Improved distance learning environment for Marine Forces Reserve

Abstract

MarineNet offers distance learning (DL) training and education (T&E) opportunities to all Marines. For active duty Marines, government-provided desktops and laptops (GPDLs) typically support DL T&E or learning resource centers (LRCs) located inside many military installations. In contrast, Marine Forces Reserve (MFR) personnel have a unique challenge: most MFR units are located in home training centers (HTCs) away from military installations. Consequently, reserve Marines do not have GPDLs or LRCs to access DL T&E. The current alternative is for MFR personnel to use personal devices outside of the Nonsecure Internet Protocol Router Network (NIPRNET). This alternative assumes MFR personnel will purchase or already have their own devices. In addition, devices outside of the NIPRNET tend to experience compatibility issues when accessing some MarineNet courseware. This research tested equipment, software, and virtual machine (VM) architectures to find a technologically efficient alternative to GPDLs and LRCs that can support the unique needs of MFR. The emphasis is on researching mature technologies and leveraging free Internet options currently available in the United States. An efficient alternative is proposed to provide reserve personnel with a device to access the Internet, offering free Wi-Fi at the HTCs, and deploying VMs based on the VMware architecture. .