R 041838Z MAY 17
MARADMIN 219/17
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC CDI//
SUBJ/TACTICAL DECISION KIT DISTRIBUTION AND IMPLEMENTATION
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1. In February, the ACMC directed the Marine Corps Rapid Capabilities Office (RCO) to rapidly replicate the small unit decision making capability conceived by innovative officers and NCOs from V26 in conjunction with the Office of Naval Research (ONR). These Tactical Decision Kits (TDK) are meant to provide a means to challenge Marines to think critically, innovate smartly,
and adapt rapidly in complex environments against adaptive enemies, as described by the CMC in FRAGO 01/2016. Over the next 8 months, a TDK will be provided to each active component infantry battalion for integration, training and operational assessment.
2. TDKs will consist of laptop computers with specific software, to be used within the barracks to create “decision rooms” which will allow competition within units and enhance force on force virtual training against thinking adversaries. These computers will be augmented with other capabilities such as threat representative small UAS(semi-colon) augmented reality headsets (semi-colon)and network storage for map data)(semi-colon) all of which will allow Marines the ability to conduct live and virtual tactical decision games, develop graphic-based orders, mission plan in augmented reality, and then, in conjunction with ITESS equipment, brief, execute and debrief live missions.
3. Each battalion will be equipped with one TDK, comprised of three company kits and one battalion CoC kit, tailored to create an environment where the Marines are given ownership of their own growth as warfighters, by fighting, realizing either victory or defeat, and by learning through both success and failure. The combination of live and virtual training through the TDKs will sharpen leaders at every level by increasing repetitions, providing immediate feedback, facilitating after actions, and promoting force on force competition.
4. Infantry Battalion TDK deliveries will commence in May 2017, at an initial rate of 4 per month. The kits will be delivered to respective Traffic Management Office addresses, under the cognizance of the following designated MEFs POCs: IMEF, CWO5 Vince Kyzer, vincent.kyzer(at)usmc.mil, 760-763-3725, II MEF, Maj Matthew Dineen, matthew.dineen(at)usmc.mil, 910-451-8090, and III MEF, MGySgt Bobby Rodriguez, Bobby.Rodriguez(at)usmc.mil, 808-257-5168. Kits will then be sub-custodied to individual company and battalion representatives to be placed on the unit CMR and begin the setup and installation process. As commercial off the shelf (COTS) equipment, this is a onetime distribution, and each battalion is expected to maintain accountability of the TDK components, until such time as a future Program of Record is established to replace them. Associated Small UAS distribution and training will be led by the Training and Logistics Support Agencies (TALSAs) and managed by MEF UAS Officers. UAS assets will be
available in mid-May. Sustainment and spare parts for COTS small UAS will be managed by the TALSAs.
5. The below delivery schedule has been developed in conjunction with the MEF and Division G-3s, based upon when battalions have the time available to accept the equipment, and begin to assimilate these capabilities:
May I MEF 2 TDK I MEF (29) None II MEF
2 TDK III MEF (Hawaii) None
June I MEF 1 TDK I MEF (29) None II MEF
2 TDK III MEF (Hawaii) 1 TDK
Jul I MEF 2 TDK I MEF (29) 2 TDK II MEF
None III MEF (Hawaii) None
Aug I MEF 1 TDK I MEF (29) None II MEF
1 TDK III MEF (Hawaii) 1 TDK
Sep I MEF None I MEF (29) None II MEF
3 TDK III MEF (Hawaii) None
FY 18
Oct I MEF 1 TDK I MEF (29) 1 TDK II MEF
None III MEF (Hawaii) None
Nov I MEF 1 TDK I MEF (29) 1 TDK II MEF
1 TDK III MEF (Hawaii) 1 TDK
6. MEF POCs will coordinate detailed distribution of TDKs through the RCO. Battalions should designate an overall TDK representative who will be the primary POC, and an officer and NCO representative for each company who will be in charge of the setup and installation process. ONR and RCO will provide set-up/configuration instructions via How To videos and Quick Reference Guides on the Community of Interest (COI) website referenced below. Battalions are responsible for having the equipment configured and Marines familiar with online materials prior to Mobile Training Team (MTT) arrival. ONR Code 30 3-day MTT will train Marines in how use the equipment. The ONR MTT POC is: Dr. Peter Squire, Squire, peter.squire(at)navy.mil, 202-306-1335. The MTT can support one geo-location per week(semi-colon) with capability to train two units at the same location simultaneously. MEFs are highly encouraged to send representatives from the next battalions designated to receive TDKs to observe the unit that is receiving
training.
7. A COI website has been established via the All Partners Access Network (APAN) collaboration website https:(slash)(slash)community.apan.org/wg/marines-tdk. All users should request access via the web site. Battalions shall provide COI administrators to manage permissions for Battalion Marines to access this site and ensure proper conduct on the site. The overall administration of the COI website will be managed by the RCO. Any concerns or issues regarding the COI website should be sent to Mr. Alan Koenig, alan.koenig(at)navy.mil, (812)-296-8383.
8. The Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory/Futures Directorate published an X-File, Why A Decision Room?,for the purpose of familiarizing Battalion Commanders and small unit leaders with this emerging capability. This X-File can be found on the Marine Corps Center for Lessons Learned website.
9. Release authorized by Lieutenant General Robert S. Walsh, Deputy Commandant, Combat Development and Integration.//