Attack Drone Operators Course

A
Division Schools
Headquarters Battalion

 

 

Course Overview

Welcome to the 1st Marine Division Schools Attack Drone Operator Course (ADOC). This course certifies Marines in First Person View (FPV) piloting, operational execution, and employment in collective training environments. ADOC is an intensive 15-day course requiring total attention, discipline, and commitment from each student.

Upon successful completion of all required exams and PECLs, your Marines will be certified Attack Drone Operators and Payload Specialists. Trained and certified in the use and basic employment of the Neros Archer and Kraken Kinetics payload suite (electronic safe arming device, as well as anti-personnel, anti-materiel, and anti-armor payloads)

 

 

 

Course Information

Allocations and Nominations POC:

Course Details: 

  • 15 Training Days, concluding with the live-strike.

  • 25 students per course, may increase to 35-40 in the future. 

  • 10 courses per fiscal year.

Location: Nite-Lab Classroom, 1st Mar Div Schools, Bldg # 33402, 33 Area, Camp Pendleton, CA.

  • Daily Schedule:

    • Morning Formation: 0815 at the Nite-Lab.

    • Class Hours: 0830 - 1700.

    • Typical Day: Includes classroom instruction, FPV Simulator training, and live flights.

 
 

Prerequisites & Screening

Parent commands must screen their Marines to ensure they meet all prerequisites. Failure to meet these requirements will result in the Marine being turned away from the course.

Student Requirements:

  • Minimum GT score of 100.

  • Land Navigation proficient.

  • Call-for-fire proficient.

  • Must be BUQ-1 and BUQ-2 qualified.

  • Must be in a Full Duty medical status.

  • Must not be colorblind.

  • Students are expected to maintain an 80% grade point average.

  • A NAVMED or Battalion Commander waiver is required to fly during the live flight portion of the course.

Command Screening Checklist:
The command must verify that the Marine has no significant life factors that could interrupt their focus during this intensive course. This includes:

  • No financial hardship.

  • No family hardship.

  • No pending legal matters.

  • No extensive appointments.

  • Reduced or no off-duty education.

  • The Marine must be free from other obligations to their parent command for the duration of the course.

 
 
Course Dates (Updated 16 June 2026)
Allocations and nominations are managed by Division G-3, GySgt Polcak @ zachary.polcak@usmc.mil or 760-725-0709
 
ADOC 3-26
2 February - 20 February
ADOC 4-26
2 March - 20 March
ADOC 5-26
30 March - 17 April
ADOC 6-26
4 May - 22 May
ADOC 7-26
1 June - 19 June
ADOC 8-26
6 July - 24 July
ADOC 9-26
10  August - 28 August
ADOC 10-26
14 September - 2 October
 

 

 

Reporting Instructions

  • Check-In: 0745 on T-Day 1 at the Nite-Lab Classroom.

  • Reporting Uniform: Woodland MARPAT Utilities with 8-point cover.

  • Directions: The school is located in the 33 Area, in the HQBN Supply Building. Please use the lot labeled "student parking."

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to reach out to the Course Chief: SSgt Matero at (808) 226-5664.

Required Documents & Gear List

1. Required Documents for Check-In:

  • Completed Command Screening Checklist.

  • Current Basic Individual Record (BIR).

  • Current Basic Training Record (BTR).

  • BUQ 1 and 2 Certification.

  • NAVMED or Battalion Commander Waiver (if applicable).

2. Gear List:

  • Administrative:

    • CAC

    • Notetaking Gear (e.g., Rite in the Rain)

    • Protractor & Map Pens

    • TAK/EUD (optional)

  • Uniform of the Day:

    • Woodland MARPAT Utilities

    • 8 Point Cover

  • Field Gear (Required for T-Day 9 & 10 Only):

    • Desert FROGs or Woodland MARPAT Utilities

    • Boonie Cover

    • Wristwatch

    • Assault Pack

    • Kevlar Helmet

    • Plate Carrier with Front/Back SAPIs

    • Chest Rig (Sub Belt optional)

    • 6 Magazines

    • IFAK

    • Eye and Ear Protection

    • Gloves

    • Cammie Paint

    • 50ft of 550 Cord

    • Camelbak

    • Tarp

 

Lodging & Chow

Billeting: Billeting is available for Marines not local to Camp Pendleton. Contact the Billeting POC, SSgt Matero, at (808) 226-5664

Chow: Students may utilize the 33 Area or 22 Area Chow Hall. MREs will be provided during field training days.

 
Contact Us
Division G-3
Gunnery Sergeant Zachary Polcak
Office Number: 760-725-0709
 
Deputy Director
Captain Michael Olivarez
Office Number: 760-725-8757
 
SNCOIC
Gunnery Sergeant Jose L. AcostaGarcia
Office Number: 760-725-8759
 
Operations Chief
Gunnery Sergeant Philip T. Talbert II
Office Number: 760-725-8758
 
Course OIC, Small Attack Drone Operators Course
1st Lieutenant Nicholas M. Forthman
Cell: 443-974-3403
 
Course Chief Instructor, Small Attack Drone Operators Course
Staff Sergeant Joseph M Matero
Cell: 808-226-5664