Distributed Common Ground/Surface Systems

The Distributed Common Ground/Surface System Marine Corps (DCGS-MC) program, under Program Element PE 0305208M, is a key initiative within the Department of the Navy's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) budget. The primary objective of DCGS-MC is to provide the Marine Corps with advanced, interoperable intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities that support multi-intelligence processing, exploitation, and dissemination (PED) at the tactical edge. The program aims to enhance reconnaissance and counter-reconnaissance operations by integrating sensor fusion, algorithmic warfare, and robust data sharing across all echelons. This enables timely and precise battlespace awareness for Marine and joint forces.

TSCAC (Technical Signals Intelligence Control and Analysis Center) is a major component of DCGS-MC focused on SIGINT and electronic warfare (EW) capabilities. Its goals include developing advanced tactical hardware and software for data processing, integrating a LINUX-based core with containerization for improved flexibility, and supporting the analysis of near-peer signals of interest. TSCAC enables the fusion and dissemination of SIGINT data from tactical, theater, and national sources, supporting Radio Battalions, Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, and Joint Strike Fighter SIGINT operations. Planned activities for FY 2026 include continued hardware refresh, software enhancements, and interoperability testing to align with evolving intelligence community standards.

DCGS-MC GEOINT (Geospatial Intelligence) aims to provide commanders with timely, actionable geospatial data for targeting and operational planning. The program's objectives include integrating advanced geospatial analysis tools, automating workflows with artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML), and supporting cloud migration to improve data accessibility in disconnected, intermittent, and limited bandwidth (D-DIL) environments. FY 2026 plans focus on refreshing workstations and antennas, enabling GEOINT data on handheld devices, and improving interoperability with meteorological and oceanographic (METOC) systems. GEOINT also supports Project Dynamis, which accelerates the operationalization of Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) concepts.

DCGS-MC All Source is designed to facilitate multi-discipline intelligence fusion, analysis, and dissemination across Marine Corps and joint analytical systems. The program invests in decision support tools leveraging data science and AI to automate intelligence functions and provide a holistic view of the battlefield. FY 2026 objectives include integrating advanced analytics, modernizing hardware for mobile and tactical operations, and supporting cloud services migration. The program also emphasizes the development of small form factor servers and laptops to support highly mobile operations and ensure intelligence support from the tactical edge to higher echelons.

FITE (Family of Integrated Targeting and Exploitation) serves as the information standardization and exchange environment for DCGS-MC, supporting rapid data fusion and weaponization for targeting operations. FITE integrates technologies such as MINOTAUR and MAVEN to automate target identification, tracking, and engagement at machine speeds. FY 2026 plans include continued development of mobile variants, hybrid cloud architectures, and cross-domain solutions, as well as integration of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and advanced sensor platforms. FITE's efforts are closely aligned with the Maritime Targeting Cell-Expeditionary (MTC-X) and broader JADC2 initiatives.

Publicly Available Information/Open Source Intelligence (PAI/OSINT) is a growing focus area within DCGS-MC, enabling Marines to gather, analyze, and exploit open source data for operational advantage. The FY 2026 objective is to enhance PAI/OSINT toolsets, including the Archer prototype effort, to support Fleet Marine Force requirements and improve data sharing across secure environments. This supports the broader goal of maintaining information superiority in both cognitive and information domains.

Congressional Adds: Marine Corps Geospatial Enterprise Cloud Capability Modernization provided additional funding in FY 2024 to study and prototype commercial cloud environments and edge node devices for GEOINT operations. The objectives included evaluating cloud readiness of GEOINT software, testing solutions in D-DIL environments, and collaborating with other Marine Corps programs to ensure efficient modernization. This effort supports the transition to cloud-based GEOINT processing, storage, and analysis, with a focus on cross-domain solutions for secure data transfer and operational flexibility.