The Marine Corps is pouring $269 million into a secretive project to upgrade the service\u2019s tactical systems to better integrate across agencies, and another $715 million to design and test its new littoral warfighting systems.<\/p>\n
The two five-year research and development contracts, totalling roughly $1 billion, went to technology solutions company ManTech.<\/p>\n
The integration contract, led by the deputy commandant for information\u2019s office, will see ManTech use its rapid prototyping process to upgrade the Marines\u2019 tactical network, then bring the products through evaluation, demonstration, and field testing, the release said.<\/p>\n
A Marine official declined to say just how the work will improve the Corps\u2019 tactical network, but said it is part of a larger Headquarters Marine Corps effort to make the service the premier battlefield choice for joint terminal attack control\u2014that is, directing air strikes and other aerial support.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Deputy Commandant for Information\u2019s War Room Division is excited for the opportunity this contract brings for our ability to develop technology that will enable the Marine Corps to integrate with the Intelligence Community, the Joint Force, and deliver a decisive advantage in any region,\u201d Col. Allan Chiu, the War Room\u2019s deputy director, told\u00a0Defense One<\/em>\u00a0in a statement.<\/p>\n Chiu said that the Marine Corps\u2019 current tactical network is fine for what it is.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile our current system has served us well, we recognize that the rapidly changing character of modern warfare requires us to keep adapting and innovating,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n