Marine Radio Operator (MOS 0621)

Regular and daily communication is crucial to the Marines under any circumstances, which is why Marine Radio Operators (MOS 0621) are so important.

During combat, accurate and dependable communication is even more essential.

Radio Operators who handle the operation and maintenance of communication equipment are necessary to ensure the essential information is communicated quickly and efficiently.

The Marine Corps MOS 0621 is a versatile specialty where Marines are assigned to a wide variety of units to ensure communication is possible for the integrity of the mission.

Radio Operators (MOS 0621) set up radio communication equipment so the unit can maintain contact with others.

This field in the Marines originally began in 1932 as a Pigeon and Flag Handler Platoon, although the field has evolved to include much more sophisticated technology.

Related Article – 4 Steps For Visiting A Marine Corps Recruiter Near You

Requirements and Qualifications for MOS 0621

There are a few requirements to consider before becoming a Radio Operator.

In general, the basic requirements are the same for all Marines, including high school diplomas, citizenship, and physical requirements.

Marines who wish to be Radio Operators must complete the Field Radio Operator Course.

Also, Radio Operators must have a valid driver’s license.

Furthermore, a Marine must pass a secret security clearance.

All members of the military take the ASVAB test to determine aptitude for specific vocations, and to be a Radio Operator, your score for the Electronics section (EL) should be a 90 or better.

Other requirements include the capability to communicate effectively and precisely, as well as the ability to solve problems quickly.

Also, preferring detail orientated work and multi-tasking is essential.

MOS 0621 Training and Career Path

Training for MOS 0621 occurs in 29 Palms, California, after boot camp and combat training.

The training is at the Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School (MCCES), which is where the Marines trains most of the communications specialties.

However, because class sizes are small, there is often a waiting period onsite to begin training, which lengthens the amount of time a Marines before starting work in their specialty.

This waiting time is referred to as Marines Awaiting Training (MAT).

During this training, Marines learn tactical communications, electronics maintenance, air control, and anti-warfare operations.

The Tactical Communications Training School (TCTS) is where Radio Operators learn their skills.

As you move up in rank and gain experience, your next level of training is as a Radio Supervisor.

 
Related Article – Marine Corps MOS List and ASVAB Scores: Details Of All 123 Jobs

Working Conditions for a MOS 0621

A radio operator can find themselves working with a variety of units.

You might be attached to an engineer, headquarters, or communication unit.

Some in this MOS find themselves attached to an artillery or infantry unit, however.

A radio operator is not an infantryman, but when attached to these units, they may find themselves in combat handling the radios.

Pay and Benefits

As a Marine, you will enjoy competitive pay and benefits.

Basic pay is calculated by rank and the amount of time in service.

Insignia	Pay Grade	Rank	Abbreviation	2022 Minimum Monthly Pay
	E-1	Private	Pvt	$1,833.30
	E-2	Private First Class	PFC	$2,054.70
	E-3	Lance Corporal	LCpl	$2,160.60
	E-4	Corporal	Cpl	$2,393.40
	E-5	Sergeant	Sgt	$2,610.30
	E-6	Staff Sergeant	SSgt	$2,849.40
	E-7	Gunnery Sergeant	GySgt	$3,294.30
	E-8	Master Sergeant	MSgt	$4,739.10
	E-8	First Sergeant	1stSgt	$4,739.10
	E-9	Master Gunnery Sergeant	MGySgt	$5,789.10
	E-9	Sergeant Major	SgtMaj	$5,789.10
	E-9	Sergeant Major Of The Marine Corps	SgtMaj	$5,789.10

Also, the Marines have a housing allowance, healthcare coverage, subsidized food, retirement, as well as other benefits that add up to significant savings and add to your overall compensation package.

MOS 0621 Job Details

The duties of the MOS 0621 include maintaining and operating radios with different frequencies and creating contact with different stations or units.

Also, a Radio Operator will handle changing the frequency of radios and changing the codes that ensure information is transmitted safely.

Furthermore, it is vital Radio Operators maintain the equipment as well as the software.

Job Reviews

Reviews from those who currently serve in the Marines in this capacity note the training and work are often challenging.

Also, some service members discuss difficulties with deployments and incompatibility with some in leadership positions.

However, most discuss the positive feelings of being able to travel and the consistency the Marine offers.

 
Related Article: 13 Pros And Cons Of Joining The Marines

Civilian Career Opportunities

Because of the security clearance necessary for this MOS, many Marines consider federal employment when leaving the military.

There are a few federal jobs that have a similar education and experience as the MOS 0621.

These include:

• Intelligence
• Cryptography
• Information technology Management
• Radio Officer/Assistance Radio Officer

Those in federal jobs are well-compensated.

For instance, a Radio Operator might consider applying for a job as a Lead Intelligence Operations Specialist.

This position pays $121, 316, and up to $157, 709 a year.

Another opportunity for a Radio Operator is a federal position as an IT Specialist.

IT Specialists can expect a salary range from $69, 579 up to $90, 451.

There are civilian opportunities, as well.

First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers

In this position, you can expect to supervise the activities of repairers, installers, and mechanics.

There is an expectation that this position will grow at four percent over the next few years.

Ideally, candidates have up to five years’ experience in this field.

The typical salary for this position is $67,460.

Network and Computer Systems Administrators

A position as a Network and Computer Systems Administrator include handling the local area network (LAN) and the wide-area network (WAN), as well as the internet systems.

New job opportunities are expected to grow in this field, and you can expect a salary of $83,510.

Related Article – Army Radio Operator (MOS 25C): Career Details

Conclusion

The career as a Radio Operator in the Marines has evolved over the decades.

However, what has not changed is the need to communicate effectively and safely.

Radio Operators play an essential part in the Marine Corps, and they do their work in a variety of units, including infantry.

The training for MOS 0621 is in California, and Marines attend this advanced training after completing boot camp and combat training.

After training, Marine Radio Operators report to their assigned unit to perform their duties.

These duties include maintaining and operating radios and ensuring the information is transmitted securely and quickly.

The Marine offers a competitive pay package between base pay and allowances for housing and other benefits.

As a civilian, former Marines might look into federal jobs due to the possession of secret security clearance.

However, there are jobs in the private sector, as well.

References:

https://www.cool.navy.mil/usmc/enlisted/0621.htm

https://www.dllr.state.md.us/

https://www.careeronestop.org/

Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click and purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I have personally vetted. Learn more.