Is 7242 (Air Support Operations Operator) a Good MOS?
United States Marine Corps · Military Occupational Specialty
Quick Facts — 7242 (Air Support Operations Operator)
AIT / Training
10 weeks
Training Location
MCCES, Twentynine Palms, CA
Career Field
Air Command and Control
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Score Breakdown
About 7242 Air Support Operations Operator
Processes immediate requests for close air support, CASEVAC, MEDEVAC, and assault support. Integrates aviation with the ground combat element and other supporting arms. Works in the Direct Air Support Center (DASC) or Tactical Air Command Center (TACC). Coordinates deep air support, electronic warfare, aerial refueling, and aerial reconnaissance. Training at MCAS Twentynine Palms. GT 100+, Secret clearance required.
10 weeks
MCCES, Twentynine Palms, CA
Air Command and Control
Recruiter vs. Reality
What the Recruiter Says
You'll be the link between Marine grunts in contact and the aircraft that support them — processing CAS requests, coordinating MEDEVAC, and integrating aviation with the ground fight in real time. Air support operators work in the DASC and TACC, directly controlling how aviation assets are employed across the battlespace.
What It's Actually Like
You sit in the DASC or TACC and process air support requests — when an infantry company calls for CAS, your team is the one that finds available aircraft, deconflicts the airspace, and gets ordnance or medevac to the right place. During exercises and deployments, the tempo is intense and the decisions are time-critical. Garrison life at the squadron is more predictable. The work is deeply tactical and the skills in airspace management, tactical communications, and battle management translate to FAA air traffic control and defense contractor positions. Twentynine Palms for school is exactly what you think it is.