R 191808Z MAY 25 MARADMIN 235/25 MSGID/GENADMIN/CG TECOM QUANTICO VA// SUBJ/ESTABLISHMENT OF THE MARINE CORPS ATTACK DRONE TEAM (MCADT)// REF/A/CNAF 3710.9/1 SEP 2021// REF/B/MCO 3591.2L/3 DEC 2024// REF/C/MARADMIN 284/24 REF/D/MARADMIN 398/24 NARR/REF A IS GROUP 1 AND GROUP 2 NAVAL AVIATION TRAINING AND OPERATIONS PROCEDURES STANDARDIZATION.  REF B IS MCO 3591.2L THE MARINE CORPS COMPETITION IN ARMS PROGRAM.  REF C IS CLARIFICATION OF GROUP 1 AND 2 UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS (UAS) POLICY FOR THE OPERATION OF USMC SMALL UAS (sUAS).  REF D IS BLUE UAS PROCUREMENT AND TRAINING// POC/HUYSMAN, B.P./COL/TRNGCMD G-3/TEL: DSN 378-2196/ COMM: (703) 432-2196// POC/CUOMO, S.A /COL/CO WTBN/TEL: DSN 784-5084/COMM: (703) 784-5084// POC/TAVIZON, A.P./MAJ/OIC MCADT/TEL: DSN 278-5226/ COMM: (703) 784-5226//  GENTEXT/REMARKS/ 1.  Purpose.  To announce the creation of the Marine Corps Attack Drone Team (MCADT). 2.  Situation.  On 3 January 2025, the Commanding Generals of Training Command (TRNGCMD) and the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory (MCWL) established the MCADT to address the rapid proliferation of armed First Person View (FPV) drone technology and tactics, which have been proven in conflicts worldwide, particularly in Eastern Europe. These developments are transforming warfare with unprecedented lethality and hit ratios. As the Designated Approval Authority (DAA), CG TRNGCMD has designated the Commanding Officer (CO) of Weapons Training Battalion-Quantico (WTBn-Quantico) as the Aircraft Reporting Custodian (ARC) to oversee all MCADT-related activities in accordance with references (b) and (d). The MCADT’s placement at WTBn-Quantico leverages 124 years of precision  weapons expertise from the Marine Corps Shooting Team and the WTBn -Quantico Precision Weapons Section (PWS). The MCADT will focus on identifying and disseminating lessons learned to inform updates to Service-level requirements, training, and doctrine, enabling rapid deployment of armed FPV drone capabilities across the FMF. Additionally, the MCADT will deliver intermediate and advanced armed FPV drone training to the FMF and Total Force through the Competition-in-Arms Program (CIAP), following reference (b). 3.  Mission.  Through aggressive training and experimentation and by representing the Marine Corps in inter-service, national, and international competitions, the MCADT will rapidly accelerate armed FPV drone lessons learned from modern combat to increase our Corps’ warfighting advantage. The MCADT will provide regular input to  Service-level requirements and deliver intermediate and advanced armed FPV drone skills to the Total Force via the CIAP to increase individual and unit lethality. 4.  Execution 4.a.  Commander’s Intent 4.a.1.  Purpose.  To increase our Corps’ lethality through the use of armed FPV drones. 4.a.2.  Method.  The MCADT will refine armed FPV drone tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP) through continuous training, experimentation, and competition, driving service requirements and enhancing battlefield capabilities for Marines. The MCADT will  regularly share lessons learned with HQMC and the Total Force,  integrating new Marines to expand expertise across the Service. 4.a.3.  Endstate.  The MCADT captures the most innovative armed FPV drone technological solutions, TTPs from across the joint force, allies and partners, and industry; disseminates those insights and lessons learned across the Total Force; and informs Marine Corps requirements, investment priorities and acquisition decisions to maximize our Marines’ lethality and warfighting advantage. 4.b. Concept of Operations.  The MCADT is a collaborative effort between Training Command/WTBn-Quantico and MCWL, supported by the FMF and joint force. Initially task-organized within existing  FY25 resources, it will be assessed for potential transition to permanent structure. The MCADT develops and sustains armed FPV drone expertise through top-tier inter-service, international, and civilian competitions, including Marine Corps annual marksmanship events starting in FY26. 4.c.  Tasks 4.c.1.  CG TRNGCMD 4.c.1.a.  Serve as the MCADT DAA. 4.c.1.b.  Identify and allocate, as able, the resources (e.g., staffing, equipment, and facilities) required to sustain iterative improvement to program of record (POR) and non-POR drone systems and inform Service capabilities, requirements, acquisition, training, and doctrine. 4.c.1.c.  Support the MCADT competition to accelerate attack drone capability development. 4.c.1.d.  Develop the Marine Corps attack drone competition plan, aligned with the CIAP, to promote emerging battlefield technologies and tactics. 4.c.2.  CG MCWL.  Support MCADT experimentation and iterative improvement of POR and non-POR drone systems to inform Service requirements, acquisition, training, and doctrine. 4.d.  Coordinating Instructions. The DAA and ARC will comply with requirements as set forth in reference (c). 4.d.2.  The MCADT will receive advice and assistance from the TECOM G-6 to ensure necessary coordination with FMF and local installation frequency managers is completed in time to support the incorporation of drone competitions in the FY26 CIAP. 4.d.3.  Director, Range and Training Programs Division (RTPD) will coordinate with MCICOM to establish service-level conditions for attack drone operations and training, including competitions and simulations that enable realistic FMF training. 5.  Administration and Logistics 5.a.  The MCADT is authorized to utilize POR systems, non-POR systems from the Blue List, and any National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) approved systems or parts for competition and experimentation if approved in accordance with reference (d) or other applicable policy. 5.b.  Per reference (d), utilization of the Intelligent Robotics and Autonomous Systems (IRAS) SharePoint at https:(slash)(slash) usmc.sharepoint-mil.us/sites/DCCDI/SitePages/DistroD/Intelligent -Robotics-and-Autonomous-Systems.aspx will assist in the process for purchase of Blue UAS in the Blue UAS Handbook. 6.  Command and Signal 6.a.  Command.  Commanding Officer, Weapons Training Battalion is designated as the Captain of the MCADT and has the authority to  establish rules and standards for Service competition in accordance with the references. 6.b.  Signal.  This message is effective on the date signed. 7.  Release authorized by Lieutenant General Benjamin T. Watson, Commanding General, Training and Education Command.//