AI Prototype Aims to Close Feedback Gaps Driving Marine Corps Attrition

Climate surveys used by the War Department like the Defense Organizational Climate Survey (DEOCS) are annual check-ins to assess unit morale, cohesion and leadership trust. Traditionally, these surveys take a long time to gather and analyze by leadership. A pair of Marine Corps innovators told AI GovCast that they’ve created a new AI–enabled survey tool prototype that is designed to give commanders near‑real‑time insight the day‑to‑day stressors affecting Marines. The prototype, called PULSE Check, aims to close long‑standing feedback gaps that leaders say contribute to retention problems — particularly in the reserve component.

Col. Prescott Wilson, chief of staff for the 4th Marine Logistics Group, said the idea emerged after a commanders’ conference where Marines explained why they were leaving drilling status for the Individual Ready Reserve.

“By the time we’re talking to these Marines on stage, they’ve already made a decision … that’s talent we can’t get back,” Wilson said.

Lt. Col. Samuel Sung, an innovation officer with the Logistics Innovation Office and a Marine reservist who co‑developed the prototype, said the team deliberately focused first on whether the idea was even useful before tackling the complex security and compliance requirements of deploying AI inside the department.

He added that AI-driven analysis enables more frequent surveys and faster feedback cycles, allowing commanders to test changes and measure results monthly instead of annually. That accelerated process, Sung said, can improve decision-making while also reinforcing to Marines that their feedback is being heard.