2ND BATTALION, 8TH MARINES
Military Occupation Specialties (MOS)
Below are the Marine Corps Enlisted Military Occupation Specialties available to all members of Carrier Strike Group Twelve. Each occupation will have differing requirements and will become available after the prerequisites have been met.
Rifleman
"Every Marine is a Rifleman" has been the mantra of the United States Marine Corps since there have been Marines fighting wars. Though it does not mean that every Marine has the MOS 0311 of the actual infantry rifleman, it does mean that every Marine, from machine gunners to logistics personnel, has been trained in the basics of being a rifleman. The Marine Corps built the entire service around the training and support of the Infantry Rifleman.
Grenadier
Grenadiers became a concept in the 16th century, with soldiers throwing simple grenades towards enemy formations. With the introduction of the rifle launched grenade and independent grenade launchers, the role of the grenadier changed.
Marine grenadiers use the M203 or M320 40mm Grenade Launcher to suppress enemy forces. Grenadiers have multiple types of ammunition including High Explosive, smoke and illumination grenades. This enables unit leaders to make otherwise impossible movements.
Automatic Rifleman
Automatic Riflemen employ the M249 SAW and or the M27 IAR to suppress enemy infantry, enable movement of other friendly units and to gain fire superiority over enemy units. Marine units rely on automatic weapons in almost all engagements, automatic riflemen will be paired with an assistant automatic rifleman allowing for additional ammunition capacity, extra barrels given the gun overheats, and security as they engage the enemy.
Anti-Tank / Anti-Air Operator
Anti-Tank Gunners are armed with either the FGM-148 Javelin or the M3 MAAWS. These weapons give the Marines operating them a great responsibility. Their job revolves around engaging and destroying enemy armoured units, however the M3 MAAWS can also be used against infantry forces firing H.E rockets. Making this MOS’ highly versatile.
Anti-Air Gunners are trained in operation of FIM-92 Stingers. These fire and forget heatseeking missiles upon launch autonomously track and destroy enemy aircraft. Anti-Air Gunners protect the unit they’re assigned to from enemy aircraft flying at low altitude.
Machine Gunner
Machine gunners similar to automatic rifleman, have the task of suppressing the enemy to allow friendly movement, and to gain fire superiority. However, machine gunners do this with a larger weapon, the M240B medium machine gun. Chambered in 7.62x51 NATO the M240 has a maximum effective range of 1800 meters. Allowing machine gunners to engage enemy forces much further away than automatic rifleman.