Marine Corps Systems Command

Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC) is the Commandant of the Marine Corps's agent for acquisition and sustainment of systems and equipment used to accomplish their warfighting mission. The command outfits United States Marines with literally everything they drive, shoot and wear. Their focus is the young Marine in harm's way, protecting him or her, and providing this warfighter the wherewithal to execute the mission. MCSC's team of professional civilian Marines and active duty Marines equips the warfighter to win. They listen, learn, research, develop, test, procure and sustain – whatever it takes to get Marines what they need, when they need it efficiently and for the best value possible.

Using highly effective, streamlined and innovative business processes, the Command works hard to be timely and consistent in providing quality systems and equipment to the operating forces, and then expertly manages systems and equipment during their entire lifecycle. The technological advantage MCSC provides helps Marines to shoot straighter, move faster and communicate more effectively so they can continue our Marine Corps proud and valorous tradition of winning battles in every clime and place. The Command cares deeply about each and every individual Marine and works on a daily basis with one thought in mind; that is, to provide our Marines with the systems and equipment necessary to ensure they return home to their families safe and sound.

The Marine Corps Systems Command originated from the Marine Corps Equipment Board, established in 1933. The Boards purpose was to evaluate industrial equipment for use in amphibious operations. Later combined with the Tactics and Techniques Board, these two organizations formed the Landing Force Development Center. In 1963, the name was changed to the Development Center. In November 1987, the Marine Corps Research, Development and Acquisition Command (MCRDAC) was established. This command incorporated elements of Headquarters, Marine Corps and elements of the former Marine Corps Development and Education Command.

The Marine Corps Systems Command of today was created on Jan. 13, 1992, from the four-year-old MCRDAC. With developments brought about by the Packard Commission, the Goldwater Nichols Act, and the publication and implementation of the Department of Defense 5000 series instructions, the change to a Systems Command concept was a natural evolution.

MCRDAC was originally headquartered in Washington, D.C., with the bulk of its personnel and physical plant at Quantico, Va. The entire Command is now headquartered at Quantico.