Critical Skills Operator

A Critical Skills Operator (CSO) with a MARSOC Marine Special Operations Team (MSOT) moves down a hallway during a special operations exercise, 2012.

Critical Skills Operators hold the USMC Military (MOS) of MOS 0372.

They are the Special Operations Infantry Marines assigned to MARSOC's Marine Special Operations Battalions.

To become qualified as a Critical Skills Operator, a candidate Marine must undergo a number of selection and training steps at the Marine Special Operations School (MSOS):

1. Screening.

   
   Common to all MARSOC recruits, not just CSO hopefuls, screening consists of 3 elements: record screening, physical screening and a psychological and medical evaluation.

2. Assessment and Selection
   A 3 week Assessment and Selection Preparatory and Orientation Course proceeds the main selection phase.

3. Individual Training Course (ITC)
   This 7-month, 4-phase course teaches and evaluates students in all required special operations skills from basic patrol and combat skills up to leading guerilla forces in full scale irregular warfare operations.

Marines who graduate from the ITC are assigned to a Marine Special Operations Battalion.

Critical Skills Operators undergo further training including Language Training and an 18-month continuation training program.

The Marine Special Operations School also offers advanced courses that include Close Quarters Battle and Special Reconnaissance.