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Marine Corps Technology Priorities: Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Julian Dale Alford

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  Published in Science and Technology on Thursday, September 4th 2025 at 17:17 GMT by Defense News
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Marine Corps Tech Priorities: A Deep‑Dive into Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Julian Dale Alford’s Vision

In a recent video interview posted by Defense News on September 4 , 2024, Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Julian Dale Alford, former commander of the Marine Forces Reserve, shares his insights on the Marine Corps’ technology roadmap for the next decade. The interview, which lasts nearly twenty minutes, is framed around the U.S. Marine Corps’ “Force Design 2030” initiative—a sweeping transformation of the Corps’ structure, doctrine, and, most importantly, its technology base. Alford, who spent 38 years in the Corps, underscores that technology is no longer a mere enabler but a strategic differentiator that will determine whether the Marine Corps can keep pace with near‑peer adversaries in a rapidly changing battlefield environment.

1. The Context: From “Force Design 2030” to “Warriors for the 21st Century”

Alford opens by reminding viewers that the Marine Corps has embarked on a bold restructuring effort. “Force Design 2030” calls for a leaner, more mobile force capable of rapid amphibious and littoral operations while also possessing the agility to operate in joint and combined environments. In this context, the Corps is “re‑imagining how technology can amplify the Corps’ organic capabilities, reduce redundancy, and drive down lifecycle costs.” Alford cites the 2024 defense budget as the latest opportunity for Congress to fund the “right mix of programs” that will allow the Marines to execute that vision.

2. The Core Technology Pillars

Alford outlines six key technology domains that will underpin the Marine Corps’ modernization effort:

Alford stresses that these domains are interconnected—AI, for instance, is the glue that binds autonomous systems, cyber defense, and network‑centric operations. “If you invest in AI without integrating it into your other tech domains, you’ll just have a siloed capability,” he cautions.

3. Budgeting and Funding: The 2024 Defense Allocation

The interview goes on to address the practical question of how the Marine Corps will secure the funding needed for these ambitious projects. Alford points out that the 2024 defense budget has earmarked $6.3 billion for Marine Corps technology, with a clear emphasis on “warfighter‑centric” investments. He notes that the majority of this allocation is directed toward modernization of the M142 High‑Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and upgrades to the F-35C’s sensor suite—two platforms that are critical for achieving the Corps’ operational objectives.

“Budget constraints will always be a reality, but the key is prioritization,” Alford says. “We can’t afford to spend $500 million on a new AI module for the Marines’ small boat units if we’re still waiting on a new supply‑chain solution.”

He also highlights the importance of cost‑sharing with industry partners. The Corps has entered into multiple joint development agreements (JDAs) with contractors such as Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Northrop Grumman, allowing for shared risk and accelerated development timelines. “Industry is no longer just a supplier; it’s an innovation partner,” Alford asserts.

4. Industry Partnerships and Joint Development

Alford expands on the nature of these collaborations, citing the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Program’s lessons in cost‑effective development. The Marine Corps is now pursuing a similar approach for next‑generation unmanned systems. “We’re already working with the U.S. Navy and the Army on a joint UGV platform that can be deployed across all services,” he reveals.

He also discusses the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), a DoD organization that helps accelerate the adoption of commercial technologies. Alford praises DIU’s role in bringing commercial AI and machine‑learning frameworks into the Marine Corps, thereby reducing development times and costs.

5. Emerging Trends and “What If” Scenarios

Alford concludes the interview by reflecting on the pace of technological change and the potential risks of falling behind. He references the U.S. Space Force’s investment in space‑based ISR, cautioning that the Marine Corps must integrate space‑domain awareness into its operational planning. He also touches on the looming threat of quantum computing and its implications for encryption and cyber defense.

“The world is moving fast,” he notes. “If we don’t adapt, we risk a future where the Marines are outmatched not just in firepower but in information dominance.”

6. Links to Further Reading

While the interview itself is a comprehensive snapshot, several linked articles in the original Defense News piece provide deeper dives into specific topics:

1. “Marine Corps Invests in Autonomous Systems for 2035” – Details the JDA for a joint UGV platform, highlighting cost‑sharing mechanisms and anticipated deployment timelines.
2. “AI Revolution in the Marine Corps” – Explores how AI is being integrated into surveillance, logistics, and cyber defense, with case studies from recent exercises.
3. “Cyber Resilience: A New Priority for the U.S. Marine Corps” – Offers a technical breakdown of the cyber defense suites being evaluated, including the upcoming Marine Corps Cyber Defense Program (MCCDP).
4. “Space‑Based ISR and the Marine Corps” – Provides insights into how space‑domain awareness will complement traditional ISR capabilities for amphibious operations.

These linked pieces collectively paint a picture of a Marine Corps that is not only aware of its technological gaps but is actively building a robust, interconnected ecosystem to bridge them.

7. Key Takeaways

• Integrated technology—particularly AI, autonomous systems, and cyber resilience—will be the linchpin of the Marine Corps’ Force Design 2030.
• The 2024 defense budget provides a solid starting point, but prioritization and cost‑sharing will be essential to deliver on ambitious timelines.
• Industry collaboration—through JDAs and the DIU—offers a pathway to rapid innovation and risk mitigation.
• Emerging domains such as quantum computing and space‑based ISR must be addressed proactively to ensure future information dominance.
• Alford’s perspective as a former commander lends weight to the argument that technological capability must evolve hand‑in‑hand with operational doctrine.

In sum, the interview with Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Julian Dale Alford serves as both a roadmap and a cautionary tale. It underscores that the Marine Corps cannot afford to treat technology as a side‑kick; instead, it must be woven into the very fabric of the Corps’ strategic vision for the next decade and beyond.