Roles in
the Corps
Ground Combat Roles
As the only element in the Marine Corps that can seize and occupy terrain, roles within the Ground Combat Element exist to win battles on the ground by asserting combat power and dominance on the battlefield. These Marines excel at conducting land-based and amphibious operations of an offensive, defensive, humanitarian, reconnaissance or security nature. Trained in the art of land warfare, these Marines will often be the first on the scene to confront threats around the world. Featured below are just a sample of the Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) from which Enlisted Marines and Marine Officers choose.
As the only element in the Marine Corps that can seize and occupy terrain, roles within the Ground Combat Element exist to win battles on the ground by asserting combat power and dominance on the battlefield. These Marines excel at conducting land-based and amphibious operations of an offensive, defensive, humanitarian, reconnaissance or security nature. Trained in the art of land warfare, these Marines will often be the first on the scene to confront threats around the world. Featured below are just a sample of the Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) from which Enlisted Marines and Marine Officers choose.
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AAV Crew
Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV) Crewmembers man the AAV and lead it in support of infantry units on the battlefield. They move equipment and Marines from ship to shore, connecting land to sea and giving Marines their “amphibious” reputation.
AAV Crew
Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV) Crewmembers man the AAV and lead it in support of infantry units on the battlefield. They move equipment and Marines from ship to shore, connecting land to sea and giving Marines their “amphibious” reputation.
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Infantry
As an Infantry Marine you will be among the most highly trained and deadliest fighting force in the world. Infantry Marines fight and defeat the enemy using small unit tactics across the full range of military operations.
Infantry
As an Infantry Marine you will be among the most highly trained and deadliest fighting force in the world. Infantry Marines fight and defeat the enemy using small unit tactics across the full range of military operations.
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Scout Sniper
Scout Snipers must use their training to deliver long range, precision fire during combat, and be able to target enemy leaders, and other key personnel important to deny the enemy freedom of movement on the battlefield. Scout Snipers will also be relied on to gather information in reconnaissance and surveillance operations for intelligence purposes important to the success of the mission.
Scout Sniper
Scout Snipers must use their training to deliver long range, precision fire during combat, and be able to target enemy leaders, and other key personnel important to deny the enemy freedom of movement on the battlefield. Scout Snipers will also be relied on to gather information in reconnaissance and surveillance operations for intelligence purposes important to the success of the mission.
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Tank Crew
The M1A1 Tank Crewman performs various duties incident to the operation and maintenance of the tank, to include tactical employment, firing and maneuvering.
Tank Crew
The M1A1 Tank Crewman performs various duties incident to the operation and maintenance of the tank, to include tactical employment, firing and maneuvering.
Aviation Combat Roles
The Marine Corps finds its success as a premier military force by acting in a single cohesive effort across all battlefronts. Featured below are just a sample of the Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) Marine pilots and aviation support Marines serve in to assist the Marines fighting battles on the ground. Every aircraft employed is specifically equipped to serve the mission in the form of offensive air support, assault support, antiair warfare, electronic warfare, control of aircraft and missiles, and aerial reconnaissance.
The Marine Corps finds its success as a premier military force by acting in a single cohesive effort across all battlefronts. Featured below are just a sample of the Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) Marine pilots and aviation support Marines serve in to assist the Marines fighting battles on the ground. Every aircraft employed is specifically equipped to serve the mission in the form of offensive air support, assault support, antiair warfare, electronic warfare, control of aircraft and missiles, and aerial reconnaissance.
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Pilot
Pilot
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Air Traffic Control
To help Marine pilots win and maintain control of the skies and the battles below it, everything that happens in and around the air space is the responsibility of the Air Traffic Controller. Assuming the duties of Control Tower Operators and Radar Air Traffic Controllers, these Marines coordinate and direct orders at squadrons, Marine Air Control Groups (MACG), Marine Aircraft Wings (MAW) and other senior level units.
Air Traffic Control
To help Marine pilots win and maintain control of the skies and the battles below it, everything that happens in and around the air space is the responsibility of the Air Traffic Controller. Assuming the duties of Control Tower Operators and Radar Air Traffic Controllers, these Marines coordinate and direct orders at squadrons, Marine Air Control Groups (MACG), Marine Aircraft Wings (MAW) and other senior level units.
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Helicopter Crew Chief
Responsible for the maintenance and operational fitness of the CH-53 Super Stallions and other Marine helicopters, Helicopter Crew Chiefs work hand in hand with pilots to ensure the wellbeing of their aircraft. These Marines also act as the eyes and ears of the pilot—monitoring inside and the outside environment at all times so the pilot can focus on mission success.
Helicopter Crew Chief
Responsible for the maintenance and operational fitness of the CH-53 Super Stallions and other Marine helicopters, Helicopter Crew Chiefs work hand in hand with pilots to ensure the wellbeing of their aircraft. These Marines also act as the eyes and ears of the pilot—monitoring inside and the outside environment at all times so the pilot can focus on mission success.
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Aviation Ordnance
Marines in the role of Aviation Ordnance are responsible for helping pilots and aircrews win battles by aiding in the loading and arming of their aircraft weapons systems, ensuring they are prepared to launch close air or strike missions at a moment’s notice.
Aviation Ordnance
Marines in the role of Aviation Ordnance are responsible for helping pilots and aircrews win battles by aiding in the loading and arming of their aircraft weapons systems, ensuring they are prepared to launch close air or strike missions at a moment’s notice.
Combat Support Roles
Marines in Combat Support Element roles serve as an integral piece in making the Marine Corps the efficient force it is today. Featured below are just a sample of the Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) Marines in these roles take on. These Marines are trained to provide logistics, intelligence communication, and other support to move equipment, ammunition, first aid and Marines to wherever they need to be to win the mission ahead. Without them, the force would stand still.
Marines in Combat Support Element roles serve as an integral piece in making the Marine Corps the efficient force it is today. Featured below are just a sample of the Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) Marines in these roles take on. These Marines are trained to provide logistics, intelligence communication, and other support to move equipment, ammunition, first aid and Marines to wherever they need to be to win the mission ahead. Without them, the force would stand still.
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Landing Support
Landing Support
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Ammunition Technician
Ammunition Technicians are educated and trained to be proficient in all technical aspects regarding the use, storage, safety and effectiveness of ammunition. These Marines ensure the correct amounts and levels of firepower are being used to win the battle ahead.
Ammunition Technician
Ammunition Technicians are educated and trained to be proficient in all technical aspects regarding the use, storage, safety and effectiveness of ammunition. These Marines ensure the correct amounts and levels of firepower are being used to win the battle ahead.
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Air Delivery
Air Delivery Marines parachute out of aircraft to deliver necessary tools and equipment to Marines on the ground. This critical role keeps troops well prepared and ready to defeat the enemy in any situation.
Air Delivery
Air Delivery Marines parachute out of aircraft to deliver necessary tools and equipment to Marines on the ground. This critical role keeps troops well prepared and ready to defeat the enemy in any situation.
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Signals Intelligence Officer
Signals Intelligence Officers are in charge of accessing an enemy’s electronic systems to either disable communications or gather intel.
Signals Intelligence Officer
Signals Intelligence Officers are in charge of accessing an enemy’s electronic systems to either disable communications or gather intel.
World's Toughest Schools
It's their fighting spirit that sets Marines apart from any other force, but it's also their training and knowledge that gives them the advantage in every battle.
Learn about some of the toughest schools Marines must complete in order to become skilled fighters in their respective specialties. From the grueling Scout Sniper School to the multi-faceted Combat Engineering School, Marines are taught to be as mentally fit as they are physically ready to take on any battle.
It's their fighting spirit that sets Marines apart from any other force, but it's also their training and knowledge that gives them the advantage in every battle.
Learn about some of the toughest schools Marines must complete in order to become skilled fighters in their respective specialties. From the grueling Scout Sniper School to the multi-faceted Combat Engineering School, Marines are taught to be as mentally fit as they are physically ready to take on any battle.