Sunday, 7 December 2025

U.S. Marines Train with M1014 Shotgun as Counter-Drone Solution Against Small Aerial Threats

On December 2, 2025, during a training event at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Marines used the M1014 shotgun to engage small, low-flying drones as part of their regular Steel Knight 25 field regimen. Instructors described the work as hands-on, live-fire training that builds confidence and muscle memory for Marines who may face similar threats in dispersed or urban environments. The service is expanding these drills across multiple units as small drones become a routine presence in global conflicts. Read full Defense News at this link ...

U.S. Marine Sgt. Emerick Wurstner fires an M1014 shotgun during a counter-small drone training range at Camp Pendleton during Exercise Steel Knight 25, Dec. 2, 2025. (Picture source: U.S. Department of War)

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