The carbine length counterpart to the DC-15A rifle, the DC-15S was issued as an alternative to the longer weapon to clones who might serve as vehicle crew, artillerymen or special purpose troops, as well as to officers and non-commissioned officers in the Grand Army of the Republic. While not possessing the range and power of its longer brother, the DC-15S was capable of more accurate rapid fire at shorter ranger, a feature which the frequently outnumbered clones came to appreciate wholeheartedly. One feature that the carbine shared with the DC-15A was the hyperionisation of its bolts, which allowed the weapon to be equally effective against organic and droid targets.

The DC-15S is compact enough to be fired in one hand, but can be stabilised by unfolding the stock and firing the weapon from the shoulder. While the carbine version lacks the built in telescopic sight of the DC-15A, it can still be accurately fired at all practical combat ranges, at least in single shot mode. Adding to the weapon’s utility, the carbine is provided with a stun setting, allowing it to be used to subdue rioters or criminals with minimal danger. Another useful feature is the ability to equip a grappling cable launcher, which attaches to the butt of the folding stock, but only when it is in its folded configuration. This feature was used by clone commandos during the Battle of Teth during the Clone Wars.

Like its big brother, the DC-15S was withdrawn from service at the end of the Clone Wars and replaced by the E-11 blaster carbine, despite being a more adaptable weapon, most likely due to logistical considerations.