The programme builds on recent efforts to scale FPV attack drones across the Fleet Marine Force and aligns with plans to field tens of thousands, and later hundreds of thousands, of attack drones from March 2026 onwards. It supports a broader investment in multiple drone technologies across service components over the coming years.
A new framework established by Training and Education Command introduces six pilot courses and eight certifications to create a force-wide standard for drone operators. The courses are intended to provide foundational skills across a range of small Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
“We are fielding these courses as pilot programs to move quickly while maintaining our commitment to quality training and safety,” said Lt. Gen. Benjamin T. Watson, Commanding General, Training and Education Command. “This allows us to validate all aspects of the training, from prerequisites and instructional methods to resourcing needs and certification standards, ensuring that we refine and perfect the curriculum before it becomes part of our long-term training framework.”
Seven organisations have been designated as regional training hubs with authority to begin the pilot courses immediately, while Weapons Training Battalion at Marine Corps Base Quantico will act as the interim central hub. It will be responsible for standardising training, certification and safety, and for adapting instruction to emerging platforms, payloads and operational requirements.
The effort has been informed by recent Marine Corps Attack Drone Competitions and other certification events that have already qualified multiple operators, instructors and payload specialists. Over the coming months, hundreds more Marines are expected to be certified, with all infantry, reconnaissance battalions and littoral combat teams set to be equipped with FPV attack drone capabilities by May 2026.
