History of G-7 Installation neXt

In 2017, the Commandant of the Marine Corps directed the modernization of the force to evaluate and aggressively experiment with new technology and concepts to stay ahead of adversarial advancements. In response, COMMICOM directed the establishment of the Office of Modernization and Development (G-7) as a stand-alone directorate in July 2017. MCICOM has recognized the need for change and has created a structured process to infuse innovation, empower its staff, and meet its mission of creating the installation of the future. Installation neXt (I-neXt) [formally I-werX), a supporting branch to Marine Corps Installation Command (MCICOM) Office of Modernization and Development (G-7), supports the MCICOM function of Performance and Innovation under the Command & Staff Support portfolio and is responsible for accelerating and integrating new and emerging technologies, processes, and organizational adaptations – across the Command – as they relate to design, construction, and management of our installations.

In November 2017 I-neXt held it’s first Symposium at MCLB Albany, GA on the “Base of the Future”, followed by 3 other symposia: “Protection” at MCB Quantico, VA, in SEP 2018, “Resilience” at MCB Hawaii in JAN 2019, and “Mobility” at MCAS Miramar, CA, in MAR 2019. In April of 2018 I-neXt kicked-off it’s first fielded capability in partnership with Marine Corps Community Services exploring the use of ride-share companies (Lyft) on base, followed by other explorations into: bike sharing, autonomous vehicles, resilient cellular network capabilities, microgrids & energy storage, AI powered counter intrusion for physical security, and digital twining/wargaming for installation security. 

Through these efforts, and the employment of I-neXt catalysts throughout the MCI regions,  I-neXt is an effective broker of innovation, a catalyst for change,  and a bridge builder to capabilities for MCICOM. Through facilitations, consultations, studies, and sprints, I-neXt leverages partnerships in an innovation-ecosystem to develop creative solutions for the IX Operating Concept for the Next Generation of Marine Corps Installations.  

Our Vision

Advance capabilities on Marine Corps installations, support the Force of the 21st Century, and realize the full potential of a "Next Generation Installations".

Our Mission

Identify, pilot, and transition solutions to solve the most pressing problems facing Marine Corps installations through facilitation, consultation, and an innovation-ecosystem of creative partnerships.

Our Values

As stated by our 38th Commandant, “the Marine Corps needs disruptive thinkers who are willing to challenge the status quo.”*  In order to accomplish this goal, I-neXt approaches its work with a commitment to collaboration, adaptation, and transformation, built on the two of the Marine Corps values of courage and commitment

Installation neXt

An innovation broker that uses a Needs-seeker strategy to innovation, serving as a catalyst and bridge builder in support of creating the IX Operating Concept for the Next Generation of Marine Corps Installations.

The G-7 Installation neXt (I-neXt) is a MCICOM branch is that builds capability acceleration teams to support the development of solutions for the IX Operating Concept for the Next Generation of Marine Corps Installations. I-neXt experimentations, evaluations, and tactical demonstrations incorporate and integrate a data driven analysis of a variety of physical science, engineering, and social science approaches intended to achieve an outcome to inform future decision making, transition milestones, and programmatic budgeting for MCICOM.

I-neXt operates based on collaboration and inclusion. We support the operations and missions of all the functional proponents in the MCICOM community, doing the investigations and explorations that support the modernization of capabilities to optimize the support to operating forces , tenant commands, civilians, Marines and Family members.

We recognize that to get the most creative and relevant solutions to installation challenges, the Marine Corps and the larger ecosystem of visionaries, innovators, solution providers, and integrators need to work together. The collaborative and comprehensive Solution Process below is how we execute.

Installation neXt Vectors

These vectors, shown below, highlight the eight challenge areas of Marine Corps installations. Through our Solution Process, Installation neXt Symposia, working groups, experiments and demonstrations we are able to create opportunities for idea generation and concept development that lead to potential solutions to these challenges.