Marines Ammunition Technician (MOS 2311) is responsible for storing and handling ammunition.
Ammunition Technicians are part of Occupational Field 23, Ammunition and Explosive Ordnance Disposal.
In this MOS, Marines work with ammunition, explosives, missiles and toxic chemicals.
Qualifications and Training
MOS 2311 requires a secret security clearance eligibility, which includes being a U.S. Citizen.
Individuals wishing to join this MOS must have normal color vision and no convictions by court-martial, civilian courts or non-judicial punishment of any type involving larceny, theft or trafficking of any controlled substances.
A minimum score of 100 is required on the General Technical portion of the ASVAB test to join.
Requirements also include being 17-18 years old and having a High School Diploma.
Recruits are required to meet height, weight and body fat requirements, plus pass the Physical Fitness Test and Combat Fitness Test.
Joining the Marines into MOS 2311 consists of 13 weeks of Recruit Training at either Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island or Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.
After completing recruit training, Marines will be required to take the Enlisted Ammunition Specialist Course, Ft. Lee, VA.
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What Are The Job Tasks of an Ammunition Technician?
Ammunition Technicians are required to be mature and have the capability to perform their job tasks in a reliable manner.
These individuals work with live ammunition and explosives that can cause destruction if handled incorrectly.
The Ammunition Technician will handle, transport and store ammunition, explosives, missiles and toxic chemicals.
They are in charge of keeping inventory and ensuring each type of ammunition is stored properly.
Ammunition Technicians will perform inspections of materials to check serviceability.
The Technicians make the determination if the ammunition needs repaired or potentially destroyed.
Technicians will receive in shipments and document the inventory levels.
They will issue out the different types of ammunition or toxic chemicals.
Ammunition Technicians provide security for shipments and inventory.
They are constantly ensuring their levels are correct and that Marines have what they need for the fight.
Part of the job is to assist with transporting the ammunition.
During ammunition transport, they have to be meticulous in ensuring each piece is transported properly.
It is important to check that each load is stable on transport vehicles, ammunition is stored in the correct place, away from any possible detonators, and is secured.
Ammunition can be transported on land, air or ship, and the Technician is responsible for assisting with the transport regardless of the method.
Not only do Technicians provide ammunition during field operations, they also provide it for training exercises.
They can be responsible for hundreds of thousands of dollars in ammunition at any time.
As Marines in this MOS increase in rank, they will be required to complete additional courses towards new skills and job duties.
They will be required to take courses such as Motor Vehicle/Railcar Inspection Course and War Fighting Skills Course.
Related Article: Marine Corps Combat Correspondent (MOS 4341)
What Does an Ammunition Technician Get Paid?
Ammunition Technicians are paid based on rank.
This position will start out at around $1800 a month and will increase with rank and training is completed.
According to Indeed, the average salary for Ammunition Specialist in the Marine Corps is around $24,000 a year.
This amount is base pay, and does not include any benefits.
Follow the table below for Marines base pay and rank.
| 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 offers benefits to all of the enlisted men and women.
Marines are provided with housing and opportunities towards continued education with tuition assistance programs.
The Marine Corps also provides insurance, retirement and vacation.
Related Article: Army Cargo Specialist (MOS 88H): Career Details
Job Reviews
Review of the Ammunition Specialist MOS are positive.
Most reviews left rate the position 4-5 stars.
Repeated topics in the reviews consist of steady pay, meals and benefits and discuss the life experiences being in the Marines provides.
Positive reviews discuss the culture, opportunities to meet people from all over the world and the opportunities to travel.
Negative reviews discuss the long hours or sometimes sporadic hours and the deployments.
The review below provides what a typical day is like.
This review provides information on what it is like to be in the Army along with pros and cons of the position.
Civilian Career Opportunities
Marines in the Ammunition Technician position gain experience working with ordnance, inventory control and logistics.
Civilian positions such as Auditing Clerk, Ordnance Handling Expert, Hazardous Materials Removal Worker, Logistics Coordinator or Procurement Clerk are available.
All of these positions are available in most locations around the United States and vary in pay based on title/company.
The USMAP provides apprenticeship opportunities to Marine Corps members that also relate to civilian career opportunities and Department of Labor programs.
Summary
Marines Ammunition Technician (MOS 2311) handles the receipt, storage, issue and handling of ammunition.
Technicians assist with all types of ammunition and toxic chemicals.
This MOS requires secret security clearance and additional prerequisites.
Marines in this MOS attend 13 challenging weeks at recruit training then head to Fort Lee for course work.
Available job reviews of this position are positive and most note the growth and skills individuals gain.
Civilian career opportunities relating to logistics, inventory and ordnance handling are available.
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References
- 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
