Revolutionizing Marine Corps Training: The Marine Corps Reconfigurable Consolidated Driver Simulator (MCRCDS) Initiative

Abstract

"The Marine Corps has made significant strides in recent years by acquiring modernized driver simulators to strengthen training effectiveness and operational readiness. However, the long-standing platform-centric approach—common across all military services—limits the ability to fully leverage emerging modular hardware, open architecture systems, and advanced terrain software that could support multi-platform use. This paper introduces the Marine Corps Reconfigurable Consolidated Driver Simulator (MCRCDS) initiative, developed to address the fragmentation, inefficiencies, and high costs caused by over 48 standalone simulators across various commands. MCRCDS offers a reconfigurable, consolidated solution that incorporates Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and the Explore, Experiment, and Excel (EEE) learning principle to provide immersive, adaptive, and personalized training aligned with the Commandant’s vision for 21st-century readiness. By integrating Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) environments and standardizing data collection, MCRCDS supports broader Department of Defense goals to improve readiness predictions and identify training gaps. The initiative’s phased implementation and cost analysis underscore its potential to significantly reduce administrative burden, enhance interoperability, and improve training outcomes. This research highlights MCRCDS as a transformative solution for modern driver training—moving the Marine Corps toward a more efficient, scalable, and future-ready simulation capability."