centric skills for the 0651 and 0612
MOSs. These actions have resulted in
the creation of two new courses—the
Data Systems Technician Course
(DSTC) for MOS 0651 and the Telephone Switch Installer Maintainer
Course (TSIMC) for MOS 0612.
Both of these courses stress IP-based
operations as well as
how to integrate voice, data, and video
systems over a single tactical network.
Net-Centric Implementation Time-line
Implementation could begin as early
as FY12 and will cover a 3-year period
in order to facilitate the requisite
changes to the MOS manual and
06XX force structure Corps wide.
Once new Marines are trained to these
new MOSs, the problems with the current structure will begin to disappear.
Delaying implementation means delaying development of a Marine Corps
net-centric MOS structure and training continuum. Implementing this
proposal today supports successful
staffing, curriculum development, and
resets the force on the net-centric warfare track.
Figure 5. 2/7 communications architecture in support of CJTF–82, Afghanistan, April 2008.
What Challenges Lie Ahead?
MOS T&R manual development.
The MNOC is a reasonable starting
point. This course needs expansion and
tailoring for the Marine Corps’ net-centric concept. This task also includes
determining the overall number of days
it would take to get a Marine through
the net-centric training pipeline.
Therefore HQMC, in coordination
with Training and Education Command (TECom) and the Operating
Forces, will have to design and implement the T&R events for 06XX net-centric Marine MOSs.
Senior enlisted buy-in and education.
Because they were taught in one specific area and tend to gravitate toward
it, senior enlisted communications
Marines must be educated in the nuances of NCW and prepare themselves
to accept the challenge of training their
Marines to support current and future
operational C4 requirements in a fluid
operational environment. This requires
the senior Marines to think outside the
box and embrace the net-centric construct wherein a 06XX Marine is fully
versed in the planning, installation, operation, and maintenance of voice,
data, and video telecommunications
networks. For some, moving outside
their comfort zone won’t happen unless they are required by HQMC.
Therefore HQMC, in coordination
with TECom and the Operating
Forces, will have to design and implement an NCW training program for
our senior enlisted communications
Marines. Furthermore, the MOS manual will have to be changed to require
proof of net-centric proficiency (in the
form of formal and distance-learning
and certification) prior to consideration for promotion.
MOS restructuring (to the 0615,
0625, 0635 MOSs). In accordance
with the framework established by
HQMC, this mission will be executed
over a 3-year period by the MEF
G–1/G– 6, MSC G–1/G– 6 communications unit commanding officers. A
model for this action is the methodology that was used to transform the old
4066 computer system specialist MOS
into the 0651 and 0656 MOS back in
FY00 to FY03. Therefore HQMC,
TECom, and the Operating Forces will
have to design and implement a 06XX
net-centric Marine MOS transition
plan.
Retraining the existing 06XX structure. This task is the heart of the net-centric evolution and requires
commanders’ direct involvement, resident courses, and distance-learning
courses to lead the way forward. Pending approval of this 06XX restructuring proposal, MCCES has already
taken the lead on addressing this challenge by:
• Creating a senior courses training
section to consolidate activities and
improve cross-training between the
Wire Chief Course (0619), Radio
Chief Course (0629), Data Chief
Course (0659), and Comm Chief
Course (0699) via a “core” net-centric curriculum. 5
• Redesigning the data systems chief
course to provide a Marine the opportunity to become a CCNA as well
as providing training on tactical data
systems. 6
