Basic AI Course (Mandatory)

Start Here If You Are New to the Basic AI Course

The BASIC AI COURSE is MANDATORY for all Active Duty and Reserve Marines per MARADMIN 214/26 (signed 8 May 2026 by Lieutenant General Benjamin T. Watson, Deputy Commandant for Training and Education). Officers and enlisted. Both components. Complete NLT 31 DECEMBER 2026. Course is delivered by EDUCATION COMMAND and the COLLEGE OF DISTANCE EDUCATION AND TRAINING (CDET). Course code CDETBAIC01. Available on the MARINE CORPS ELEARNING ECOSYSTEM (MCELE), formerly MarineNet, at https://www.mcele.usmc.mil. Login with Department of War (DoW) issued Common Access Card (CAC) or username and password. APPROXIMATELY 45 MINUTES. ONE-TIME training requirement, NOT annual. Completion records via Marine Corps Total Force System (MCTFS) and the individual Marine's Basic Training Record (BTR) in Marine Online (MOL). Civilians within Marine Corps departments are highly encouraged. Per MARADMIN 214/26.

This page walks you through the Basic AI Course from your seat as a Marine. By the end you will know.

• Who must complete the course
• The deadline (31 December 2026)
• Course content and learning objectives
• How to access MCELE and enroll
• Device options
• Completion tracking
• Intermediate and Advanced AI courses (FY-27)
• Common questions

Every fact on this page comes from MARADMIN 214/26, MARADMIN 270/25, the USMC AI Implementation Plan, and the CDET College of Distance Education published guidance.

Who Must Complete the Course

Mandatory

All Active Duty and Reserve Marines, both officer and enlisted, must complete the Basic AI Course NLT 31 December 2026.

Newly Accessed Marines

Uniformed personnel who enter service AFTER the release of MARADMIN 214/26 (8 May 2026) complete the course within 12 MONTHS of completing their entry-level training.

Highly Encouraged

Civilians working within Marine Corps departments are highly encouraged but not mandated.

Frequency

ONE-TIME training requirement. This is NOT an annual requirement.

Course Content and Learning Objectives

The Basic AI Course provides Marines with a foundational understanding of artificial intelligence and its relevance to today's operating environment.

What the Course Covers

• Key AI concepts.
• Practical applications.
• Use cases.
• How AI can support decision-making.
• How AI can support mission effectiveness.

Focus

The course emphasizes AWARENESS rather than TECHNICAL EXPERTISE. The goal is to prepare Marines to operate, adapt, and lead in an increasingly AI-enabled Marine Corps.

Desired End State

Upon completion, Marines possess an intrinsic motivation to continue their risk-informed experimentation with AI tools to increase their operational tempo.

How to Access MCELE and Enroll

Step 1. Navigate to MCELE

Go to https://www.mcele.usmc.mil. MCELE is the Marine Corps eLearning ecosystem (formerly MarineNet).

Step 2. Log In

Use one of two methods.

• Department of War (DoW) issued Common Access Card (CAC).
• Username and password.

Step 3. Search for Course Code CDETBAIC01

Use the course search feature on MCELE.

Step 4. Enroll and Complete

The course is approximately 45 minutes. Complete in one sitting or in segments per MCELE's standard pause/resume functionality.

Device Options

The Basic AI Course can be completed from any device that can log into MCELE.

• Government computers and laptops.
• Personal computers and laptops.
• Tablets.
• Smartphones.

Note on Practical Applications

The training content contains links to GenAI.mil, which currently requires a DoW CAC-enabled computer. Students completing the course on a personal device complete the practical application training using commercially available large language models (LLM)/AI tools.

Completion Tracking

MCTFS Basic Training Record (BTR)

Completion of training for uniformed service members is recorded via Marine Corps Total Force System (MCTFS) and shown in the individual Marine's Basic Training Record (BTR) in Marine Online (MOL) for tracking at the unit level.

Verifying Your Completion

• Log into MOL.
• Navigate to BTR section.
• Confirm Basic AI Course shows as completed.
• If not reflected within 5 business days of course completion, contact unit S-3 training or S-1.

Command Tracking

Commanders track unit completion via MOL administrative reports. Unit-level S-3 training officers and S-1 administrative sections support tracking and reminder communications.

Intermediate and Advanced AI Courses (FY-27)

Per MARADMIN 214/26 paragraph 3.c, Intermediate and Advanced AI Courses are in development.

• Available in FY-27.
• Will supplement the Basic AI Course.
• Will supplement existing AI-centric courseware.
• Highlight how Marines can and currently are using AI to increase tempo in their workspaces.

Existing Supplemental Training

The Basic AI Course is not intended to replace existing AI-centric courses. Marines pursuing deeper expertise should also engage. See AI and Data Management Training.

• MCELE Skillsoft and Percipio courses.
• Joint Knowledge Online (JKO).
• Digital University (USAF).
• General Services Administration (GSA) training.
• US Navy Community College (USNCC).
• Naval Postgraduate School (NPS).

Common Questions

What if I cannot access MCELE on my personal device

Use a government computer or smartphone. The course supports all common devices. For technical assistance, call MCeLE/MarineNet at 1-888-435-8762 or email the MCELE Help Desk at CDET_MCELE_HELPDESK@usmcu.edu.

What if I do not have a CAC

Use the username and password login option on MCELE.

Will this count for promotion points or other awards

The course is a mandatory training requirement, not a promotion-point-awarding course. Tracking is for compliance, not credit.

What happens if I miss the 31 December 2026 deadline

Late completion is still required. Command counseling may apply for failure to complete a mandatory training requirement.

Do I have to retake annually

No. This is a one-time requirement.

Can civilians take this course

Civilians working within Marine Corps departments are highly encouraged. Civilians follow the same MCELE enrollment process.

What if I deploy before the deadline

Deployed Marines complete the course when MCELE access is available. Coordinate with unit S-3 training and command for any timing accommodations needed.

Points of Contact

Per MARADMIN 214/26.

Primary POCs

• Ryan Bair, Civilian, College of Distance Education (CDET). Phone (703) 784-6731. Email RYAN.BAIR@USMCU.EDU.
• Major Sean P. Morrow, USMC, College of Distance Education (CDET). Phone (703) 784-0268. Email SEAN.P.MORROW@USMC.MIL.

Technical Help

• MCeLE/MarineNet help line. 1-888-435-8762.
• MCELE Help Desk email. CDET_MCELE_HELPDESK@usmcu.edu.

Cross References

• For overall AI framework, see AI Overview and Authorities
• For additional training options, see AI and Data Management Training
• For GenAI.mil platform used in practical applications, see GenAI.mil Enterprise Platform
• For day-to-day usage after course completion, see Practical AI Use for Marines
• For ethical principles covered in the course, see AI Ethical Use
• For Marine Corps education broader scope, see Education Overview and Authorities
• For MarineNet (MCELE) details, see MarineNet and Distance Learning

Quick Reference

• Authority. MARADMIN 214/26.
• Course code. CDETBAIC01.
• Platform. MCELE at https://www.mcele.usmc.mil.
• Length. Approximately 45 minutes.
• Deadline. 31 December 2026.
• Mandatory for. All Active Duty and Reserve Marines (officer and enlisted).
• Frequency. One-time (not annual).
• Tracking. MCTFS BTR via MOL.
• New accessions. Within 12 months of entry-level training completion.
• Civilians. Highly encouraged.

Records To Keep

• MCELE course completion certificate (download from MCELE upon completion)
• MOL BTR screenshot showing course completion
• Calendar reminder for completion before deadline

If you have a question about the Basic AI Course, your unit S-3 training officer or S-1 is your first contact. For MCELE platform issues, use the help desk numbers above.