Expeditionary Support Equipment

The Marine Corps Enterprise Network (MCEN) line item in the Department of the Navy's FY 2026 budget request is a key procurement initiative supporting the modernization, security, and operational readiness of the Marine Corps' global warfighting network. MCEN resources are foundational to the Marine Corps' Force Design 2030 and enable the execution of the Marine Corps Network Modernization Plan. The program's overarching goals are to sustain and upgrade network infrastructure, reduce cyber vulnerabilities, and support advanced IT capabilities such as cloud migration, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.

Enterprise IT Network Infrastructure is a major component of MCEN, supporting the refresh and modernization of voice systems, network transport, and Tactical Entry Point (TEP) capabilities across Marine Corps installations in the United States and the Pacific, including Guam and Okinawa. Specific objectives include replacing legacy telephone equipment with Voice over IP (VoIP) solutions, upgrading switches, routers, and controllers, and expanding wireless access. The program also supports the Defense Policy Review Initiative (DPRI) by outfitting new facilities with Command, Control, Communication, Computers, and Information Technology (C4IT) equipment. The decrease in funding from FY 2025 reflects a reduced scope of DPRI projects and fewer locations requiring wireless capabilities.

Enterprise IT Security and Compliance focuses on maintaining and enhancing the security posture of the MCEN. This includes funding for security solutions such as COMSEC Crypto and Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC), monitoring and detection tools like next-generation firewalls and intrusion prevention systems, and threat and vulnerability management tools. The program aims to automate security processes, improve threat responsiveness, and support a zero-trust environment, meeting both modernization and compliance requirements. The decrease in funding is due to a shift from initial fielding to sustainment of previously procured equipment and licenses.

Enterprise IT End User Devices and Services supports the procurement, refresh, and sustainment of end user devices (EUDs) such as desktops, laptops, tablets, and ruggedized devices. The program follows DoD CIO and OMB guidelines for a 4-5 year refresh cycle to mitigate cybersecurity risks and avoid technology obsolescence. The funding ensures compliance with Windows operating system mandates and supports operational readiness by providing modern, secure devices to Marine Corps personnel. The decrease in funding from FY 2025 is attributed to the completion of the Windows 11 compliance device mandate.

Enterprise IT Compute and Storage focuses on the refresh and optimization of enterprise service stacks, servers, and storage devices. Objectives include replacing end-of-life hardware at data and application sites, supporting disaster recovery solutions, and modernizing data center components. The program aims to maintain high availability of data, optimize network transport, and reduce lifecycle costs by enabling independent scaling of compute and storage resources. The decrease in funding reflects planned refresh cycles and a transition from on-premises to cloud-based server solutions.

The MCEN line item also includes funding for the Next Generation Enterprise Network (NGEN), which supports hardware and recurring/nonrecurring IT modernization efforts. NGEN objectives include technology refresh for end user devices, network equipment, enterprise infrastructure modernization, wireless LAN expansion, and compliance initiatives such as Network Access Control and Comply to Connect. These investments are designed to ensure the Marine Corps' IT infrastructure remains resilient, secure, and capable of supporting evolving mission requirements.