R 182044Z APR 17
MARADMIN 190/17
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC CDI//
SUBJ/MARINE CORPS WARFIGHTING LABORATORY/FUTURES DIRECTORATE EXPERIMENTAL FILES (X-FILES)//
POC/WRIGHT/LTCOL DONALD/MCWL TEL: 703-784-4542/EMAIL:DONALD.WRIGHT@USMC.MIL//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1. The Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory/Futures (MCWL/FD) identifies future challenges and opportunities, develops warfighting concepts, and uses wargames and experiments to comprehensively explore solutions and inform the combat development process. As a result of many of these activities, Experiment Files or “X-Files” are produced to capture lessons learned regarding concepts that have been experimented against and further developed. For example, X-Files often capture the tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) associated with emerging technology enablers that can be used as a quick reference guide by operating force Marines. They may also be used to provide feedback from wargames that may have immediate potential impact to operating force planners. With that in mind, X-Files may be thought of as a bridge between doctrine, training standards, emerging concepts and TTPs for employment of new systems. X-Files therefor augment, expand or explain something new, but do not replace doctrine. Examples include Company Level Intelligence Cell (CLIC), Company Level Operation Cell (CLOC) and Moving Target Engagement Training (MTET). X-Files are normally unclassified/For Official Use Only (FOUO), typically do not exceed 50 pages and are written for brevity and rapid understanding. As such, there is no set format for an X-File. They have been produced by MCWL/FD since 1995 and have recently been catalogued under the MCWL/FD portal on the Marine Corps Center for Lessons Learned  (MCCLL) website (www.mccll.usmc.mil), a semi-secure, CAC-enabled website. The FOUO designation requires X-files to be housed under a protected site.
2.  X-Files are produced within the MCWL/FD G-3/Futures Integration Synthesis Center. The primary responsibility of the Synthesis Center is to support the command as a whole and to gather information from the field on potential topics of interest, many of which become X-Files. Specifically, the tasks of the Center are:
2.A.  Gather, organize and synthesize knowledge gained from MCWL efforts to produce topically focused booklets that clearly describe TTPs and technology enablers that can help Marines to more effectively fight and win battles.
2.B.  Ensure each X-File has the following characteristics relating to form and content with a clear description of successful experimental TTPs, identify TTPs to avoid or to not use at all, identify “what to do” and describe “how to do it”, and use graphics to amplify text and simplify the document. Other than this basic construct, there is no set format for an X-File. The emphasis is on simplicity and effective communication to the Operating Forces vice specific format. They are meant to be a guide for Marines in the absence of existing doctrine or training manuals.  
3.  The Synthesis Center collects the data and writes, develops and edits the information into an easy to read format. The Synthesis Center welcomes ideas for potential X-Files from the operating forces. Suggestions for X-Files can be sent to the Synthesis Center email address: syncenter(at)usmc.mil. Also, comments on X-Files that have already been published may also be sent to the Synthesis Center e-mail address. Notifications of recent X-Files will be released via MARADMIN on a quarterly basis. The most recent X-Files (since August 2016) are: 
3.A.  Why a Decision Room?  TTPS Developed by 2d Battalion, 6th Marines
3.B.  MAGTF Integrated Exercise (MIX-16) OPFOR TTPs – From a Sergeants Perspective
3.C.  Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory/Futures Directorate Organization and Functions
3.D.  Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory Ellis Group Wargame Series Two
3.E.  Opposing Forces TTPs – MAGTF Integrated Exercise (MIX-16)
3.G.  Moving Target Engagement Techniques – MTET
3.G.  Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory Ellis Group Wargame Series One, There are other MCWL/FD published products available on the MCCLL website to include Wargaming Quicklook reports and Center for Emerging Threats and Opportunities (CETO) reports.
4.  POC is Ann Crittenden (ann.l.crittenden.ctr@usmc.mil), 703-784-1740.
5.  Release authorized by Lieutenant General Robert S. Walsh, Deputy Commandant, Combat Development and Integration.//