Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va. —
As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, rapid capability fielding is proving critical to maintaining a decisive operational edge on the modern battlefield. In preparation for the future fight, Marine Corps Systems Command’s Program Manager Combat Support Systems (PM CSS) has achieved a significant milestone by fielding the Micro Tactical Ground Robot (MTGR)—a lightweight, agile, and modular robotic platform engineered for rapid standoff explosive hazard detection and neutralization.
Originally developed in partnership with industry for the U.S. Air Force’s EOD community, this capability has been adapted to meet the specific needs of the Fleet Marine Force (FMF) and stands as a prime example of the Corps’ Force Design modernization efforts– addressing evolving adversarial threats while aligning with the Pentagon’s strategic shift to the Indo-Pacific.
According to Capt. Timothy Guinan, project officer for the Explosive Hazard Defeat team, “The MTGR is a lightweight, backpackable robotic platform that embodies agility and modularity. Designed for dismounted combat engineers, it allows Marines to remotely assess and neutralize explosive hazards from a safe distance. This standoff capability is globally applicable, particularly in the congested and complex operational environments typical of the Indo-Pacific theater, where small, dispersed units must operate under the threat of improvised explosive devices and other explosive hazards.”
While survivability and lethality remain paramount, acquisition speed has emerged as an equally critical force multiplier. Fielded in less than a year from the program’s procurement decision, the rapid acquisition of MTGR reflects a paradigm shift in the Marine Corps’ approach to capability development.
Drawing on existing joint force programs and expertise, PM CSS’ Explosive Hazard Defeat team accelerated capability development while tailoring the system to meet the unique needs of the warfighter. Modernized technology paired with a user-friendly interface means that even Marines with minimal training can quickly become proficient operators.
The shift to the Indo-Pacific—with its geographically dispersed islands and maritime chokepoints—demands a force that is agile, expeditionary, and capable of operating in diverse and contested environments. The MTGR’s modular design allows it to be quickly reconfigured for various mission requirements, from explosive hazard detection to reconnaissance and surveillance. Rapidly fielding such a system underscores the Marine Corps’ commitment to modernization and ensures that Marines have the cutting-edge tools necessary to secure operational advantages.
Initial fielding of the MTGR capability began the last week of January 2025 with III MEF in Hawaii, where Marines concurrently completed new equipment training and integrating the system into their operations. This is the first step in a deliberate rollout that will extend to I MEF at Camp Pendleton, II MEF at Camp Lejeune, and Reserve Marines in the coming months. With a fielding objective of 154 systems, the Corps is prioritizing broad distribution to maximize operational impact.
Brian Johnson, logistics management specialist with the Explosive Hazard Defeat Team, emphasized the importance of fleet feedback in shaping effective solutions for Marines. He notes, “I’m most excited to get this system into Marines’ hands, train them, and see their reaction to a new capability that I truly believe in,” Johnson said. “Having worked with other robots, I can say this one stands out—it’s user-friendly, effective and well-suited for combat engineers. The effort behind selecting and refining this system paid off, and I think Marines will pick it up quickly and put it to good use.”
By Johannes Schmidt, MCSC Office of Public Affairs and Communication | Marine Corps Systems Command
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