Training the Next Generation of Marines: How Saab’s MCTIS System Advances Mission Readiness
In 2021, the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) first contracted with Saab to provide a next-generation live training system to replace its previous live training program. Falling under Saab's robust Training and Simulation Services Platform, the Marine Corps Tactical Instrumentation System (MCTIS) represents an evolution in Marine Corps training, designed to prepare the next generation of Marines for combat readiness.
The USMC continues to grow its use of the one-of-a-kind system and expand their partnership with Saab. Most recently, the USMC awarded Saab a contract for additional equipment, extending MCTIS deployment across multiple Marine Corps installations, broadening its impact on warfighter preparedness and furthering its role as the USMC's training program of record.
MCTIS is custom-built and scalable to meet USMC's needs, leveraging Saab's globally deployed capability to meet their unique and demanding requirements. The program is scalable to meet collective training requirements such as Company and below Force on Force training in support of the final exercise at the Infantry Officer Course (IOC) and provides future infantry commanders a quantifiable After-Action Review of everything they learned throughout the exercise.
Or scale up to support Service Level Training Exercises like the Marine Air-Ground Task Force Warfighting Exercise (MWX) at Twentynine Palms, California, the largest training event of its kind. Saab outfitted more than 3,200 Marines and 250 vehicles at the exercise, providing second-by-second position reporting across the battlespace to simulate combat scenarios across diverse and challenging terrain.
“For almost a quarter of a century, I served in the United States Marine Corps. During this time, I was either in the infantry community or dealing with training and educating our future warfighters. Within my career, I have never seen a system that can give such high-fidelity feedback on what we need to work on through our tactics, techniques, and procedures. The data analytics and real-time feedback allow for rapid changes to maximize adjustments during a training workup and give commanders the feedback they need to better prepare their units for the mission." – Tony Viggiani, U. S. Marine Corps Gunner (RET) and Saab Field Service Technical Deputy
The MCTIS training immerses Marines in realistic scenarios and carefully analyzes their decision-making and actions. High-tech vests equipped with detectors provide each Marine with customized information and playback both during the simulated battle and After-Action Reviews (AARs). These AARs provide commanders with objective methods for measuring the wartime readiness of their Marines.
Saab's training and simulation programs also provide common platforms and interoperable solutions that enable joint international training opportunities in diverse environments. This type of training allows NATO and partner nations to share tactics and best practices for improved combined operational effectiveness.
The MCTIS features:
- Individual manworn weapon simulators
- A vest-integrated communications system and GPS antenna
- Ability to instrument vehicles and buildings (shoot through wall capability for realism)
- Exercise control and after-action review capabilities
- Real-time support with both fixed site and expeditionary system capabilities, so that Marines can train from anywhere in the world
“The core objective of this project is to save American lives. More than 80% of our staff on the MTCIS program are United States veterans who know firsthand the necessity of after-action reviews in officer training. We know the dangers that Marines face, and we're proud to play a part in preparing the next generation. We always strive to stay on the cutting-edge of technology, and the Training and Simulation Services program enables us to use our expertise to support U.S. armed forces." – Brad Barnard, General Manager, Land Systems
With cutting-edge innovation, ongoing support and direct collaboration, Saab is proud to continue its partnership with the U.S. Armed Forces and ensure that U.S. Marines remain among the world's most capable and combat-ready forces.