New US Marines Training Pipeline to Expand FPV Attack Drone Force

The US Marine Corps has launched a new training framework to rapidly expand the number of warfighters qualified to operate small unmanned aerial systems.

The initiative establishes standardized training and certification as new systems, including commercial off-the-shelf first-person view (FPV) attack drones such as the Neros Archer, are introduced.

This effort parallels the Pentagon’s goal to deploy tens of thousands of attack drones beginning in March 2026, with larger numbers expected over the following years.

Six Pilot Courses, Eight Certifications

Under the framework developed by the marine corps’ Training and Education Command, the military will stand up six pilot courses and eight certifications covering roles such as basic drone operators, attack drone operators, payload specialists, and instructors.

The courses are open to personnel across occupational specialties and are designed to build foundational skills for both armed and unarmed systems.

Seven organizations were assigned as regional training hubs, including military divisions, schools, and the Marine Forces Special Operations Command.

Weapons Training Battalion at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, will serve as the interim central hub, overseeing standardization, certification, and safety.

‘Hundreds’ of Operators by Second Quarter

The training push builds on recent certifications, including exercises with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit and competitions in the National Capital Region and Okinawa, Japan.

During these events, two payload instructors, seven payload specialists, five attack drone instructors, and 19 pilots received certifications.

The marine corps said hundreds more troops are expected to be sent for the competency program in the coming months, with all infantry, reconnaissance, and littoral combat units slated to field FPV attack drone capabilities by May 2026.