Marine Corps establishes robotics integration group for drone and counter-drone training

The Marines are setting up a new organization to oversee training and standardization efforts related to small drones and counter-small unmanned aerial systems, according to a MARADMIN announcement issued July 2.

The Marine Corps Robotics Integration Group (MCRIG) will be based at Twentynine Palms, California, and is expected to serve as the “focal point” for Group 1 and Group 2 UAS and C-sUAS training integration, standardization and coordination across the force and support the development of tactics, techniques and procedures for employment of those types of platforms.

The announcement comes as the Marines and other U.S. military components are moving to ramp up their drone and counter-drone arsenals and prowess. Those types of technologies have been widely employed on overseas battlefields, such as in Ukraine and the Middle East. Officials are also concerned about drone threats to military installations and other locations in the homeland.

“The rapid proliferation of Group 1 and Group 2 sUAS capabilities across the operating forces, combined with the evolving threat from adversary unmanned systems, requires a centralized approach. This necessitates a dedicated training and standardization effort across the Marine Corps,” according to the MARADMIN release, which was authorized by Lt. Gen. Thomas B. Savage, deputy commandant for training and education and commanding general of Training and Education Command.

The new robotics integration group will oversee the service’s pilot course development and transition to formal programs of instruction; curriculum standardization; instructor qualification; regional hub synchronization; integration of lessons learned; requests for support related to small UAS and counter-drone training integration; and dissemination of approved training updates across the force.

“Effective immediately, all requests for information and coordination pertaining to Program of Record (POR) and Non-Program of Record (NPOR) Group 1 and Group 2 sUAS and C-sUAS training, pilot courses, POIs, standardization, and related training integration efforts shall be coordinated through the MCRIG,” the message stated.

Meanwhile, the Marine Corps Attack Drone Team will continue its involvement in the service’s research, development, testing, and evaluation of emerging capabilities to inform “baseline” training requirements that may be transitioned to the MCRIG for force-wide integration, the announcement noted.

The Corps is trying to recruit service members for the new robotics integration group as it looks to fill billets for drone and counter-drone team chiefs, staff non-commissioned officers, intelligence officers and electronic warfare specialists.

Marines interested in applying for the roles must be eligible to execute a permanent change of station in fiscal 2027 and accept 24- to 36- month orders to Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command at Twentynine Palms, according to the announcement.