USMC Advanced Technology Demonstration (ATD)

The MC Advanced Technology Demo program, part of the Navy's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation activities, is designed to enhance the technological capabilities of the United States Marine Corps. It focuses on developing advanced technology solutions to support Distributed Maritime Operations (DMO), Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO), and Littoral Operations in Contested Environments (LOCE). The program emphasizes technologies that provide persistent operational capabilities with maximum mobility and dispersion. These efforts are crucial for maintaining a competitive edge in reconnaissance and counter-reconnaissance operations, ensuring naval expeditionary forces can operate effectively from austere locations.

A primary objective is to mature technologies from earlier research phases into prototypes suitable for field experiments. This involves developing subsystems and components, integrating them into system prototypes, and conducting tests in simulated environments. The program supports activities such as Command, Control, Communications, Computers (C4) development, firepower enhancements, force protection innovations, and human performance improvements. Each area addresses specific operational needs like secure communications in degraded environments, precision-guided munitions development, and advanced training methodologies for Marines.

The Futures Directorate component plays a critical role in shaping future Marine Corps capabilities by exploring threat-informed operating concepts and conducting live-force field experimentation. This includes efforts in combat service support, force protection, fires targeting and maneuvering, and intelligence surveillance reconnaissance (ISR). The directorate's work ensures the Marine Corps remains prepared to face emerging threats by leveraging cutting-edge technologies and innovative operational concepts.

Additionally, the Cyberspace Activities project focuses on enhancing cyber-electronic warfare capabilities to protect critical command systems while denying adversaries similar advantages. This involves developing technologies that support naval expeditionary warfighters operating in size-constrained environments with limited resources. The program also includes initiatives that fund specific projects such as adaptive threat force development and AI-powered tactical ISR for battlespace awareness. These efforts collectively aim to maintain the technological superiority of the Marine Corps in an increasingly complex global security environment.