Marine Aviation Operations Specialist (MOS 7041) assist with correspondence, submitting orders and flight planning.
These specialist ensure all aspects of the flight are on schedule and organized.
Aviation Operations Specialist MOS is open to Master Gunnery Sergeant to Private.
Related Article: Marine Corps Jobs List
Qualifications and Training
Individuals seeking to enter into MOS 7041 must first take the ASVAB test and receive a score of at least 100 on the Clerical portion.
The nature of the position requires secret security clearance, which includes the requirement of being a U.S. Citizen.
Other prerequisites include being 17-28 years old and having a high school diploma.
Recruits will be required to meet physical and medical requirements including height, weight and body fat standards.
They will also be required to pass the Physical Fitness Test and Combat Fitness Test.
Individuals must be able to work closely with others, have basic PC operations skills and be able to meet minimum word processing rates.
Training will consist of 13 weeks at either Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island or Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.
Recruits will be assigned to MOS 7041 after completing the Marine Aviation Operation Specialist Course.
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What does an Aviation Operation Specialist do?
Aviation Operation Specialist assist with flight details and preparation of orders.
Their role surrounds communication regarding aviation operations.
Course training provides Aviation Operation Specialist with the ability to function at all levels of command.
Specialist use standard systems and software applications to maintain orders of flight time in both master and individual flight files.
They maintain files of extended flight and draft correspondence.
The Specialist will store, maintain and disseminate flight information publications.
They assist with flight details to the best of their abilities.
Flight details may include posting radio and landing facility charts, flight information manuals, or maps.
Specialist prepare Aviation Operations Safety Reports.
Within a Tactical Air Command (TACC), Specialist support air tasking order (ATO) production.
This role requires some logistics planning and coordination.
They coordinate with other teams in order to ensure the aircraft is ready to fly.
Specialist coordinate with Air Traffic Control, Meteorology and Oceanography, Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting transient Aircraft.
They must know any activities that are happening for the planned flight areas, how the weather may affect the flight and how to react if there is an emergency.
They can also work with Flight Planning and Fuel Services.
It is their duty to ensure that the aircraft is fueled and all items on the aircraft have been adequately accounted for.
Each of these services must work together for a safe and efficient flight.
The Specialist must be knowledgeable with Federal Aviation Administration guidelines and will work with Airfield Maintenance to ensure regulations are met.
Marines in this MOS will be familiar with restricted airspace management for tenant and non-tenant activities in order to ensure regulations are being met.
What does an Aviation Operation Specialist get paid?
Aviation Operation Specialist are paid based on rank.
For individuals who enter into the Marine Corps with no prior Military experience, you can generally expect to make around $1800 a month.
This amount changes during and after training and only encompasses base pay.
According to salary reports provided by anonymous Marine Corps employees, the average annual base pay for Aviation Operations Specialist is just above $32,000.
The given range from employees was roughly $27,000-$62,500.
Follow the table below to get an idea on 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 Marine Corps has additional opportunities and benefits that add to the base pay above.
They are offered tuition assistance programs to help further education.
Enlisted men and women are also provided with housing including utilities and basic maintenance.
Other benefits include insurance, paid sick time, vacation, low-cost life insurance and retirement.
Related Article –US Navy Aviation Electronics Technician (AT): Career Profile
Job Reviews
Reviews of MOS 7041 are positive, with most Indeed reviews rating the position 4/5 stars.
Common topics among reviews include the camaraderie in the Marines, the excellent benefits and the need to be precise in your work.
Positive aspects in reviews discuss a sense of pride, teamwork and the opportunity to travel.
On the other side, negative reviews discuss time away from home and the sometimes repetitive tasks of the job.
The review below discusses positive aspects of the Marine Corps.
The two reviews below provide details on daily duties.
Civilian Career Opportunities
Working as an Aviation Operations Specialist allows individuals to gain experience in logistics and aviation flight planning.
This position relates to position as Airfield Operations Specialist, Correspondence Clerks and with some additional training, Flight Control.
Salaries range for these positions, but are generally around the same or more as a Marine Aviation Operations Specialist.
Through USMAP, Marines have opportunities towards U.S. Department of Labor apprenticeship programs that can lead to other civilian aviation positions.
Another opportunity Marines have is to use the USMC COOL program to receive additional certifications in areas such as aviation, Microsoft Office and record management.
Summary
Marine Aviation Operations Specialist (MOS 7041) ensure that flight plans are organized and planned to complete the mission.
They complete tasks from communicating weather to ensuring the aircraft has fuel.
This position is part of Occupational Field 70, Airfield Services, and pays based on rank.
Reviews of this position are generally positive and most recommend the position to others.
Civilian careers related to the job tasks in this field, are available in aviation and logistics.
Related Article –USMC 61 Field (Helicopter Maintenance/Mechanic)
References
Military Occupational Specialties Manual
- Marine Ranks and Basic Pay for 2023 - March 20, 2022
- USMC Tattoo Policy Changes For 2023 (15 Things To Know) - March 20, 2022
- Marine FAST Teams: 5 Things You Need to Know - October 31, 2021
