Podcast Summary: The Daily Scoop Podcast

Episode: Marine Corps wants 10,000 new drones this year as it looks to expand training for off-the-shelf systems
Host: Billy Mitchell
Date: January 5, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode dives into two major developments in U.S. military modernization:

1. The Marine Corps’ ambitious plan to purchase 10,000 new off-the-shelf drones in 2025, accompanied by efforts to rapidly expand training for their troops on these systems.
2. The U.S. Army’s creation of a dedicated career pathway for officers specializing in artificial intelligence (AI), marking a significant institutional commitment to advanced technology fields.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Marine Corps Drone Expansion Program

• Massive Drone Procurement:

  • The Marine Corps aims to purchase 10,000 new first-person view (FPV) drones this year ([00:35]).
  • Objective: Quickly broaden the availability and combat-readiness of small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) across the force.

• Standardized Training Launch:

  • The Corps has just published a standardized sUAS training program.

  • New courses rolling out include attack drone operators, payload specialists, and instructor certifications ([01:11]).

    • Quote:

      "Several units from 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force in the Pacific to Marine Forces Special Operations Command are now authorized to immediately start these courses."
      — Billy Mitchell ([01:18])

• Wider Force Integration:

  • The plan is to certify hundreds of Marines for FPV drone usage in the upcoming months.
  • Aim: By May, ensure “every infantry reconnaissance and littoral combat team across the fleet” is equipped and trained ([02:06]).

• Training Shaped by Recent Experience:

  • Lessons learned in recent months, including a November Drone Training Symposium, directly influenced the curriculum ([02:15]).

  • November marked the first time Marines were certified on FPV drones while deployed—over two dozen troops from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit trained for over a month and a half, a milestone for force modernization ([02:37]).

    • Quote:

      "[That’s] a significant milestone for the force after a year of navigating untrodden ground."
      — Billy Mitchell ([02:50])

• Industry Call:

  • The Corps issued a December request for UAS priced under $4,000 per unit, encouraging industry solutions that are easy to modify, support third-party munitions, and are repairable by Marines.
  • Interest in autonomy and machine learning features is also highlighted ([01:45]).

2. Army Establishes AI Career Field

• Introduction of Army AI Career Path:

  • The Army has created the “49B” area of concentration for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning ([03:05]).

  • Launches through the Voluntary Transfer Incentive Program, allowing experienced officers to apply between January 5 and February 6.

    • Quote:

      "The Army recently established an Artificial Intelligence career field that select officers can transfer into starting next month."
      — Billy Mitchell ([03:00])

• Officer and Warrant Officer Inclusion:

  • Consideration for including warrant officers in this new AI specialty.

• Timeline and Expectations:

  • Selections will be made in early 2025, with reclassification by October 1st and transition into the AI field expected to be completed the following year.

• Context:

  • This move coincides with the Department of Defense's increasing adoption of large language models and advanced AI tools for mission support and daily operations.
  • Example: The recent rollout of GenAI-Mil, a military hub for commercial AI tools, which has received mixed reviews from service personnel ([03:27]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Drones as a Force Multiplier:

  “The intent is for Marines to be able to modify these drones with simple third-party munitions and repair them on their own.”
  — Billy Mitchell ([01:53])

• On Training Milestones:

  "In November, more than two dozen troops with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit deployed to the Caribbean trained for more than a month and a half to qualify on various FPV drone capabilities, a significant milestone for the force after a year of navigating untrodden ground."
  — Billy Mitchell ([02:37])

• On Army's AI Focus:

  “The service expects those personnel to have completed their transition into the AI field by the following year. The effort comes as the Department of Defense continues to boost the use of large language model AI systems for military purposes.”
  — Billy Mitchell ([03:17])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:35] – Announcement of Marine Corps' plan to purchase 10,000 drones
• [01:11] – Launch of standardized training program and courses
• [01:45] – Industry request for low-cost, modifiable drones
• [02:06] – Plans to certify hundreds of Marines, aiming for full fleet integration by May
• [02:15] – Mention of Drone Training Symposium and recent certifications
• [02:37] – First deployed Marines certified on FPV drones
• [03:00] – Army announces new Artificial Intelligence career field
• [03:27] – Department of Defense AI initiatives and GenAI-Mil platform
• [03:39] – Transition to podcast credits and outro

Summary

This compact episode highlights the U.S. Marine Corps' aggressive push to equip and train the force with flexible, affordable drones, emphasizing standardized training and operational autonomy. Simultaneously, the U.S. Army is formalizing AI expertise within its officer ranks, acknowledging the growing strategic significance of artificial intelligence and machine learning across the Department of Defense. The episode provides listeners with a clear snapshot of accelerating military technology adoption and the institutional shifts shaping future warfighting capabilities.