The MEU(SOC) Special Skills Certification Program was established to address the individual performance requirements for special billets not necessarily associated with an established MOS. Many ground combat special skills have become increasingly technical with additional safety requirements. It is necessary to formalize a standard means to ensure that Marines performing special skills or serving in supervisory billets are properly trained, technically competent, and authorized to perform or conduct those skills. This Order identifies organizations authorized to conduct designated special skills training, to certify requirements, and to establish frequency of sustainment training.

Reference (a) provides training policy and guidance concerning the MEU(SOC) Predeployment Training Program. References (b) through (e) establish the Individual Training Standards (ITS) System for the Marine Corps Special Skills Program, Volumes through 4. ITSs provide a common base of training for all Marines who perform the same special skill and provide the basis for the Systems Approach to Training of all individual training. ITSs are to be used by institutional and unit commanders to determine the proficiency of individual Marines and to maintain a progressive and systematic method to design, develop, conduct, and evaluate the individual training of Marines.

Reference (f) establishes policy and assigns responsibility for the conduct of the Marine Corps parachuting and diving programs to include operations, training, supply, maintenance, safety, and administration. It provides the amplified guidance necessary to implement the certification program described herein for jumpmasters and diving supervisors.