PM TRASYS showcases Marine Corps training modernization plans at TSIS

By Cassidy Mills, Staff Writer

 

The Program Manager for Training Systems (PM TRASYS) presented a briefing that highlighted the scope, current activities and strategic direction of its portfolio supporting Marine Corps training and readiness at the Training & Simulation Industry Symposium (TSIS), June 17.

 

TSIS is one of the key gatherings for the modeling, simulation and training (MS&T) community. The symposium serves as an annual forum for representatives from industry and the U.S. military to discuss training and simulation requirements. Officials from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force presented updates on current and future procurement needs. Topics included acquisition strategies, timelines and funding priorities. Within Florida, it is second in scale only to the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC).

 

PM TRASYS is the Marine Corps Systems Command’s designated office responsible for the acquisition and life-cycle support of Marine Corps ground training systems, devices and training support services.

 

The briefing was led by Lt. Col. Marcial J. Garcia, the product manager for Training Systems, and included Elizabeth Tygart, product manager for Synthetic Training Systems; Doug Droste, team lead for Range Training Systems; and Adam Emanuel, product manager for Warfighter Training Support.

 

Garcia opened by explaining the Marine Corps’ distinctive approach to acquisitions, which integrates operational experience by developing acquisition officers from within the ranks of Marine operators. This approach ensures acquisition decisions are grounded in operational realities.

 

“One of the important things about the Marine Corps, the way that we do acquisition is slightly different,” Garcia said. “We bring a warfighter’s perspective and incorporate more operational realism into the acquisition process.”

 

Operating under Marine Corps Systems Command, PM TRASYS oversees three main product management groups: Range Training Systems (RTS), Synthetic Training Systems (STS) and Warfighter Training Support (WTS). The command supports more than 130 Marines, civilians and contractors worldwide, operating across five time zones to provide continuous support for warfighters.

 

The Range Training Systems group focuses on live training environments. Their current key program is the Marine Corps Tactical Instrumentation System (MCTIS), a next-generation laser-based system designed to enhance force-on-force training with adaptive weapons, position tracking and detailed after-action assessments. MCTIS is advancing through an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) acquisition process, with contract awards planned by the fourth quarter of the current fiscal year (FY).

 

“We have a series of live range planners that we support throughout the Marine Corps,” Droste said. “So, we’re on the live side, on live fire, which encompasses those priorities being modernization efforts, incorporating improvements innovation, also after-action capabilities, our next gen target systems and also threat representation systems.”

 

RTS is also developing a Live Fire Evaluation Tool to improve data collection during live-fire exercises, enabling more detailed after-action reviews and battlefield efficiency reports. The tool will capture metrics like shot placement and range maneuvers, supporting better training outcomes. It is currently in requirements development, with market research scheduled soon.

 

The group continues to invest in real-time target scoring technologies that precisely locate shot impacts to enhance marksmanship training fidelity. This technology is rapidly advancing, with ongoing research aimed at integrating these systems into Marine Corps ranges.

 

The Synthetic Training Systems group manages virtual and constructive training environments, including vehicle driver simulators, combat vehicle training and convoy simulators. The legacy Operator Driver Simulator (ODS) program is slated for a technology refresh around FY 2027, with plans to develop a reconfigurable driver trainer beginning around FY 2028.

 

“Our reconfigurable driver trainer project is designed to adapt quickly to evolving vehicle platforms, ensuring our Marines are always prepared for the latest operational demands,” Tygart said. “Balancing legacy sustainment with innovation is critical to maintaining readiness while embracing next-generation training capabilities.”

 

The Combat Vehicle Training Systems are also under review for consolidation into a family of trainers, which will include battery training and convoy simulators. Requests for information are ongoing, with award decisions expected within several years. The program seeks to balance sustainment of legacy systems with future modernization efforts.

 

Some Synthetic Training Systems programs, such as the MAGTF Tactical Warfare Simulator and the Deployed Virtual Training Environment, are under consideration for suspension or termination due to shifting priorities and funding constraints. These moves reflect a portfolio management focus on divesting legacy systems to reallocate resources toward emerging capabilities.

 

Emanuel brought attention to the importance of collaboration with industry, joint services and academic partners to foster innovation and broaden the Marine Corps’ training technology base. A virtual product catalog is available to industry and other stakeholders, providing detailed program information and facilitating engagement.

 

“Partnerships with industry and academia are essential for driving innovation and ensuring our training systems evolve alongside emerging technologies,” Emanuel said. “Our global footprint allows us to provide around-the-clock support, making sure Marines receive timely assistance no matter where they operate.”

 

The panel also emphasized the program’s global geographic footprint, supporting Marine Corps training needs with subject matter experts available across multiple time zones.

 

As the Marine Corps modernizes its force design and training infrastructure, PM TRASYS focuses on integrating advanced technologies, sustaining key legacy systems and fostering partnerships, which underscores its commitment to evolving training capabilities in support of future mission requirements.