The Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) Battalion (Bn) currently employs GBAD equipment in support of its primary mission, which is to provide close-in, low altitude, surface-to-air weapon fire to defend forward combat areas, maneuver forces, vital areas, installations, and to support units engaged in special or independent operations. Its secondary mission is to provide a task organized, ground security force in defense of Marine Air/Ground Task Force (MAGTF) air sites when not engaged in air defense operations. The GBAD FWS is developing the MADIS Inc. 1.0 and its ancillary support systems to counter UAS and FW/RW threats.
The MADIS Inc. 1 replaces and modernizes the existing GBAD equipment by mounting a mix of legacy and technologically mature capabilities onto tactical vehicles mitigating the risk of attacks from UAS and FW/RW aircraft, while maintaining pace with maneuver forces. It is a family of systems consisting of specific, integrated capabilities required to carry out active air defense missions against UAS and FW/RW aircraft. The two variants of MADIS vehicles which operate together are the Stinger variant (Mk 1) and Counter-UAS variant (Mk 2).
Together they form a complementary pair and are the basic building block of the LAAD Battalions’ GBAD capability. Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for the MADIS is planned for 2024 and is defined by the fielding of the MADIS Mk1 and Mk2 variants, and training packages are currently being developed to ensure that the Marines are fully trained and able to use the various systems. Other training approaches in development to complement the MVT include the Desk Top Trainer and the Gunnery Trainer. The full complement of training capabilities for the MADIS 1.0 systems will ensure LAAD Battalions are able to effectively operate the MADIS system.
To best support training requirements and provide for safe, effective, and efficient training for MADIS operators and crews, PM GBAD is seeking interested vendors to develop, deliver, install, and test an immersive virtual training system (no more than six systems) to enhance individual and collective training through the application of a live, virtual, and constructive (LVC) simulation system, and to provide Instructor and Key Personnel Training to the NET instructors at the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) site .
The intended goal for employment of the MVT is for the MVT to be employed during NET, formal school instruction, and unit sustainment (refresher) training to provide initial or reinforcement of existing knowledge and skills necessary to effectively detect, track, identify, and defeat small UAS targets as well as FW/RW aircraft. Reinforcement of knowledge and skills includes the ability to maintain proficiency and qualifications in accordance with Training & Readiness standards through simulation that allows Marines, assigned to MADIS, to practice procedures, tactics, and techniques that the trainees will use in operation capacities.
