Modern Warfare 3 Operators are unlocked by completing challenges, finishing campiagn missions, or by purchasing Battle Passes and store bundles. At launch, there were 25 new Operators added as part of Modern Warfare 3's multiplayer release.

In order to unlock Operators in Modern Warfare, players have to complete a variety of tasks across campaign missions, multiplayer modes, and Spec Ops operations. Each Operator also has unlockable skins that players can get by completing various challenges while using them.