USMC OccFld 61 Helicopter Maintenance/Mechanic is a group of military jobs related to aviation.
The Marine Corps separates its jobs, or Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) into career fields (OccFld).
The aviation jobs that are related to USMC 61 Field are specific to helicopter mechanics and maintenance. Whereas OccFld 62 is specific to fixed-wing aircraft.
Related Article – USMC Field 60 (Aircraft Maintenance/Mechanic): Career Details
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Purpose of USMC Field 61
USMC 61 Field is the helicopter maintenance and mechanic division of the military branch.
The Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) which fall under the OccFld are important to ensuring dependable helicopter operation.
It also keeps Marine helicopter pilots safe by making sure all mechanical systems and components are in full working order.
Marines that wish to serve in USMC 61 Field must meet basic requirements of the MOS, including minimum ASVAB scores (Armed Services Aptitude Vocational Battery).
Training for an MOS in USMC 61 Field begins after the soldier completes basic training.
Basic Aircraft Maintenance is the first course of training followed by more centralized maintenance/mechanical coursework depending on assigned MOS.
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Marines will spend their initial time in the MOS performing maintenance and repairs.
Progression in the military career can lead to promotional opportunities where you supervise other soldiers under your unit.
Let’s take a look at the various MOS offered under USMC 61 Field…
Helicopter/Tiltrotor Mechanic-Trainee (MOS 6111)
Marine Corps Helicopter/Tiltrotor Mechanic-Trainee is an entry-level MOS of OccFld 61.
Trainees are under the close supervision and instruction of a superior ranking enlisted service member.
Helicopter/Tiltrotor Mechanic-Trainees receive on-the-job assistance learning the maintenance and basic repairs of helicopter and tiltrotor equipment.
MOS 6111 Helicopter/Tiltrotor Mechanic-Trainee is an excellent way to get your foot into the door if you still need to acquire skills of the trade.
The military job is open to all soldiers with normal color perception and who receive a score of Mechanical Maintenance (MM): 105 or higher on the ASVAB.
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Helicopter/Tiltrotor Mechanic (MOS 6112-6116)
The Marine Corps has several different MOS under helicopter and tiltrotor mechanics.
Helicopters are a more common type of chopper, which is fueled by powerful rotors.
The same is true of tiltrotors only the type of aircraft can have more than one rotor.
Marine Corps Helicopter Mechanic (MOS 6112)
Marine Corps Helicopter Mechanics (MOS 6112) are a step above trainees.
The responsibilities of MOS 6112 are higher than a trainee and require much less close supervision.
However, it is still considered an entry-level position compared to MOS 6113 and MOS 6114 helicopter mechanics.
Entry-level Helicopter Mechanic (MOS 6112) inspects and maintains helicopter airframes and components.
Mechanics also perform duties related to flight line operation.
In order to qualify for MOS 6122 Marine Corps Helicopter Mechanic, you must score Mechanical Maintenance: 105 or higher on the ASVAB.
Training includes career progression through the Plane Captain (PC) Ground Syllabus Familiarization for CH-46 aircraft.
Additionally, MOS 6122 must complete the CH-46 Power Plants Power Trains and Rotors Organizational Maintenance course.
The Marine MOS training takes place at CNATT MAR Unit in North Carolina.
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Marine Corps Helicopter Mechanic (MOS 6113)
Marine Corps Helicopter Mechanics (MOS 6113) are assigned different types of aircraft compared to MOS 6112 mechanics.
CH-53 Helicopter Mechanics inspect and maintain helicopter airframes and components.
They also may receive job tasks related to flight line operation, like MOS 6112.
Once again an ASVAB score of Mechanical Maintenance (MM): 105 or higher is required to qualify for MOS 6112.
Formal training is offered through the Power Plants and Related Systems Maintenance course.
Helicopter Mechanics must also complete the Plane Captain (PC) Ground Syllabus Familiarization for CH-53 aircraft.
Marine Corps Helicopter Mechanic (MOS 6114)
Marine Corps Helicopter Mechanics (MOS 6114) are assigned UH/AH-1 aircraft.
Once again the primary job description is to inspect and maintain helicopter airframes and components on assigned aircraft.
MOS 6114 Helicopter Mechanics may receive duties related to flight line operation.
An ASVAB score of Mechanical Maintenance (MM): 105 or higher is required for admission into the MOS.
Training is provided through the AH-1 and UH-1 Power Plants Power Trains and Rotors Maintenance at Camp Pendleton (California).
The Plane Captain (PC) Ground Syllabus Familiarization for UH/AH-1 aircraft needs to get completed for career progression.
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Marine Corps Tiltrotor Mechanic (MOS 6116)
Marine Corps Tiltrotor Mechanics (MOS 6116) are assigned to tiltrotor aircraft compared to traditional military helicopters.
Tiltrotors are the best of both worlds as they offer the vertical lift comparable to a helicopter yet also have the speed and range of conventional fixed-wing aircraft.
Mechanics that inspect and maintain these types of aircraft have unique challenges and responsibilities.
In addition to diagnosing and making repairs, MOS 6116 Tiltrotor Mechanics may perform duties related to flight line operation.
Helicopter Power Plants Mechanic (MOS 6122-6124)
Marine aircraft and rotorcraft are highly sophisticated types of machines that require extraordinary power to operate.
In USMC 61 Field there are three different MOS specific to inspecting and maintaining power plants on helicopters.
The minimum ASVAB score for MOS 6122-6124 is Mechanical Maintenance (MM): 105.
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Helicopter Power Plants Mechanic (MOS 6122)
Marine Corps Power Plants Mechanic (MOS 6122) perform work on the General Electric T-58 American turboshaft engine.
The type of turboshaft engine has a rich history in the United States and is still relied upon in the Marine Corps, speaking wonders of its reputation.
Helicopter Power Plants Mechanics inspect, maintain, test, and repair associated T-58 power plants and systems.
Training is offered through the Aviation Machinist Mate Common Core Class and Aviation Machinist Mate Helicopter Fundamentals Strand Class.
Both courses are conducted in Pensacola, Florida.
Soldiers must also complete the T-58 Engine First Degree Intermediate Maintenance training in North Carolina.
Helicopter Power Plants Mechanic (MOS 6123)
Marine Corps Helicopter Power Plants Mechanics (MOS 6123) perform operations on T-64 engines and power plants.
The purpose of MOS 6123 Helicopter Power Plants Mechanics is to inspect, maintain, test, and repair power plants and systems.
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Training is provided through the Aviation Machinist Mate Common Core Class and Aviation Machinist Mate Helicopter Fundamentals Strand Class.
Marines must also finish the T-64 Power Plant Intermediate Maintenance training in North Carolina.
Helicopter Power Plants Mechanic (MOS 6124)
Marine Corps Helicopter Power Plants Mechanics (MOS 6124) are assigned to T-400/T-700 systems.
T-400/T-700 is another sophisticated helicopter engine that the Marines depend on to carry out operations.
Marine MOS 6124 Mechanics (MOS 6124) must inspect, maintain, test, and repair helicopter power plants and power plants systems related to T-400/T-700.
Mechanics are required to complete the Aviation Machinist Mate Common Core Class and Aviation Machinist Mate Helicopter Fundamentals Strand Class.
The courses are offered in Pensacola, Florida, and North Island, California.
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Soldiers must also complete formal “C” school training through the T400 Series Engine First Degree Intermediate Maintenance course.
Additional “C” school training is managed through the Engine Intermediate Maintenance course or Engine Intermediate Maintenance (First Degree) course.
Helicopter/Tiltrotor Dynamic Components Mechanic (MOS 6132)
Marine Corps Helicopter/Tiltrotor Dynamic Components Mechanics (MOS 6132) serve double duty on both types of aircraft.
MOS 6132 Mechanics assist with mechanical repairs related to helicopters and tiltrotors.
The dynamic components of the systems are inspected, maintained, tested, and repaired.
A minimum ASVAB score of Mechanical Maintenance (MM): 105 or higher is required for MOS 6132.
Eligible Marines must also complete the Helicopter Dynamic Component Intermediate Maintenance training at CNATT MAR Unit in New River, North Carolina.
Helicopter Airframe Mechanics (MOS 6152-6156)
Marine Corps Helicopter Airframe Mechanics have targeted responsibilities on aircraft, like other USMC 61 Field occupations.
The airframe of an aircraft is considered the mechanical structure, or body, of the flying machine.
It typically includes components such as the fuselage, undercarriage, empennage, and wings.
A minimum ASVAB score of Mechanical Maintenance (MM): 105 is required for all Airframe Mechanical jobs.
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Helicopter Airframe Mechanic (MOS 6152)
Marine Corps Helicopter Airframe Mechanics (MOS 6152) inspect, maintain, and repair helicopter airframe systems related to CH-46.
Military personnel must complete formal “A” and “C” school in order to qualify for MOS 6152.
The Aviation Structural Mechanic Core and the Aviation Structural Mechanic Organizational Level Strand is offered in Florida.
Meanwhile, the CH-46 Structural and Hydraulic Systems Organizational Maintenance training takes place in North Carolina.
Helicopter Airframe Mechanic (MOS 6153)
Marine Corps Helicopter Airframe Mechanics (MOS 6153) are assigned CH-53 rotorcraft.
The primary objective is the same as MOS 6152 to inspect, maintain, and repair helicopter airframe systems.
The Aviation Structural Mechanic Core and the Aviation Structural Mechanic Organizational Level Strand are required for training.
Additionally, the CH-53D/E Airframes Organizational Maintenance course must be completed.
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Helicopter Airframe Mechanic (MOS 6154)
Marine Corps Helicopter Airframe Mechanics (MOS 6154) are assigned UH/AH-1 aircraft.
Once again the job duties include inspecting, maintaining, and repairing helicopter airframe systems related to UH/AH-1.
Training includes the Aviation Structural Mechanic Core and the Aviation Structural Mechanic Organizational Level Strand.
Formal “C” school training takes place through the H-1 Airframes Organizational Maintenance course at Camp Pendleton.
Tiltrotor Airframe Mechanic (MOS 6156)
Marine Corps Tiltrotor Airframe Mechanics (MOS 6156) are assigned to MV-22 units.
Mechanics inspect, maintain, and repair tiltrotor airframe systems.
The Aviation Structural Mechanic Core and the Aviation Structural Mechanic Organizational level Strand takes care of formal “A” school training.
Meanwhile, the V-22 Airframes Structures Course (Osprey) is required for formal “C” school training.
Helicopter Crew Chief (MOS 6172-6176)
Marine Helicopter Crew Chiefs have additional roles compared to other USMC 61 Field occupations.
In addition to performing maintenance jobs, MOS 6172-6176 also assist with operation of Marine helicopters.
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Marine Corps Helicopter Crew Chief (MOS 6172)
Marine Corps Helicopter Crew Chiefs (MOS 6172) are delegated responsibilities on CH-46 aircraft.
MOS 6172 Helicopter Crew Chiefs are considered crew members of the flight team.
The job duties are to maintain CH-46 aircraft as well as assist with operation.
Helicopter Crew Chiefs must meet a minimum ASVAB score of Mechanical Maintenance (MM): 105 or higher.
Additionally, secret security clearance is required by the Department of Defense and requires a thorough background check.
Marines must also have normal color perception and depth perception.
MOS 6172 Crew Chiefs must have be a 2D class swimmer or higher.
Training involves a series of courses in a variety of states (Florida, North Carolina, California).
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Marine Corps Helicopter Crew Chief (MOS 6173)
Marine Corps Helicopter Crew Chief (MOS 6173) is one of the most desirable military jobs in USMC 61 Field.
MOS 6173 Helicopter Crew Chiefs assist with CH-53 Marine helicopters.
Crew Chiefs are part of the flight crew team and perform duties related to maintenance and operation of CH-53 aircraft.
The job requirements are the same for MOS 6173 as MOS 6172, including needing to receive secret security clearance from the DOD.
MOS 6173 Helicopter Crew Chief involves a ton of military training as well as proficiency swimming in water.
Training will involve aerial gunnery, heavy lift operations, land and sea operations, and night systems applications.
Marine Corps Helicopter Crew Chief (MOS 6174)
Marine Corps Helicopter Crew Chiefs (MOS 6174) assist with UH-1, or huey helicopter operations.
The flight crew members maintain and oversee operations while sitting aboard the well known Marine UH-1 Huey helicopter.
Crew Chiefs are largely considered the most important job aside from the pilot abroad aircraft.
Therefore, MOS 6174 is a highly desirable job within USMC 61 Field Helicopter Maintenance/Mechanic.
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The MOS 6174 Mechanic is responsible for the quality control of the helicopter and primary safety of the crew.
The same ASVAB standards and additional requirements apply to MOS 6174 as other Marine OccFld 61 Crew Chief jobs.
Secret security clearance is required of MOS 6174 and includes a very detailed look into past history and personal character.
The training is very demanding and time-consuming.
It takes place through a variety of courses in Florida, Maine, North Carolina, and California.
Marine Corps Tiltrotor Crew Chief (MOS 6176)
Marine Corps Tiltrotor Crew Chiefs (MOS 6176) have similar responsibilities to other Crew Chiefs yet focus on tiltrotor aircraft.
The flight crew members are responsible for maintenance and assistance during flight operations.
The Marine MV-22 Tiltrotor Aircraft is the baby of MOS 6176 Marines and soldiers do everything to take good care of this unique type of aircraft.
The prerequisites are the same for MOS 6176 as other USMC 61 Field Crew Chief positions.
Secret security clearance is also mandatory and granted through the Department of Defense.
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USMC 61 Field (Helicopter Maintenance/Mechanic) – Pay
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The Marine Corps pays soldiers based on military rank and years of service.
Here is an estimated idea of what you can expect to earn each month based on military rank:
| 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 many benefits to 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 annual stipend for living expenses.
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Job Reviews
You can find a wide range of job reviews related to working in the Marine Corps with a basic search.
GlassDoor.com has hundreds of reviews and a general breakdown of what is liked the most and least about serving the Marines:
Indeed.com is another terrific source for quality Marine job reviews:
The reviews posted on job sites are legitimate and very honest, which helps you make a decision if military life is for you or not.
Related Article: List Of Marine Corps Bases In The US
Civilian Job Opportunities
The vast majority of the job assignments related to USMC 61 Field are specific to the Marine Corps.
However, helicopter mechanics and personnel are very rare and difficult to find in the civilian world.
Therefore, many former Marine Corps OccFld 61 workers find high paying jobs as helicopter mechanics for commercial aircraft after leaving the military.
Summary
USMC 61 Field Helicopter Maintenance/Mechanic jobs are a fantastic way to support the military branch in operations.
Helicopter Mechanics and Crew Chiefs acquire specialized, important skills in the military and can find high paying opportunities after finishing service.
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Resources:
- https://www.marines.mil/Portals/1/Publications/MCO%20P4790.20.pdf
- https://www.cool.navy.mil/usn/overview/index.htm
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