Marine Corps Field Artillery Cannoneer (MOS 0811)

A Marine Corps Field Artillery Cannoneer (MOS 0811) is an important part of the Field Artillery team.

Cannoneers serve the field artillery howitzer battery preparing artillery pieces and equipment for movement, combat, and firing.

An MOS 0811 inspects and prepares ammunition for discharge, as well as the howitzer cannon.

Learn more about what it takes to become a Marine Corps Field Artillery Cannoneer (MOS 0811).

Education, Qualifications, and Training

0811 mos marines — Marine Cannoneers (MOS 0811) train as part of the Field 08 Artillery Team. Image: Wikimedia Commons

A Marine Corps Field Artillery Cannoneer (MOS 0811) is considered an entry-level job in the military branch.

Marines rely on different weapons to attack and defend against the enemy with one of the most lethal being the howitzer.

Cannoneers will train on the artillery weapon in order to safely and effectively use the high-powered weapon.

Before you begin training you will need to meet education and qualification requirements.

Education

The first step toward becoming a U.S. Marine is finishing high school with a diploma.

The other alternative is to receive a GED.

Next, speak with a local Marine Corps recruiting office and gather all the details you need to meet the qualifications for MOS 0811.

All new Marine recruits are required to complete the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB).

The ASVAB is a combination of tests that show which areas you are most proficient in and helps you qualify for different Military Occupational Specialties (MOS).

In order to qualify for Marine Corps Field Artillery Cannoneer (MOS 0811) on the ASVAB you will need to score General Technical (GT): 90 or higher.

Qualifications

There are not as many qualifications for MOS 0811 compared to other Marine Military Occupational Specialties.

All Marines need to be citizens of the United States.

There are also physical fitness standards you must meet, including height and weight requirements.

The Marines also have stipulations regarding personal grooming like haircuts, piercings, and tattoos.

Marines that join MOS 0811 are known for having basic technical and math skills for computing, executing commands, and communicating with other soldiers.

Training

Training in the Marine Corps begins at intense basic combat training or boot camp.

Boot camp is a little longer for Marines compared to other military branches and lasts 13 weeks.

Basic training is mandatory to see if you have what it takes to make it in the Marine Corps.

After completing basic training aspiring Field Artillery Cannoneers (MOS 0811) have two options:

A) You can attend the USMC Cannon Crewman Course and meet other job qualifications through the program.

B) You also have the option of attending another Marine Corps Institute (MCI) course and qualifying for MOS 0811 through on-the-job training.

What does an Marine Corps Field Artillery Cannoneer Do?

An Marine Corps Field Artillery Cannoneer (MOS 0811) is a member of the Field Artillery Howitzer Battery (Field 08).

Marine Cannoneers prepare artillery pieces and equipment for movement, combat, and firing.

The job requires the inspection and preparation of ammunition.

There is also a need to inspect and maintain the howitzer cannon to make sure it is in full working order during combat.

Marines not only learn how to perform routine tests, but authorize repairs of the equipment as well.

Marine Corps Field Artillery Cannoneers are skilled in laying elevation and deflection of the cannon as well as handling and loading ammunition.

Soldiers are knowledgeable in camouflaging a position, protecting equipment from chemical warfare, and constructing field fortifications.

Related Article: 7 Benefits Of Joining The Marine Corps

Marine Corps Field Artillery (Field 08)

The Marine Corps uses Field 08 to designate their field artillery team.

Each functional area of Marine Corps Field 08 has different responsibilities.

There are three primary areas of the Marine Corps Field Artillery Team:

Field Artillery Operations: The operations crew moves, protects, maintains, and operates equipment which acquires targets.
Marine Firing Battery: The firing battery moves, loads, protects, maintains, and fires field artillery cannon weapons systems.
Field Artillery Observation and Liaison: The observation team check and analyzes combat plans and communications. The crew coordinates firings of field artillery and naval guns with infantry and armor combat maneuvers.

Marine M777 Howitzer Weapons System

The U.S. Marine Corps utilizes a variety of weapons in combat situations.

The M777 howitzer is considered one of the most effective and damaging weapons systems used by the Marine Corps.

It is an important artillery weapon because it can double as a field gun or cannon.

Therefore, the M777 howitzer has the ability to provide both direct and indirect fire.

Howitzer guns require more than one operator because of the long barrel and high muzzle velocity.

As a result, the field artillery howitzer battery features several members with one of the most important positions being MOS 0811.

Related Article – Marine Corps Military Police (MOS 5811): Career Details

What does an Marine Corps Field Artillery Cannoneer make?

marine artillery mos — Marine Field Artillery Cannoneers receive steady pay and good benefits serving the U.S. Armed Forces. Image: Wikimedia Commons

The Marine Corps pays soldiers based on military rank and years of service.

Depending on your rank, you can expect to earn a monthly salary based on minimum base pay figures below:

Pay Grade	Rank	Abbreviation	2023 Minimum Monthly Pay
E-1 +4 months	Private	Pvt	$1,917.60
E-2	Private First Class	PFC	$2,149.20
E-3	Lance Corporal	LCpl	$2,259.90
E-4	Corporal	Cpl	$2,503.50
E-5	Sergeant	Sgt	$2,730.30
E-6	Staff Sergeant	SSgt	$2,980.50
E-7	Gunnery Sergeant	GySgt	$3,3445.80
E-8	Master Sergeant	MSgt	$4,957.20
E-8	First Sergeant	1stSgt	$4,957.20
E-9	Master Gunnery Sergeant	MGySgt	$6,055.50
E-9	Sergeant Major	SgtMaj	$6,055.50
E-9	Sergeant Major Of The Marine Corps	SgtMaj	$6,055.50

Benefits

The Marines also provide a very good benefits package for its soldiers:

Medical Insurance
Vacation Time
Special Pay
Retirement
Affordable Life Insurance
Housing: Allowances for living expenses, utilities, and maintenance.
Food: Allowance for the on-base dining hall and access to tax-free department and grocery stores.
Education: Marines can earn full tuition, merit-based scholarships, allowances for books and fees, plus an annual stipend for living expenses.

Job Reviews

You can find some relevant job reviews related specifically to MOS 0811 Marine Corps Field Artillery Cannoneer on the internet:

Indeed.com is your best source for Marine Corps MOS job reviews.

GlassDoor.com is another reputable site that posts reviews from actual former soldiers that served in the Marine Corps.

Civilian Job Opportunities

The work performed by a Field Artillery Cannoneer (MOS 0811) is mostly specific to the Marine Corps.

Regardless, serving in the military builds skills and character that you cannot receive elsewhere.

There are many employers that actively try to hire former military because of their excellent character and leadership abilities.

Related Article – Marine Corps PFT Standards

Summary

A Marine Corps Field Artillery Cannoneer (MOS 0811) is an entry-level position that is part of the Field 08 Artillery Team.

Field Artillery Cannoneers are responsible for preparing artillery pieces and equipment for movement, combat, and firing.

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Levi D.

Levi served in the Marine Corps as a heavy equipment operator from 2007-2011. He deployed to Iraq in 2008 where he convoyed heavily around the Anbar province with a myriad of units. Following the Iraq deployment, Levi was assigned to various detachments who travelled and worked around Southeast Asia. He is now a freelance writer and outdoor enthusiast who spends much of his year traveling between campsites around the country.