Marine Corps announces new Scout career field for battlefield reconnaissance
by Mike Glenn · The Washington TimesThe Marine Corps is creating a career field focusing on battlefield reconnaissance intended to give commanders accurate information about the enemy.
The 0315 Scout military occupational speciality will provide troops for a 26-member Marine Scout Platoon assigned to infantry battalions and the Scout Teams for light armored reconnaissance battalions, the Marine Corps said Tuesday.
The change, effective Oct. 1, is part of the Marine Corps’ broader force design modernization to create “a more agile and lethal force prepared for future operating environments,” the Corps said in a statement announcing the new career field.
Lt. Gen. Jay M. Bargeron, deputy commandant for plans, policies and operations, called the creation of Marine Corps Scouts a “critical step in the modernization of our infantry battalions.”
“This professional, purpose-built force will provide commanders with the organic reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities essential for success on the future battlefield,” Gen. Bargeron said. “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.”
The Scout Platoons will be equipped with advanced optics, sensors and drones to extend their observation range on the battlefield. The teams will include a Joint Fires Observer who requests and adjusts surface-to-surface attacks such as artillery, mortars and naval gunfire.
The training for Marine Corps Scouts will build 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,” Marine Corps officials said.
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