MOS Description and Mission

The 0313 Light Armored Reconnaissance (LAR) Marine MOS is a primary MOS for infantry Marines who operate the Light Armored Vehicles in support of the Marine Corps' reconnaissance mission.

The Light Armored Reconnaissance (LAR) Marine is an infantry Marine skilled in Armored Reconnaissance. In addition to basic infantry skills, they are knowledgeable in armored reconnaissance and surveillance, and armored security missions in support of the MAGTF to gain information on the enemy and terrain.

LAR Marines provide gunnery and weapons skills for the employment of the 25mm Bushmaster Chain Gun, the Coaxial and Pintle-Mounted 7.62mm Machineguns and thermal optics on the LAV-25 variant.

LAR Marines receive advanced training as vehicle operators, LAV-25 Gunners, LAR Vehicle Commanders and LAR Master Gunners. Non-Commissioned Officers are assigned as LAV-25 Gunners and Vehicle Commanders.

LAR differs from regular infantry, as their is an emphasis on reconnaissance. The LAR [Light Armored Reconnaissance] battalion performs combined arms reconnaissance and security missions in support of the Ground Combat Element. Its mission is to conduct reconnaissance, security and economy of force operations, and, within its capabilities, limited offensive or defensive operations that exploit the unit's mobility and firepower. LAR is not mechanized infantry and LAR scouts are not employed the same way as infantry or mechanized infantry. Operations requiring large numbers of infantry favor employing mechanized infantry units due to their higher troop density. LAR units are not equipped with either an armored personnel carrier or an infantry fighting vehicle, which a designation as either armored or mechanized infantry would require, and the LAV should not be viewed as an infantry fighting vehicle or as an armored personnel carrier. This vehicle is an armored reconnaissance vehicle that lacks sufficient armor protection and troop density to perform missions normally assigned to a mechanized infantry unit.