Marines are turning to virtual training as a solution to the limited training grounds available in the Indo-Pacific region. The lack of space on islands such as Okinawa, Guam, and Hawaii, along with restrictions imposed by host countries, has posed challenges for the Marine Corps. For instance, indirect fire training is not allowed in Okinawa, requiring coordination with local farmers for access to their fields. The presence of unexploded ordnance is also a concern that demands the deployment of explosive ordnance disposal teams.
To overcome these limitations, Camp Fuji in mainland Japan will expand its live, virtual, and constructive training capabilities. This approach combines real-world training with simulators and computer-generated forces. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the battlespace, including domains such as information and cyber warfare, to effectively counter peer adversaries. This type of training is crucial for educating warfighters on new capabilities and weapons systems.
Another initiative, Project Tripoli, aims to bridge the gap between experimentation, training, and real-world missions by creating a live, virtual, and constructive training environment for Marines. However, one challenge the Marine Corps currently faces is the lack of a realistic construct for simulating people, virtual constructive environments, and real systems. Efforts are underway to leverage the latest technology at Camp Fuji and establish new training facilities on Guam, including a Military Operations in Urban Terrain facility. These developments will facilitate joint training with partners and allies without restrictions.
Looking ahead, the Marines will focus on leveraging their live, virtual, and constructive training environment to supplement limited live fire training opportunities. They are also exploring ways to support Marines on rotation in Darwin, Australia, who face difficulties during the long rainy season. While live exercises in the Indo-Pacific region remain valuable, blending them with virtual and constructive training offers a more efficient approach to enhance the proficiency and readiness of Marines.
One recent example of live training was the Marine Air-Ground Task Force Stand-In Force Exercise 24 in Shizuoka, Japan. This exercise showcased the tactical proficiency and readiness of Marines in the Indo-Pacific theater, with stand-in force operations and force-on-force exercises at Camp Fuji.
The Marines recognize the importance of adapting their training methods to meet the unique needs of the Indo-Pacific region. By incorporating live, virtual, and constructive training, they aim to provide warfighters with the necessary skills and experience for future challenges. The expansion of training capabilities at Camp Fuji and the establishment of new facilities in Guam demonstrate their commitment to overcoming the constraints posed by limited training grounds in the Indo-Pacific.
