MARINE CORBS BASE QUANTICO, Va. -- The Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory played a pivotal role in Exercise Steel Knight 2024, leveraging the annual training event to test advanced technologies and experimental concepts aimed at modernizing the force and enhancing joint interoperability. Held from December 2 to December 19, the exercise took place in multiple locations across the Southwest United States.
Advancing Force Modernization
As a leader in the Marine Corps’ experimentation efforts, MCWL used SK24 to evaluate emerging capabilities critical to the Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control initiative. This experimentation directly supported the Joint Warfighting Concept 3.0, which focuses on integrating sensors, decision-making systems, and operational capabilities to improve battlefield effectiveness.
“Steel Knight provided MCWL an unparalleled opportunity to evaluate technologies and concepts in realistic operational environments,” said Maj. Patrick O'Mara, Concept Development Team Lead, MCWL Experiment Division. “Our efforts are aimed at ensuring Marines remain agile, lethal, and aligned with the needs of the Joint Force.”
Key Areas of Experimentation
1. Data Integration and Decision Superiority:
MCWL tested systems that enabled rapid sensor-to-shooter data exchanges across air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains. These systems provide real-time battlespace awareness, enhancing decision-making in high-intensity operations.
2. Resilient Logistics and Sustainment:
Experimentation included new approaches to supply chain resilience, ensuring the effective deployment of equipment and personnel in contested environments.
3. Tactical-Level Interoperability:
Collaboration with joint and allied forces during SK24 allow MCWL to assess the integration of new technologies and operational frameworks with coalition partners, fostering greater interoperability.
Supporting Joint Experimentation
Steel Knight 2024 also contributed to broader Joint Force experimentation efforts. By collaborating with other services and allied nations, MCWL explored how new systems improved multi-domain operations and strengthened the capabilities of a unified Joint Force.
“The work conducted at Steel Knight helped shape the future of warfighting,” said Capt. Mario Fajardo, Concept Development Team Assistant Lead, MCWL Experiment Division. “We do not just prepare for tomorrow’s battles—we influence how they will be fought.”
Building on Lessons Learned
The experiments at SK24 built upon insights from previous exercises, such as Project Convergence Capstone 4 and Valiant Shield. MCWL incorporates after-action reviews to refine technologies and operational concepts, ensuring a continuous cycle of improvement.
Strategic Contributions
MCWL’s efforts at SK24 demonstrates the Marine Corps’ commitment to force modernization and innovation. By rigorously testing and evaluating concepts in realistic environments, MCWL ensures the Marine Corps remains at the forefront of military capability development.
The Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory/Futures Directorate generates and examines threat-informed, operating concepts and capabilities and provides analytically supported recommendations to inform subsequent force design and development activities.