Taking care of Marines, strengthening the mission
At the Chosin Reservoir in the winter of 1950, U.S. Marines moved through snow and ice in temperatures that dropped to 40 degrees below zero in North Korea. The road beneath them was extremely narrow and visibility was low to non-existent. Frostbite set in quickly. Rations froze solid. Weapons malfunctioned.
Cut off, outnumbered and surrounded by Chinese forces, they pushed forward — step by step — relying on the Marines beside them to keep moving.
That enduring example of teamwork and resilience inspires how Leidos partners with the Marine Corps today.
Through the Next Generation Enterprise Network (NGEN) Service, Management, Integration and Transport (SMIT) contract, Leidos provides critical IT capabilities including service desk, cybersecurity and network support for Marines and civilians.
“Working alongside the Marine Corps every day gives you an appreciation for what Marines do, their sacrifice and the impact they have,” said DJ LeGoff, Leidos senior vice president for Navy and Marine Corps IT. “It’s not just about delivering the network they rely on; it’s about supporting their mission priorities on and off the battlefield.”
The SMIT team’s support extends beyond the systems Marines rely on into preserving their legacy, aiding their professional development and helping them prepare for what’s next.
Preserving the Marines' legacy
Leidos is supporting The Tun Legacy Foundation’s effort to rebuild The Tun in Philadelphia, recognized as the birthplace of the Marine Corps. On Nov. 10, 1775, the Continental Congress commissioned the first Marines, and recruiting began at Tun Tavern by Capt. Samuel Nicholas. It was there that men stepped forward to join the Corps, beginning a legacy that would define it as America’s premier expeditionary force.
As the Marine Corps reflects on its 250th anniversary, rebuilding The Tun helps preserve its origins and carry forward this legacy. It will serve as a place to learn history and bring Marines and their communities together to stay connected and give back.
Helping Marines connect and grow
Through its partnership with the Marine Corps Association, Leidos helps expand access to forums and programs where Marines can engage with peers, share perspectives and be acknowledged for their contributions. The association serves as the professional organization of the Marine Corps, focused on professional development, recognizing excellence and reinforcing the branch’s traditions and esprit de corps.
Its publications, along with events and award ceremonies held around the world, connect and inform Marines and their spouses. Leidos’ involvement and support provide opportunities for Marines to attend these events at no cost.
Partnering with Marines to prepare for what's next
Taking care of Marines also includes helping them prepare for how the mission continues to evolve.
Since 2023, Leidos has hosted innovation forums that bring Marine Corps and Navy leaders together to focus on real-world issues. These sessions create space for direct dialogue, such as what Marines and Sailors are seeing in the field, what’s working and where challenges remain.
“Something powerful happens when you put this diverse set of leaders in a room together,” said Rick Hohmann, Leidos vice president for Marine Corps and OCONUS Navy. “You get to hear firsthand how your technology can help, and where it is needed most.”
In a recent session, participants discussed ways to improve the deployment and sustainment of communications capabilities in operational environments. The conversation focused on how existing technologies could be adapted to better meet those needs.
Together, these efforts — preserving a legacy, supporting professional growth and preparing for tomorrow’s battlefield — reflect how Leidos works alongside the Marine Corps, beyond the mission itself.
Lt. Col. Olin Beall, commanding officer of the 1st Motor Transport Battalion during the Chosin Reservoir campaign, who later retired as a colonel, wrote, “I’ve seen some brave men along that road and in these hills…men with hands frozen still helping their buddies. The night we came out of Koto-ri, the temperature was 27 below zero, and still we fought. One’s fingers were numb inside heavy mittens. Still men took them off to help a wounded buddy.”
That same commitment to teamwork continues to shape how Marines operate and guides how Leidos partners with them in executing their no-fail mission worldwide.
