R 031915Z SEP 25
MARADMIN 416/25
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) THAT ENCOMPASSES A CHAPTER FOR 
ATTACK DRONES. 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/
PATRICK.J.BURNS.MIL@USMC.MIL/703-432-0002//
POC #2/CIV/J.M. HEPBURN/TECOM T&R/
JAMES.HEPBURN@USMC.MIL/703-784-3093//
POC #3/CIV/C.N. HATHCOCK/TECOM RANGE MANAGEMENT/
CARLOS.N.HATHCOCK@USMC.MIL/703-784-2841//
POC #4/CIV/B.K. BRAHE III/MCTOG PAMPHLET WRITER/
BRUCE.BRAHE1@USMC.MIL/757-645-8541//
POC #5/LTCOL/G.G. LANDIS/MCWL ROBOTICS/
GALEN.G.LANDIS.MIL@USMC.MIL/571-254-7116//
POC #6/GYSGT/A.P. GAVELLO/CD&I SUAS CIO/ 
ANDREW.GAVELLO@USMC.MIL/703-432-8256//
POC #7/MSGT/B.W. POWELL/PP&O SUAS OCCFLD/
BRYAN.W.POWELL@USMC.MIL/703-614-4300//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  This MARADMIN provides instruction and guidance 
for the fielding of the Neros Archer. 
1.  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. 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 existing 
knowledge on basic FPV flight; 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 outlined in 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.  Any MOS can serve in this role. 
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 
outlined in 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 (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. CG, 
TECOM, coordinated through the TECOM G3 point of contact listed, is 
the sole authority to approve periods of instruction which qualify
Marines as an AD-O or AD-I.
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 Benjamin T. Watson, 
Commanding General, Training and Education Command.//