Photo By Pfc. Henry Benson | Mathew Rigdon, left, and Rebecca Cherian, both ROTC cadets and interns with the Marne...... read more read more
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FORT STEWART, Ga. — This month marks the second anniversary of the Marne Innovation Center (MIC), a pioneering hub for Soldier-led innovation within the 3rd Infantry Division. Since its establishment in May 2023, the center has empowered Soldiers to develop practical solutions to real-world challenges, enhancing operational efficiency and safety on the battlefield.
Equipped with advanced tools such as 3D printers, CNC machines, laser cutters, and AI platforms, the MIC provides Soldiers with the resources to transform ideas into tangible prototypes. The center's mission is to enable 3ID Soldiers to rapidly solve problems and fill capability gaps at the lowest level.
“Over the years, I’ve loved seeing soldiers that may not have necessarily had any experience or background in engineering come in with an idea and watch that idea blossom into a prototype,” said Randy Emmer, the Design Innovation Research Testing Manager at the MIC. “Throughout the process it helps them with decision making, and it gives them alternative thinking patterns that they then transfer into their professional lives.”
Among the center's significant accomplishments is the development of a modified bracket system for camouflage nets, streamlining the setup process and reducing manpower requirements. This innovation earned top honors in the XVIII Airborne Corps “Dragon’s Lair” competition, showcasing the center's commitment to practical solutions.
“I’ve learned so much from working alongside the junior enlisted Soldiers at the MIC,” said 1LT Patrick Shea, the Officer in Charge of the MIC. “Those are the guys that are really down in the dirt doing the work. Those are the ones who know what’s a problem and what’s going to help the Army. Getting to talk to them and seeing their ideas on how to make the Army more efficient- were always our expectations when we started operations at the Marne Innovation Center.”
The Marne Innovation Center has established partnerships with academic institutions like the Georgia Institute of Technology, fostering a collaborative environment for innovation. Through initiatives such as the Pathfinder Program, the center connects Soldier-generated ideas with academic and industry resources for execution.
Modern warfare is no longer confined to conventional battles. Cyber attacks, information warfare, unmanned systems, and asymmetric tactics now define the landscape. Innovation allows the Army to stay ahead of these evolving threats by developing new tools and strategies that can detect, counter, and neutralize them effectively. Without continual adaptation, the Army risks being outmaneuvered by adversaries who exploit technological gaps.
As the center enters its third year, it continues to serve as a model for Soldier-driven innovation, with plans to expand its impact and inspire similar initiatives across the Army.
| Date Taken: | 05.16.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 05.22.2025 10:08 |
| Story ID: | 498599 |
| Location: | FORT STEWART, GEORGIA, US |
| Web Views: | 37 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, The 2 Year Anniversary of the Marne Innovation Center, by SGT Anthony Herrera, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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