Command Overview and History

Marine Corps Systems Command is the acquisition command of the Marine Corps, serving as head of contracting authority and exercising technical authority for all Marine Corps ground weapon and information technology programs. Located on historic Hospital Point aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, the campus is the home of the Marine Corps acquisition professionals. The MCSC team includes experts in program management, contracting, financial management, engineering, information technology, safety, acquisition logistics and product support, acquisition law, human capital management and the entire complement of acquisition support skills.

MCSC is a diverse team of Marines, Sailors, civilians and contractor support personnel united by a common purpose: to equip and sustain Marine forces with the most capable and cost-effective systems for current and future expeditionary and crisis-response operations. This mission focus informs the command’s two primary lines of effort: program execution and program executive office support.

We execute over 450 acquisition programs aligned as weapon and/or information technology system portfolios to the corresponding Marine Air-Ground Task Force element, including Command Element Systems, Ground Combat Element Systems, and Logistics Combat Element Systems. Individual programs within these MAGTF portfolios comprise the development and production of systems for command, control, communications and intelligence; infantry equipment and weapons, tanks and fire support, and infantry squad integration; supply, maintenance, ammunition, engineering and medical; information technology; and training systems. 

Naval Air Systems Command is responsible for managing Marine Corps aircraft; we do not manage a portfolio for the Air Combat Element. However, MCSC and Program Executive Office Land Systems produce aviation ground support systems and other products that support the ACE, e.g., Air C2 systems. We also work across the ACE with the deputy commandant for Aviation, and NAVAIR to ensure our portfolios are interoperable. 

MCSC’s portfolio/program teams are located aboard MCB Quantico and the surrounding Northern Virginia area; Camp Pendleton, California; Orlando, Florida; and Albany, Georgia. At Camp Pendleton, MCSC’s Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity provides test and evaluation, engineering and deployed technical support throughout the acquisition lifecycle for Marine Corps and joint service command, control, computer, communications and intelligence systems, and the Amphibious Vehicle Test Branch. In Orlando, our Program Manager for Training Systems provides training support, and develops and sustains training systems and devices to help Marines achieve and maintain combat readiness. Our Albany workforce manages the vast majority of funds set aside for sustainment, guiding stewardship of newly acquired Marine Corps systems and equipment.

In addition to providing host systems command support to PEO LS, we also support PM Logistics Integrated Information Solutions and PM Applications through our partnership with PEO Manpower, Logistics and Business Solutions; the Joint Project Manager for Protection through our partnership with the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense; PM Network and Infrastructure, and PM Customer Support and Strategic Sourcing through our partnership with PEO Digital. 

MCSC is both a Naval Systems Command and a Headquarters Marine Corps organization. The Commander reports to Commandant of the Marine Corps for operating forces support and logistics sustainment responsibilities; and receives authorities for research, development and acquisition from the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition. As a Naval SYSCOM commander, the MCSC commander has oversight responsibility and authority for core acquisition processes, including cost estimating; technology development and technical readiness assessment; systems engineering; test and evaluation; maintenance and modernization planning; configuration management; comptroller and legal support. Responsibilities also include incorporating advanced technology and lessons learned into the design, maintenance, modernization and acquisition specifications that apply to weapons and IT systems; in-service support; providing support services to PEOs; executing safety programs in accordance with the Marine Corps Safety Program; and serving as the operational safety and assurance certification authority for the ground weapon and IT system program portfolio.

MCSC drives the production of the technological advantage to help Marines shoot, move and communicate with the winning edge, as we continue the proud tradition of the Corps, unbeaten in battle in every clime and place.  

Command Organization Chart