The U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) will introduce a primary Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) designated 0315 “Scout” effective October 1, 2026. The Corps announced this on Tuesday of this week, June 30. This implements the corresponding considerations. Until now, this had been a secondary assignment for Marines who form Scout teams within infantry or light armored reconnaissance units. These 26-member teams have replaced since 2023 the Marines’ former Scout Sniper units with MOS 0317.
In contrast to the three division-level Reconnaissance Battalions, which conduct amphibious and long-range reconnaissance as well as, to a limited extent, kinetic special operations, they support their battalion directly on the battlefield. Each team also includes a Joint Fires Observer (JFO) to coordinate air and ground fire support. In any case, drones will play a larger role for the Marines’ reconnaissance assets in the future.
Marine Corps with Reformulated Reconnaissance Training
The Scout training will overlap at least partially with that for Recon Marines (MOS 0321). Recently the USMC announced a reorganization of its reconnaissance training. On April 27 the first Ground Reconnaissance Course began at the Reconnaissance Training Company at Camp Pendleton in California. Together with the Amphibious Reconnaissance Course, this replaces the previous Basic Reconnaissance Course for Marines assigned to Scout or Reconnaissance teams of the ground elements of Marine Air-Ground Task Forces (MAGTF).
At the same time, the prior Marine Combat Training for recruits with non-infantry backgrounds will be replaced by the general Infantry Rifleman Course to shorten wait times and better prepare non-infantry Marines for the demands of reconnaissance training. The new Ground Reconnaissance Course will then include both theoretical and practical components in land navigation, water survival, communications, surveillance, patrols, and fire support.
Future Recon Marines will then proceed in the Amphibious Reconnaissance Course with planning and execution of amphibious operations, including the use of specific communications and sensor equipment. Existing Scout Snipers with MOS 0317 can apply for a direct transfer to the new designation 0315 “Scout.”
