Information technology core competencies of a Marine Corps Regiment

Abstract

This thesis provides a detailed-description of existing and projected C4I systems within a regiment as well as the Information Technology (IT) architectures necessary to inter-connect those assets. An overview of the Individual Training Standards (ITS) and their relationship to IT services and support is addressed in addition to the shortcomings of existing ITS for the 06XX and 40XX Military Occupational Specialties (MOS). The methodology used to identify task descriptions and performance steps required to support specific C4I systems is identified as well as a proposed MOS structure for the IT related fields. The results obtained from identifying tasks and competencies of the Tactical Combat Operations system, Intelligence Analysis System, Intelligence Operations Workstation, and Tactical Data Network are applied to a competency progression model. This model is used to identify the core and core plus competencies necessary to support specific C4I systems employed at the regimental level. Applying survey instrument and interview questions, a hypothesis regarding IT competencies was tested. The survey questionnaire and interview questions focus on IT related standard operating procedures, existing IT competencies, IT related functional redundancies commercial outsourcing of IT support, unit priorities, and IT skill requirements