An Field Artillery Fire Control Man (MOS 0844) is a member of the Marine Corps Field 08 Artillery team.
Marine Corps Field Artillery Fire Control Man assist in delivery accurate fire to enemy positions.
The job title is a little misleading since MOS 0844 is open to female Marines as of 2016.
Learn more about the education, training, job duties, and salary of a Marine Corps Field Artillery Fire Control Man (MOS 0844).
Education, Qualifications, and Training
The Marine Corps 08 Field Artillery team is an important component of ground infantry.
Soldiers provide firepower and support to assist in combat operations.
You will receive training regarding your job duties if you meet education and qualification requirements for MOS 0844.
Related Article: Marine Corps Ranks And Pay
Education
The Marine Corps requires enlistees to have a high school diploma or GED equivalent, with only a few waivers granted each year.
Furthermore, many new recruits also have some college credits under their belt prior to enlistment though it is not mandatory.
Recruits are required to complete the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB).
The series of tests helps the Marine Corps determine which Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) you qualify for assignment.
In order to qualify for Marine Corps Field Artillery Fire Control Man (MOS 0844) you must have a score of General Technical (GT): 105 or higher on the ASVAB.
Qualifications
Marine Corps Field Artillery Fire Control Man (MOS 0844) is a primary specialty that is open to soldiers from the rank Private (E-1) to Sergeant (E-5).
It serves you well to have advanced mathematical skills since the military job relies heavily on computing distances and other complex geometry.
MOS 0844 also requires you to have secret security clearance.
The military clearance is granted by the Department of Defense and requires a thorough investigation.
The Department of Defense will examine your history including personal finances and interviews with family members or associates.
The MOS is open to men and women after the Pentagon authorized women to serve in Marine combat positions in 2016.
Training
Marine Basic Combat Training takes place at one of two training depots in South Carolina or California.
After completing the challenging and demanding 13 week course survivors will transition into specialized training for their MOS.
Marine Corps Field Artillery Fire Control Man (MOS 0844) must complete the Field Artillery Fire Control Marine Course.
The training takes place at Fort Sill in Oklahoma.
Soldiers that are promoted to military rank Staff Sergeant (E-6) have the opportunity to progress to Field Artillery Operations Man (MOS 0848) through other qualifications and training.
Related Article – Marine Corps MOS List + ASVAB Scores: Details on all 123 Jobs
What does an Marine Corps Field Artillery Fire Control Man Do?
An Field Artillery Fire Control Man (MOS 0844) performs duties essential to the delivery of accurate artillery fire, according to the Marine Corps.
The job duties of MOS 0844 include:
- Preparation of fire control equipment for movement and operation.
- Operation of field communications equipment to support operations.
- Preventive maintenance on assigned fire control equipment.
- Routine testing and authorization of minor repairs to fire control equipment.
An Marine Corps Field Artillery Fire Control Man computes complicated mathematical equations in order to provide accurate attacks on enemy forces.
Field Artillery Fire Control Man employ the use of several different instruments to make the necessary calculations.
Computer equipment systems assist with the calculations along with plotting survey data on firing charts.
The determination and conversion of target coordinates as well as using observer reports are essential to the job role.
Related Article: Marine Machine Gunner (MOS 0331): Job Description And Summary
Soldiers may also use range-finding and positioning tools in order to locate and track stationary or moving targets.
Lastly, there is a need for Fire Control Marines to create regiment, battalion, and transaction processing performance council (TPC) databases.
The Marine Corps uses TPC as a standard for its databases in order to foster quick transactions of appropriate data.
What does an Marine Corps Field Artillery Fire Control Man make?
An Field Artillery Fire Control Man (MOS 0844) is not paid based on Military Occupational Specialty, just like every other MOS in the Marine Corps.
Instead, the Marine Corps pays soldiers based on military rank and years of service.
| 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 is known for treating its soldiers well thanks to a very good benefits package that includes:
- 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.
Job Reviews
You can find a variety of job reviews related to MOS 0844 Field Artillery Fire Control Man on the web.
Job sites like Indeed.com and GlassDoor.com are considered among the most reputable because only confirmed former employees can post reviews.
There are advantages and disadvantages to serving the Marine Corps, like any military branch, however most consider the experience a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Related Article: Marine Corps Field Artillery Cannoneer (MOS 0811): 2019 Career Details
Civilian Job Opportunities
Marine Corps Field Artillery Fire Control Man (MOS 0844) is a combat role specific to the military.
However, the MOS actually has some similarities to a few civilian careers.
Former Field Artillery Fire Control Men often move into jobs like computer operators, database managers, or mapping technicians following their time in the military.
Marines can also find work in electrical and electronic repairs after the conclusion of their military service.
Summary
An Marine Corps Field Artillery Fire Control Man (MOS 0844) is responsible for delivery accurate artillery fire on designated targets.
The job duties include performing complex mathematical equations, position surveying, and fire direction reckoning.
Resources:
- https://www.marines.mil/Portals/1/Publications/NAVMC%203500.7.pdf
- https://www.indeed.com/cmp/U.S.-Marine-Corps/reviews?fjobtitle=Field+Artillery+Firefinder+Radar+Operator&fcountry=ALL
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