In conjunction with its acquisition team partners, Marine Corps Systems Command outfits United States Marines with literally everything they drive, shoot and wear. Their focus is the 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.
MCSC traces its beginning to the Marine Corps Research, Development and Acquisition Command (MCRDAC), which the Marine Corps established Nov. 18, 1987, as required by the Goldwater Nichols Act. General Alfred Gray, then-Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC), established the MCRDAC to streamline the systems acquisition process, incorporate the operating forces in identifying deficiencies and establish clear lines of authority, responsibility and accountability.
In addition to improving the acquisition process, MCRDAC was organized to comply with Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of the Navy initiatives. MCRDAC took the majority of the following separate activities and integrated them into one: the Development Center at Quantico, Va., the current Headquarters Marine Corps staff of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Research, Development and Studies, and the Acquisition Division of the Deputy Chief of Staff of Installations and Logistics.
A little more than four years later, as directed by Marine Corps Order 5000, on Jan. 1, 1992, the Corps re-designated MCRDAC as MCSC. The new Command was established to streamline the acquisition and life cycle management processes to improve readiness of the Fleet Marine Force (FMF), increase responsiveness and support for the FMF, and reduce costs. MCSC became responsible for those processes and functions that involve system acquisition and life cycle management formerly assigned to Headquarters Marine Corps, Marine Corps logistic bases and MCRDAC.
Throughout its history the Command has taken on more and more responsibilities. In 1990 the assault amphibious vehicle program transferred from the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA). In 1995 automated manpower and logistics support systems migrated from HQMC and mission requirements for Total Life Cycle Support emerged. In 2001 the Application Support Branch transferred from HQMC, and the Command implemented a new realignment. Two years later MCSC moved into its remodeled facility at Hospital Point on Marine Corps Base Quantico. In 2007 the Marine Corps established Program Executive Officer (PEO) Land Systems, fully supported by MCSC. In fact, the Command currently supports multiple PEOs within DOD. In 2011 MCSC completed its transition to a competency-aligned organization, and in 2012 the Command changed its program management offices and evolved to its current structure. In November 2012 the Command celebrated its Silver Anniversary.
Over the years and through all the changes the Command has continuously been the Commandant’s agent for acquisition and sustainment of systems and equipment used to accomplish the Marine Corps warfighting mission. The Command reports to the CMC for in-service support, operating forces support and the execution of logistics sustainment. For research, development and acquisition matters, MCSC reports directly to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (ASN) for Research, Development and Acquisition (RDA).
From its inception as MCRDAC, through the transition to MCSC, providing the warfighter the wherewithal to execute the mission has been the top priority for its professional workforce and their supported partners. 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.