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Marine Corps Establishes 17XX Information Maneuver Occupational Field

Monday, March 14th, 2022

ARLINGTON, Va. —

The 17XX Cyberspace Operations occupational field is redesignated as the 17XX Information Maneuver OCCFLD today.

The Deputy Commandant for Information directed the consolidation of Operations in the Information Environment military occupational specialties into one OCCFLD resulting in the redesignation.

Aligned with Talent Management modernization, the 17XX IM OCCFLD formally manages the career path of Marines with highly specialized training required for space, electromagnetic spectrum operations, cyber warfare, civil affairs, and psychological operations.

“The Information Maneuver OCCFLD provides Marines the opportunity to continue doing what they are passionate about,” stated Lt. Gen. Matthew Glavy, Deputy Commandant for Information. “When you put people first and provide them the opportunity to pursue a career they are passionate about, they give back tenfold to the team and our mission of gaining advantage in the IE.”

The 17XX IM OCCFLD provides the Marine Corps with a deliberate, professionalized, and sustainable workforce enabling the Marine Corps to integrate information related capabilities, operationalizing information as the Marine Corps seventh warfighting function.

“Prior to the established of the Information Maneuver OCCFLD, Marines gained valuable experience and skills at a Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group or at combatant commands only to go back to their previous MOS causing us to repeat the cycle again, never getting Marines with more than three years of experience across information related billets,” stated Col. Jordan Walzer, Director, Information Maneuver Division, DC I and former CO, II MIG, II MEF. “The professionalization of information related MOSs improves retention and readiness by avoiding Marines with valuable skills forced into deciding either to return to their prior MOS or exit the Marine Corps to continue following their passion.”

DC I developed the plan for 17XX professionalization in close coordination with Total Force Structure Division, Manpower and Reserve Affairs and Training and Education Command to facilitate the implementation of the 17XX Professionalization Plan.

In addition to preexisting primarily MOSs across cyber, civil affairs, and PSYOP OCCFLDs, the newly established IM OCCFLD will transition existing structure of multiple Free Military Occupational Specialties to create four new Primary MOSs.

Enlisted
PMOS Name Grades
1751 Influence Specialist Sgt. – Gunnery Sgt.
1795 Influence Chief Master Sgt. – Master Gunnery Sgt.
Officer (Unrestricted)
PMOS Name Grades
1706 Maritime Space Officer Capt. – Lt. Col.
1707 Influence Officer 2nd Lt. – Lt. Col.

“The professionalization of information related MOSs improves retention and readiness…”

Col Jordan Walzer, Information Maneuver Division director

The fulfillment of required Marines for these PMOS will take place from the current fiscal year through FY31. Fulfillment of required Marines in above stated PMOSs will occur from both direct accessions and lateral moves. Previous billets identified by PMOS 0521 PSYOP Specialist, 0531 Civil Affairs Non-Commissioned Officer, and 0551 Information Operations Specialist will consolidate to a single PMOS of 1751 Influence Specialist and those Marines will promote to 1795 Influence Chief.

A future MARADMIN will contain information regarding 0521 transition of Active Component Marines with the PMOS of 0521. No action is required by the individual Marine. M&RA, in conjunction with DC I, will review the population and Marines will be re-designated to their new PMOS Oct 1, 2022.

Future MARADMINs related to the IM OCCFLD will solicit unrestricted officer applications for lateral move into the newly established PMOS 1706 Maritime Space Officer and 1707 Influence Officer.

A complete list of Information Maneuver OCCFLD PMOS are provided below:

PMOS Name Grade
1702 Cyberspace Warfare Officer 2nd Lt. – Lt. Col.
1705 Cyberspace Warfare Development Officer Capt. – Lt. Col.
1706 Maritime Space Officer Capt. – Lt. Col.
1707 Influence Officer 2nd Lt. – Lt. Col.
1710 Offensive Cyberspace Warfare Officer Warrant Officer – Chief Warrant Officer 5
1720 Defensive Cyberspace Weapons Officer Warrant Officer – Chief Warrant Officer 5
1721 Cyberspace Warfare Operator Pvt. – Gunnery Sgt.
1751 Influence Specialist Sgt. – Gunnery Sgt.
1795 Influence Chief Master Sgt. – Master Gunnery Sgt.
1799 Cyberspace Operations Chief Master Sgt. – Master Gunnery Sgt.

IM OCCFLD representatives will conduct a roadshow in April to answer questions from Marines interested in the new OCCFLD. A future MARADMIN will announce dates and times of IM OCCFLD briefs executed at bases and stations across the Marines Corps.

“Marines interested in future IM OCCFLD opportunities are invited to attend upcoming roadshow briefs,” stated Maj. Audrey F. Callanan, IM OCCFLD Manager, IMD. “For additional information on future opportunities, Marines are also encourages to contact their monitor or career counselor.”

Additional details regarding the 17XX IM OCCFLD are available via MARADMIN Number 102/22.

MARADMIN Number 102/22: www.marines.mil/News/Messages/Messages-Display/Article/2958811/establishment-of-the-information-maneuver-1700-occupational-field

By Maj Gregory Carroll

Deputy Commandant of Information

Posted in Guest Post, Information Warfare, USMC | 3 Comments »

USAF Distributed Mission Operations Center Brings Winter Fury to INDOPACOM

Thursday, March 10th, 2022

The 705th Combat Training Squadron, also known as the Distributed Mission Operations Center, completed the second successful iteration of its “Fury” exercises in partnership with the 3rd Marine Air Wing. The DMOC developed the virtual scenarios for both Summer and Winter Fury exercises focused in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility in partnership with the Marine Air Control Group-38.

WF 22, a joint distributed exercise, executed from Marine Corps Air Stations Yuma and Miramar operated at Kirtland Air Force Base, San Clemente Island, and other locations along the West Coast, concluded mid-February.

“The challenge to solve the time-distance factor unique to this theater is daunting; yet the MACG-38 planners continue to develop and refine nascent concepts of combining the USMC Tactical Air Operations Center and Direct Air Support Center into a new tactical C2 node – the Multifunction Air Operations Center,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Lindsay Post, 705th CTS commander.

Post continued, while it is clear any large-scale conflict in this AOR requires the delegation of operational C2 authorities, most live exercises are not ideal places to practice these advanced concepts. Since SF and WF exercises include a combination of virtual- and real-training evolutions, they allow commanders to enact the delegation of operational C2 authorities traditionally held at the Air Operations Center and the Tactical Air Command Center to tactical C2 agencies.

“The DMOC is the perfect place to get in the reps to learn how to make decisions in a communication degraded and denied environment because there is little to no risk if you make mistakes.” said USAF Lt. Col. Michael Butler, 705th CTS director of operations. “Enabling mission continuation and accomplishment in the absence of robust communication between C2 entities is inevitable in areas of operation such as INDOPACOM.”

WF 22 was focused on the continuation of tactics, techniques, and procedures development and experimentation for the USMC TAOC and DASC to merge into one tactical C2 unit. MACG-38, the C2 organization inside of the 3rd MAW, was designated by the USMC Air Board as the lead for MAOC experimentation and development based on the “Fury” exercises at the DMOC.

The USMC intends to make the MAOC the primary tactical C2 node for the air domain in the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. This concept was briefed at the Weapons and Tactics Conference, or WEPTAC, and is sparking USAF tacticians to use the DMOC for concept development.

“The DMOC is bridging the multi-function C2 gap and bringing the best the brightest from the Marine Corps and Air Force together. We identified many opportunities to integrate Marine Corps and Air Force TAC [tactical] C2 that will ultimately help us succeed in potential peer fight in the Pacific,” said USMC Capt. Kevin Cao, USMC Winter Fury 22 MACG-38 Virtual Officer-In-Charge, USMC Base Camp Pendleton, California. “This is vital as we seek training opportunities where there is little risk to mission or force and it is enabling us to experiment and advance Force Design 2030 initiatives.”

According to Butler, elements of the USMC and U.S. Navy used this scenario as a proof of concept, so they did not always operate within established service doctrine, capitalizing on the virtual battlespace and what the DMOC offers warfighters.

“We can generate the scenarios and connect the right players virtually to put decision makers at any level in situations that these theaters will demand. Get the sets and reps in here, make mistakes, try new concepts/tactics, fail and keep failing until we get it right; before they have to do it in an operational environment where it counts,” said Post.

Virtual SF and WF exercise virtual participants consisted of E-3, E-8, RC-135, MH-60R, P-8, F-18, MQ-9, Distributed Ground System, space, cyber and multiple MAOCs were distributed and looked more like real combat using the DMOC’s tools and vast network infrastructure. The extensive array of joint participants and capabilities was a true representation that stressed the C2 relationship/authorities between the supported commander and supporting commanders.

“The model that the Marine Corps is using for developing TTPs for tac [tactical] C2 in the air domain is invaluable and one that the Air Force could also leverage. We are iterating rapidly and refining concepts quickly, not by tabletop exercises or conferences, but rather by doing,” said USMC Lt. Col. Robert Rogers, 505th Training Squadron Marine Liaison Officer”

Rogers continued, “Exercises like Winter Fury allow the Marine Corps to quickly refine developing concepts and TTPs by actually executing them in a scenario and learning what works and what doesn’t work, as opposed simply hosting conferences or seminars. I believe the Air Force, as well as our other sister services, would benefit from leveraging this same model.”

Kirtland’s DMOC provided the Marines of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing with realistic, relevant training opportunities necessary to respond to any crisis across the globe and win decisively in a highly contested, maritime conflict.

“The DMOC is the USAF’s most agile and low-cost warfighting environment and we’re using this opportunity to experiment with new concepts and procedures associated with JADC2 [Joint All-Domain Command and Control],” said USAF Col. Aaron Gibney, 505th Combat Training Group commander, Nellis AFB, Nevada. “The DMOC has established access and connections to the space, air, cyber, maritime, and land domains in the virtual world, and all it takes is a commitment to begin to work out what a true joint/allied C2 capability would look like in a distributed environment at the tactical level–the ability to focus on this problem set is what sets the DMOC apart.”

The 705th CTS reports to the 505th Combat Training Group, Nellis AFB, Nevada, and the 505th Command and Control Wing, headquartered at Hurlburt Field, Florida.

By Deb Henley

505th Command and Control Wing

Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Guest Post, USMC | Comments Off on USAF Distributed Mission Operations Center Brings Winter Fury to INDOPACOM

USMC Activates New Littoral Anti-Air Battalion

Thursday, February 24th, 2022

MCB HAWAII, Hawaii —

The Marine Corps administratively activated its first Littoral Anti-Air Battalion, the 3rd LAAB, in a small ceremony aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Feb. 11, 2022.

While the unit is not envisioned to be fully operational for several years, the ceremony marks one of the first steps in the Marine Corps’ Force Design 2030 modernization effort.

The administrative activation of 3rd LAAB sets leadership in place and allows the unit to manage existing facilities and equipment previously managed by the recently de-activated 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment. Activation also facilitates wargaming and experimentation to better define unit requirements and employment concepts in support of the Marine Corps’ Force Design modernization goals.

As designed, 3rd LAAB will serve as a subordinate unit to the future 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment, or 3rd MLR. While the details of how the LAAB will operate are still in development, the Marine Corps envisions the LAAB providing critical support and protection for small teams of MLR Marines distributed across wide areas of the Pacific region.

“Force Design creates advantages by having Marines think, act and organize in new ways…”

Lt. Col. James Arnold, 3rd LAAB commanding officer

Although 3rd LAAB is a new unit, its mission of air defense, air surveillance and early warning, air control, and forward arming and refueling is not new to the Marine Corps. What is new is how the Marine Corps envisions organizing and employing the battalion.

“Force Design creates advantages by having Marines think, act and organize in new ways,” said Lt. Col. James Arnold, 3rd LAAB commanding officer. “The capabilities formerly only found in the Wing that the LAAB will bring to the MLR commander used to require three different units that directly worked for an aviation commander. As envisioned with Force Design, this capability will now be organic to the tactical ground commander.”

The activation ceremony for 3rd LAAB represents a historical milestone, as the unit inherits the official Marine Corps history and lineage of a Marine anti-air unit that saw action from World War II to Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

The 3rd Light Anti-Aircraft Battalion was activated Dec. 19, 1938 and was re-designated as 3rd Defense Battalion in 1939. After the unit relocated in May 1940 to Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, the unit saw action in the attack on Pearl Harbor, and fought in the battles of Midway, Guadalcanal, the Northern Solomon Islands, and Bougainville. It deactivated in 1944 but was later re-activated as the 1st Provisional Marine Guided Missile Battalion in 1961. The unit re-designated as 3rd Light Antiaircraft Missile Battalion, employing its Hawk area defense missile systems as it participated in the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 and deployed in support of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1990 and 1991. The unit de-activated Sept. 30, 1994 as the Marine Corps divested of its medium-range air defense capability.

1st Lt Isaac Liston, 3rd Marine Division

Posted in Forces Focus, Guest Post, USMC | Comments Off on USMC Activates New Littoral Anti-Air Battalion

Kalashnikov USA and Community Partners Connect USMC Veteran with Emotional Support Dog

Tuesday, February 8th, 2022

Pompano Beach, Florida February 7, 2020 – If dogs are man’s best friends, then service dogs are their life-enhancing faithful companions. Service dogs for veterans take it one step further: providing their valuable assistance to those who have selflessly served our country.

Kalashnikov USA (KUSA) believes in giving back, especially to military veterans. The company is also filled with dog lovers. Recently KUSA decided to help a very deserving Marine veteran by providing her with an emotional support service dog. Meet US Marine Corps veteran Lorena Guimares and her new canine companion, Vityaz, a male Labrador Retriever puppy:

K-9 recruit Vityaz, sitting on the yellow paw prints at Recruit Depot Pawris Island, meets his new battle buddy, former US Marine Corps Sergeant Lorena Guimares

Over the next six-months, and under the watchful eye of professional dog trainer (and senior drill instructor) Fletcher Swain of Custom K-9, K-9 recruit Vityaz and former “Devil Dog” Lorena G. will be honed into a lean, mean, finely-tuned human/canine machine.

Kalashnikov USA (KUSA) is grateful to several key individuals and organizations who helped make this happy connection happen. Sgt. Adams Lin of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) made the introduction to Marine veteran Lorena Guimares. In addition to being the county’s largest law enforcement organization, the PBSO is well known for their support of military veterans and their annual Bark-A-Thon event designed to promote pet adoptions.

Dog trainer Fletcher Swain helped identify and secure a suitable puppy with the right temperament and intelligence needed to become a fully-trained emotional support service dog. Custom K-9 is providing lodging for Vityaz as well as a suitable parade ground where he and his human companion can learn to march in unison and communicate with each other.

“This really was a team effort involving KUSA employees, community partners, and even our customers (especially Dennis M.) who helped us select “Vityaz” as the name for the service dog in training. In Slavic mythology, a vityaz was a noble knight who fought dragons, giants and other creatures using a combination of strength, wits, and courage. We’re confident our canine Vityaz will likewise help Lorena overcome her challenges” said David Garretson, VP of Marketing for Kalashnikov-USA. ‘Stay tuned as we follow this dynamic duo on their Semper Fidelis bonding journey” he added.

Posted in Industry, K9, Press Release, USMC, Veterans | Comments Off on Kalashnikov USA and Community Partners Connect USMC Veteran with Emotional Support Dog

First Marine Selected As SOCCENT’s Senior Enlisted Leader

Tuesday, February 8th, 2022

HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. —

Master Gunnery Sgt. Andrew D. McCurry is the first Marine to be selected as the command senior enlisted leader of U.S. Special Operations Command Central and the second Marine to be selected as the senior enlisted leader for a Theater Special Operations Command. Master Gunnery Sgt. Jerome N. Root served as the first Marine CSEL for U.S. Special Operations Command South.

“Being selected to serve in a nominative CSEL position was something I strived to achieve,” said McCurry. “To serve as the first Marine to represent the Marine Corps as the command senior enlisted leader at Special Operations Command Central is an honor, and I feel very humbled to have this magnificent opportunity.”

A senior enlisted leader acts as an advisor to the commanding officer; as the unit’s senior most noncommissioned officer, they serve as the link between the commander and the enlisted service members under their charge. As the CSEL, McCurry will be able to advise the commanding officer on all matters regarding special operations that include issues regarding welfare, readiness, morale, proper utilization of forces and progress within the USSOCOM enterprise.

“The most effective way I can give back to the Marine Corps is through the illumination of my experiences and exposures within the SOF enterprise while simultaneous looking for opportunities to enhance service and SOF integration,” said McCurry. “Given my past and current position, I have the chance to share SOF ideas and perspectives while simultaneously bringing the Marine Corps’ assets viewpoint to certain situations.”

Being selected as the CSEL for a USSOCOM command is among the highest positions an enlisted Marine Raider can obtain external to the Marine Forces Special Operations Command due to the limited number of positions available within USSOCOM. To be considered for selection as a CSEL for USSOCOM, you must first serve a successful tour as the senior enlisted leader in an O-6 level command, graduate from the Joint Special Operations University Summit and hold a Special Operations Forces identification code or Military Occupational Specialty.

“To serve as the first Marine to represent the Marine Corps as the command senior enlisted leader at Special Operations Command Central is an honor…”

-!Master Gunnery Sgt. Andrew D. McCurry, CSEL of SOCCENT

“SOF, by its nature, is inherently joint,” said McCurry. “A task force normally comprises all branches of services, from other SOF organizations, conventional forces, and sometimes allied partners. What makes Marine Raiders unique to the SOF enterprise is our Marine ethos and understanding. Although some might consider that cliché, it is no secret that Marines are known for their attention to detail and dedication to their mission.”

Prior to being selected as CSEL, McCurry was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment in 2002 after completing embassy duty. In June 2006, he was screened and selected for duty at MARSOC. McCurry has held billets such as the senior enlisted advisor of Marine Raider Support Group and the command senior enlisted leader for the Special Operations Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve.

“Every Marine Raider came from somewhere in the Marine Corps,” he continued. “That means he/she must have proven themselves as a highly competent NCO or officer before even attending selection. Consequently, we get seasoned well-rounded Marines before they even attend SOF-specific training. This is the core foundation of a Marine Raider, which makes us unique.”

McCurry has deployed all over the world including deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve. McCurry also holds a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and Master of Science in Strategic Leadership with honors from the University of Charleston.

“Being a CSEL as a Marine Raider is a mixture of science and art,” McCurry concluded. “Our experiences and culture allow us to apply both [science and art] effectively and appropriately. Thus, we provide the commander the opportunity to capitalize on our Marine background while still gaining years of SOF experience.”

Sgt Jesula Jeanlouis, Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command

Posted in Guest Post, SOF, USMC | Comments Off on First Marine Selected As SOCCENT’s Senior Enlisted Leader

Marines Conducting CEMA

Friday, December 31st, 2021

Marine Michaela Matkins, a signal intelligence analyst and native of Louisa, Va., and Lance Cpl. Alison Harris, a communications intelligence electronic warfare analyst and Hernando, Miss., native, both with 3d Radio Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, survey analytics on Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

Marines with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines participated in a joint electronic warfare training event with 3d Radio Battalion, III MIG, and U.S. Army 25th Infantry Division where Marines and Soldiers learned and effectively utilized electronic warfare equipment in smaller sized combat elements to enhance combat lethality.

U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl Patrick King

Posted in CEMA, USMC | 4 Comments »

Marine Pilots Hone Proficiency in Information, Electronic Warfare

Sunday, December 19th, 2021

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. —

Marine pilots refocus their priorities, opting to train their electronic warfare capabilities to defeat adversaries in the information environment aboard Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, Dec. 2-3.

The training enabled U.S. Marines from Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 267 to familiarize themselves with the AN/ALQ-231 Intrepid Tiger II Electronic Warfare pod from signals intelligence specialists with Team Ronin of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing intelligence section.

The IT II is a precision, on-demand, external carriage EW weapon system designed to provide Marine Corps aircraft with an organic, distributed and networked EW capability that can be controlled from the cockpit or by a ground operator. Its open architecture design and rapid reprogrammability give IT II the flexibility and adaptability to meet current and future threats.

The Marines of HMLA-267 are the first squadron in the 3rd MAW to conduct this style of training on the IT II with Team Ronin. Team Ronin’s signals intelligence and electronic warfare chief, Master Sgt. Chris Meser, expects to continue building familiarization with additional squadrons.

“The training was crucial in enhancing our readiness and capability,” said Meser. “By integrating with our organic rotary wing squadrons, this allowed for an improved concept of employment for future operations. This was the first of many in the training series for Electronic Warfare Integration. We intend to help foster an environment which provides a greater contribution to Operations in the Information Environment & Intelligence efforts.”

Training began with hands-on time with the IT II to develop a cursory understanding of its capabilities. Later, the system was loaded onto a UH-1Y Venom before running a variety of test-missions across its capability set to demonstrate its rapid reprogrammability. Once the practical application portion was completed, training concluded with signals intelligence specialists briefing all the systems capabilities and limitations to the pilots of HMLA-267.

1st Lt. Dylan Wesseling, intelligence officer for HMLA-267, was one of the training participants. “Communications jamming is going to be key in breaking down the kill chain for the enemy, and exploiting possible vulnerabilities,” said Wesseling. “The IT II provides the HMLA an organic electronic attack and electronic warfare support capability that is more accessible than the Marine Corps’ other high-demand, low-density assets, and I think that’s going to vital in a high-traffic littoral and maritime environment.”

While the IT II has been used in conflicts dating back to Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, this was the first time many of the participants got the opportunity to train with the system. Given the renewed emphasis EW is expected to play on the next battlefield, the trainees appreciated the opportunity.

“The IT II is something that allows us to be relevant when coupled with the other capabilities of the HMLA,” Wesseling continued. “There’s no sugarcoating it. The next fight is going to be tough, but training that acknowledges our need to exploit the enemy’s dependence on technology and communications are exactly what we need to come out of that conflict as the winners.”

Team Ronin is next expected to put their knowledge of the IT II to the test in February 2022 for Exercise Winter Fury 2022. Winter Fury 2022 is a capstone annual exercise that allows the 3rd MAW to refine and validate emerging service level and unit level concepts that enhance aviation readiness in support of Fleet Marine Force and naval fleet maritime campaigns. Meser plans to distribute his team throughout 3rd MAW with various rotary wing squadrons, now that his Marines have a strong foundation in the fundamentals and can teach others in a field environment. Team Ronin also expects to work with the U.S. Navy aircraft participating in Winter Fury 2022 to enhance their ability to work as a joint littoral force.

This iteration of training utilized the IT II V(3), which can be employed on the UH-1Y Venom and AH-1Z Viper. This asset is not limited to these platforms alone. Other versions include the V(4), which was recently tested on the MV-22 Osprey, and the V(1), which can be flown on the AV-8B Harrier, F/A-18 C/D Hornets, and KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft.

3rd MAW continues to “Fix, Fly and Fight” as the Marine Corps’ largest aircraft wing, and remains combat-ready, deployable on short notice, and lethal when called into action.

Story by 1st Lt Kyle McGuire, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing

Photo by Sgt Samuel Ruiz

Posted in Aviation, CEMA, Guest Post, USMC | 1 Comment »

Shaw Concepts – Improving the USMC Gen II Plate Carrier

Saturday, December 4th, 2021

Although the Marines have been fielding the Gen III Plate Carrier many still use the older Gen II model. Shaw Concepts produced this video on cost effective solutions as well as their own after market products as well as those from others.

Posted in Armor, Load Carrying, USMC | 2 Comments »