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After 13 years, the end of the war in Afghanistan is in sight. Nevertheless, Marines continue to prepare for rapid deployment and forceful action upon the land, seas and skies of our nation's most prevailing enemies.
In spite of budget cuts, sequestration and the resurgence of opposition forces in Iraq, the U.S. Marine Corps is embracing a method of ongoing engineering and management activities to advance current tactics, techniques and procedures. Through the Continuous Process Improvement (CPI) program, Marines train to do more with less, just as they have for more than 239 years.
Is CPI Relevant to Warfare?
Instructed by Susan Stuffle, certified industrial engineer for the Deputy Commandant Programs & Resources, Regional Team West, CPI students in Southern California study methods for redesigning their workplaces to increase warfighter support. Regardless of any impending challenges, she believes their training will strengthen the combat force's capabilities.
"Our mission," said Stuffle, "is to enhance warfighting excellence through a commitment to drive better and more cost-effective business processes. We give Marines tools to adapt and overcome, regardless of the situation."
Course participants range from administrative clerks to recon Marines. They study various methodologies including "Lean," "Theory of Constraints" and "Six Sigma." All are intended to support the warfighter through faster service, improved reliability, safety and affordable solutions.
"Marine Corps culture and tradition is one of innovation and constant improvement," said Stuffle. "By studying Lean, we focus on speeding up the process. In Theory of Constraints, we remove bottlenecks, what Marines call 'hurry up and wait.' And in Six Sigma, we concentrate on eliminating defects to increase quality."
Throughout fiscal year 2014, an estimated 1,100 Marines completed novice and intermediate CPI training and documented 235 worldwide projects. While the exact monetary amount saved as a result of those improvements is nearly impossible to calculate, it is probably several million dollars.
Certification and Widespread Application
Marine Corps CPI courses are separated into levels of experience and aptitude named for colored belts, similar to martial arts training.
"White belt" is offered through Navy Knowledge Online and provides beginners with an overview of the program. "Yellow belt" is a two-day resident course designed to equip students with the knowledge to participate actively at their...