Description
The Scout is a new primary MOS established by MARADMIN 296/26 and effective 1 October 2026, giving infantry and light armored reconnaissance battalions a dedicated all-weather reconnaissance and surveillance capability. Scouts populate a 26-Marine Scout Platoon in each infantry battalion and the Scout Teams within LAR battalions, conducting ground-based reconnaissance, surveillance, and battlespace shaping as the battalion commander's organic multidomain sensing force. They employ advanced optics, communications suites, sensors, and unmanned systems to extend observation range and persist in the battlespace, and each Scout Team includes a Joint Fires Observer trained to coordinate and control surface-to-surface and air-delivered fires.
Core Skills
- Ground reconnaissance and surveillance operations
- Small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) operation
- Sensor and advanced optics employment
- Joint fires observation and coordination
- Tactical communications suites operation
- Intelligence collection and structured reporting
- Land navigation and fieldcraft in austere environments
- Camouflage, concealment, and stalking techniques
- Small unit leadership and team coordination
Common Certifications
- FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
- Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC) or EMT
- State POST Certification
- FEMA Emergency Management Institute Certifications (ICS 100/200/700/800)
- Private Investigator License (state)
- CompTIA Security+ (for sensor and ISR systems roles)
Civilian Career Paths
- LAW ENFORCEMENT
- PRIVATE SECURITY
- PHYSICAL SECURITY
Equivalent Roles in Other Branches
Data sourced from official Marine Corps publications and public military occupational references. Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.