Marine Corps Substance Abuse Control Specialists hold a defined support role within the military structure.
This Military Occupational Specialty focuses on substance abuse education, prevention, and program coordination.
The position supports command efforts related to readiness, health, and accountability.
This article outlines MOS 0149 duties, qualifications, and training requirements.
Education, Qualifications, and Training
An Substance Abuse Control Specialist (MOS 0149) is trained by the U.S. Marines to provide substance abuse counseling and treatment.
The military will train you the skills you need to attain, however, a previous background in substance abuse or counseling is helpful.
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Education
All Marines are required to complete high school with a diploma or GED equivalent.
New Marines must also complete the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB).
In order to get considered for Marine Corps SACO (MOS 0149) you must score Clerical (CL): 100 or higher on the ASVAB.
Qualifications
Marines that are interested in MOS 0149 must complete the Unit Substance Abuse Program Management Course.
While not mandatory having taken higher learning courses in substance abuse and/or counseling is helpful.
Training
Marines are required to complete boot camp, regardless of Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).
Boot camp lasts 13 weeks for new Marines before you begin to receive training for your MOS.
Prospective Marine Corps Substance Abuse Control Specialists (MOS 0149) will need to complete the Unit Substance Abuse Program Management Course.
The remainder of MOS training will involve classroom learning and field work to prepare for 0149 MOS.
What does an Marines Substance Abuse Control Specialist (SACO) Do?
An Marine Corps Substance Abuse Control Specialist (MOS 0149) is trained to deal with substance abuse within the military.
Marine SACO Specialists provide counseling and other education to soldiers struggling with substance abuse.
There are also lessons and training SACO Specialists provide to Marines to teach about preventive measures to avoid substance abuse.
Substance Abuse Control Specialists (MOS 0149) will also perform urinalysis screenings.
The unit provides the Marines Corps with basic individual Manpower PME and briefings.
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What does an Marines Substance Abuse Control Specialist (SACO) make?
Marines are paid based on rank and years of service.
Therefore, your monthly salary as a Marine Corps Substance Abuse Control Specialist (MOS 0149) is dictated by the following chart for non-officer ranks:
| Insignia | Pay Grade | Rank | Abbreviation | 2026 Minimum Monthly Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-1 +4 months | Private | PVT | $2,226 | |
| E-1 (after 4 months) | Private | PVT | $2,407 | |
 | E-2 | Private First Class | PFC | $2,698 |
 | E-3 | Lance Corporal | LCpl | $2,837 |
 | E-4 | Corporal | Cpl | $3,142 |
 | E-5 | Sergeant | Sgt | $3,343 |
 | E-6 | Staff Sergeant | SSgt | $3,401 |
 | E-7 | Gunnery Sergeant | GySgt | $3,932 |
 | E-8 | Master Sergeant | MSgt | $5,657 |
 | E-8 | First Sergeant | 1stSgt | $5,657 |
 | E-9 | Master Gunnery Sergeant | MGySgt | $6,910 |
 | E-9 | Sergeant Major | SgtMaj | $6,910 |
 | E-9 | Sergeant Major Of The Marine Corps | SgtMaj | $6,910 |
Benefits
The benefits package of the U.S. Marines is outstanding, it includes:
- Medical Insurance
- Retirement
- Vacation Time
- Special Pay
- Affordable Life Insurance
- Education: Marines can earn full-tuition, merit-based scholarships, allowances for books and fees, plus annual stipend for living expenses.
- Housing: Allowances for living expenses, utilities, and maintenance.
- Food: Allowance for the on-base dining hall and access to tax-free department and grocery stores.
Job Reviews
It is hard to find job reviews specific to Marine Corps Substance Abuse Control Specialist (MOS 0149).
However, you can find general reviews about what it is like to serve the Marine Corps on job sites like Indeed.com.
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Civilian Job Opportunities
Marine Corps Substance Abuse Control Specialists have an opportunity to work in the private sector as a counselor or therapist.
After leaving the military there is plenty of social work needed to combat the massive problem of substance abuse in the United States.
What People Get Wrong About Substance Abuse Control Specialist (MOS 0149)
Many people assume that Substance Abuse Control Specialists function as licensed clinical counselors, which is not accurate.
The role is often misunderstood as being limited to treatment, even though education, prevention, and program administration are core responsibilities.
Some believe MOS 0149 is an entry-level position, despite the requirement for prior Marine Corps experience and additional qualification training.
There is also confusion that SACO duties replace medical or behavioral health services, when they operate as a command-level support function.
Another common misunderstanding is that all duties are performed independently, even though SACO responsibilities are coordinated through command channels.
Some assume the position involves no additional administrative workload, despite documentation, screenings, and program management being required tasks.
Summary
Serving the Marine Corps as an Substance Abuse Control Specialist (MOS 0149) is a fulfilling military career.
It allows you to help others in the military struggling with substance abuse.
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