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MarinesCombat ArmsRank #40 of 101 by 4-year cost
0331

Machine Gunner

29-week pipeline · Recruit Training + MCT + SOI/ITB · MCRD + Camp Geiger, NC
Training Pipeline
$43K
29 weeks
Annual MILPERS
$63K
E-4, 3 years service
Equipment Burden
$9K
per year (amortized)
4-Year Total Cost
$333K
DoD investment
4-Year Cost Breakdown
Training Pipeline
$43K13%
Military Personnel (MILPERS × 4yr)
$254K76%
Equipment Burden (× 4yr)
$36K11%
Training: 13% · MILPERS: 76% · Equipment: 11%= $333K
By the Numbers

Machine guns provide the suppressive fire that enables maneuver. A 0331 pair with an M240B can suppress a platoon-sized element at 800 meters — creating the conditions that allow their riflemen to assault through.

Training Pipeline
Duration
29 weeks
Type
Recruit Training + MCT + SOI/ITB
Location
MCRD + Camp Geiger, NC
Pipeline Cost
$43K

Marine machine gunners are cross-trained on the M240B, M249 SAW, and M2 .50-cal — three distinct weapons with different ballistics, maintenance, and employment doctrine. A single M2 HB costs $14,000; a crew fires it at 450 rounds per minute.

Equipment & Annual Burden
Primary Platform
M2 HB .50 Caliber — $14,000 per gun (2-person crew)
Assigned Equipment
  • ·M240B GPMG ($6,600)
  • ·M249 SAW ($4,000)
  • ·M2 HB .50 Cal ($14,000)
  • ·M4A1 Carbine
  • ·PVS-14 NVG
Annual Equipment Burden
$9K/yr
Three weapons systems amortized + ammunition for sustainment training
Military Personnel Cost (Annual)
Grade BenchmarkE-4, 3 years service
Base MILPERS$63K/yr
Total Annual MILPERS$63K/yr
Force Structure Context
Annual Accessions~1,400
Avg Career Length5 years
Annual Training Bill$60.2M
Total Force 4yr Cost$465.5M
Other Marines Profiles

Cost estimates derived from DoD Comptroller per-soldier analysis, RAND Corporation military personnel studies, CBO military compensation reports, service-specific training cost testimony, and published equipment unit costs. Error margin ±15%. Individual costs vary by duty station, assignment, and deployment tempo. This is Phase 3 of the Honest MOS DoD Budget Intelligence Roadmap.