Marine Warfighting Lab Turns Lessons from Ukraine into Future Strategy

Brig. Gen. Simon Doran, commanding general of the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory, explained how the Corps is preparing for the next generation of conflict.

Drawing on lessons from recent wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, the lab studies how adversaries fight today to anticipate what Marines will face tomorrow. Those insights feed into advanced modeling and simulation that allow the Corps to test new ideas before they ever reach the battlefield.

Doran also discussed the new Neller Center for Wargaming and Analysis in Quantico — a 100,000-square-foot facility designed to simulate future combat scenarios. Using physics-based models, the center can run thousands of virtual engagements to evaluate weapons, force design and operational concepts.

The goal is to identify gaps early, make smarter investment decisions and ensure Marines remain lethal and survivable in future fights.