The Marine Corps has uncovered an unexpected trend in drone pilot training: Marines with backgrounds in dirt biking and other outdoor activities outperform their gamer counterparts. This discovery challenges initial assumptions that tech-savvy Gen Z recruits, raised on video games, would excel in operating drones.
Fine Motor Skills Take Center Stage
Maj. Mike Olivarez, overseeing the 1st Marine Division's drone pilot course at Camp Pendleton, California, noted that handling drones equipped with explosive payloads requires a delicate touch. 'It feels heavier as you're trying to apply that torque,' Olivarez explained, likening the skill to controlling a motorcycle throttle. This nuanced dexterity, honed through activities like dirt biking, jet skiing, or boating, appears to give outdoor enthusiasts an edge.
'If it has anything to do with mechanics and operating outdoors, I would say that sets you up for more success than gaming,' Olivarez said.
Training Adjustments to Reduce Attrition
Early iterations of the drone course saw a failure rate exceeding 20%, primarily due to difficulties in mastering toggle sensitivity when transitioning from simulators to real-world systems. To address this, instructors introduced smaller drones with toggle resistance to ease the learning curve. They also requested simulator manufacturers to better replicate the weight of armed drones.
The Marine Corps aims to train 500 troops annually through this program, emphasizing drones' growing role in modern warfare. Lessons from conflicts like Ukraine, where drones are used for surveillance, strikes, and interception, underscore the urgency of this training initiative.