An infantry Marine stands in front of a transportation truck. He has a combat helmet, rifle, body armor, and carries a rifle with scope.

Infantry Marines

WHAT IS THE INFANTRY?

The infantry is a branch of a military's ground forces that specializes in close-quarters combat on foot. In the Marine Corps, these are Infantry Marines.

The infantry is the heart of this lethal fighting force. Of the hundreds of Military Occupational Specialties, or MOS (the Marine Corps term for jobs), the infantry occupational field (03XX) is the largest occupational field. All other occupational fields are structured to support the infantry with every Marine contributing to the fight.

An infantry Marine walks through a forest along with the rest of his squad. They have on full gear and have their rifles at the ready.

OFFICERS AND ENLISTED MARINES: AN UNBREAKABLE BOND

Infantry Officers (0302) command and lead ground combat units. They are responsible for their troops' discipline, morale, and welfare. They develop battle plans, lead continuous training, and command their unit's weapons and equipment for offensive and defensive missions.

Infantry Marines must decisively defeat threats in the chaos of combat. This requires a close and trusting relationship between Marine Officers and the Enlisted Marines they lead. Enlisted Marines use their training and tactical mindset to execute these missions and win battles. No matter their role or rank, the bond between Marines is unbreakable.

Marine Corps Infantry Roles

Infantry roles in the Marine Corps range from close combat positions like rifleman, machine gunner, and mortarman to specialized roles like scout sniper and reconnaissance.

These are among the many Military Occupational Specialties required to accomplish the infantry mission of Marine Corps ground forces.

MOS	Description
0311	Rifleman
0313	LAV Crewman
0321	Force Recon
0322	Reconnaissance Sniper
0323	Parachute Qualified Reconnaissance Man
0324	Combatant Diver Qualified Reconnaissance Man
0326	Parachute, and Combatant Diver Qualified Reconnaissance Man
0331	Machine Gunner
0341	Mortarman
0352	Anti-Tank Missileman
0369	Infantry Unit Leader
0372	Marine Raider

MOS	Description
0302	Basic Infantry Officer

Training for Uncertain Threats

Infantry Officer Training

After commissioning, Infantry Officers attend The Basic School (TBS) in Quantico, Virginia, then the 15-week Infantry Officer Course (IOC), also at Quantico. At IOC they complete 15 weeks of training in crew-served weapons, patrolling and reconnaissance to qualify for any infantry platoon commander billet. Upon completion these Marines are assigned to a unit in the operating forces.

Enlisted Training

After enlisted recruit training, Marines assigned an Infantry MOS attend the School of Infantry (SOI), specifically the Infantry Training Battalion (ITB), at either Camp Geiger, North Carolina, or Camp Pendleton, California. During the 14-week infantry Marine course, they learn the Marine Corps warfighting philosophy, offensive and defensive operations, combat maneuvers, patrolling and fire and maneuver. Depending on their MOS, some Marines continue at SOI for the Infantry Weapons Course in one of three specializations: Infantry Machine Gunner, Infantry Mortarman or Infantry Anti-Tank Missile Gunner.

Adapting for Tomorrow's Fight

Because the threats to our nation are always changing, the Marine Corps must be ready to structure its forces for a competitive advantage.

Women have served faithfully in the Marine Corps for more than 100 years. In 2016, the Marine Corps opened ground combat roles to women. All Infantry Marines are trained to skillfully and faithfully execute their mission on the ground. Every Marine shares the same determination to fight until the battle is won.

A Marine riding in a MRZR tactical vehicle brings their rifle up to their face while training in a forest clime.

Step Into the Fight

Whether you're ready to commit or just have questions, a Marine Recruiter can walk you through the opportunities, requirements, and what life in the Infantry is like.

Contact a Recruiter