DoW Accelerates Drone Readiness with AMTrain Phase 2 Launch at Camp Lejeune

Key Takeaways

• The Department of War (DoW) is investing in drone development and advanced manufacturing training through the AMTrain platform.
• America Makes, the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute, is leading the AMTrain initiative to enhance military drone capabilities.
• AMTrain provides a centralized resource for state-of-the-art, vendor-agnostic training assets to promote best-practice sharing and improve overall force readiness.
• The platform has been deployed in Phase 2 development, with Camp Lejeune selected as one of the initial pilot sites.
• The potential impact of Additive Manufacturing (AM) on drone production includes creating unique geometries and integrating different materials.

Introduction to AMTrain

The Department of War (DoW) is prioritizing the development of advanced technologies, including drones, to equip the modern warfighter. To support this effort, America Makes has launched the AMTrain platform, a training-alignment system that connects best-practice Additive Manufacturing (AM) courses to defined job roles and competencies.

AMTrain Platform

The AMTrain platform is designed to strengthen U.S. drone dominance by providing a centralized resource for state-of-the-art, vendor-agnostic training assets. These resources promote best-practice sharing and improve overall force readiness, supporting applications such as:

Phase 2 Development

The Institute launched Phase 2 development of AMTrain in March 2025, with Camp Lejeune selected as one of the initial pilot sites. The EWD team engaged directly with Marines and active-duty service members to gather real-world feedback and refine training pathways.

Potential Impact of AM

The U.S. military's drive to rapidly advance and apply technology in pursuit of global drone dominance creates a natural gateway for adopting AM. According to Ed Herderick, EWD Director at America Makes, "AMTrain provides a robust platform to upskill active-duty service members in AM, boosting readiness and strengthening the defense industrial base." With AM, the military can produce drone bodies, chassis, and components with unique geometries and integrated materials, offering significant potential for advancing drone technology.

Bottom Line

The AMTrain platform is a critical component of the DoW's effort to enhance military drone capabilities through advanced manufacturing training. With its Phase 2 development and deployment at Camp Lejeune, AMTrain is poised to play a significant role in strengthening U.S. drone dominance and reducing reliance on non-domestic component sources. By providing a centralized resource for state-of-the-art, vendor-agnostic training assets, AMTrain is helping to equip the modern warfighter with the latest skills and technologies to stay ahead of emerging threats.