R 261926Z MAR 18
MARADMIN 186/18
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC CDI//
SUBJ/RELEASE OF FINAL REPORT FOR SEA DRAGON 2025 PHASE I EXPERIMENT CAMPAIGN//
REF/A/ALMAR 024/16/021633Z AUG 16/SEA DRAGON 2025//
REF/B/CMC PPO POG MSG 061931Z SEP 16/SEA DRAGON 2025 INITIATING DIRECTIVE FOR V35 EXPERIMENTATION//
POC/C. PAPPAS III/COLONEL/MCWL/FD, TEL: 703-432-0501/E-MAIL: CHRIS.PAPPAS@USMC.MIL//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  Background.  Per CMC direction in reference (a) and PPO Instruction in reference (b), MCWL executed a series of live-force experiments between Apr 16 and Aug 17 using Third Battalion, Fifth Marines (3/5) as the base experiment force.  These experiments constituted phase I of the Sea Dragon (SD) 2025 live-force experiment campaign and were designed to assess changes to the infantry battalion mandated by Marine Corps Force 2025 (MCF 2025).  The experiments were conducted in conjunction with 3/5 pre-deployment training and during their assignment as the ground combat element for the 31st MEU.  In order to prepare 3/5 for their role in the experiment, they were manned at 100 percent of the MCF 2025 T/O and to the greatest extent possible, personnel were of the appropriate rank and had the required training for their billets.  The only exception to the MCF 2025 T/O was that each rifle company in the battalion was configured with a different squad size with one company of 11-Marine squads, one of 12-Marine squads and one of 14-Marine squads.  The companies with 11- and 12-Marine squads also had a fires team of four personnel at the platoon level.  Additionally, 3/5 was equipped with experimental and non-standard program of record equipment to include M27 infantry automatic rifles, M320 grenade launchers, assorted unmanned aerial systems, man portable water purification systems, tablet communications and unmanned ground vehicles.
2.  Experiment Reporting.  Upon completion of each experiment, reports of various types were submitted by MCWL, the center for naval analysis and/or participating units and organizations.  Upon conclusion of the final experiment in Aug 17, MCWL created a preliminary comprehensive SD 25 phase I report.  Using that report, and the base documents from which it was drawn, an assessment conference was held in Quantico from 28 Nov – 1 Dec 17.  Personnel from every organization that participated in the experiments along with HQMC representatives and supporting organizations attended the assessment conference.  During the conference the change elements, structures, organizations, training and equipment changes associated with SD 25 phase I were examined and recommendations were made for implementation.  Additionally, there were several findings from SD 25 phase I experiments that were not directly related to MCF 2025 changes or experimental equipment.  These were discussed as well and recommendations were made.  The final report on SD phase I, and associated source documents can be accessed at:  https:(slash)(slash)www2.mccll.usmc.mil/index.cfm?disp=cops/cop_view.cfm&ssiteid=1052
3.  The MCWL point of contact for the SD 25 phase I experiment is Colonel Chris Pappas III, Experiment Division Director, MCWL/FD, 703-432-0501.
4.  Release authorized by Lieutenant General Robert S. Walsh, Deputy Commandant, Combat Development and Integration.//