Marine Corps Systems Command is the acquisition command of the Marine Corps, serving as head of contracting authority and exercising technical authority for all Marine Corps ground weapon and information technology programs. Located on historic Hospital Point, MCSC’s campus is the home of the Marine Corps acquisition professionals. The MCSC team is made up of Marines, Sailors, civilians and contractor support personnel united by a common purpose: to equip and sustain Marine forces with the most capable and cost-effective systems for current and future expeditionary and crisis-response operations. With ever-changing operating and acquisition environments, MCSC people stay current and adaptable to accomplish their mission.
MCSC also depends on the expertise of acquisition partners throughout the Corps and the other military services, working closely with the Navy’s Program Executive Officer Combat Support and Combat Service Support; the Army’s PEO Enterprise Information Systems; and the Marine Corps’ PEO Land Systems, which is co-located with MCSC at Quantico. Within PEO EIS, MCSC has close ties to Global Combat Support System-Marine Corps, which falls under MCSC for administrative, budget and contractual support; and under the operational control of PEO EIS, sponsored by the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command. MCSC’s most integral tie is with PEO LS, the Marine Corps only PEO. PEO LS manages a diverse portfolio that includes several major ground vehicle and weapons systems.
MCSC’s acquisition programs range from weapons, tanks and infantry combat equipment, to ammunition, intelligence, and communications and medical equipment. These systems and more are managed by professionals aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico and other locations in Northern Virginia. MCSC personnel are also located in Warren, Michigan; Camp Pendleton, California; Orlando, Florida; and Albany, Georgia. In Warren, the Program Manager for Light Armored Vehicle manages the battle-tested family of combat vehicles that have served Marines since 1983. At Camp Pendleton, the Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity provides test and evaluation, engineering and deployed technical support throughout the acquisition lifecycle for Marine Corps and joint service command, control, computer, communications and intelligence systems. In Orlando, the Program Manager for Training Systems provides training support, and develops and sustains training systems and devices to ensure Marines are ready for anything they may face before even setting foot in country. Meanwhile, MCSC’s Albany workforce manages the vast majority of funds set aside for sustainment, guiding newly acquired Marine Corps systems and equipment from cradle to grave.
MCSC traces its beginning to the Marine Corps Research, Development and Acquisition Command, which the Marine Corps established Nov. 18, 1987. Then-Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Alfred Gray established MCRDAC to streamline the systems acquisition process, incorporate the operating forces in identifying deficiencies, and establish clear lines of authority, responsibility and accountability.
On Jan. 1, 1992, the Marine Corps designated MCRDAC as Marine Corps Systems Command through Marine Corps Order 5000. The new command streamlined acquisition and life cycle management processes to improve the readiness of the Fleet Marine Force, increase responsiveness and support for the FMF, and reduce costs.
MCSC’s responsibilities have grown significantly since 1987. In 1990, the assault amphibious vehicle program transferred from the Naval Sea Systems Command. In 1995, automated manpower and logistics support systems migrated from Headquarters Marine Corps and mission requirements for Total Life Cycle Support emerged.
The commander of MCSC reports to the commandant for in-service and operating forces support, and the execution of logistics sustainment. For research, development and acquisition matters, the commander reports directly to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition.
From its inception as MCRDAC through the transition to MCSC, the command has remained timely and consistent in providing quality systems and equipment to the operating forces. The technological advantage MCSC provides helps Marines shoot, move and communicate with the winning edge to continue the proud tradition of the Corps, unbeaten in battle in every clime and place. MCSC focuses on the individual Marine and the fighting formations of the Corps—the Marine Air-Ground Task Force.
