Quick Summary
• New Marine Occupational Specialty Combines Welding, Machining and 3D printing June 15
Additional Context
The Marine Corps is consolidating its metal worker and machinist specialties into a single new military occupational specialty, effective Oct. 1, 2026, with 3D printing added to the training pipeline alongside traditional welding and machining skills.
Marines currently holding MOS 1316 (Metal Worker) and MOS 2161 (Machinist) will be recategorized as Fabrication Specialists under MOS 1321, according to a message to the force published in late May. The active-duty field will total roughly 390 Marines, combining the Corps’ current 236 metal workers and 157 machinists.
The new specialty is designed to let Marines manufacture parts in remote environments, reducing reliance on traditional supply chains, Marine Corps spokesperson Lt. Col. Melanie Salinas said Friday. Future training will includ