The Marine Corps just established the Marine Corps Robotics Integration Group (MCRIG) at MCAGCC, Twentynine Palms, under MAGTF Training Command (MAGTFTC). Effective immediately, MCRIG is the single point of contact for all Group 1 and Group 2 sUAS and counter-sUAS (C-sUAS) training, standardization, and curriculum development across the total force. If your unit has been coordinating drone training through informal channels, that changes now.
Bottom line: All sUAS and C-sUAS training requests, pilot course development, and standardization questions go through MCRIG starting now.
Who it affects
This touches any unit or Marine involved in Group 1 or Group 2 sUAS or C-sUAS training, whether that's developing a course, running a pilot program, or trying to get instructor qualification guidance. It also directly affects Marines in these MOS and rank combinations who are eligible for PCS in FY27 and want to apply for a billet at MCRIG:
| Billet | MOS | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| C-sUAS Team Chief | 0369 | E-7 |
| C-sUAS Team SNCO | 7316 | E-6 |
| sUAS Team Chief | 0369 | E-7 |
| sUAS Team SNCO | 7316 | E-6 |
| Intelligence Officer | 0202 PMOS / 0233 AMOS | O-3 to O-4 |
| Electronic Warfare Specialist | 2629 | E-6 |
What you need to do
If your unit does sUAS or C-sUAS training: Route all coordination, information requests, and training integration questions through MCRIG at MCRIG@usmc.onmicrosoft.com or the POCs listed below. This includes pilot course development, instructor qualification guidance, lessons learned, and Regional Hub synchronization. Coordinate early.
If you're interested in a billet at MCRIG: You need to be eligible for PCS in FY27 and willing to accept 24 to 36 months of orders to Twentynine Palms. The application process:
- Contact the MCRIG Operations Team to express interest.
- Visit the MCRIG SharePoint at
https://www.29palms.marines.mil/Units/MCRIG/. - Fill out the Initial Screening Questionnaire (ISQ) found on that site.
- Email the completed ISQ to
MCRIG@usmc.onmicrosoft.com.
If neither of the above applies: Nothing to do. Just know MCRIG exists and what it owns.
Key dates
- Effective immediately: All sUAS and C-sUAS training coordination routes through MCRIG.
- FY27: Target PCS window for MCRIG billet applicants. C-sUAS organic systems also expected to arrive in late FY26 for the C-sUAS Team Chief billet.
The official version
See MARADMIN 307/26 for the full text. This message references MARADMIN 235/25 (establishment of MCADT) and MARADMIN 624/25 (approved sUAS training requirements) for background.
POCs:
- MAJ Jasperse, TECOM G3:
paul.jasperse@usmc.mil/ 703-432-1427 - LtCol Leacock, TECOM G3:
samora.leacock@usmc.mil/ 703-432-1468 - MAJ Hu, MCRIG:
di.hu@usmc.mil/ 760-362-2561 - MGySgt Salasibarra, MCRIG:
jonathan.salasibarra@usmc.mil/ 760-362-2541 - MAJ Jones, MCRIG:
david.jones21@usmc.mil/ 760-362-2561
This is written by a reservist, for reservists. It is not an official publication of HQMC or MARFORRES. Always verify guidance with your command or unit S-1 before acting on any article or summary.