Starting in October, Marine Corps machinists and welders will be combined into a new designation: fabrication specialists. The role will include 390 active Marines, Stars and Stripes reported. 

The new designation places a focus on utilizing additive manufacturing technologies, adapting the training pipeline to focus on new technologies, such as 3D printing. Trainees will be asked to manufacture in remote locations without access to traditional resources. 

The new designation also streamlines promotions for officers, who will no longer have to compete with other engineering specialties to advance past staff sergeant. 

Marine Corps photo by Apollo Wilson