The Marine Corps Might Be Creating a New Infantry MOS
Why It Matters
A dedicated Infantry Scout MOS would professionalize Marine reconnaissance, strengthening expeditionary capabilities and offering Marines a defined career path.
Key Takeaways
- •Marines consider creating primary MOS called Infantry Scout.
- •Currently Infantry Scout is secondary MOS 0315 attached to other roles.
- •New MOS would establish dedicated training pipeline via ground recon.
- •Would require revising battalion tables of organization and equipment.
- •Primary MOS could open career paths and retain specialized reconnaissance skills.
Summary
The Marine Corps is weighing the creation of a new primary infantry occupational specialty, dubbed “Infantry Scout.” The proposal was confirmed by Major General Michael Brooks, the two‑star commander of Marine Corps Training Command, indicating it is more than a rumor.
Today’s infantry scouts hold the secondary MOS 0315, earned after completing scout training while serving in another primary MOS such as 0311. A dedicated primary MOS would establish a stand‑alone training pipeline—potentially using the existing Ground Reconnaissance course—so Marines would enter service as 03XX, complete ground‑recon training, and emerge as 0315 Infantry Scouts.
The shift would also require revising battalion tables of organization and equipment (TOE), a non‑trivial bureaucratic step. The Marine Corps recently formed scout platoons in 2023 after eliminating scout‑sniper units, underscoring a broader move to restructure reconnaissance assets.
If approved, the new MOS would create clear career tracks, improve retention of reconnaissance talent, and enhance the Corps’ ability to conduct small‑unit, dismounted intelligence gathering, impacting force readiness and future expeditionary operations.
Comments
Want to join the conversation?
Loading comments...