Marine Corps Combat Correspondent (MOS 4341)

Life in the military is such a unique and rare experience that it has been heavily documented in the media.

Marine Corps Combat Correspondents (MOS 4341) are like regular journalists, yet also serve the U.S. Armed Forces.

Combat Correspondents provide a fresh, up-close, and personal account of what is happening in the field.

Learn more about the job role of a Marine Corps Combat Correspondent (MOS 4341) including required training and civilian job outlook.

Related Article – Air Force Photojournalist (3N0X5): Career Details

Education, Qualifications, and Training

4341 mos marines — Marine Corps Combat Correspondents (MOS 4341) help tell the story of life in the military branch. Image: Wikimedia Commons

Journalism is shifting in America with fewer reporters out in the field, especially in combat situations.

Marine Corps Combat Correspondents (MOS 4341) are front-line reporters that provide an in-depth, intimate perspective of what it is like inside the U.S. Marine Corps.

There is some education, qualifications, and training required to serve the military as a Combat Correspondent (MOS 4341).

Education

The Marine Corps seeks recruits with a high school diploma or GED.

It also doesn’t hurt to have college credits or a degree, especially for a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) like Combat Correspondent (MOS 4341).

New Marines are required to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) upon enlistment.

The ASVAB is a series of tests that present the Marine Corps with your strengths and weaknesses in terms of a Military Occupational Specialty.

In order to qualify for MOS 4341 Combat Correspondent, you must receive a General Technical (GT): 110 score or higher on the ASVAB.

Recruits must also qualify for MOS 4341 by having a Verbal Expression (VE): 45 score or higher.

Qualifications

There are not a ton of qualifications for becoming a Marine Corps Combat Correspondent compared to other MOS.

Correspondents must be citizens of the United States.

You also need to get interviewed by and receive approval from a public affairs officer or non-commissioned officer, if interested in MOS 4341.

Marine Corps Combat Correspondents (MOS 4341) are skilled reporters so having high-quality writing skills, experience with photography, and a knack for telling stories serves you well.

Training

Marines are required to attend basic training, or boot camp, regardless of the MOS.

Marine basic training lasts 13 weeks and is considered one of the most physically and mentally challenging of all military branches.

Eligible Marine Corps Combat Correspondents (MOS 4341) will pursue specialized training after completing boot camp.

Aspiring Combat Correspondents must complete the Basic Public Affairs Specialist-Writer Course.

The education and training is received at the Defense Information School at Fort George G. Meade (Maryland).

The other alternative is to bypass the course through satisfactory performance managed by on-the-job training (MOJT) at a command public affairs office.

New Correspondents can also receive MOJT at an Armed Forces Radio Television Service (AFRTS) facility.

Both types of on-the-job training require a minimum of six months before officially being declared MOS 4341.

Related Article – Air Force Photojournalist (3N0X5): Career Details

What does a Marine Corps Combat Correspondent Do?

A Marine Corps Combat Correspondent (MOS 4341) collects news and feature information for a variety of media platforms.

The media platforms include newspapers, magazines, radio, television, and websites.

The coverage is intended for both internal military release as well as external release to the broader American media.

Combat Correspondents help deliver a unique perspective about life inside the Marine Corps.

The job is very comparable to the role of a civilian journalist only that you receive your paycheck from the Marines and also live a military lifestyle.

Combat Correspondents are respected by their peers because they are sometimes deployed in battle zones and report directly on the front-lines.

Related Article: 7 Benefits Of Joining The Marine Corps

Other Job Duties of MOS 4341

According to the Marine Corps, Combat Correspondents (MOS 4341) also:

Respond to queries from the civilian media.
Perform media liaison functions during operations.
Conduct community relations programs.
Produce print and photographic materials.
Edit/Produce command newspapers and magazines.
Assist in the management and production of Marine Corps websites.

Combat Correspondents that reach the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-6) or higher in OccFld 43 Public Affairs may get assigned billet of Public Affairs Chief.

A Public Affairs Chief supervises, trains, and coordinates the activities of all enlisted Marines under his or her supervision.

The advisory role is tasked with presenting internal and external information programs.

There is also a need to lead a command newspaper or magazine, as well as produce radio and TV programs.

For a complete list of MOS 4341 job duties please reference the Marine Corps Public Affairs T&R Manual.

What does a Marine Corps Combat Correspondent make?

marine journalist — Combat Correspondents gain unprecedented access to report on the Marine Corps, as well as have a bright job outlook after leaving the military. Image: 1st Marine Division

The Marine Corps pays soldiers based on military rank and years of service.

The following table presents an idea of what you can expect to receive each month in pay based on Marine rank:

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 benefits included with a monthly salary include:

Medical Insurance
Vacation Time
Special Pay
Retirement
Affordable Life Insurance
Education: Marines can earn full-tuition, merit-based scholarships, allowances for books and fees, plus annual stipend for living expenses.
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.

Job Reviews

There are a handful of relevant job reviews for Marine Corps Combat Correspondent (MOS 4341) on GlassDoor.com:

The MOS has an average 3.0 rating on Glass Door yet the sample pool of job posters is very small.

Related Article – Marine Corps Combat Camera Production (MOS 4612)

You can learn more about what it is like to serve the U.S. Marine Corps in general on Indeed.com:

We recommend reaching out to a local recruiting office if you are interested in learning more about Marine Corps Combat Correspondent (MOS 4341).

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Civilian Job Opportunities

The civilian job outlook for a Marine Corps Combat Correspondent (MOS 4341) is very optimistic, far higher than many other military-specific MOS.

Former MOS 4341 regularly find work in the civilian world working all forms of media.

Newspapers, radio stations, TV stations, and websites are all places that will actively consider the unique experience and leadership a Combat Correspondent can bring to the newsroom.

The skills and training you receive will allow you to work as a reporter, broadcaster, photojournalist, blogger, editorial assistant, or public relations specialist.

Summary

A Marine Corps Combat Correspondent (MOS 4341) is a behind the scenes Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).

The job is comparable to a civilian media outlet where you perform work as a journalist or photographer.

Your news and feature gathering can get published or broadcast on numerous internal and external media outlets.

Related Article: 10 Best Marine Corps Jobs For Civilian Life

Resources:

https://www.marines.mil/Portals/1/Publications/NAVMC%203500.9A.pdf

Author
Recent Posts

Jeff E.

Jeff served with the Marine Corps Reserves as an Infantryman with Kilo Co. 3rd Battalion 23rd Marines from 1997 to 2003. 3/23 was deployed to Iraq in 2003 and served primarily in the Wasit Province of Iraq. Since exiting, Jeff has served as a non-profit manager in the area of foster care and adoption.

General FAQ

What does a Marine Corps Combat Correspondent do?

Marine Corps Combat Correspondents (MOS 4341) are front-line reporters that provide an in-depth, intimate perspective of what it is like inside the U.S. Marine Corps.

How do you become a combat correspondent?

To become a Marine Corps Combat Correspondents (MOS 4341), you must meet the regular requirements for enlistment, score a minimum of 110 on the General Technical and a 45 on the Verbal Expression portions of the ASVAB.

How much does a combat correspondent make?

A Marine Corps Combat Correspondent (MOS 4341) is paid according to rank and time in service. ¬Currently, a new recruit with less than two years in services makes a base pay of $1,733 per month.

What is the training to become a Marine Corps combat correspondent?

Eligible candidates for combat correspondent jobs in the Marine Corps must complete boot camp and complete the Basic Public Affairs Specialist-Writer Course. Alternatively, on-the-job-training may be available.

Do combat correspondents need a security clearance?

Marine Corps Combat Correspondents (MOS 4341) don’t require a security clearance but must be U.S. citizens.