The Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center has emerged as a critical center for innovation within the United States Marine Corps. MCAGCC, the largest Marine Corps training facility of its kind, has become an essential testing ground for emerging technologies.
Marines with the Tactical Training and Exercise Control Group, Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command, MCAGCC, in coordination with the Office of Naval Research, tested a four-legged robotic platform referred to as the “Robo-Goat,” Sept. 9, 2023. The ONR test fired an M72 rocket launcher. Light anti-tank motorized goat. The robotic goat can carry as many sensors or weapons systems as a Marine would carry.
“Instead of a Marine handling the weapons system and manipulating the safeties, we can put in place a remote firing mechanism that allows him to do everything remotely,” said 1st Lt. Aaron Safdie, the officer in charge of the Emerging Technology Integration Division. Ttikj. “The Marine can be behind cover and concealment, the weapon system can move forward, and the Marine can manipulate the safeties from a safe location while allowing that weapon system to get closer to its target.”
MCAGCC is the largest Marine Corps base with an abundance of ranges that allow testing of robotic platforms, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence systems. In addition, MCAGCC hosts several large-scale trainings each year, bringing a group of employees to gain insight into how to benefit from these robots.
According to Al-Safadi, MCAGCC's suitability for testing emerging technology lies in its permissive live-fire environment and its wealth of knowledge resources. The presence of the TTECG at MCAGCC, combined with the constant influx of diverse training units each year, provides a unique opportunity to observe and study the standard operating procedures, tactics, techniques and procedures of many Marine Corps forces. This wealth of experience and knowledge makes MCAGCC the ideal location to test and improve new military technology.
“Instead of having a Marine handle the weapons system and fiddle with the safeties, we can put in place a remote firing mechanism that allows him to do everything remotely.” First Lieutenant Haroun Al-Safadi, the responsible officer
Large-scale exercises, such as the Marine Air-Ground Task Force Warfighting exercise, give Marines the opportunity to test emerging technology in an unscripted force-for-force exercise. This enables Marines to know how to apply new technology and how to counter it as well. The robotic platforms being tested at MWX can range from small unmanned aircraft systems to the HDT Hunter Wolf, a 2,200-pound unmanned vehicle capable of carrying various sensors or heavy weapons to the battlefield.
Marines at MCAGCC have also begun implementing virtual reality to aid in training. The Battle Simulation Center has developed virtual training technology in collaboration with ONR to train joint tactical air controllers and forward air controllers in a safer, more economical and realistic environment.
Force Design plays an important role in the ongoing testing and integration of robotics at MCAGCC. Testing emerging technologies, such as robotics, aligns with Force Design's goals by providing a platform to evaluate the practicality and effectiveness of these robotics systems for use on future battlefields.
MCAGCC contributes to the Marine Corps' broader goal of ensuring Marines are equipped with the most advanced tools and capabilities for future warfare scenarios.
