Marines Small Arms Repairer/Technician (MOS 2111) inspects, maintains and repairs small arms.
The Small Arms Repairer/Technician will complete basic maintenance reporting and forms.
This position is entry level, but requires additional security checks to enter.
Qualifications and Training
This MOS is open to individuals who are 17-28 years old and have a high school diploma.
Those wishing to enter into this MOS must first take the ASVAB test and receive a minimum score of 95 on the Mechanical Maintenance (MM) portion.
MOS 2111 requires a higher security clearance including getting a National Agency Check, Local Agency Check and Credit Check registered with the Join Personnel Adjudication System (JPAS).
Having a higher security clearance also requires recruits to be U.S. Citizens.
Individuals must pass the Command Arms Ammunition, and Explosive (AA&E) screening.
Those who wish to enter into this position cannot have a conviction by court-martial, civilian court or nonjudicial punishment of an act that involved larceny, theft or drugs.
Certain height, weight and body fat requirements must be met in addition to completing the Physical Fitness Test and Combat Fitness Test.
Once all requirements and testing are complete, recruits will attend recruit training, followed by the Small Arms Repair Course.
Related Article –Army CH-47 Helicopter Repairer (MOS 15U): Career Details
What Are The Job Duties of a Small Arms Repairer/Technician?
Small Arms Repairer/Technician inspects, repairs and performs maintenance on Marine weapon systems.
Individuals in this MOS must possess basic ordnance knowledge and have the capability to both inspect and repair ordnance items.
Using repair analysis and technical inspection procedures, Small Arms Repairer/Technicians complete analysis of an ordnance item to find defects and can repair or even fabricate a part.
The Repairer/Technician must be familiar with multiple systems, their components and how to operate them.
Part of this MOS is to communicate proper preventative maintenance, inspections and application to other personnel.
At the Private through Lance Corporal level, individuals will repair small arms, except vehicular mounted weapons, under supervision.
Using technical manuals, they are required to complete basic administrative forms and records.
Small Arms Repairer/Technicians will perform inventory and control of the armory.
They will issue and de-issue weapons.
When weapons are turned in they will complete cleaning and return them to inspection ready.
At the Corporal through Gunnery Sergeant level, the Repairer/Technician will supervise the inspections and procedures and perform maintenance on small arms, including vehicular mounted weapons.
These Repairer/Technicians will run a shop maintenance and management programs and coordinate maintenance according to grade.
The video below provides more information on this MOS and the types of weapons that Small Arms Repairer/Technician work on.
What Does a Small Arms Repairer/Technician Get Paid?
A Small Arms Repairer/Technician will be paid based on rank and time of service.
Without prior Military experience, those recruiting into the position can expect around $1800 a month in base pay.
Base pay does not include benefits.
According to Glassdoor, an established Small Arms Repairer/Technician in the Marines makes an estimated $39,000 to $43,000 in base pay annually.
The table below provides more information on base pay as a Marine.
| 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 Marines offer benefits that add to the base pay.
They pay for housing for all enlisted men and women.
The Military also has tuition assistance opportunities that allow most Military members to attend college for little to no cost.
Marines receive insurance, vacation and retirement.
Job Reviews
Job Reviews of this MOS discuss the work being fast-paced and team-oriented.
The reviews available for Small Arms Repairer/Technician are mixed.
Most individuals recommend both the position and the Marine Corps, or they do not recommend either.
Positive reviews discuss learning attention to detail, creating life-long friends and having job security.
Negative reviews mention occasionally having bad leadership, long-hours and inconsistent working hours.
The below reviews provide details on average daily tasks as a Small Arms Repairer/Technician.
Related Article –Army Small Arms/Artillery Repairer (MOS 91F): Career Details
Civilian Career Opportunities
Working as a Small Arms Repairer/Technician provides skills related to various civilian career fields.
Marines can find careers as Computer Operators, Gunsmith, Explosives/Ordnance Handling Expert, Maintenance/Repair Worker and Machinist.
These careers vary widely in pay depending on the company you work for.
Most civilian jobs mentioned above have apprenticeships available through the USMAP.
Other apprenticeship opportunities are available as well and can lead to careers in different fields.
Summary
Marines Small Arms Repairer/Technician (MOS 2111) are responsible for repairing, inspecting and maintaining all of the small arms in the marines.
These individuals must be precise and detail oriented in order to find an issue and resolve it.
Those wishing to enter into this MOS must meet security clearances, physical testing and pass recruit training.
Previous Small Arms Repairer/Technician have left mixed reviews of the position.
Overall, reviews state that the hours can be long and demanding, but the position allows Marines to gain valuable skills and relationships with those around them.
Civilian careers related to this position include jobs in mechanics, ordnance and computer work.
Related Article –Master at Arms (MA): Career Details
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
