Training Devices

The Training Devices line item (LI 6532) in the Department of the Navy's FY 2026 budget request focuses on the procurement and modernization of a wide range of training systems and devices for the United States Marine Corps. The primary goal of this program is to ensure that Marines are equipped with advanced, realistic, and effective training tools that support readiness across all echelons, from individual Marines to the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) level. This line item supports both live and simulated training environments, enabling Marines to maintain technical and tactical advantages over potential adversaries while aligning with Force Design 2030 objectives.

Ranges and Training Area Management (RTAM) is responsible for procuring and modernizing training systems and devices that support over 385 globally dispersed Marine Corps ranges. RTAM's objectives include providing interactive targets, battlefield effects simulators, tracking systems, and after-action review technologies for both live-fire and non-live-fire ranges. The program also funds the Range Position Location Information System (RPLI) and Integrated Range Status System (IRSS), which enhance range safety and operational oversight. These investments are designed to sustain combat readiness by ensuring that training environments are modern, effective, and capable of supporting evolving operational requirements.

Force on Force Training Systems (FoFTS) continues fielding the Marine Corps Tactical Instrumentation System (MCTIS) for personnel and combat vehicles. FoFTS provides realistic, non-live fire training through advanced, instrumented, laser-based engagement systems and weapon surrogates. The program's objective is to enable Marines to train in authentic, multi-sensory environments that simulate peer and near-peer threats, supporting both individual and unit-level readiness. Funding supports the continued rollout of MCTIS-Personnel and the initiation of MCTIS-Combat Vehicle instrumentation kits across major Marine Corps installations.

Family of Combat Vehicle Training Systems (FCVTS) supports technical refreshes of simulators such as the Combat Convoy Simulator (CCS) and Advanced Gunnery Training System (AGTS) for the LAV-25. These simulators provide immersive training for vehicle convoy operations, precision gunnery, and tactical skills without the need for live ammunition or fuel. Funding supports the five-year life cycle refresh requirements, ensuring that training systems remain current and effective for Marine operators.

Family of Egress Trainers (FET) continues production of the Multi-Use Egress Trainer (MUET) modules. These trainers are critical for teaching Marines how to safely exit downed aircraft and submerged vehicles, increasing survivability in catastrophic events. Procurement is increasing to support the Third Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF) in Okinawa, Japan, and to redesign trainers to replicate vehicles currently in use by the Marine Corps.

Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer (ISMT) supports hardware refreshes and simulated weapons that reflect the latest operational platforms, including mortars, automatic rifles, grenade launchers, and anti-armor systems. The ISMT allows Marines to train with a variety of weapon systems in a simulated environment, supporting both basic and advanced marksmanship, as well as shoot/no-shoot judgment scenarios. This investment ensures that simulated weapons training remains concurrent with fielded operational weapons and supports the Force Design 2030 goal of highly trained small units.

Additional programs supported by this line item include the United States Marine Corps Operator Driver Simulator (USMC ODS), which provides entry and sustainment level driver training for tactical wheeled vehicles, and the Command and Control Training and Education Center of Excellence (C2 TECOE), which supports equipment refresh and procurement of new training systems for MAGTF Integrated Systems Training Centers. These investments are designed to modernize Marine Corps training capabilities, improve readiness, and ensure that Marines are prepared to operate effectively in current and future operating environments.