Combat Arms
When the Corps goes into battle, Marines in a combat arms Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) are at the front of the attack. Combat Arms Marines come from infantry, armor, artillery and aviation fields, and are highly trained in the art of war.
The Marine Corps built its warrior reputation by being better at close combat than anyone else on Earth and beyond. The superior nature of Marine Combat Arms training is a primary reason. Combat Arms spans a broad area of MOS designations that includes infantry, armor and artillery specialties. Marines in these fields are experts in battlefield tactics, weapons use, martial arts, and survival techniques. You will be counted among the most capable of warriors and will become a key component of our battlefield mission.
Combat Arms encompasses a broad list of military occupational specialties (MOS), including:
- Infantry: Rifleman, light armored vehicle crewman, mortarman, flame operator, machine gunner, anti-tank missile operator
- Armor: Tank crewman, armored assault vehicle crewman (AAV)
- Artillery: Field artillery radar operator, field artillery cannoneer, field artillery fire control man
- Aviation: Pilots, gunners and crew for Marine Close Air Support and Battlefield Transport craft.
Reconnaissance
U.S. Space Marine Reconnaissance units are tasked with providing their commanders with information about their operational area. Their missions usually focus on specific information requirements that, due to their changing or unique nature, cannot be obtained by means other than putting a man planet-side to observe and report. Recon Marines are, by nature, capable of independent action in support of the larger unit's mission.
Recon Marines complement, rather than replace the other services "special" operational forces. In cooperation with these special operations forces, the deployed Marine units (including Recon support) provide a commander with a range of options. Marine Recon retains the basic focus as a supporting component of the combined arms Marine Space/Air/Ground Task Force, constantly forward-deployed in the security interests of the United States.
Sniper
Silent and unseen, they use sharp eyes and steady hands to practice a craft as precise as surgery. Marine snipers are especially skilled, patiently waiting for the right moment to practice their craft, effectively engaging targets from more than 1500 meters. The Sniper has special abilities, training, and equipment. His job is to deliver highly accurate rifle fire against enemy targets that cannot be engaged successfully by the rifleman because of range, size, location, or visibility. Sniping requires the development of basic infantry skills to a high degree of perfection. A Sniper must be highly trained in long-range rifle marksmanship and field craft skills to ensure maximum effective engagements with minimum risk. Snipers receive training at the Scout Sniper Basic Course at Camp Puller, New Quantico, Virginia; or at its counterpart school at Camp Daly, Regina. Marine Aviation
The Marine Corps maintains a complete fleet of orbital and atmospheric craft, including F/A-37 Stinger fighters, F/A-42 Mosquito fighters, AV-13D Lancer fighter/bombers, and KC-27 Guadalcanal drop-ships — launched from military installations as well as space carriers. In order to keep this fleet in a constant state of readiness the Marine Corps relies upon Aviation Support Marines.
In Aviation Support, men, women and synthetic persons receive professional training in jobs integral to the success of Marine Corps flight and combat missions. These jobs range from:
- Aviation operations
- Aviation electronics
- Aircraft maintenance and repair
- Weather service
- Weapon-system support
Battles cannot be won with firepower alone. Without the proper support, whether it be logistics, equipment repair, or administration, the success of the mission would be jeopardized. Combat Service Support (CSS) Marines are essential to mission success. Combat Service Support includes a broad range of military occupational specialties (MOS):
- Engineer and Construction: Metal worker, combat engineer, bulk fuel specialist
- Transportation: Motor vehicle operator, orbital shuttle operator
- Public affairs: Combat correspondent
- Personnel and Administration: Administrative clerk, postal clerk, personnel clerk
- Logistics: Maintenance management specialists, logistics specialists, air and orbital delivery specialists
- Supply: Supply administration and operations specialists
- Equipment and Vehicle Repair: Equipment mechanics, vehicle mechanics
- Ammunition and Ordinance Disposal: Small arms technician, machinist, ammunition technician
- Military Police and Corrections: Military Police, correctional specialist
On today's battlefield, technology plays a critical role. The difference between success and failure often comes in the form of sophisticated communication networks and battlefield intelligence that enhances our capability to make crucial decisions. If you specialize in one of these areas, you might find yourself at the control of advance electronic firing systems or responsible for establishing satellite field communications and sub-space relays.
Some of the military occupational specialties (MOS) available in computers, communications, intelligence, and electronics are:
- Media Ops: Graphics specialist, combat photographer , reporter and combat motion media photographer
- Intelligence: Intelligence analyst, topography intelligence specialist, psi-division specialist
- Cryptography: Electronics intelligence interceptors and special intelligence communicators
- Communications: Field radio operator and communications center operator
- Data Systems: Programmer and computer systems specialist
Special Duty assignments are a point of distinction within the Marine Corps because they involve activity that is particularly important to the Marine Corps mission. Assignments include Marine Security Guard / Embassy duty, Recruiting duty and Drill Instructor duty. Special Duty assignments are filled on a volunteer basis, and because of their importance, are awarded to Marines who have proven themselves exemplary, or extremely "squared away." By Marine standards, that's saying a lot.