It's the kind of tactical advantage the Marine Corps is betting on as 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, tested emerging technologies under combat conditions during a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation from October 23 to November 7, 2025.

“This MCCRE demonstrates that 2nd Marine Regiment is future-fight ready,” said U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Darren Tsang, a platoon commander with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, 2nd Marine Regiment. “It’s not just about common operations anymore. Integrating technology into how we fight using small Unmanned Aircraft Systems to screen routes and employing systems to shape the electromagnetic environment is where we’re headed.”

Tsang said his platoon regularly utilizes sUAS, such as portable Skydio quadcopters, to provide real-time overwatch and thermal imagery during infiltration exercises and patrols. The live video feed helps Marines identify likely enemy positions and provide strategic information before committing forces.

“Using sUAS to screen our routes and prove our infiltration lines has been a big part of our operations,” said Tsang. “We’re still the Marine Corps at heart, but integrating emerging tech shows what the fight may look like.”

For experienced enlisted leaders, new tools bring both advantages and challenges.

“The basics: shoot, move, communicate, are always going to be there regardless of tech,” said Jones, a platoon sergeant with 2nd Marine Regiment.

U.S. Naval Academy Midshipmen 2nd Class Daniel Reedy integrated with the Marines to see how small disruptive technology from sUAS to electronic warfare can be merged using infantry tactics.

Overall, Reedy observed that implementing newer technology with modern infantry tactics can provide for a wider scope of vision on the battlefield. “We’ve mostly done a lot of Skydio flights to help sweep routes to ensure spaces are clear for vehicles to drive through,” Reedy said.

Jones agreed with Reedy, recalling a movement through dense brush during the exercise in which Skydio operators scouted ahead, identified potential threats, and helped the company avoid contact.

The company sustained no simulated casualties during that movement, Jones stated, crediting both the technology and disciplined basic tactics. Despite these advances, leaders emphasized that modern equipment does not replace the fundamentals.

“Packs get heavier, Marines get tired,” said Tsang. “Modern tech makes it harder to remain undetected. We’ll need better camouflage, more signature management, and decentralized decision-making so small-unit leaders can act when comms fails.”

As 2nd Marine Regiment completed the evaluation, Jones reflected on how rapidly the Corps has transformed.

"Five years ago, compared to now, the Marine Corps looks completely different," he said. "We've divested tanks, restructured infantry battalions, and opened funds for loitering munitions and sUAS. We're moving in the right direction."