MANDATORY COMPLETION OF THE BASIC ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE COURSE

R 071256Z MAY 26
MARADMIN 214/26
MSGID/GENADMIN/CG TECOM //
SUBJ/MANDATORY COMPLETION OF THE BASIC ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
COURSE//
REF/A/DCI/USMC/23APR2025//
REF/B/TECOM/270/25//
NARR/REF A IS THE USMC ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) IMPLEMENTATION
PLAN, APPROVED BY THE DEPUTY COMMANDANT FOR INFORMATION. REF B IS
MARADMIN 270_25, TITLED, AVAILABLE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND DATA
MANAGEMENT TRAINING SOLUTIONS, AND PROVIDES AWARENESS FOR SOME OF THE
CURRENT DATA MANAGEMENT AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TRAINING
SOLUTIONS AVAILABLE TO MARINES AND GOVERNMENT CIVILIANS.//
POC/RYAN BAIR/CIV/COLLEGE OF DISTANCE EDUCATION (CDET)/TEL:
(703) 784-6731/EMAIL: RYAN.BAIR(AT)USMCU.EDU//
POC/MAJOR SEAN P. MORROW/USMC/COLLEGE OF DISTANCE EDUCATION (CDET)/
TEL: (703) 784-0268/EMAIL: SEAN.P.MORROW(AT)USMC.MIL//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/
1. Situation
1.a. The rapid pace of technological innovation presents both
unprecedented opportunities and significant risks. 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. To that
end, reference (A) provides the Marine Corps' comprehensive
implementation plan that aligns all tasks and milestones to ensure
unity of effort in our service approach to AI.
1.b. Additionally, to leverage AI as a force multiplier and achieve
operational advantage, the Marine Corps is implementing a broad
educational framework. This framework will ensure AI-trained
Marines are supported by informed peers and leaders across the
force. 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. This MARADMIN
directs the foundational step in that effort.
2. Mission. Effective immediately, all Active Duty and Reserve
Marines, both officer and enlisted, will complete the Basic AI Course
provided by Education Command and the College of Distance Education
and Training (CDET) no later than 31 December 2026. Civilians working
within Marine Corps departments are also highly encouraged to take
this basic course.
3. Execution
3.a. Course Description. The Basic AI Course provides Marines with
a foundational understanding of artificial intelligence and its
relevance to today's operating environment. It introduces key AI
concepts, practical applications, and use cases, with a focus on
how AI can support decision-making and mission effectiveness.
The course emphasizes awareness rather than technical expertise,
preparing Marines to operate, adapt, and lead in an increasingly
AI-enabled Marine Corps.
3.b. Desired End State. Upon completion, Marines will possess an
intrinsic motivation to continue their risk-informed
experimentation with AI tools to increase their operational tempo.
3.c. Future Courses. Intermediate and Advanced AI courses are
currently in development and will be available in FY-27.
3.d. See reference (B) for information on other AI courses that are
currently available through the Marine Corps eLearning ecosystem
(MCELE) and other federal resources including Joint Knowledge Online
(JKO), Digital University (USAF), and General Services Administration
(GSA).
3.e. This Basic AI Course and subsequent intermediate and advanced
courses are not intended to replace the myriad AI-centric course
offerings that currently exist and are available (reference (B)).
Instead, these course offerings are intended to supplement the
AI-centric courseware that already exists and highlight how Marines
can and currently are using AI to increase tempo in their workspaces.
4. Administration and Logistics
4.a. Course Location. The Basic AI Course can be accessed at the
MCELE: https//www.mcele.usmc.mil, and search for course code
CDETBAIC01.
4.b. Course Enrollment. Log into the MCELE (formerly MarineNet)
with a Department of War (DoW) issued common access card (CAC) or
username and password.
4.c. Device Accessibility. This course can be completed from any
device that can log into the MCELE, including government or personal
computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. The training content
contains links to GenAI.mil, which currently requires a DoW
CAC-enabled computer. Students taking the course on a personal
device can complete the practical application training using
commercially available large language models (LLM)/AI tools.
4.d. Course Length. The online course is projected to take
approximately 45 minutes.
4.e. Applicability. This is a one-time training requirement for all
Active Duty and Reserve Marines and does not constitute an annual
training requirement. Uniformed personnel who enter service following
the release of this MARADMIN will complete this course within 12
months of completing their entry-level training.
4.f. Completion of training for uniformed service members will be
recorded via Marine Corps Total Force System (MCTFS) and shown in the
individual Marine's basic training record (BTR) in MOL for tracking
at the unit level.
4.g. For MCeLE/MarineNet assistance, call 1-888-435-8762, or contact
the MCELE Help Desk via email at [email protected].
5. Command and Signal
5.a. This MARADMIN is applicable to the Total Force.
5.b. Questions regarding the content of this MARADMIN can be
directed to the POC(S).
6. Release authorized by Lieutenant General Benjamin T. Watson,
Deputy Commandant for Training and Education.//