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Several Marines in combat military gear sit inside a dark transport helicopter, illuminated by red and green lights.
Several Marines in combat military gear sit inside a dark transport helicopter, illuminated by red and green lights.

Many Roles, One Fight

Roles in the Marine Corps

In the Marines there are many specialized roles. Start exploring your future now.

You can indicate your preferred job category when you enlist. It determines the area of work you’ll be trained in. Each category has numerous specialties, assigned after you become a Marine. Find which role fits you.

Enlisted Opportunities

  

Marines in silver firefighting suits and oxygen tanks put of a training fire with large houses on the tarmac of an airfield.

First responders on the flight line

Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Marines are first responders on the flight line. Trained to handle aircraft emergencies, fires, and hazardous situations, they protect pilots, crews, and equipment during both combat and peacetime operations. Their quick action can mean the difference between life and death when seconds count.

 

OCCFLD

Description

7000

Airfield Services

 

Marines in silver firefighting suits and oxygen tanks put of a training fire with large houses on the tarmac of an airfield.

Marines in camo and flight suits load a missile onto the wing of a F-35B on an airfield tarmac.

Keeping the Corps' aircraft mission-ready

Aircrew Marines keep the Corps' aircraft mission-ready. From inspecting engines to repairing advanced avionics, they ensure every jet, helicopter, and tiltrotor is ready to fly—anywhere, anytime.

OCCFLD

Description

6100

Aircraft Maintenance (Rotary Wing)

6200

Aircraft Maintenance (Fixed Wing) 
Learn More
Marines in camo and flight suits load a missile onto the wing of a F-35B on an airfield tarmac.

Managing the skies




These Marines manage the skies. They coordinate aircraft movement, operate radar and navigation systems, and control unmanned aircraft. Their precision ensures mission success and airspace safety in any environment.

OCCFLD

Description

7200

Air Control/Air Support/Antiair Warfare/Air Traffic Control

7300

Navigation Officer/Enlisted Flight Crew

Officer Opportunities

  

Marine aviator in flight helmet and gear piloting aircraft during mission operations.
Marine aviator in flight helmet and gear piloting aircraft during mission operations.

Air Officer

Future officers don't indicate their preferences the same way enlisted Marines do. Instead, they choose between broad Air, Ground, or Law paths.

Air Officer roles include piloting fighter jets, helicopters, or transport planes; planning and directing air missions; managing aviation logistics; or leading aviation units.

Become an Officer

Keeping the mission moving

The Combat Support Marine keep operations moving on the battlefield. From firing artillery shells to engineering to communications, this role provides the support that helps win the fight.

OCCFLD

Description

0800

Field Artillery

1300

Engineer, Construction, Facilities and Equipment

1800

Tank and Assault Amphibious Vehicle

7200

Air Control/Air Support/Antiair Warfare/Air Traffic Control

Ensuring the mission stays on target

Fire Direction/Control Marines coordinate and calculate precise artillery and rocket fire. Using advanced targeting systems, they ensure firepower hits the right target at the right time—supporting Marines on the ground with deadly accuracy.

OCCFLD

Description

0800

Field Artillery

5 reconnaissance Marines ride aboard a small boat. Surf splashes up around them as the boat moves through the water.

See what others can't

Recon Marines are the eyes and ears of the battlefield. Trained in stealth, surveillance, and deep infiltration, they gather critical intel behind enemy lines to shape missions and save lives.

OCCFLD

Description

0300

RECONNAISSANCE
5 reconnaissance Marines ride aboard a small boat. Surf splashes up around them as the boat moves through the water.

Marines in camo and with rifles drawn walk through the lobby of a government building.

Provide protection wherever it's needed

Marine Guards protect vital assets at home and abroad. Specially trained in close-quarters combat and anti-terrorism, they defend naval bases, nuclear weapons, and high-value installations around the world.

OCCFLD

Description

0300

Infantry
Marines in camo and with rifles drawn walk through the lobby of a government building.

Be at the heart of the fight



Trained for ground combat in any environment, Infantry Marines close with and destroy the enemy through fire and maneuver—leading the charge wherever the mission demands.

OCCFLD

Description

0300

Infantry
Learn More

Officer Opportunities

  

Marine in camouflage uniform and tactical gear standing with rifle during field training exercise.
Marine in camouflage uniform and tactical gear standing with rifle during field training exercise.

Ground Officer

Future officers don't indicate their preferences the same way enlisted Marines do. Instead, they choose between broad Air, Ground, or Law paths.

As a Marine Ground Officer, you will lead infantry, artillery, armor, or engineer units on the front lines of combat operations.

Become an Officer

Keeping Marine aircraft in top fighting condition.

Aviation Mechanic Marines inspect, repair, and maintain engines, airframes, and flight systems—ensuring every mission gets off the ground and returns safely.

OCCFLD

Description

6000

Aircraft Maintenance

6100

Aircraft Maintenance (Rotary Wing)

6200

Aircraft Maintenance (Fixed Wing)

 

Learn More

Ensuring Marines are always ready to fight from the air

Marines in Aviation Support Systems and Ordnance handle the maintenance, loading, and safety of aircraft weapons and support equipment—ensuring every flight is armed, ready, and mission-capable.

OCCFLD

Description

6000

Aircraft Maintenance

6200

Aircraft Maintenance (Fixed Wing)

6500

Aviation Ordinance

7200

Air Control/Air Support/Antiair Warfare/Air Traffic Control

 

Maintaining the most advanced air systems

Aviation Electronics Technicians maintain and repair the advanced electronic systems that keep Marine aircraft flying—radar, navigation, communication, and weapons systems—to ensure mission success in the skies.

 

OCCFLD

Description

5900

Electronics Maintenance

6300

Avionics

6400

Avionics

6600

Aviation Logistics

 

A electronics maintenance Marine works on a piece of communications equipment in a workshop.

Keeping vital equipment at the ready

Marines in Electronics Maintenance troubleshoot, repair, and maintain vital electronic equipment—from communication gear to weapons systems—keeping Marines connected and combat-ready at all times.

OCCFLD

Description

2100

Ground Ordnance Maintenance

2800

Ground Electronics Maintenance

5900

Electronics Maintenance

 

A electronics maintenance Marine works on a piece of communications equipment in a workshop.

Be the backbone of the mission

Logistics Marines manage supply chains, transport gear, and ensure troops have the equipment, fuel, and resources needed to move fast and strike hard.

OCCFLD

Description

0400

Logistics

2300

Ammunition and Explosive Ordnance Disposal

3000

Supply Administration and Operations

3100

Traffic Management

6000

Aircraft Maintenance

6600

Aviation Logistics

 

A utilities technician Marine opens up and inspects the control panel of a generator.

Keeping systems running wherever Marines operate

Utilities Technicians install, maintain, and repair power, water, heating, and air systems—ensuring mission readiness in any environment.

OCCFLD

Description

1100

Refrigeration and AC Repair

 

A utilities technician Marine opens up and inspects the control panel of a generator.

Giving Marines the ability to fight anywhere

Marines in General Engineering build and maintain the infrastructure that keeps operations moving. From constructing fortifications to repairing runways and roads, they ensure Marines can fight and maneuver anywhere.

OCCFLD

Description

1100

Utilities

1300

Engineer, Construction, Facilities and Equipment

7000

Airfield Services

 

Three vehicle mechanic marines work on a large USMC vehicle in a garage.

Keeping the Corps moving

Vehicle Mechanics inspect, repair, and maintain vehicles—from infantry fighting vehicles to light tactical vehicles, ensuring Marines can operate anywhere, anytime.

OCCFLD

Description

1300

Engineer, Construction, Facilities and Equipment

2100

Ground Ordnance Maintenance

3500

Automotive Maintenance

 

Three vehicle mechanic marines work on a large USMC vehicle in a garage.

A machinist Marine works on metal pipe with an orbital sander. Sparks fly away from the work piece.

Keeping gear mission-ready

Marine Machinists create and repair precision metal parts for weapons, vehicles, and equipment. Using lathes, mills, and advanced tools, they keep the Corps’ gear running strong.

OCCFLD

Description

1300

Engineer, Construction, Facilities and Equipment

2100

Ground Ordnance Maintenance

 

A machinist Marine works on metal pipe with an orbital sander. Sparks fly away from the work piece.

Making the mission move

Motor Transport Operators drive and manage the vehicles that move Marines, equipment, and supplies. From combat convoys to logistical support, they keep the mission on the move—any terrain, any time.

OCCFLD

Description

3500

Motor Transport

 

A parachute rigger Marine with a parachutist badge inspects the parachute on the back of another Marine.

Ensuring everything lands on target

Parachute Riggers pack, maintain, and inspect parachutes and aerial delivery systems with absolute precision. Marines count on them to ensure every drop—whether gear or personnel—lands safely.

OCCFLD Description
0400 Logistics
A parachute rigger Marine with a parachutist badge inspects the parachute on the back of another Marine.

Two chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear Marines walk among vehicles with full protective suits and detection equipment.

Confronting hidden threats

CBRN Marines are trained to detect, identify, and respond to hazardous threats. They protect forces from chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear dangers—ensuring mission success in the most extreme conditions.

OCCFLD

Description

5700

Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical

 

Two chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear Marines walk among vehicles with full protective suits and detection equipment.

Upholding Marine justice

Military Police and Corrections Marines enforce the law, maintain order, and safeguard installations. Whether on patrol, managing detainees, or providing security, they play a key role in maintaining justice in the Corps.

OCCFLD

Description

5800

Military Police & Corrections

 

Learn More

An Administrative and Data Specialist Marine works at a computer in a command center alongside other Marines.

Using data to support command decisions

Administrative and Data Specialists keep Marine Corps operations running smoothly. They manage personnel records, handle critical data, and support command decisions with accuracy and efficiency.

OCCFLD

Description

0100

Personnel Administration and Retention

6000

Aircraft Maintenance

7000

Airfield Services

 

An Administrative and Data Specialist Marine works at a computer in a command center alongside other Marines.

Supporting the mission with precision

Marines in Accounting and Legal provide vital financial and legal support. They manage budgets, handle contracts, and ensure legal compliance—helping keep the Corps mission-ready and mission-clear.

OCCFLD

Description

3400

Financial Management

4400

Legal Services

 

Telling the story on and off the battlefield

Marines in Combat Imagery & Multimedia capture and share critical mission visuals. From combat footage to official media, they document and communicate the Marine Corps story—preserving history and supporting operations.

OCCFLD

Description

4500

Communication Strategies, Combat Imagery

 

Keeping Marines connected

Marines in Information & Communications Technology build, secure, and maintain the networks that connect forces worldwide—ensuring seamless communication and data flow in every mission.

OCCFLD

Description

0600

Communications

 

Three intel and planning Marines set up equipment in a grassy field.

Staying one step ahead

Marines in Intel and Planning gather and analyze critical information to guide mission decisions. They provide the insights that keep Marines a step ahead of the enemy and ready for any challenge.

OCCFLD

Description

0200

Intelligence

0500

MAGTF Plans

6800

Meteorology and Oceanography

7300

Navigators and Unmanned Aircraft Systems

 

Three intel and planning Marines set up equipment in a grassy field.

Taking the battle to cyberspace

Marines in Cyber and Crypto protect vital networks and secure communications. They defend against digital threats and ensure encrypted information stays safe—keeping the Corps connected and secure in the modern battlefield.

OCCFLD

Description

1700

CYBER Operations

2600

Signals Intelligence/Ground Electronic Warfare/Linguist

 

Officer Opportunities

  

Marine judge advocates in dress uniforms reviewing legal documents during consultation meeting.
Marine judge advocates in dress uniforms reviewing legal documents during consultation meeting.

Judge Advocate

Future officers don't indicate their preferences the same way enlisted Marines do. Instead, they choose between broad Air, Ground, or Law paths.

As a Law Officer, also known as a Judge Advocate (JA), you serve as a legal expert and trusted advisor, providing legal counsel on military justice, operational law, and ethics. 

Become an Officer

Be a Marine and More

  

Marines in dress blues playing trumpet and brass instruments during ceremonial performance for the Marine Corps Band.
Marines in dress blues playing trumpet and brass instruments during ceremonial performance for the Marine Corps Band.

A Marine and a Musician

Marine Musicians in the Musician Enlistment Option Program (MEOP) are elite performers and warriors. They inspire audiences around the world through music and tradition. 

Learn About MEOP
Marine judge advocate in dress uniform presenting case during military courtroom proceedings.
Marine judge advocate in dress uniform presenting case during military courtroom proceedings.

A Marine and an Attorney

Marine Judge Advocates (JA) uphold the core values of the Corps. As officers and attorneys, they serve in diverse roles—from courtroom litigation to advising in the field.

Explore the JA Path

Beyond the Basics: Specialized Roles in the Marine Corps

Every Marine begins with the same foundation. From there, many pursue specialized roles that require additional training, commitment, and proven performance. Each path requires new skills that strengthen the entire force.

Marine drill instructor in campaign hat conducting formal inspection of recruits in formation.
Marine drill instructor in campaign hat conducting formal inspection of recruits in formation.

Special Duties

Elite Paths. Multiple Ways to Lead.

From recruiter to drill instructor to Marine security guard, some Marines go above and beyond. This means stepping into roles that demand exceptional talent and performance.

Learn More
A special operations Marine in goggles and scuba gear rises out of the water at night.
A special operations Marine in goggles and scuba gear rises out of the water at night.

Special Ops

Beyond the Standard. Chosen for More.

Special Operations forces address the most complex threats.

It takes proven performance, mental strength, and relentless drive to earn a place in Marine Special Operations.

Learn More

Behind Each Battle Won is a Story

Every Marine has a story—of courage, growth, leadership, and life beyond the uniform. Discover firsthand accounts of becoming a Marine, rising through the ranks, overcoming challenges, and applying the values of the Corps to make a difference in the world. These are the stories that define what it truly means to be a Marine.

Contact a Recruiter

Every Marine’s journey begins with a conversation. Connect with a Marine Recruiter to see which role fits you best and take the first step toward earning the title Marine.

Request More Information