The Rise of the Expeditionary Open-Source Innovation Model
Luis Velazquez, chief technology officer (CTO) of the U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command, discussed his responsibilities and efforts to bridge the gap between the Marines and industry partners in an event hosted by AFCEA Quantico-Potomac chapter on Thursday in Quantico, Virginia.
Discussions between industry partners and the correct program offices are among the biggest challenges suppliers face.
“Instead of being an industry day where I'm on stage talking about our capability gaps, I would use the floor platform for you to tell us about your capabilities,” Velazquez told the audience.
This initiative became the "Tech Talks," a series of presentations that allow industry representatives to showcase their technologies and innovations to the Marine Corps.
Velazquez explained that speaker slots in these events are booked until August 2025, with almost a year between approval and actual presentation. Nevertheless, this lag is perceived as an advantage for companies arriving in this field.
“These folks all waited, and they refine their briefings to match currency when they get a chance to talk,” Velazquez explained.
He also talked about his involvement with war-gaming and simulation tools, which are crucial for the Marine Corps' strategic training.
The CTO presented the success of the Command Professional Edition, a commercial off-the-shelf war-gaming tool, which is now widely used in training and coalition exercises.
“Next week, in this room right here, we're going to host our next—we've done it three times now—annual training event called Command Professional Vision Annual Training. There will be international partners here from the Netherlands, from the U.K., from Germany, from France,” Velazquez said.
This training is part of a series of efforts to train with allies, leveraging dual-use technologies for interoperability.
He also discussed the Small Business Innovative Research program. He touched on the phases of the process from research and prototyping to transitioning technologies into Marine Corps programs.
Velazquez highlighted several areas under his office's purview, such as expeditionary energy, artificial intelligence and next-generation technologies.
Throughout the presentation, Velazquez emphasized collaboration with international partners, mentioning joint efforts with Japan, Germany and other allies. His office facilitates technology transfers and creates agreements that enable cooperative development between the Marine Corps and foreign nations.
