The Marine Corps has established a new service-level organization to standardize training and integration for small unmanned aircraft systems and counter-drone capabilities, marking the latest evolution in its push to dominate the low-altitude fight. Marine Corps Training and Education Command stood up the Marine Corps Robotics Integration Group (MCRIG) on July 8, 2026, as the focal point for Group 1 and Group 2 small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) and counter-small unmanned aircraft systems training across the Total Force. Assigned to the Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command (MAGTFTC) at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC) Twentynine Palms, California, the group will develop curriculum, instructor certifications, and enduring training products from validated tactics, techniques, and procedures. This step institutionalizes capabilities that have moved from experimental to essential in recent years, creating a bridge between rapid tactical innovation and service-wide standards.
A U.S. Marine Corps mortarman with Kilo Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), launches a SkyDio X2D small unmanned aircraft system during attack drone training on Camp Santiago, Puerto Rico. (U.S. Marine Corps photo)
