OSCAR Helps Keep Marines Ready for the Fight
Marines are built to fight. Operational Stress Control and Readiness (OSCAR) teams help keep them ready for the fight.
Every Marine knows the demands of the job—long days, high pressure, constant uncertainty, and the unwavering expectation to perform at their best when it matters most. Yet, it’s this very challenge that forges their strength and unity.
That shared experience gives Marines an important advantage: the ability to recognize changes in the people beside them.
You know your Marines. You know how they normally operate, communicate, and contribute to the team. When something changes, you may notice it before anyone else does.
Maybe a Marine becomes withdrawn or irritable, struggles with sleep, loses focus, or performs differently than usual.
These changes can be early signs of operational stress. Recognizing them early creates an opportunity to offer support before stress affects individual well-being or unit readiness.
OSCAR uses an embedded, peer-driven approach to identifying stress early, strengthening resilience, and preserving combat readiness.
This isn't about lowering standards or taking Marines out of the fight. It's about
keeping the force ready to fight.
The Marine Corps Total Fitness framework recognizes that readiness extends across the mental, social, physical, and spiritual domains.
When stress affects one area, it can influence other areas of well-being, relationships, and mission performance. When stress affects one of those areas, it can affect the individual Marine, the team, and ultimately the mission.
Looking out for your Marines is part of readiness—and part of leadership.
You don't have to diagnose a problem or have all the answers. Recognize changes, engage your Marines, and help connect them with appropriate support.
Your Marines are your teammates, your formation, and your warfighting capability.
Recognize stress early. Protect the force. Preserve readiness. Stay ready to fight.
Connect With OSCAR
Talk with your unit's OSCAR team to learn more about recognizing and managing operational stress. For additional information about the program, contact Headquarters Marine Corps OSCAR at smb_hqmc_coscc@usmc.mil.