Announcement of the 2026 Combat Development and Integration Excellence Award Winners

1.  The Deputy Commandant, Combat Development and 
Integration (DC, CD&I) is pleased to announce the winners of the 
2026 Combat Development and Integration Excellence Awards (CDIEA).  
2.  Background.  The CDIEA recognizes the outstanding achievement of 
Marines, Sailors, and Civilians who have demonstrated exceptional 
innovation, capability development, and analytical superiority in 
support of the warfighter. An awards board convened by DC, CD&I 
reviewed highly competitive nomination packages from across the 
force. Each category featured highly competitive nominations and are 
symbolic of the exceptional leadership, performance, and selfless 
dedication to mission accomplishment put forth during calendar year 
2025.
3.  2026 CDIEA Winners:
3.a.  The Innovator of the Year is Sergeant Henry Volpe, 2d 
Maintenance Battalion, 2d Combat Readiness Regiment, 2d Marine 
Logistics Group. 
3.b.  The Capability Developer of the Year is Mr. Matthew E. Koch, 
Portfolio Acquisition Executive Marine Corps. 
3.c.  The Superior Analyst of the Year is Major Colton L. Byers, 
Operations Analysis Directorate, Combat Development and Integration.
4.  Action.  The award winners will be recognized at the Marine 
Corps Combat Development Dinner, hosted by the Marine Corps 
Association, on 20 August 2026 at The Clubs at Quantico, 3017 
Russell Road, Quantico, Virginia 22134. A no-host reception will 
begin at 1800, with dinner and the ceremony beginning at 1900.  
4.a.  The prescribed uniform for Marine Corps awardees is Service 
Alphas.
4.b.  The prescribed uniform for Navy Awardees is Service Dress 
Blues.
4.c.  Civilian Awardees and guests are encouraged to wear Business 
professional attire.
5.  Details regarding travel and the schedule of events for award 
winners will be issued via separate correspondence.
6.  Congratulations to those selected and all who were nominated. 
Your performance in this vital area is noteworthy and has 
directly influenced the Marine Corps.
7.  Release authorized by Lieutenant General Eric E. Austin, 
Deputy Commandant for Combat Development & Integration.