and PLRS systems. In the 1980s, computers started to become small and powerful enough to begin to find their way into tactical applications within the Ground Combat Element. The decade brought a revolution in how a MAGTF could take advantage of technology and move into the “digital” age. The result was a bow wave of computer-based C4ISR systems moving through the acquisition pipeline and ultimately being fielded. The object for both Program Managers and industry was to build the best special purpose “stovepipe” system possible. Program Managers had little or no experience with the acquisition of digital systems or planning for post deployment software support. This increase in the acquisition of computer systems required MCTSSA to begin supporting dozens of Program Managers as new systems worked their way through the acquisition milestones. New skill sets were needed by the MCTSSA workforce in order to provide software engineering and software support expertise to Marine Corps Program Managers. Systems acquisition expertise, software/firmware design, software/firmware development and IV&V became important skills in supporting the Program Managers. Support contractors were brought on board in record numbers to augment the workforce. MCTSSA was reorganized into commodity divisions such as Air, Ground, Communications, and Intelligence in order to support both the Operating Forces and Acquisition process. The degree of technology in these systems was unanticipated at the beginning of the decade. However, MCTSSA was able to develop the capability to become a major influence on the acquisition and support of Marine Corps tactical C4 systems. In the late 1980s, the Marine Corps established the Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM) and MCTSSA was removed from MCDEC and assigned to the new command. MCTSSA now had an O&M, MC budget for operating expenses and post deployment support as well as an RDT&E budget for specific system support. There were many Project Officers, Fund Administrators, and contractors on the compound. Building 57 was POMed for, and eventually built, to house all the additional people. MCTSSA ended the decade supporting the acquisition and post deployment support of a variety of tactical C4 systems spread out across a number of MAGTF elements. Exactly what the Marine Corps needed. The 1990s saw an increasing number of C4I systems being developed and eventually the advent of “systems of systems” as the Marine Corps connected these new C4I systems together. First it was peer-to-peer connections and then ever widening circles of local area networks,