Skip to content
ToolsMCRAMMSign in
PolicyGood to know

Marine Corps publishes AI, data, and software enterprise guide

MARADMIN 325/26·July 21, 2026·2 min read·Official source

The Marine Corps just published the Artificial Intelligence, Data, and Software Information Resource Manual (ADS IRM). It consolidates the approved enterprise tools, available datasets, governance rules, and cybersecurity requirements for any AI or data initiative across the Corps. The goal is straightforward: get units using shared platforms instead of buying redundant solutions, and make sure everything that gets built meets portfolio management and cybersecurity requirements.

Heads up: If your unit is developing, procuring, or using any AI or data capability, this manual now governs that work. Check it before you buy or build anything.

Who it affects

Primarily this touches units and staff sections involved in acquiring, developing, or fielding AI tools, data analytics capabilities, or software. That includes commands running data projects, anyone working with a Functional Area Manager (FAM), and anyone thinking about procuring a standalone AI or data solution. Most individual reservists won't feel this directly, but SNCOs and officers involved in unit-level technology initiatives should know it exists.

What you need to do

If your unit has an active or planned AI, data, or software project:

  1. Read the ADS IRM before initiating any new capability development or procurement.
  2. Consult the USMC AI Working Group and your applicable FAM before starting development.
  3. Confirm whether your project falls under an approved enterprise platform. If it does, no separate cybersecurity action is required, as long as you stay within the platform's authorization to operate.
  4. If your project uses PII or protected health information (PHI), you need a privacy impact assessment regardless of which platform you use.
  5. If you need a capability the enterprise doesn't currently offer, coordinate with your FAM to find the right approval path.

If your unit has no AI or data projects underway, nothing to act on. Just know this manual exists.

Key dates

  • No deadline specified. The IRM is effective upon publication (MARADMIN dated 20 July 2026).
  • ADS capabilities built on enterprise platforms will be assessed quarterly for portfolio management compliance.

The official version

This is MARADMIN 325/26. The ADS IRM itself is available on MCBoss (the URL in the MARADMIN is long and may break in some browsers; search for the ADS IRM on MCBoss or contact the POCs below).

Referenced orders include MCO 5230.21 (Information Technology Portfolio Management) and several DoDI and SECNAV instructions listed in the MARADMIN.

POCs:

  • Maj C.D. Clark, AI Lead, DC I SDO: 703-692-3780 / christopher.d.clark.mil@usmc.mil
  • LtCol E. McHenry, Ops Officer, DC I IC4/SDO: 571-256-9092 / dci_service_data_office@usmc.mil

This is written by a reservist, for reservists. It is not an official publication of HQMC or MARFORRES. Always verify guidance with your command or unit S-1 before acting on any article or summary.

Resources & references

The documents this bulletin points to, with a plain-English note on why each matters. Links marked CAC required need a government login.

  • Marine Corps ADS Information Resource Manual (IRM)CAC required

    This is the primary document this MARADMIN announces. It covers enterprise AI, data, and software platforms available to Marines, along with governance, cybersecurity, portfolio management requirements, and a list of Functional Area Managers (FAMs) and their points of contact.

  • DON CIO Memo on Strategic Intent to Naval Enterprise IT (Ref A)Reference

    This Department of the Navy CIO memorandum establishes the strategic direction for naval enterprise IT. It is one of the policy foundations cited as governing ADS compliance requirements in this MARADMIN.

  • IT Portfolio Management order (MCO 5230.21)Reference

    This Marine Corps Order governs how IT capabilities, including AI and software tools, are managed across the enterprise portfolio. Organizations developing ADS capabilities must comply with it.

  • Business Systems Requirements and Acquisition (DODI 5000.75)Reference

    This DoD instruction governs requirements and acquisition for business systems. It is listed as a policy foundation that ADS initiatives must align with.

  • DON Implementation of the Defense Acquisition System (SECNAVINST 5000.2G)Reference

    This SECNAV instruction implements the Defense Acquisition System and Adaptive Acquisition Framework for the Department of the Navy. It is among the compliance requirements applicable to ADS initiatives.

  • Operation of the Adaptive Acquisition Framework (DODI 5000.02)Reference

    This DoD instruction governs how the Adaptive Acquisition Framework is operated. It is cited as a governing policy that organizations must follow when developing or procuring ADS capabilities.

  • DON CIO DADMS/DITPR-DON Registration Policy Mandate (Ref F)Reference

    This DON CIO memorandum mandates registration of IT systems in DADMS and DITPR-DON. It is a compliance requirement applicable to ADS capabilities developed on enterprise platforms.

  • DON Memo: Call to Action for Operation Cattle Drive 2.0 and Enterprise Services (Ref G)Reference

    This recent Department of the Navy memorandum calls for action on consolidating to enterprise services. It is one of the policy references organizations must follow when identifying mission requirements beyond current enterprise offerings.

policyeducation

Take it to drill

A one-page brief you can print or save. Built for SNCOs to brief their Marines.

Marine Corps publishes AI, data, and software enterprise guide — Reservable