Zach is joined on the podcast this week by Gunnery Sergeant Ryan Welch to discuss the newly established AITB-E Attack Drone Course. Gunny Welch takes us through his fascinating journey of transforming an off-duty passion for first-person view (FPV) drones into a standardized, groundbreaking training program. He sheds light on the current state of FPV drone education and employment in the Marine Corps, offering insights into what the future holds for unmanned systems within the infantry.
A career infantryman currently serving as an instructor at the Infantry Unit Leader’s Course, Gunny Welch brings a wealth of tactical experience to this emerging field. His relentless drive to innovate earned him recognition throughout the Marine Corps. After designing both the initial operator and instructor courses for the service, his exceptional leadership earned him the distinction of Combat Instructor of the Year Runner-Up.
Among the many topics discussed is how he planned and led the effort for the second live kinetic FPV strike aboard Camp Lejeune. This milestone event proved vital in advancing Marine Corps-wide capabilities, effectively integrating these advanced unmanned strike systems into the combined arms construct of the Second Marine Division. Hit play to learn how one Marine’s vision is actively establishing a new small-unit capability and reshaping the battlefield of tomorrow.
A List of Topics Discussed
Background as a drone hobbyist.
The influence of his professional mentors: “being the only option.”
Experimenting with SUAS at AITB-E.
The founding of the attack drone course.
What the course consists of today.
Advice for Marines (and their leadership) interested in course attendance.
Thoughts on the future of unmanned systems in the infantry.
Balancing “the basics” with new technology.
Drones as a tool in combined arms maneuver warfare.
Gunny Welch also discusses his article hosted by “Lethal Minds Journal.”
