Marine AAV Crewman (MOS 1833) or Assault Amphibious Vehicle Crewman, operate and maintain assault amphibious vehicles.
They prepare the vehicle, complete maintenance and operate all components of the vehicle.
The AAV Crewman assist with ship to shore movements of troops and equipment.
Qualifications and Training
To enter into this MOS you must be 17-28 years old, a legal resident and have a high school diploma.
This position also specifically requires normal color vision, vision correctable to 20/20 and a CWS II swimmer qualification.
Individuals must take the ASVAB and receive at least a 90 on the General Technical portion.
Recruits must meet height, weight and body fat requirements in addition to passing the Physical Fitness Test and Combat Fitness Test.
After passing all entry requirements recruits will go to either Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island or Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego for recruit training.
Advanced training is completed at the Assault Amphibian Crewman Course, Camp Pendleton, CA.
Once individuals are Section Leaders (SSgt/Sgt) they are required to complete the Assault Amphibian Unit Leader Course.
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What Does an AAV Crewman Do?
Assault Amphibious Vehicle Crewman are responsible for operating and maintaining all areas of an assault amphibious vehicle.
They support infantry units on the battlefield.
Assault Amphibious Vehicles are the primary general-support personnel carrier.
These vehicles are capable of taking individuals from vessel to shore in high waves or surf areas, along with capabilities of driving on almost any terrain.
They have artillery power and consist of a personnel, a command and control, and a recovery variant.
As of right now the AAV is the primary vehicle, but soon individuals in the AAV Crewman role will be operating a new vehicle series, the Amphibious Combat Vehicle.
When the Amphibious Combat Vehicle completes production, it will replace the AAV with it’s increased ground mobility and direct fire support.
The Marine Corps has elected not to create a new MOS, but will instead have AAV Crewman in MOS 1833 train on both systems until the AAV is no longer operational.
Crewman prepare the AAV for tactical employment of troops and equipment.
This is during ship to shore movement and subsequent operations.
AAV Crewman ensure the vehicles are properly attached to the vessel and are prepared for transport.
Crewman assist with infantry and are required to be in the vehicle, with the vehicle ready for movement and communications set up, within minutes of receiving the request.
Most of their daily tasks are to complete preventative and corrective maintenance on the vehicle.
Their daily tasks also include training with the vehicle in the water and on various terrains.
The Crewman complete pre-combat checks and inspections to ensure the vehicle is ready to go in a moment’s notice.
They will operate gunnery using the on-board weapon systems.
The Crewman also assist with communications and maneuvering the vehicle.
Generally, AAVs have at least 3 crewman.
Individuals will start out as a rear-crewman, with responsibilities such as throwing ropes and ensuring that the vehicle is operating correctly.
Once individuals receive more training, they become a driver.
The next step is to become a crew chief or vehicle commander who has the responsibility of communicating where the vehicle needs to go and making tactical support decisions.
The crew chief will often be on the turret.
The AAC Crewman connect ship and shore operations, and are vital to the Marines being first on the scene.
The video below provides more information on AAV Crewman duties.
What Does an AAV Crewman Get Paid?
AAV Crewman are paid based on rank and time of service.
As an entry level enlisted member, soldiers receive about $1800 a month in base pay, excluding benefits.
This amount increases as training and rank increases.
The table below provides Marine Corps base pay.
| 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 Military has generous benefits and the Marine Corps is not excluded from that.
They provide housing to all enlisted men and women.
The Marine Corps also provides tuition assistance opportunities towards continued education.
Other benefits include insurance (medical and dental), paid vacation and retirement.
Related Article –Field Artillery Fire Control Man (MOS 0844)
Job Reviews
Reviews of the AAV Crewman MOS are positive.
The reviews discuss the skills that are learned and the personal development achieved.
Most reviews rate the position 5 stars, but discuss how difficult and demanding it can be.
Positive reviews discuss learning discipline and a valuable trade.
Negative reviews, similar to other Military MOSs discuss being away from home and long deployments.
The review below provides pros and cons of the position.
This review discusses aspects of the Marine Corps.
Civilian Career Opportunities
Skills that are learned in this position translate to civilian careers in maintenance and operation of heavy vehicles.
AAV Crewman can find careers as Bus/Truck Mechanics, Bus/Truck Drivers, Maintenance Works or Heavy Equipment Mechanics.
They can also find civilian jobs as Radio Operators or Transportation Managers.
While in the Military, Marines have an opportunity with USMAP to complete Apprenticeships that are registered with the U.S. Department of Labor.
Apprenticeships are available in a variety of areas including mechanics and driving.
Related Article – Army Automated Logistical Specialist (MOS 92A): Career Details
Summary
Marine AAV Crewman (MOS 1833), or Assault Amphibious Vehicle Crewman, are part of the Marine Corps Combat Infantry.
The Marine AAV Crewman operate and maintain the assault amphibious vehicles.
This entry-level position requires individuals to complete all entry requirements, attend recruit training and coursework.
Individuals will be paid based on rank and time of service.
Previous AAV Crewman recommend the position and rate it highly among other MOSs.
Marines who work in this MOS can find similar civilian careers in mechanics and heavy vehicle driving.
Related Article -Army CBRN Specialist (MOS 74D): Career Details
References
- USMC Cryptologic Language Analyst (MOS 2641): 2023 Career Details - March 20, 2022
- 10 Best Marine Corps Jobs For Civilian Life In 2023 - March 20, 2022
- Marine Corps Boot Camp Schedule - November 20, 2020
