Is 0331 (Machine Gunner) a Good MOS?
United States Marine Corps · Military Occupational Specialty
Quick Facts — 0331 (Machine Gunner)
AIT / Training
8 weeks
Training Location
SOI, Camp Geiger, NC / Camp Pendleton, CA
Career Field
Ground Combat
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Score Breakdown
About 0331 Machine Gunner
Operates the M240 and M2 heavy machine guns in direct fire support roles. Provides sustained fire support to Marine rifle units in offensive, defensive, and security operations.
8 weeks
SOI, Camp Geiger, NC / Camp Pendleton, CA
Ground Combat
Recruiter vs. Reality
What the Recruiter Says
Master the crew-served weapons systems that provide firepower superiority for Marine infantry units. Operate the M240B and M2 .50 caliber machine gun. Serve as the backbone of infantry squad automatic firepower in every combat environment.
What It's Actually Like
The M240 weighs 27.1 pounds. That is not counting the tripod, the T&E mechanism, the ammo, or the existential weight of knowing you are the most conspicuous target on any battlefield because your weapon sounds like the hand of God tearing fabric. You will carry all of this up things that should not be climbed, through things that should not be crossed, in temperatures that should not be experienced by humans. The M2 adds the additional joy of being crew-served by people who will argue for twenty minutes about headspace and timing before admitting they don't remember how to set it correctly. Maintenance on these systems is continuous and non-negotiable. Gunnery ranges are the bright spots. Those moments when the gun runs perfectly and the rounds are going exactly where you want them — that feeling is real and it costs you your lower back. SOI will prepare you for some of this. Nothing fully prepares you for the rest.