Program Manager for Training Systems (PM TRASYS) Marine Corps Systems Command has awarded the Combined Arms Command and Control Trainer Upgrade System (CACCTUS) project to Engineering & Computer Simulations, Inc. (ECS). CACCTUS training system enhancements will provide education, training, and knowledge-based services in support of the U.S. Army and its Security Cooperation Mission.

Working with partners, Riptide Software (a Phoenix Defense Company) and Assured Information Technology (AIT) Engineering, ECS will implement CACCTUS as part of the Electronic and Communication Services Multiple Award Task Order Contract, a multi-award indefinite delivery/ indefinite quantity contract by the PM TRASYS. This task order provides direct support to CACCTUS, a constructive simulation trainer designed to immerse Marines in a realistic, scenario-driven environment so that commanders and their battle staffs can train or rehearse combined arms tactics, techniques, procedures, and decision-making processes. Duke Torbert, ECS Program Manager, will lead the team’s execution of the CACCTUS program.

CACCTUS trains combined arms staffs and subordinate elements of the combined arms team to plan, coordinate, and control their assets in an attack on a common target or objectives in a training environment. Comprised of simulation, 2D and 3D visuals, interfaced C4I, synthetic terrain, and After-Action Review software, this system, when linked with live, virtual, and other constructive training forces, provides the ability to include other elements of the Marine Air Ground Task Force to conduct larger scale training events up to the Marine Expeditionary Brigade level.

As the Prime for this project, ECS will provide strong technical and management leadership by following the processes obtained through their completion of the Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) Maturity Level (ML) 3. Appraised at CMMI ML5, Riptide brings over 10 years of prime experience on United States Marine Corps Post Deployment System Support (PDSS) programs, CACCTUS, and Supporting Arms Virtual Trainer, as well as Army PDSS constructive simulation programs, One Semi-Automated Forces, and Joint Land Component Constructive Training Capability. AIT is a recognized leader in creating cybersecurity solutions and has obtained Authority to Operate (ATO) over 50 times, including the first ever CACCTUS ATO.