WASHINGTON, DC —
MARADMIN 296/26 announced the creation of a new primary military occupational specialty (PMOS), 0315 Scout, to provide infantry battalions and light armored reconnaissance battalions with a dedicated, all-weather reconnaissance and surveillance capability. This change, effective 1 October 2026, is part of the Marine Corps’ broader Force Design modernization efforts to create a more agile and lethal force prepared for future operating environments.
U.S. Marines with 3d Littoral Combat Team Scout Platoon, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, add vegetation to their ghillie suits for company attacks during exercise Bougainville III at Pohakuloa Training Area, Feb. 10, 2024. Bougainville III is a 3d LCT live-fire exercise focused on decentralized operations to prepare the battalion to command and control forces from dispersed locations. Scout platoons provide precision marksmanship and increased reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities to infantry companies and battalions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Grace Gerlach)
The new 0315 Scouts will populate a 26-Marine Scout Platoon within each infantry battalion and the Scout Teams within the light armored reconnaissance battalion. This purpose-built force is optimized for ground-based reconnaissance, surveillance, and battlespace shaping, providing battalion commanders with a dedicated, multidomain sensing platoon. The creation of this specialized MOS was driven by extensive live-force experimentation, which highlighted the need for a dedicated formation at the battalion level to collect timely and accurate information on the enemy and the operating environment.
“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 are equipped with advanced optics, communications suites, sensors, and unmanned systems to extend their observation range and persist in the battlespace. Each team within the platoon includes a Joint Fires Observer (JFO) trained to coordinate and control surface-to-surface and air-delivered fires, enabling the platoon to shape the battlefield and enhance the battalion’s lethality and resilience.
The training for 0315 Scouts is rigorous, building upon foundational infantry skills with a specialized course in ground reconnaissance, surveillance, and communications. This dedicated career path ensures the Marine Corps can deliberately manage, develop, and retain talent, creating a community of experts with the advanced skills required for complex scouting missions.
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