wide area networks, and eventually the Internet cloud. The ability to produce a common operational picture and to share it with others became a reality. MEFs struggled with Unix operating systems and MEUs struggled with Microsoft Windows. The concepts of standard hardware, standard operating systems, common operating environments, and software applications as “plug-ins” began to emerge. Stovepipe systems became less desirable as integration and interoperability became more important. The need for software programmers at MCTSSA dwindled to just a few. Joint interoperability became an operational necessity rather than just an optional capability. MCTSSA became the USMC facility for participation in all Joint TADIL/Message Certification testing (JINTACCS). MCTSSA was an early champion and leader of these new concepts. In 1992, the initial Letter of intent (LOI) that established the Systems Integration Environment at MCTSSA was signed. MCTSSA contributed to the development and architecture of C4I systems in this decade. MCTSSA developed the skill sets to deal with the standard operating systems, common operating environment, integration of systems, networks, and systems interoperability. As the number of “networked” systems in the Operating Forces increased, MCTSSA support to the Operating Forces increased. Due to the dramatic increase in demand for MCTSSA support, additional Project Officer and Project Engineer billets were added to the MCTSSA T/O and a contracting office was established. Contractor support assigned to the Divisions made up a larger percentage of the workforce. MCTSSA completed the decade poised to support Marine Corps C4ISR systems in the 21st century. See also Organization of the United States Marine Corps External links MCTSSA's official website Military units and formations of the United States Marine Corps