Mandatory Completion of the Basic Artificial Intelligence Course

1.  Situation  
1.a.  The rapid pace of technological innovation presents both 
unprecedented opportunities and significant risks. Emerging and 
disruptive technologies (EDT) offer the potential for Marines to 
gain a decisive advantage but also create the possibility of an 
adversary exploiting these technologies more effectively. Among
these EDTs, artificial intelligence (AI) stands out as the first 
among equals, demanding our immediate and focused attention. To that 
end, reference (A) provides the Marine Corps' comprehensive 
implementation plan that aligns all tasks and milestones to ensure 
unity of effort in our service approach to AI.
1.b.  Additionally, to leverage AI as a force multiplier and achieve 
operational advantage, the Marine Corps is implementing a broad 
educational framework. This framework will ensure AI-trained 
Marines are supported by informed peers and leaders across the 
force. The end state of this framework is a Marine Corps where all 
personnel operate within a culture of innovation, are proficient in 
AI concepts, and committed to the ethical and effective employment of 
AI technologies in complex operational environments. This MARADMIN 
directs the foundational step in that effort.
2.  Mission.  Effective immediately, all Active Duty and Reserve 
Marines, both officer and enlisted, will complete the Basic AI Course
provided by Education Command and the College of Distance Education 
and Training (CDET) no later than 31 December 2026. Civilians working
within Marine Corps departments are also highly encouraged to take 
this basic course.
3.  Execution
3.a.  Course Description.  The Basic AI Course provides Marines with 
a foundational understanding of artificial intelligence and its 
relevance to today's operating environment. It introduces key AI 
concepts, practical applications, and use cases, with a focus on 
how AI can support decision-making and mission effectiveness. 
The course emphasizes awareness rather than technical expertise, 
preparing Marines to operate, adapt, and lead in an increasingly 
AI-enabled Marine Corps.
3.b.  Desired End State.  Upon completion, Marines will possess an 
intrinsic motivation to continue their risk-informed 
experimentation with AI tools to increase their operational tempo.
3.c.  Future Courses.  Intermediate and Advanced AI courses are 
currently in development and will be available in FY-27.
3.d.  See reference (B) for information on other AI courses that are 
currently available through the Marine Corps eLearning ecosystem 
(MCELE) and other federal resources including Joint Knowledge Online 
(JKO), Digital University (USAF), and General Services Administration
(GSA).
3.e.  This Basic AI Course and subsequent intermediate and advanced 
courses are not intended to replace the myriad AI-centric course 
offerings that currently exist and are available (reference (B)). 
Instead, these course offerings are intended to supplement the 
AI-centric courseware that already exists and highlight how Marines 
can and currently are using AI to increase tempo in their workspaces.
4.  Administration and Logistics
4.a.  Course Location. The Basic AI Course can be accessed at the 
MCELE: https//www.mcele.usmc.mil, and search for course code 
CDETBAIC01.
4.b.  Course Enrollment.  Log into the MCELE (formerly MarineNet) 
with a Department of War (DoW) issued common access card (CAC) or 
username and password.  
4.c.  Device Accessibility.  This course can be completed from any 
device that can log into the MCELE, including government or personal 
computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. The training content 
contains links to GenAI.mil, which currently requires a DoW 
CAC-enabled computer.  Students taking the course on a personal 
device can complete the practical application training using 
commercially available large language models (LLM)/AI tools.
4.d.  Course Length.  The online course is projected to take 
approximately 45 minutes.  
4.e.  Applicability.  This is a one-time training requirement for all
Active Duty and Reserve Marines and does not constitute an annual 
training requirement. Uniformed personnel who enter service following
the release of this MARADMIN will complete this course within 12 
months of completing their entry-level training.  
4.f.  Completion of training for uniformed service members will be 
recorded via Marine Corps Total Force System (MCTFS) and shown in the
individual Marine's basic training record (BTR) in MOL for tracking 
at the unit level.
4.g.  For MCeLE/MarineNet assistance, call 1-888-435-8762, or contact
the MCELE Help Desk via email at CDET_MCELE_HELPDESK@usmcu.edu.
5.  Command and Signal
5.a.  This MARADMIN is applicable to the Total Force.
5.b.  Questions regarding the content of this MARADMIN can be 
directed to the POC(S).
6.  Release authorized by Lieutenant General Benjamin T. Watson, 
Deputy Commandant for Training and Education.