A Marine Corps Mortarman (MOS 0341) is a soldier that is part of the infantry.
0341 MOS operates mortars, which are muzzle-loading, high-angled weapons used to provide support for ground troops.
Marine Corps Mortarmen assist Light Armored Reconnaissance (LARS) LAR battalions, infantry squads, platoons, and companies to gain a favorable advantage out in the field of combat.
Learn more about what it takes to become a Marine Corps Mortarman (MOS 0341) including expected training, job requirements, duties, and civilian job outlook.
Education, Qualifications, and Training
A Marine Corps Mortarman (MOS 0341) is considered an expert on both 60mm light mortars and 81mm medium mortars.
There is training for both weapons systems as a Mortarman also develops battlefield strategy and other procedures of what it takes to serve the Marines.
Are you interested in joining the Marine Corps as MOS 0341?
Here is the education, qualifications, and training you need to get considered for MOS 0341 Marine Corps Mortarman.
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Education
The U.S. Marines requires most new recruits to have a high school diploma with a few exceptions granted each year.
It also helps to have college credits, as the USMC reports many new recruits have at least 15 credits.
There is also an option to complete your GED, though the minimum standards on the ASVAB are higher for enlistment.
The Marine Corps has new recruits take a series of tests known as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB).
The ASVAB tests to see what are your strongest points, which is helpful in determining a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).
Each Military Occupational Specialty, including MOS 0341, requires you to have minimum scores on the ASVAB.
Marine Corps Mortarmen are required to score General Technical (GT): 80 or higher on the ASVAB.
Your local Marine Corps recruiter can provide more information on how to prepare for the ASVAB.
Qualifications
The Marine Corps does not currently have a ton of prerequisites for becoming a Mortarman (MOS 0341).
The important thing is to complete the ASVAB and meet the minimum score on General Technical (GT).
Additionally, the Marines has physical fitness standards and grooming standards that you must meet for eligibility, as well as height and weight standards.
All Marine recruits must be citizens of the United States and meet age requirements.
There is also a Military Entrance Processing Station medical exam that you must pass.
Training
Training for the U.S. Marines begins with its notorious boot camp, a demanding basic combat course that lasts 13 weeks.
If you survive boot camp, you will begin to focus on your Military Occupational Specialty.
A Marine Corps Mortarman (MOS 0341) must complete the Mortarman Course at the School of Infantry.
There are two different infantry schools in the United States: Parris Island, South Carolina and San Diego, CA.
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A Marine Corps Mortarman also has the option of participating in the United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP).
The training program provides active duty Marines, Navy, and Navy Reserves the opportunity to enhance their job skills while serving in the military.
You can participate in civilian apprenticeship opportunities while remaining in active duty in order to get considered for more challenging military assignments.
The military assignments could improve your monthly salary while serving in the Marines.
What does an Marine Corps Mortarman Do?
Marine Corps Mortarmen (MOS 0341) are responsible for the tactical employment of 60mm and 81mm mortar systems.
The purpose of mortars is to provide heavy indirect fire in support of other Marine platoons.
A Mortarman commonly supports LARS squads, LAR battalions, and infantry units.
The mortar team is technically part of the weapons platoon of the rile and LAR companies, as well as the weapons company of the infantry battalion.
Only non-commissioned officers work as assigned mortar gunners.
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Job Duties of 0341 MOS
According to the Marine Corps, the official job duties of a Mortarman (MOS 0341) include:
- Employ a 60mm mortar section in support of company operations.
- Employ an 81mm mortar section/platoon in support of battalion operations.
- Fire standard missions as a mortar section/platoon.
- Emplace a mortar section/platoon or assault squad.
- Support an assault squad in support of offensive operations.
- Support an assault squad in support of defensive operations.
- Emplace an anti-armor squad and provide with offensive support.
Structure of USMC Mortar Platoons
The mortar platoon is part of the weapons company in the Marine Corps.
The structure of the platoon includes:
- Headquarters Platoon: The platoon includes a commander, platoon sergeant, ammunition technician, and two ammunition men.
- Mortar Sections: Two sections composed of 32 Marines in each section.
- Section Headquarters: The two sections are further divided into eight-man units. The section headquarters includes a section leader, two ammunition men, two forward observers, and four mortar squads.
- Mortar Squads: The mortar squads include a squad leader, gunner, assistant gunner, and three ammunition men.
The Marine Corps reports that only about 38,000 new recruits enter the military branch each year.
Of that statistic many will consider serving their time as a Mortarman (MOS 0341).
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Understanding Mortars
Marine Corps Mortarman (MOS 0341) operates a weapon system known as a mortar.
Mortars are an old-school type of weapon that has been used for hundreds of years, though current styles used by the Marines are far more modern.
However, the basic operation of mortars remains relatively comparable with a few basic working components.
The most notable difference between a mortar and other types of weapons in the 21st century is the system continues to remain muzzle loading.
Mortars have remains relevant for a reason.
They are excellent at providing indirect fire which the military defines as “aiming and firing a projectile without relying on a direct line of sight between the gun and its target”.
USMC Types of Mortars
Weapons that utilize indirect fire have a larger kill radius with heavy artillery yet lack pure accuracy.
The Marine Corps relies on the actions of a Mortarman (MOS 0341) to support other ground units of the infantry.
The two types of mortars that the Marine Corps continue to use include:
- M224 60mm Lightweight Mortar: The smooth bore, muzzle-loading, high-angled firing weapon is used for close-in support of ground troops. It weighs between 18-45 lbs. as the size varies based on configurations. Rounds weigh 4 lbs.
- M252 81mm Medium Mortar: The smooth bore weapon is also muzzle-loading. It is used more for long-range indirect fire support. The M252 is much heavier at about 90 lbs. Each round weighs an additional 10 lbs.
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What does a Marine Corps Mortarman make?
The United States Marine Corps (USMC) determines pay based on rank and years of service.
Therefore, you are not paid based on your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).
| Insignia | 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 Marine Corps offers a fantastic benefits package in addition to a monthly salary:
- Medical Insurance
- Retirement
- Affordable Life Insurance
- Vacation Time
- Special Pay
- 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 annual stipend for living expenses.
Related Article: 13 Pros And Cons Of Joining The Marines
Job Reviews
There are a variety of reviews on job sites regarding what it is like to work as a Marine Corps Mortarman (MOS 0341).
One job poster put it well in the fact that every Marine in the military has a different experience.
While there is no guarantee that you will like the lifestyle of a Marine, it definitely forms a relationship that is incomparable to any other type of career.
In addition to the strong culture and reputation of serving the U.S. Marines, you should also consider the excellent benefits package.
Civilian Job Opportunities
It is encouraged that Mortarman (MOS 0341) consider participating in the United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP) while serving the Marines.
USMAP is open to Marines, Navy, and Navy Reserves.
It is a good idea to receive additional job skills that will help you gain employment after leaving the U.S. Armed Forces.
The Department of Labor provides a Certificate of Completion to USMAP graduates.
The skills you learn both as a Mortarman and through the USMAP program can help you receive employment in a variety of civilian careers.
Many former MOS 0341 progress to work as police officers, security guards, or explosives workers.
Related Article: 10 Best Marine Corps Jobs For Civilian Life
Summary
A Marine Corps Mortarman (MOS 0341) provides indirect fire support for ground troops.
The Marine Corps relies on the skills of a Mortarman to help advance troops as well as provide support in defense operations.
The workload as a Marine Mortarman (MOS 0341) is demanding, and requires you to carry heavier weights than the rest of the platoon yet is very rewarding.
Resources:
- https://www.marines.mil/Portals/1/Publications/NAVMC%203500_44A%20PT%205.pdf
- https://www.indeed.com/cmp/U.S.-Marine-Corps/reviews?fjobtitle=Mortar+Specialist&fcountry=ALL
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