Marine Corps leaders outline training modernization, acquisition transformation at TSIS 2026

By Cassidy Mills, Senior Staff Writer

July 21, 2026

Representatives from the U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command’s Program Manager for Training Systems (PM TRASYS) outlined the service’s efforts to modernize military training and accelerate acquisition during the 2026 Training & Simulation Industry Symposium (TSIS) on June 18.

Col. Wynndee Young, program manager for Training Systems, was joined by Patsy Stefan, assistant program manager for Contracts and Contracts Competency; Rachael Germansky, product manager for Range Training Systems; and Elizabeth Tygart, product manager for Synthetic Training Systems. The panel emphasized faster capability delivery, commercial innovation, artificial intelligence (AI) and closer collaboration with industry.

Young opened the discussion by describing the Marine Corps’ new acquisition framework, which aligns requirements development, acquisition and resourcing under a unified portfolio management approach designed to reduce bureaucracy, improve coordination across programs and accelerate the delivery of capabilities to Marines.

She explained that Capability Portfolio Managers now oversee multiple programs to identify efficiencies, eliminate duplication and ensure investments directly support operational requirements. Although the new organizational structure is still evolving, Young said its primary objective is to create a more agile acquisition enterprise while strengthening collaboration with industry.

“Our mission is still to provide training systems that prepare Marines for combat,” Young said. “We can’t do that alone. We need industry to help us identify emerging technologies and solutions that are mature, affordable and ready to integrate.”

Young added PM TRASYS is seeking mature, commercially available technologies that can be integrated into existing training systems with minimal customization, helping reduce development timelines and accelerate capability delivery. She highlighted the Marine Corps’ increased use of commercial off-the-shelf technologies and Other Transaction Authorities to move promising capabilities from concept to fielding more quickly.

“We’re looking for solutions that are mature, that are affordable and that are realistic,” Young said. “When we get a new requirement from our resource sponsor, we can get it back to our industry partners, and we’re looking for something that can be executed with minimal integration into our current system.”

Stefan followed by outlining how PM TRASYS is reshaping its contracting strategy through earlier and more frequent engagement with industry. She said the organization plans to expand Requests for Information, technology demonstrations, Industry Days and one-on-one meetings with vendors before formal solicitations are released, allowing industry feedback to help shape acquisition decisions earlier in the process.

Stefan also emphasized greater use of commercial contracting strategies and existing government contract vehicles to streamline procurement while reducing acquisition timelines. By leveraging proven contracting mechanisms already in place across the Department of Defense, she said PM TRASYS hopes to deliver capabilities to Marines faster and more efficiently.

“We’re looking at what is already available with other contracting offices,” Stefan said. “What are those other agencies that have existing contract vehicles that our contracting officers can utilize so we can get capabilities fulfilled in a faster, more streamlined approach and be more efficient with everyone’s time.”

Germansky highlighted several emerging training initiatives, including a Live Fire Evaluation Tool designed to provide real-time scoring and performance assessment during squad-level live-fire exercises. The proposed system would capture shot placement, direction of fire, target effects and individual Marine performance while supporting Marine Corps training ranges worldwide.

She also described growing requirements for unmanned aircraft systems and counter-UAS training as drones continue to reshape the battlefield. Additional priorities include range modernization, urban and mountain operations training, modernization of aging training facilities and expanding the use of AI to improve training effectiveness.

Germansky said AI has the potential to automate data collection, improve after-action reviews and reduce administrative burdens while providing commanders with more useful information to evaluate unit readiness.

“AI allows us the capability and the opportunity to remove some of the things that have a heavy administrative burden,” Germansky said. “How do you bring that information together and integrate it into decision-making cycles? That’s where AI can help commanders understand training, exercises and Marines’ growth and development.”

Tygart concluded the panel by discussing the Marine Corps’ strategy for modernizing its synthetic training portfolio through incremental improvements rather than wholesale replacement of existing systems. She said budget realities require extending the life of legacy systems while incorporating new technologies that improve realism, interoperability and overall training effectiveness.

Young closed the discussion by reaffirming PM TRASYS’ commitment to preparing Marines for future conflict through innovative training systems developed in partnership with industry.

“Our responsibility is to ensure Marines have the training they need before they enter the fight,” Young said. “Success depends on working together to identify innovative, affordable and ready solutions that strengthen Marine Corps readiness.”