Personnel with the Marne Innovation Center gather with their newly updated medical training equipment at Fort Stewart, Georgia, August 1, 2024. The training aids aim to improve upon and eventually replace TADSS’ previous medical training arms, allowing Soldiers better access to quality training materials. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Henry Benson)

FORT STEWART, Ga. — This month marks the second anniversary of the Marne Innovation Center (MIC), a pioneering hub for Soldier-led innovation within the 3rd Infantry Division. Since its establishment in May 2023, the center has empowered Soldiers to develop practical solutions to real-world challenges, enhancing operational efficiency and safety on the battlefield.

Equipped with advanced tools such as 3D printers, CNC machines, laser cutters, and AI platforms, the MIC provides Soldiers with the resources to transform ideas into tangible prototypes. The center's mission is to enable 3ID Soldiers to rapidly solve problems and fill capability gaps at the lowest level.

Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael R. Weimer flies breakthrough drone technology created by Soldiers at Fort Stewart, Georgia, May 2, 2025. The Marne Innovation and Technology Center is a fully equipped maker space where Soldiers can transform their ideas into prototypes and solutions. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Santiago Lepper)

“Over the years, I’ve loved seeing soldiers that may not have necessarily had any experience or background in engineering come in with an idea and watch that idea blossom into a prototype,” said Randy Emmer, the Design Innovation Research Testing Manager at the MIC. “Throughout the process it helps them with decision making, and it gives them alternative thinking patterns that they then transfer into their professional lives.”

Among the center's significant accomplishments is the development of a modified bracket system for camouflage nets, streamlining the setup process and reducing manpower requirements. This innovation earned top honors in the XVIII Airborne Corps “Dragon’s Lair” competition, showcasing the center's commitment to practical solutions.

Chief Petty Officer Ronald Lipscomb, a marine science technician at Sector Maryland-National Captiol Region, runs through an inspection checklist on a cargo vessel, December 8, 2023, in Baltimore, Maryland. Marine Science Technician responsibilities extend to preventing any potential disruptions that could compromise the seamless flow of maritime trade and commerce. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Carmen Caver)

“I’ve learned so much from working alongside the junior enlisted Soldiers at the MIC,” said 1LT Patrick Shea, the Officer in Charge of the MIC. “Those are the guys that are really down in the dirt doing the work. Those are the ones who know what’s a problem and what’s going to help the Army. Getting to talk to them and seeing their ideas on how to make the Army more efficient- were always our expectations when we started operations at the Marne Innovation Center.”

Mathew Rigdon, left, and Rebecca Cherian, both ROTC cadets and interns with the Marne Innovation Center, work together on a project as part of their internship program at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Aug. 15, 2024. The internship program was designed to provide ROTC cadets the opportunity to explore innovative solutions to key problems faced by Army units. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Henry Benson)

The Marne Innovation Center has established partnerships with academic institutions like the Georgia Institute of Technology, fostering a collaborative environment for innovation. Through initiatives such as the Pathfinder Program, the center connects Soldier-generated ideas with academic and industry resources for execution.

Modern warfare is no longer confined to conventional battles. Cyber attacks, information warfare, unmanned systems, and asymmetric tactics now define the landscape. Innovation allows the Army to stay ahead of these evolving threats by developing new tools and strategies that can detect, counter, and neutralize them effectively. Without continual adaptation, the Army risks being outmaneuvered by adversaries who exploit technological gaps.

Sgt. Malakhi Perry, the Head of Technology and Software Developer at the Marne Innovation Center, shows his current project to Lt. Gen. Gregory Anderson, the Commanding General of the XVIII Airborne Corps, at Fort Stewart, Ga. Jan. 8, 2025. The event highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance operational readiness through innovation and collaboration. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Jude Vogel)

As the center enters its third year, it continues to serve as a model for Soldier-driven innovation, with plans to expand its impact and inspire similar initiatives across the Army.