Marine Corps mandates ‘Basic AI’ training course for all troops

All active-duty Marines and reservists must complete a new Basic AI Course before the end of the calendar year, according to a MARADMIN message released May 8.

The announcement comes amid a broader push by the Marine Corps, and the Defense Department writ large, to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence capabilities for warfighting and back-office functions.

One of the strategic goals outlined in the Corps’ AI implementation plan, released last year, is to develop an “AI competent workforce.”

“Emerging and disruptive technologies (EDT) offer the potential for Marines to gain a decisive advantage but also create the possibility of an adversary exploiting these technologies more effectively. Among these EDTs, artificial intelligence (AI) stands out as the first among equals, demanding our immediate and focused attention,” officials wrote in the new MARADMIN message, which was approved by Lt. Gen. Benjamin Watson, deputy commandant for training and education.

The Corps is now implementing a “broad educational framework” with a goal of ensuring that “AI-trained Marines are supported by informed peers and leaders” across the service, according to the announcement.

“The end state of this framework is a Marine Corps where all personnel operate within a culture of innovation, are proficient in AI concepts, and committed to the ethical and effective employment of AI technologies in complex operational environments,” per the message.

The Basic AI Course, which officials estimate will take 45 minutes for service members to complete after logging into the MCELE system, is designed to give troops a “foundational understanding” of artificial intelligence, including key concepts and use cases, such as how AI can support decision-making.

The training content includes links to GenAI.mil — which the Corps and the other military services under DOD have adopted as their preferred generative artificial intelligence platform — and the use of commercially available large language models, according to the notice.

“The course emphasizes awareness rather than technical expertise, preparing Marines to operate, adapt, and lead in an increasingly AI-enabled Marine Corps,” officials wrote.

Intermediate and advanced-level courses are under development and are expected to be introduced in the next fiscal year, they noted.

The basic course is a one-time training requirement for all Marines. Going forward, new personnel who join the service will be required to finish it within 12 months of wrapping up their entry-level training.

Marine Corps civilian employees are “highly encouraged” to take the basic course, but it’s not a requirement for them, according to the notice.