specialties, clearances, etc. and recommend new MOSs, where necessary to modernize and professionalize the UAS community.
5.p.  Assess ACE UAS intelligence support and make recommendations to refine organizational structure given modernized capabilities and requirements.
5.q.  Develop a training continuum for ACE UA platforms.
5.r.  Ensure a review and/or create Training and Readiness Manuals that are aligned with revised/created ACE UAS METs.
5.s.  Support, synchronize and deconflict the GCE Small UAS (sUAS) program stand-up while continuing to support ACE UA transitions per the FoUAS UA roadmap.
5.t.  Ensure Security Classification Guides addressing classification requirements that protect critical elements of the MUX MALE program are published.
6.  End-State.  The ACE UA TTF’s success is defined as the Full Operational Capability (FOC) of the reorganized or newly created Unmanned Aviation squadrons (VMU), with complete material fielding of newly procured UA weapons systems, requisite organizational structure, manpower and training, sustainment, as well as the matured development of supporting establishment infrastructure in terms of funding, material and personnel, MCAS support unique to future UA operations, and the adjustment or establishment of Navy and USMC doctrine and policy documents that facilitate new UA capabilities in order to meet the CMC’s 2030 FD intent.
7.  ACE UA TTF Organization.
7.a.  The TTF will be composed of the UAS TTF Lead Office, an Executive Steering Council (ESC), a TTF Core Team (CT) and five Line of Effort Supervisory Teams (ST) composed of USMC, NAVAIR, Joint and Industry Partner organizations related to the ACE UA transition.
7.b.  The TTF Lead is the delegated decision authority within the auspices of ACE UA transition program but must seek decisions that could ultimately effect HQMC Pillars efforts towards the CMCs 2030 Force Design through the Executive Steering Council (ESC).
7.c.  The TTF will be managed through matrix organized UAS TTF Lead Office led by the ACE UAS TTF Lead.  The Office will center on HQMC Aviation Air Warfare Systems – UAS (AWS-UAS) and be supported, as required, by the Executive Secretariat (ES), OPNAV Integration (OI) AWS - Assault Support (AS), AWS - Tactical Air (TacAir), AWS – Training Systems (TS), Aviation Sustainment (AS), Expeditionary Warfare Systems (AXE), and the Cunningham Group.
7.d.  A TTF Executive Steering Council (ESC) will be chaired by the Assistant Deputy Commandant Aviation and comprised of the HQMC AVN ES, OI, AWS, AS, AXE, and the Cunningham Group O-6s/GS leads.  The ESC primary purpose is to advise and authorize amendments to each ACE UAS transition project plan.  It will review the project TTF progress on a regular basis to ensure the transition is aligned with the DCA’s Aviation Plan (AVPLAN) and the FoUAS Roadmap, make top level TTF decisions, provide direction and forward sensitive or higher level ACE UA matters to the DCA for his attention or decision.
7.e.  The TTF Core Team (CT) will be chaired by the ACE UAS TTF Lead.  The team will be consist of the TTF Lead Office, ST leads, OPNAV N98 UAS, HQMC Pillars, Major Subordinate Command primaries, PMA 263 and PMA 266.  From time-to-time associated Defense Contractor primaries/OEMs may be included.  The CT objective is to ensure integration and synchronicity of high-level TTF project interdependencies.  Its recommendations will be purposed to advise the TTF Lead for decisions and actions and to inform and actuate the organizations represented.  The team will submit for decision to the ESC, policy, and/or ACE UAS transition project change recommendations.
7.f.  The TTF will be implemented through five synchronized main lines of effort (LOE) each matched to a Supervisory Team.  These teams will be composed of functional experts, operate semi-independently, and seek out collaboration and coordination with other STs.  Each ST will be assigned a lead and delegated supervisory authorities under its LOE.  Each ST will submit to its recommendations, appropriate level decisions and actions it is taking to the Core TTF Team.
8.  Lines of Effort.
8.a.  ST- 1 Organization and Personnel.  The focus of ST-1 is to evaluate and recommend organizational design in terms of force structure, manpower requirements and Occupational field development that supports the evolution of ACE UA FD. ACE UA units, supporting establishment and ancillary organizational structure and personnel manning demands will be dictated by weapons systems acquisitions and unit transition roadmaps.  ST-1 and ST-5 will need to closely coordinate organizational designs impacts to basing and facilities requirements and budgets.  Important in this LOE is the synchronization of structure and manpower to meet ACE UA unit billet requirements, training timelines and unit operational demands as well as synchronization with the Ground Combat Element (GCE) and Logistical Combat Element (LCE) UAS initiatives.
8.a.1.  Human Performance Team (HPT).  Falling under ST-1, led by DCA’s Flight physiologist the HPT is purposed is examine necessary crew manning of ACE UAS missions based from T&R, human performance limitations and concept of employment to inform ST-1.  In concert with ST-3, the HPT will examine human capabilities and limitations that will influence the development of “Deployed in Garrison” doctrine.
8.b.  ST-2 C4ISR Network Integration.  The focus of ST-2 is to evaluate and coordinate actions to the existing network support architecture and determine C4ISR requirements for air vehicle command and control and aviation Reconnaissance, Surveillance, Target Acquisition (RSTA) operations, especially SATCOM capacity and funding, to enable ACE UA to operate and function in the Marine Corps Information Environment (MCIE), Naval Tactical Grid (NTG) and Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) system primarily in the INDOPACOM Theater, and secondarily for Global Force Management (GFM).  Additionally, ST-2 must consider how to integrate ACE UA into the USMC Aviation Digital Interoperability initiative known as MAGTF Agile Network Gateway Link (MANGL).
8.c.  ST-3 Training, Readiness and Operations.  The focus of ST-3 is to provide ACE UA aviation doctrine and policy recommendations to solidify “Deployed in Garrison” aviation operations characterized through Group 5 Remote Split Operations (RSO); to develop and evolve new Mission Essential Tasks to be added to the Marine Corps Task List and update the mission statement needed for the VMU to support the MAGTF/MLR in the Joint and/or Combined environment.  ST-3 is to examine, set strategy and provide an ACE UAS training continuum that supports for ACE UA operational and maintenance nuances.  This includes schoolhouses, Training and Readiness Manuals, programs of instruction (POI), etc., taking advantage of USAF/ANG and/or Navy equities where and when necessary to meet ACE UA unit personnel demands.  ST-3 must work to transform ACE UAS Aviation training infrastructure, to include the Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) or alternative as well as maintenance schoolhouses, to accommodate future capabilities and operational concepts that leads to necessary changes in organizational structure and subject matter expertise.  ST-3 must ensure the ACE UA training continuum is coordinated with the GCE sUAS and LCE training continuum.
8.d.  ST-4 Material, Sustainment & Acquisitions.  The goal of ST-4 is to ensure the Naval Aviation Enterprise support and supportability to ACE UA acquisitions, material readiness and logistical infrastructure support.  The team will evaluate the existing logistical support architecture and squadron maintenance division infrastructure to include contracting and contracting vehicles for contract maintenance and parts supply.  ST-4 and ST-1 will need close coordination in this LOE. ST-4 is to ensure that ACE UA acquisitions strategy and divestment milestones (Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation, Production, Deployment/Fielding, Operations and Support, and Plan for Disposal) is synchronized with DCA’s AVPLAN, the FoUAS Roadmap, and ACE UA squadron transition timelines.
8.e.  ST-5 Basing and Facilities.  As a primary focus, ST-5 needs work towards ACE UA basing and facilities solutions that must implement the CMC 2030 UA FD basing decisions.  ST-5 is to evaluate ACE UA physical and IT support requirements to identify new or modified facilities and/or the network infrastructures needed.  These activities need to drive installation budgeting and building schedules to meet planned ACE UA unit activations, re-organizations or movements.  SCIF rated Operation Centers are key to Group 5 Remote and Remote Split Operations giving rise to C4ISR requirements that must be planned well in advance with basing budgeting activity.  ST-5 and ST-4 will need close coordination.
9.  ACE UA TTF Administration.
9.a.  The TTF lead and ST leads will identify, analyze, and resolve challenges to the ACE UAS DOTMPLF and acquisition activities within their respective ST.  Issues that exceed ST lead authority will be presented to the CT and/or furthered to the ESC for resolution.  All joint matters and those exceeding the authority of the ESC will be elevated.
9.b.  Being a standing OPT style body, the ACE UA TTF business will be primarily executed via virtual means with information management tools and in-person meetings convened as required.  The TTF will use a SharePoint as its main web-based collaborative medium to ensure proper TTF staffing channels are used, providing effective formal coordination, document repository, and staff work are completed.  The SharePoint link, standard operating procedures and instruction booklet will be communicated via separate correspondence.
9.c.  Themed TTF conferences will be used as a means to ensure that maturing ACE UA requirements turn to needed actions that are thoroughly analyzed, validated, facilitated and synchronized.  These conferences will organize and function in a way that facilitates the capturing and reporting of its actionable results to the Executive Steering Council (ESC) and enable the NAE to engage its transition decisions while simultaneously providing end-users a venue for direct input and collaboration.
9.d.  The TTF will report to the DCA, and update DC CD&I, CNAF and NAVAIR as required on the progress of the ACE UA transition in comparison to planned milestones.
9.e.  Program Management Reviews and other NAVAIR Program of Record Acquisition strategy management events and normal Higher Headquarters stakeholder battle-rhythm events concerning ACE UA are integral to the overall progress and delivery of ACE UA weapons systems and therefore must feed the ACE UA TTF to enable its proper functioning.  Acquisition requirements and timelines will heavily influence TTF objectives and planning and execution activities.  The ACE UAS TTF program must remain aware of these events and the influences they will have on the TTF’s objectives.
10.  Coordinating Instructions.
10.a.  In order to properly conduct the ACE UA TTF actions and objectives, DCA requests full cooperation and proponent participation in the TTF’s role to fulfill the CMC’s end-state for ACE UA.  Providing the correct subject matter experts with access to the proper decision-making authority level will enable a continuity of effort in conducting ACE UA capability development and program life-cycle sustainment synchronized with USMC FD.
10.b.  To effectively support TTF the following commands are requested to support with appropriate representatives resident within their HQ as well as their applicable subordinate organizations.
COMMNAVAIRLANT
COMMNAVAIRPAC
COMNAVIRSYSCOM
COMOPTEVFOR (UX-24, VMX-1)
MARFORSYSCOM
MARFORCOM
MARFORPAC
MARFORCENT
MARFORRES
MARFORCYBER
DC CD&I
DCI
DC I&L
DC M&RA
DC PPO
DC P&R
MAWTS-1
CGTECOM
NAVAIR (PMA-263, PMA-266)
OPNAV N98
I MEF
II MEF
III MEF
Marine Corps Installations Command
Marine Corps Installations West, including select installation
reps
Marine Corps Installations East, including select installation
rep
Marine Corps Installations Pacific
Marine Corps Recruiting Command
Marine Corps Information Operations Center
10.c.  If a command is not listed contact the POCs for this MARADMIN.
10.d.  Non-governmental participation will be restricted only to those entities working under federal contract with DoN. Participation by any other non-government entity shall be authorized through the TTF Lead.
10.e.  No later than 15 Apr 2021, request stakeholder organizations listed in 10.b. forward name, rank, unit, billet, email, and phone number to the POCs for this MARADMIN.
10.f.  An initial kick-off meeting and first conference will be hosted by the TTF Lead Office with details to be communicated via separate correspondence.
11.  Command and Signal. This MARADMIN is applicable to the Marine Corps Total Force.
12.  Release authorized by Lieutenant General Mark R. Wise, Deputy Commandant for Aviation.//