The Marine Corps Detachment's mission is to train Marines in intelligence-related fields in preparation for service in the Fleet Marine Force and for follow-on training. The detachment will represent the Commandant of the Marine Corps to the Commander, USAIC and ensure the welfare and discipline of all Marines on the post. In addition, the detachment will keep HQMC informed about new systems and training programs offered at USAIC, and report on specific types of information on students enrolled at USAIC.

Marine instructors and students were first assigned to the Counter Intelligence School, Fort Ritchie, Maryland, and the Army General School, Fort Riley, Kansas in 1955. The senior Marine assumed the duty of Liason Officer. These schools were consolidated into the US Army Intelligence Center (USAIC), Fort Huachuca, in 1971, and the senior Marine's title was changed to Marine Corps Representative.

Seven years later the various Marine Corps elements were consolidated under a unified command structure and the present Marine Corps Detachment was established. The Detachment moved to its present location in 1993 and assumed several new training missions, including Manual Morse Intercept Operator and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Maintainers/Operators.

Marine Second Lieutenants received instruction in the Military Intelligence Officer Basic Course (MIOBC) from 1994 through 1998. In 2001, the UAV detachment moved to Pensacola, Florida, and the Detachment formally came under the command of Training Command, Quantico, Virginia. Today, the detachment helps train over 70 Marines a year. Twelve intelligence related courses are taught to both officers and enlisted Marines, with other classes under review for possible instruction to Marines. Marines are also assigned to the Joint Interoperability Test Center (JITC), where they conduct process and product evaluations and technical assistance throughout the life cycle of DoD System.