Here’s what it’s like to be in the Marine Corps infantry

Marines have built up one heck of a reputation of being an elite fighting force and never backing down from a fight. While being a Marine is full of pride honor and commitment, there is a level of camaraderie experienced in the infantry that only those who have been on the front lines can attest to the brotherhood and bond forged in fire and in war.

In this post, we will dive into the world of Marine Infantry and what it takes to go where so few have gone boldly.

What in the world does a Marine do in the infantry?

The 03 fields are comprised of ground forces that train to destroy the enemy by fire or whatever necessary in combat assault tactics.

Any Marine who qualifies for the 03 MOS field is classified as an infantryman. The 03 MOS is one of the most coveted in all the Marines. Marine Corps history with units within the MOS are accomplished, and revered by many as some of the most elite units in the military.

The 03 MOS, Marine Infantry, spans an array of jobs from 0311 Rifleman to 0372 – Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC) Critical Skills Operator (CSO.)

Marine Infantry MOS -What Kind of Jobs are there in the Infantry Field?

0311 – Rifleman

The riflemen learn to be primary scouts and close combat forces for any available unit including Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF)

0312 – Riverine Assault Craft (RAC)

This MOS consists of individuals who perform duties as either a coxswain for the RRAC crewman who performs tasks as either a coxswain for the RAC or who are able to handle the onboard weapons systems such as the MK-19 Grenade Launcher, M2 .50 Caliber Machine Gun and others.

0313 – LAV Crewman

A Light Armored Vehicle Marine is a Marine skilled in Armored Reconnaissance. They have the basic infantry skills and employ a variety of weaponry and can be trained as vehicle operators or commanders of Light Armored Vehicles.

0314 – Rigid Raiding Craft (RRC)

This job requires a coxswain to be responsible for the safety and conduct of their boat team and ensure safe operation of the RRC.

0316 – Combat Rubber Reconnaissance Craft

This job requires a coxswain to be responsible for the safety and conduct of their boat team and ensure safe operation of the CRRC.

0317 – Scout Sniper

The Scout Sniper is a prestigious Marine MOS and involves high levels of skills in marksmanship and field training at long range precision fire. They are also able to be used in reconnaissance and surveillance operations for their infantry unit or battalion.

0321 – Reconnaissance Man (Recon Marine)

A Recon Marine is highly trained and skilled in amphibious and ground reconnaissance work. They must master swimming, tactical boat operations, as well as patrolling.

0323 – Reconnaissance Man, Parachute Qualified (Recon Marine)

A Recon Marine is highly trained and skilled in amphibious and ground reconnaissance work. They must master swimming, tactical boat operations, as well as patrolling. They are also trained in using a parachute as a means of entry when appropriate.

0324 – Reconnaissance Man, Combatant Diver Qualified (Recon Marine)

A Recon Marine is highly trained and skilled in amphibious and ground reconnaissance work. They must master swimming, tactical boat operations, as well as patrolling. They also are able to use diving as a means of execution of missions when appropriate.

0326 – Reconnaissance Man, Parachute, and Combatant Diver Qualified (Recon Marine)

A Recon Marine is highly trained and skilled in amphibious and ground reconnaissance work. They utilize either parachuting or diving in the execution of reconnaissance missions to acquire information.

0331 – Machine Gunner

The Machine Gunner provide direct fire in support of the infantry squad/platoon/company. They utilize machine guns and their support vehicles and are located in weapons platoons and companies.

0341 – Mortarman

Mortarmen are responsible for providing indirect fire in support of the infantry squad/platoon/company.

0351 – Infantry Assaultman

An Infantry Assault Marine employs rockets, APOBS, and demolitions in support of the infantry squad/platoon/company.

0352 – Anti-tank Missileman

An Anti-tank Missileman provides medium and heavy anti-armor fire in support of the infantry squad/platoon/company.

0369 – Infantry Unit Leader

An Infantry Unit Leader comes from the Infantry MOS through the Squad Leader Development Plan. Infantry Unit Leaders plan assigned missions, carry out orders issued by the Platoon Commander, and are responsible for the welfare and discipline of their squad, equipment, and weapons.

0372 – Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC) Critical Skills Operator

CSO’s are Marines trained to execute missions in the elite levels of Special Ops, Counterterrorism, and other operations. They are taught across multiple infantry fields and have mastered reconnaissance Marine skills. This MOS is obtainable through a lateral move during time in service.

Marine Infantry Requirements – What does it take to get into the infantry?

The Infantry MOSs attend the School Of Infantry (SOI) and are assigned to an Infantry Training Battalion (ITB). This is where the 03 MOS Marines learn the skills to operate within an Infantry Unit. Upon completion of SOI, they are assigned their MOS within the infantry field.

The minimum requirements to achieve an infantry MOS is possessing a General Technical Score of 80 or higher and completing the Marine Rifleman Course at either one of the two School of Infantry location. The School of Infantry is well-known for its rigorous physical and mental demands so it is essential to ask your recruiter about exercise regiments and programs you can start to prepare you for your 59 days at the SOI.

What is life like in the infantry?

Well, simply put, infantry life is tough as nails and not for the faint of heart.

Most of your time in the infantry involves sleeping outside in the field, deploying to unknown lands facing the enemy, and being without the comforts of home. Training is always a constant and physical fitness is of the utmost importance.

However, Infantry Marines embrace the suck better than anyone and bond over their time in the field and in the service. They learn how to take on adversity and to deal with the unknown as well as anyone. They know how to work with minimal support and supplies to get the mission done. Most important, they know what it means to be part of a unit and team.

But, before you begin your journey into Marine Infantry, you’ll start at Marine Corps boot camp.

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