R 021530Z SEP 25 MARADMIN 412/25 MSGID/GENADMIN/CG TECOM QUANTICO VA// SUBJ/GUIDANCE FOR THE FIELDING OF THE NEROS ARCHER// REF/A/SECDEF MEMO 10 JUL 2025// REF/B/MCO 3570.1D// REF/C/NAVMC 3500.107_// REF/D/MCTOG ATTACK DRONE EMPLOYMENT PAMPHLET 3-01// NARR/REF A IS THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE MEMORANDUM: UNLEASHING U.S. MILITARY DRONE DOMINANCE.  REF B IS THE MARINE CORPS RANGE SAFETY ORDER.  REF C IS THE TRAINING AND READINESS MANUAL FOR UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS (GROUP 1 AND 2).  REF D IS THE ATTACK DRONE EMPLOYMENT PAMPHLET TO HELP THE OPERATING FORCES EFFECTIVELY INTEGRATE AND SYNCHRONIZE ATTACK DRONE CAPABILITIES.// POC #1/MAJ/P.J. BURNS/TECOM G3/[email protected]/ 703-432-0002// POC #2/CIV/J.M. HEPBURN/TECOM T&R/[email protected]/ 703-784-3093// POC #3/CIV/C.N. HATHCOCK/TECOM RANGE MANAGEMENT/ [email protected]/703-784-2841// POC #4/CIV/B.K. BRAHE III/MCTOG PAMPHLET WRITER/ [email protected]/757-645-8541// POC #5/LTCOL/G.G. LANDIS/MCWL ROBOTICS/ [email protected]/571-254-7116// POC #6/GYSGT/A.P. GAVELLO/CD&I SUAS CIO/ [email protected]/703-432-8256// POC #7/MSGT/B.W. POWELL/PP&O SUAS OCCFLD/ [email protected]/703-614-4300// GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  This MARADMIN provides instruction and guidance for the fielding of the Neros Archer.  1.a.  The service is rapidly increasing its fielding of attack drones, which necessitates an increase in trained operator capacity. Starting in September 2025, the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory (MCWL) will start fielding the Neros Archer funded by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU).  This initiative aims to accelerate the integration of attack drones into Marine Corps formations, enable Marines to begin developing and refining tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), and signal to industry the Service’s commitment to employing low-cost, expendable drone systems at scale.  1.b.  This MARADMIN provides an initial, short-term training solution as part of a broader phased training approach. Concurrently, TECOM is leading and developing a long-term, service-level training framework to support scalable and standardized instruction for all attack drones, including the Neros Archer. The endstate is to transition from Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) dependency to an enduring, Marine-led training model aligned with evolving operational requirements and platform capabilities. 2.  Applicability.  This MARADMIN applies to all Marine Corps formations operating the Neros Archer. 3.  Mission.   TECOM develops, coordinates, and provides Marine Corps units receiving the Neros Archer with an interim training and employment policy in order to enable controlled use, support early operations, and inform development of a long-term service-level training solution.  4.  Execution. Until a permanent, service-level training solution is established, the Marine Corps will utilize a train-the-trainer model. 4.a.  Training for Basic Flight and Nonlethal Operations. This  training track supports initial system familiarization and basic flight operations for both the Hotel and Strike variant. It is designed for nonlethal mission profiles and excludes kinetic payload employment. 4.a.1.  Training for Instructors. Instructor certification will be conducted through six OEM-led courses to support the Neros Archer fielding. Each iteration will be five days, with a maximum of ten students per course, and is intended for Marines with the Primary MOS 7316 or Free MOS 8623; it is not designed for first-time operators. Marines who meet course prerequisites and complete this training will be designated as Attack Drone-Instructors (AD-I) and are authorized to train operators within their unit using TECOM-approved material. Follow-on details regarding course schedules, prerequisites, and locations will be communicated through the MCWL Point of Contact.  4.a.2.  Training for Operators. Operators will complete training under a qualified AD-I using the TECOM-approved material. This instruction will cover system operations, safety protocols, launch / recovery procedures, and basic navigation tasks. Upon successful completion, Marines will be designated as Attack Drone-Operators (AD-O) and may participate in nonlethal training operations. 4.a.2.a.  In preparation for Operator training and live system use, commanders are encouraged to leverage the “LIFTOFF” simulator, which will be available beginning in September 2025 at local Battle Simulation Centers. The simulator is hosted on the Marine Corps Common Virtual Platform (MCVP) and provides Marines without prior drone experience the opportunity to develop fundamental flight proficiency in a low-risk environment. MCVPs and associated peripherals, including sUAS controllers and virtual reality headsets, will be available for scheduling through the Range Facility Management Support System (RFMSS). Units may check out the MCVP for training as needed, following local standard operating procedures, to build baseline operator skills prior to live system use. Additional simulation capabilities are in development. These new systems will require further procurement and testing before release to the Fleet Marine Forces. 4.b.  Training for Lethal Tactical Employment. A formal training framework for the lethal tactical employment of Attack Drones has not yet been approved. TECOM, through a dedicated working group, is actively developing this framework, which will be published in a future MARADMIN. The forthcoming guidance will define the required curriculum, certification standards, and implementation timelines for both instructors and operators. This training track will focus on strike procedures and the operational employment of attack drones with lethal payload integration. 4.b.1.  Live strike operations may only be conducted on a case-by-case basis until official training guidance has been released. Units seeking to conduct live strike operations must submit a waiver request through their local Range Control Office, and in coordination with this message’s designated Range Management Point  of Contact.  5.  Coordinating Instructions. 5.a.  Documenting and reporting training will be recorded through the Marine Corps Training Information Management System (MCTIMS).  Units will record Neros Archer qualifications using codes Attack Drone-Operator (AD-O) and Attack Drone-Instructor (AD-I). 5.b.  Attack Drone-Operators are responsible for conducting training missions and simulated strike profiles in accordance with approved TTPs outlined in reference (d).   5.b.1.  Prerequisites:   5.b.1.a.  Any MOS can serve in this role.  5.b.1.b.  Must be basic unmanned qualification (BUQ) level 1 complete. This is a self-paced, computer-based module available at https://suasman.josce.mil. This course ensures foundational knowledge for operating in designated airspace. 5.b.1.c.  Must hold a current NAVMED 6410/13 (07-2023) Small Unmanned Aircraft System Physical Worksheet, completed by a Medical Officer. Existing valid forms remain acceptable, subject to annual renewal. The NAVMED form can be accessed on the SUAS SharePoint at https://usmc.sharepoint-mil.us/sites/DCPPO_PO_POF/SitePages/Small- Unmanned-Aircraft-Systems.aspx. If a requirement on the form is not met, a waiver may be granted by the Battalion Commander or Battalion Aid Station Medical Officer, unless specifically reserved for Aeromedical Officer review. Operators may not fly the Neros Archer while taking medications that impair alertness, judgment, cognition, sensory function, or coordination.  5.b.2.  Requirements. Must complete operator-level instruction from a certified AD-I using the TECOM-approved curriculum. Once initial certification is obtained, the AD-O is required to sustain currency in accordance with T&R standards which will be published in the next iteration of reference (c).  5.c.  Attack Drone-Instructors (AD-Is) will serve as the unit’s certified instructors for the Neros Archer, responsible for training and validating operators using TECOM-approved curriculum.  AD-Is are authorized to operate the Neros Archer in addition to their instructional duties. 5.c.1.  Prerequisites.  5.c.1.a.  Must hold the Primary MOS 7316 or Free MOS 8623. 5.c.1.b.  Must hold a current NAVMED 6410/13 (07-2023) Small Unmanned Aircraft System Physical Worksheet, completed by a Medical Officer. 5.c.2.  Requirements. Complete the TECOM approved OEM course provided by Neros Archer. Once initial certification is obtained, the AD-I is required to sustain currency in accordance with T&R standards which will be published in the next iteration of reference (c). Marines selected to serve as AD-Is should be provided sufficient time and opportunities to build system proficiency prior to assuming instructional duties. 5.d.  Marines who currently meet the prerequisites and requirements outlined, must submit proof to their unit operations sections for MCTIMS entry under AD-O or AD-I to continue operating on the Neros Archer.  5.e.  Only Marines with valid AD-O or AD-I codes recorded in MCTIMS are authorized to operate or instruct on the Neros Archer. Commanders are not authorized to create or approve unit-specific certification training outside of TECOM-approved content. All employment must comply with established range regulations, safety requirements, and training policy in alignment with references (b) and the next iteration of reference (c).  5.f.  Range and Training Area Management (RTAM), under TECOM’s Range Training Programs Division (RTPD), will develop and issue range safety policy for the use of the Neros Archer in training environments. This policy will support installation range controls and unit-level range safety programs. Use of the Neros Archer for live fire events may occur after completion of the required training and appropriate ranges are scheduled through the installation Range Control Officer. All live-fire events must comply with applicable guidance outlined in reference (b) and the TECOM-issued range safety policy. Additional instructions regarding RFMSS scheduling and submission procedures will be provided in a future update.   5.g.  Tactical employment, including strike training, and the development of standardized TTPs will be the responsibility of TECOM through the Marine Corps Attack Drone Team.  Reference (d) will serve as the official employment guidance and this first pamphlet is to serve as an initial orientation and training guide for small unit  employment within the ground combat element until additional pamphlets and Marine Corps doctrinal publications are updated in the future. It is encouraged however, for the operating forces to provide bottom-up feedback through After Action Reports on all employment methods, best practices, and Neros Archer system feedback. The MCTOG Pamphlet 3-01, Attack Drone Employment is expected to be released on or about 1 September 2025 and can be accessed at https://usmc.sharepoint-mil.us/sites/ TECOM_MCTOG/DocStnds. 6.  Administration and Logistics.   6.a.  Neros Archer is currently not a program of record. As such, the Training and Logistics Support Activity (TALSA) holds no responsibility for its training delivery, logistics support, or sustainment. All matters related to training coordination, curriculum validation, and fielding support fall under the direction of TECOM and associated stakeholders as defined in this MARADMIN. 6.b.  Commanders should note that the OEM-provided courses focus solely on system operation, safety procedures, and instructional techniques. These courses do not include tactical employment, mission planning, or strike scenario development. Tactical use, including the development and instruction of employment methods, remains the responsibility of TECOM and will be addressed through separate training guidance, publications, and approved TTPs. 6.c.  Units are not authorized to directly contact OEMs to initiate any modification requests to Neros Archer configurations outlined in the service's fielding plan. Additional instructions pertaining to variant transitions, procurement of kinetic payloads, and changes to fielded system configurations will be provided via separate correspondence. Units seeking to conduct modifications or purchase additional payloads must do so in coordination with this message’s designated CD&I Point of Contact.  6.d.  This procurement represents a one-time purchase. While the Neros Archer systems may be treated as consumables for training and accountability purposes, they will not be replaced once expended, lost, or rendered inoperable. Units must plan accordingly and ensure responsible employment and sustainment. Instructions for disposal will be provided via separate correspondence. 7.  Release authorized by Lieutenant General B. T. Watson, Commanding General, Training and Education Command.//