As a means of bolstering forensics data gathering efforts, Marine Corps officials are updating the branch’s Expeditionary Forensics Exploitation Capability (EFEC) with newer IT technology.
The EFEC, which is used to differentiate between friend or foe on the battlefield, also serves as a portable forensic laboratory used by Law Enforcement Battalions to recognize, collect, analyze, preserve and store data.
“We’re making the IT equipment more adaptable for today,” Sarah Swift, Identity Operations team lead, said. “We’re moving at the speed of relevance. EFEC complements and integrates with the other Identity Operations capabilities, such as Identity Dominance System-Marine Corps and the Marine Corps Intelligence Agency Identity Intelligence Analytical Cell, or MCIA I2AC.”
The EFEC possesses the capability to exploit forensic material to support forensically enabled intelligence, including device and digital media analysis, latent and patent print, DNA and the collection and identification of other elements that can be forensically tied to activities.
“We want to improve the lethality of Marines in the battlespace by collecting and sharing data faster than we were previously able to,” Maj. David Bain, an EFEC project officer, said. “Marines want more expeditionary, rugged and lightweight equipment with fewer pieces and we are making that happen with the EFEC.”
Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) expeditionary forensics is one of three pillars within the USMC Identity Operations Strategy 2020 Implementation Plan. Marine Corps System Command (MCSC) continues to seek and provide Marines relevant, innovative and rapid solutions to enhance warfighting capabilities.