Brendan McAllister
Yuma
Summary
MQ-9A Sensor Operator with 550+ operational flight hours supporting ISR, Satellite Launch and Recovery (SLR) operations, Close Air Support, and airborne networking extension missions. Weapons Training Officer (WTO) certified with 300+ instructor hours training MQ-9A advanced tactics. Experienced in sensor employment, Tactical ISR operations and aircrew training development in operational environment. Dedicated to maintaining operational excellence and safety in high pressure environments.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Operator
United States Marine Corps
08.2021 - Current
- Accumulated 550+ operational flight hours supporting ISR and Joint fires coordination missions.
- Operate and manage, flight operations, sensor management, and mission execution during Operational flights throughout CENTCOM and INDOPACOM AORs, to include CONUS training events.
- Served as squadron subject matter expert for MQ-9A sensor employment in operations and mission-related tasks, including Satellite Launch and Recovery, airborne network extension, electronic support, Close Air Support, Indirect Fires, and Unmanned Escort.
- Develop mission plans, conduct risk assessments, and employ ORM/CRM principles to enhance mission safety and effectiveness.
- Provide technical support for sensor payloads and ISR data, contributing to real-time operational decision-making and situational awareness.
- Flight Hours: Total: 1001.7 Aircraft: 515.2 Hrs. Simulator: 486.5 Hrs. Instruction (Aircraft & Sim): 280.3 Hrs.
Training Flight Sensor Operator Lead Instructor
VMU-1
07.2025 - 03.2026
- Oversee flight training operations, mentor instructors, and ensure the highest standards of safety and instructional quality within the squadron.
- Manage training progression for junior aircrew by coordinating flight schedules and ensuring timely completion of required events.
- Monitor individual performance trends, identify areas for remediation, and adjust training plans to support steady and efficient advancement.
- Mentoring and developing junior instructors by conducting instructor evaluations, providing constructive feedback, and modeling effective teaching techniques. Promote professional growth and instructional excellence to strengthen overall squadron capability.
- Standardizing training procedures and lesson plans to maintain consistency across instructors and training events.
Education
Crew Resource Management Facilitator (CRMF) Training -
Yuma, AZ09-2025
Weapons Training Officer (WTO) Certification - undefined
Yuma, AZ02-2025
Satellite Launch and Recovery (SLR) Qualification - undefined
Yuma, AZ09-2024
Basic Sensor Operator Instructor (BSOI) Designation - undefined
Yuma, AZ03-2024
MQ-9A Basic and Requalification Course - undefined
Holloman AFB, NM03-2023
Basic Sensor Operators Course - undefined
Randolph AFB, TX09-2022
RQ-21A Ariel Vehicle Operator Training - undefined
MCAS Cherry point, NC07-2022
Skills
- UAS & Aircraft Systems Operations (MQ-9A)
- Military Flight Experience
- Mission planning
- Crew Resource Management (CRM)
- Personnel Training and Mentoring
- Satellite Launch and Recovery
- Cross-functional Team Collaboration
- Technical Instruction
- Quick Decision Making in High-Pressure Environments
Security Clearance
Active TS/SCI Clearance
Achievements
Academic Excellence Awards (2): Distinguished as Top Enlisted Graduate of the MQ-9A Basic and Requalification Course and Top Graduate at the Basic Sensor Operator Course—recognizing exceptional performance, mastery of advanced UAS systems, and leadership among peers. Awards (2): Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal
Timeline
Training Flight Sensor Operator Lead Instructor
VMU-1
07.2025 - 03.2026
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Operator
United States Marine Corps
08.2021 - Current