Marine Corps unveils new 0315 scout MOS

The Marine Corps is creating a new primary military occupational specialty, 0315 Scout, to give infantry battalions and light armored reconnaissance (LAR) battalions a dedicated, all-weather reconnaissance and surveillance capability beginning Oct. 1, 2026, according to MARADMIN 296/26. The move is part of the service’s broader Force Design modernization effort to build a more agile, lethal force for future operating environments.

Under the plan, each infantry battalion will field a 26‑Marine Scout Platoon, while LAR battalions will gain Scout Teams. The purpose-built formation is optimized for ground-based reconnaissance, surveillance, and battlespace shaping and was informed by live-force experimentation that highlighted the need for a standing, battalion-level unit to collect timely, accurate information on adversaries and terrain.

“The establishment of the 0315 Scout MOS is a critical step in the modernization of our infantry battalions,” said Lt. Gen. Jay M. Bargeron, Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policies, and Operations. “This professional, purpose-built force will provide commanders with the organic reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities essential for success on the future battlefield. These Scouts will be our eyes and ears, extending our sensing capabilities and enabling commanders to make faster, more effective decisions to win our nation’s battles.”

Scout Platoons will field advanced optics, communications suites, sensors, and unmanned systems to extend observation range and persistence. Each team will include a Joint Fires Observer, trained to coordinate and control surface-to-surface and air-delivered fires, enabling the platoon to shape the battlefield and bolster a battalion’s lethality and resilience.

The new MOS comes with a dedicated training pipeline that builds on core infantry skills through a specialized course in ground reconnaissance, surveillance, and communications. By establishing a discrete career path, the Marine Corps aims to deliberately manage, develop, and retain talent, cultivating a community of experts for complex scouting missions.

The 0315 designation formalizes the Scout Platoon construct the service began standing up after it phased out Scout Sniper platoons in infantry battalions in 2023, shifting focus from sniper employment to broader sensing, reporting, and fires integration at the battalion level.

Implementation details and additional guidance are expected as the effective date approaches. The Marine Corps directed questions about the 0315 Scout MOS to [email protected].