Marine Corps Infantry Assault (MOS 0351)

Marine Corps Infantry Assault (MOS 0351) was a front-line military job that supported ground infantry.

In the past, Marine Corps Infantry Assault had been referred to as “grunts” for their hard, grueling work in combat.

Marines that were assigned MOS 0351 in the past handled advanced weaponry after receiving incredibly intense training.

However, the Marine Corps has already phased out MOS 0351.

Those in MOS 0351 were reclassified as Marine Rifleman MOS 0311 as of October 2, 2020.

Education, Qualifications, and Training

marines assaultman — Training to join the Marine Corps infantry is considered among the most intense of any military branch. Image: Wikimedia Commons

While the U.S. Marines would no longer produce Infantry Assaultmen (MOS 0351), it is still a good idea to make yourself aware of training.

Assaultmen had a long-standing tradition with the U.S. Marines and though the dynamics of warfare have changed, the Marine Corps confirmed that it will continue to need manpower in the infantry division.

Rifle companies within the U.S. Marines are still needed as part of the weapons platoon, and positions are open to men and women.

Education

Selecting a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) is an important step toward joining the Marine Corps.

However, before you do so you need to finish high school with a diploma or GED equivalent.

The Marine Corps also report that having college credits is also helpful as many Marines average 15 or more credits prior to joining the U.S. military.

New enlistees will need to complete the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB).

The series of tests helps you find an MOS as the Marine Corps sets minimum standards for each occupation.

Marine Corps Infantry Assault (MOS 0351) were previously required to score General Technical (GT): 100 or higher on the ASVAB.

You can find out the minimum ASVAB standards for other Marine Corps Infantry MOS by visiting this article.

Qualifications

The previous qualifications that new Marine Corps Infantry Assault (MOS 0351) needed to reach in order to qualify included physical and mental standards.

Infantry Assault personnel were required to have normal color vision with no color blindness.

Also, their vision needed to meet a basic requirement of 20/200 with correctable vision to 20/20.

Training

Marines begin their military career at basic training or boot camp.

Basic training lasts longer in the Marines at 13 weeks.

Marines that plan to join the infantry division must attend one of two schools.

Recruits on the east coast normally attend infantry training school at Camp Geiger in Jacksonville, North Carolina.

Meanwhile, recruits on the west coast attend Camp Pendleton in San Diego, California.

Graduates of both schools merge to finish infantry training at Parris Island, South Carolina.

There are two separate schools within the School of Infantry: Marine Combat Training and Infantry Training Battalion.

Infantry training is among the most intense of any type of training, regardless of the branch of the military.

Marines train for 16 weeks as they learn how to “fight, service, and win in combat”.

The training can include anything from combat marksmanship instruction to using explosives to detecting improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

What did a Marine Corps Infantry Assault Do?

marine corps infantry company — Marine Assaultman, or grunts, previously dealt with explosives yet the position is currently getting shuffled around to other job roles. Image: Department of Defense

Marine Corps Infantry Assault (MOS 0351) was a long-standing Military Occupational Specialty that earned you the nickname “grunt.”

While some may consider the term “grunt” derogatory it was considered an honor within the Marine Infantry ranks for their fortitude and resilience.

Infantry Assaultmen were known as masters of weapons, using several different types to complete their job.

It was not uncommon to find Infantry Assault personnel touting highly sophisticated rockets and Anti-Personnel Obstacle Breaching Systems (APOBS).

The general definition of MOS 0351 was to provide rocket fire in support of rifle squads, platoons, and other companies within the infantry battalion.

MOS 0351 Marines were depended upon to use breaching and infiltration techniques when on the offensive, and other countermeasures when in a defensive position.

USMC Infantry Company

The Marine Corps has several different positions within its Infantry Company.

The company is divided into three rifle platoons and one weapons platoon.

Marine Corps infantry positions include:

Rifleman: Marines Rifleman are trained in close combat using the M4, M249 Automatic Weapon, and M203 Grenade Launcher.
Machine Gunner: Gunners employ medium and heavy machine guns in support of ground troops.
Mortar Marine: Marines produce indirect fire in support of ground troops with a variety of light, medium, and heavy mortars causing heavy damage.
Assault Marine: Assaultmen included the previous MOS 0351, which was responsible for striking targets with rockets, demolitions, and other breaching techniques. The Marines have reclassified the role in recent years.

Future of Marine Infantry Assaultmen (MOS 0351)

Though Infantry Assaultmen (MOS 0351), or grunts, have been phased out of the Marine Corps there is still a future within infantry.

The tactics and strategies of combat are changing due to how enemy forces conduct themselves in the 21st century.

Regardless, there will always be a need for Marine Corps infantry, even if a career launching rockets and breaching fortifications is becoming more obsolete.

The Marine Corps has confirmed that rifle companies will have a team of combat engineers that can handle breaching and demolitions.

With Infantry Assault no longer an option, it’s worth knowing that In a related field, the USMC announced that MOS 0341 was eligible for lateral move bonuses in 2022.

MOS 0341 Mortarmen provide indirect fire in support of the rifle and LAR squads.

What did a Marine Corps Infantry Assault make?

marine corps explosive combat engineers — You can earn dependable pay and receive solid benefits serving the U.S. Marines. Image: Wikimedia Commons

The Marine Corps has phased out Military Occupational Specialty 0351 – Infantry Assault.

Regardless, soldiers within the U.S. Armed Forces are not paid based on MOS.

Pay is determined by rank and years of service:

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 U.S. Marine Corps provides a complete benefits package to all soldiers, regardless of MOS:

Medical Insurance
Vacation Time
Special Pay
Retirement
Affordable Life Insurance
Education: Marines can earn full tuition, merit-based scholarships, allowances for books and fees, plus an annual stipend for living expenses.
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.

Job Reviews

You can find out what it is like to serve the U.S. Marines Infantry by searching job reviews on websites like Indeed.com.

One former Marines Rifleman posted an accurate description of your job role within the infantry division.

Civilian Job Opportunities

Marine Corps infantry military careers do not have a civilian job equivalent for obvious reasons.

The work you perform as ground infantry is extremely unique and specific to serving the U.S. Armed Forces.

Regardless, the skills you attain serving the Marines can translate well into any type of civilian job because of the self-discipline, accountability, and leadership skills you earn.

Summary

The Marine Corps has already phased out MOS 0351 Infantry Assault.

However, there are still opportunities to work with rocket launchers and other types of demolition as combat engineers serving the rifleman platoon.

Resources:

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2018/01/03/marine-corps-cut-infantry-assaultman-job-resource-other-roles.html

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Jeff E.

Jeff served with the Marine Corps Reserves as an Infantryman with Kilo Co. 3rd Battalion 23rd Marines from 1997 to 2003. 3/23 was deployed to Iraq in 2003 and served primarily in the Wasit Province of Iraq. Since exiting, Jeff has served as a non-profit manager in the area of foster care and adoption.