MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. -- The Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory (MCWL) is at the forefront of shaping future combat capabilities during Keen Sword 2025. Last month this biennial U.S.-Japan exercise provided MCWL a unique opportunity to advance its Campaign of Learning, showcasing cutting-edge technical demonstrations designed to elevate joint readiness, interoperability and adaptability across coalition forces.
MCWL’s Campaign of Learning is central to its participation in KS25. The lab uses the exercise to implement advanced capabilities to refine operational tactics that align with the Joint Warfighting Concept. By assessing new and emerging technologies in real-world conditions, MCWL aims to optimize warfighting capabilities that will be critical for the U.S. and its allies to address emerging threats.
"KS25 provides an opportunity for MCWL to conduct technical demonstrations with concepts and technologies supporting force modernization initiatives. Lessons from past exercises like Steel Knight and Valiant Shield 24 inform MCWL’s approach, allowing the lab to iterate and improve based on real-time data and feedback from coalition partners." said Lt. Col. Jason Hibler, MCWL concept development team lead, Experiment Division.
The primary goal of KS25 was to facilitate seamless joint operations between the U.S. Marine Corps, Japan Self-Defense Forces, and other allied forces. MCWL's technical demonstrations this year place significant emphasis on achieving Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control – a capability that allows data to flow seamlessly across domains and platforms, providing real-time insights essential for decision-making in complex operational environments.
“Our ability to innovate, embrace, and operationalize rapid change continues to provide a competitive advantage in today’s complex national security environment,” said Colonel Michael J. Carroll, director, MCWL Experiment Division. “Technical demonstrations during KS25 aimed to create the conditions for follow-on experiments in both Service-level and Joint exercises to accelerate modernization and work toward better interoperability, agility, and resilience across the force.”
Strengthening Combat Capabilities
Photo by Kevin Ray Salvador
U.S. Marine Corps Col. Peter B. Eltringham, 12th Marine Littoral Regiment commanding officer, inspects the work of Marines from the 3rd Intelligence Battalion as part of Keen Sword 25, Oct. 27, 2024 at Ie Shima, Okinawa, Japan. Keen Sword is a biennial, joint and bilateral field-training exercise involving U.S. military and Japan Self-Defense Force personnel, designed to increase readiness and interoperability while strengthening the ironclad U.S.-Japan alliance. During Keen Sword, the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory leveraged the exercise environment to work with emerging concepts, technologies, and capabilities, providing valuable insights to advance joint interoperability and operational effectiveness in support of the U.S.-Japan alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Kevin Ray J. Salvador)
Other capabilities evaluated included advanced networking tools that strengthen joint-force connectivity. This technology is essential for maintaining a combat-ready force capable of withstanding and adapting to rapidly changing conditions. The exercise also enabled MCWL to gather data on innovative logistical solutions, which will enhance the sustainment of U.S. forces operating in contested environments.
MCWL’s technical demonstrations and assessments are integral steps in refining capabilities critical to the Marine Corps’ modernization initiatives. By building upon previous exercise insights, MCWL strengthens the Joint Force’s overall operational reach and resiliency.
Bi-lateral exercises like KS25 highlight the Marine Corps’ ongoing commitment to deepening operational ties and enhancing security with Japan and other regional allies. By sharing best practices, coordinating field exercises, and synchronizing technological advancements, MCWL ensures that joint forces remain adaptable, synchronized, and prepared for a broad spectrum of scenarios.