The Marine Corps classifies military jobs within occupational fields, shortened to “OccFlds.”
Each OccFld contains a specified number of Military Occupational Specialties (MOS), or jobs within the occupational field.
Marine OccFld 35 Motor T Marines contains all the jobs related to motor transport.
If you are interested in serving the Marine Corps as a mechanic or operator then you will seek to enter OccFld 35.
Learn more about what it takes to join the Motor T Marines, MOS 3521-3531.
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Quick Frequently Asked Questions
What is Motor T in the Marines?
In the Marines, jobs associated with motor transport – both operators and mechanics – are called “Motor T.” They service and operate vehicles for transporting troops and supplies.
What are the requirements for Motor T for Marines?
To become a Motor Transport operator in the Marine Corps, you must be a U.S. citizen, have normal color vision, and be at least 64 inches tall and less than 75 inches tall.
Where is training for Marine Corps Motor T MOS?
Training for both operators and mechanics is located at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. The duration of training depends on the specialty.
Do Motor T mechanics work on rescue vehicles?
Current Motor T mechanics can specialize in crash/fire/rescue vehicles while working in other areas by completing specialized training at Goodfellow AFB, Texas.
How do Marine Motor T specialists become Maintenance Chiefs?
To supervise Motor T mechanics, you’ll need experience to assign and direct junior enlisted personnel. You’ll need to take the Motor Transport Staff Noncommissioned Officer’s Course and other leadership training.
Education, Qualifications, and Training
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Motor T Marines (MOS 3521-3531) handle operations and maintenance for the military branch.
Since the job duties have to do with transportation, it helps to have a good driving record.
You can also benefit from working on mechanical systems in the past or having some higher education related to the field of work.
Motor T Marines have a tremendous responsibility of transporting military personnel, equipment, and supplies, which makes education and training for the motor transport MOS important.
Education
Marines are required to have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
It also doesn’t hurt to have some college credits or even a degree, but it is not mandatory for enlistment into the Marine Corps.
New recruits are required to complete the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB).
The series of tests are used by the U.S. Armed Forces to determine which Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) is best suited to your education and knowledge.
The different MOS of Marines Motor T Occfld 35 have varying minimum requirements on the ASVAB.
If you wish to become part of any MOS in Marines Motor T you must have a minimum score of Mechanical Maintenance (MM): 85.
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Qualifications
Marines Motor T is only open to U.S. citizens.
The Marines also have height standards for Marines Motor T (MOS 3521-3531).
The minimum height is 64 inches and the maximum height is 75 inches.
Marines must also demonstrate normal color vision (no color blindness).
To enlist with the Marines, you must be at least 17 years old (with parental consent) and no more than 29 when you start training.
Marine recruits of Motor T must possess a valid state driver’s license with the exception of students attending the MOS-producing school at Ft. Leonard Wood.
The military will examine your previous driving record under the National Driver Register.
Additionally, the federal government must provide you with a motor vehicle operator’s ID card for an M-Series 7-ton vehicle.
It helps to have a background dealing with auto mechanics, including education at the high school or college level.
Marines in OccFld 35 must also work well as a team as well as demonstrate good organization and attention to detail.
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Training
Marines are required to attend basic combat training, or boot camp, regardless of Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).
Boot camp lasts 13 weeks in the Marine Corps and is considered among the most intense of all military branches.
Following completion of boot camp, soldiers transition into training for their MOS.
Motor T Marines have the option of attending one of two training courses: Automotive Organizational Maintenance Course or Motor Vehicle Operator Course.
Both courses take place at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.
Motor T Marines learn the operation of military vehicles and maintenance procedures, as well as personnel and operations management techniques.
There is also a focus on preparing orders and directives, and record-keeping procedures.
Reserve Marines that are unable to attend the training program at Camp Lejeune may get certified for MOS 3531 Motor Vehicle Operator through a unit commander.
The certification is available after completing the Alternate Training Instructional Program (ATIP).
The Alternate Training Instructional Program is a combination of on-the-job training (OJT) at the unit as well as instruction through a Motor Vehicle Operator mobile training team (MTT).
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Motor T Marines – Job Descriptions
Motor T Marines OccFld 35 is a broad description for everything in the military branch related to motor transport.
Along with roles as vehicle operators, technicians, or mechanics, soldiers in OccFld 35 also coordinate operations with the distribution management field.
Transportation and distribution of military personnel, supplies, and equipment are very important to Motor T (MOS 3521-3531).
The available Marines Motor T MOS for enlisted soldiers include:
- Basic Motor Transport (MOS 3500)
- Marine Mechanic (MOS 3521)
- Automotive Intermediate Mechanic (MOS 3522)
- Vehicle Recovery Mechanic (MOS 3523)
- Fuel and Electrical Systems Mechanic (MOS 3524)
- Crash/Fire/Rescue Vehicle Mechanic (MOS 3526)
- Motor Transport Maintenance Chief (MOS 3529)
- Motor Vehicle Operator (MOS 3531)
There are also specialized military operators under positions MOS 3534-3538.
OccFld 35 is traditionally open to soldiers within the ranks of Private (E-1) to Sergeant (E-5).
Marine Officers can consider the roles of Motor Transport Officer (MOS 3502) and Motor Transport Maintenance Officer (3510).
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Marine Corps Automotive Organizational Mechanic (MOS 3521)
Marine Corps Mechanics service, inspect, maintain, and repair a variety of military vehicles.
Mechanics (MOS 3521) are assigned a great deal of responsibility as the rest of a battalion depends on vehicles to be in full working order at the time of operations.
If a vehicle breaks down in the field it possesses a security risk to the entire platoon.
Marine Mechanics also service fuel and water tankers and 7-ton trucks.
They are best known for servicing and repairing high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicles (Humvees).
You can read an entire article dedicated to Marine Corps Mechanics by clicking here.
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Marine Corps Automotive Intermediate Mechanic (MOS 3522)
An Automotive Intermediate Mechanic is a promotion from entry-level MOS 3521 Marine Mechanic.
Automotive Intermediate Mechanics (MOS 3522) are assigned more duties and job responsibilities.
Marines get to rebuild automotive components of tactical transport equipment.
In order to qualify for MOS 3522 Automotive Intermediate Mechanic, you must have at least six months of experience serving MOS 3521.
Mechanics will also need to complete the Automotive Intermediate Maintenance Course.
Marine Corps Logistics Vehicle System Mechanic (MOS 3523)
The opportunity to serve as a Marine Corps Logistics Vehicle System Mechanic (MOS 3523) is yet another step up the ladder in OccFld 35 Marine Motor Transport.
Once again MOS 3523 Marines are given more responsibility and duties because of the higher ranking Military Occupational Specialty.
Logistics Vehicle System Mechanics are assigned intermediate level inspection, diagnosis, and maintenance on a variety of mechanical components.
Marine Mechanics (MOS 3523) maintain power train, air induction, exhaust, cooling, electrical, hydraulic, fuel, brake, steering, and suspension components for the LVS series vehicle.
In order to qualify for MOS 3523 you must complete the Automotive Intermediate Maintenance Course, just like MOS 3522 Automotive Intermediate Mechanic.
Additionally, aspiring MOS 3523 must complete the Logistics Vehicle Maintenance Course.
The training takes place at Camp Johnson in Jacksonville, North Carolina.
Marine Corps Fuel and Electrical Systems Mechanic (MOS 3524)
Marine Fuel and Electrical Systems Mechanics specialize in a certain niche of mechanical and electrical operations.
Fuel and Electrical Systems Mechanics (MOS 3524) provide field and intermediate level maintenance.
The focus is on fuel, electrical, air induction, and brake system components of military transport vehicles.
Marine Corps Fuel and Electrical Systems Mechanic (MOS 3524) is considered an NMOS (Necessary Military Occupational Specialty).
Therefore, it is not a primary military occupational specialty but a secondary job that soldiers working another MOS can perform.
For example, a Marine Corps Mechanic (MOS 3521) could also get assigned MOS 3524 as a secondary job.
The NMOS is currently only open to Marine Mechanics (MOS 3521) in the OccFld 35.
Soldiers serving MOS 1142, MOS 2141, MOS 2146, and MOS 2147 can also qualify for Fuel and Electrical Systems Mechanic as a secondary MOS.
Soldiers interested in the work of MOS 3524 must complete the Fuel and Electrical Systems Component Repair Course.
Marine Corps Crash/Fire/Rescue Vehicle Mechanic (MOS 3526)
Crash/Fire/Rescue Vehicle Mechanics serve an important purpose that most people often don’t realize is a part of the military.
MOS 3526 Mechanics inspect, service, maintain, and repair crash, fire, and rescue vehicles.
Marine Corps Crash/Fire/Rescue Vehicle Mechanic (MOS 3526) is an NMOS like Fuel and Electrical Systems Mechanic (MOS 3524).
It is a second job role that soldiers serve while working another primary military occupational specialty.
Crash/Fire/Rescue Vehicle Mechanic (MOS 3526) is currently open to Marine Mechanics (MOS 3521), Automotive Intermediate Mechanics (MOS 3522), and Motor Transport Maintenance Chiefs (MOS 3529).
Qualifying Marine Corps MOS will need to complete the Crash/Fire/Rescue Vehicle Maintenance Course.
The training takes place at the Marine Corps Detachment of Goodfellow Air Force Base in Texas.
Marine Corps Motor Transport Maintenance Chief (MOS 3529)
The role of a Marine Corps Motor Transport Maintenance Chief (MOS 3529) is more of a supervisory role.
Motor Transport Maintenance Chiefs supervise the inspection, maintenance, and repair of motor transport vehicles.
Maintenance Chiefs direct the activities of assigned enlisted personnel at the transport repair shop.
MOS 3529 Motor Transport Maintenance Chiefs coordinate maintenance and repair operations with the officer assigned to the repair shop or facility.
Maintenance Chiefs are also primarily responsible for conducting motor vehicle accident/mishap investigations.
The soldiers use the investigation to prepare an accident/mishap report to higher-ranking officers.
The management position with Motor T Marines OccFld 35 requires some time spent at lower-ranking jobs prior to a promotion.
MOS 3529 will also need to complete the Motor Transport Staff Noncommissioned Officer’s Course (MTSNOC).
The training takes place at the Marine Corps Combat Service Support School at Camp Lejeune.
There are several other skill enhancement courses recommended for Marine Motor Transport Maintenance Chief (MOS 3529).
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Marine Corps Motor Vehicle Operator (MOS 3531)
Marine Motor Vehicle Operators (MOS 3531) are among the highest-ranking military occupational specialties within OccFld 35.
Operators are assigned motor transport tactical wheeled vehicles and equipment.
The tactical wheeled vehicles are designed to transport military personnel, supplies, and equipment.
Marine Corps Motor Vehicle Operators provide support in both combat and garrison operations.
Operators (MOS 3531) also perform maintenance on vehicles as well as associated tools and equipment assigned to the vehicles.
The minimum ASVAB score for Marine Motor Vehicle Operators (Mechanical Maintenance: 85) is actually lower than the requirements for mechanic jobs.
However, your driving history is examined much more closely compared to mechanics.
Aspiring Motor Vehicle Operators are required to complete the Motor Vehicle Operator Course at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri.
Additionally, Marines between the ranks of Lance Corporal (E-3) and Sergeant (E-5) are recommended to attend skill enhancement school at Camp Lejeune.
Specialized Motor Transport Operators
Marines can also focus on specialized Operator positions like:
- Semitrailer Refueler Operator (MOS 3534)
- Vehicle Recovery Operator (MOS 3536)
- Motor Transport Operations Chief (MOS 3537)
- Licensing Examiner (MOS 3538)
What do Motor T Marines make?
Motor T Marines (MOS 3521-3531) are paid based on military rank and years of service, not Military Occupational Specialty.
You can get an estimated idea of what you’ll expect to earn each month in base pay based on rank, in the following table:
| 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 |
Related Article: Marine Corps Ranks And Pay
Benefits
The U.S. Marine Corps offers many benefits:
- 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 variety of job reviews related to Motor Transport (Occfld 35).
The best selection of legitimate reviews are on Indeed.com.
Indeed.com screens reviews in order to verify the poster actually spent time in the Marine Corps.
You can also find more relevant job reviews on GlassDoor.com, another source for legitimate reviews.
If you are interested in learning more about Motor T jobs within the Marine Corps we suggest reaching out to a local recruiter.
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Civilian Job Opportunities
Marines that are part of OccFld 35 Motor Transport have a higher likelihood of finding relevant jobs in the civilian world compared to other Marine occupational fields.
Mechanics and highly skilled operators are needed across the United States, and around the globe.
Massive transit centers found at airports, bus depots, and shipyards are just a few places where you can find work as a former Motor T Marine.
Employers actively seek to hire Motor T Marines because of their experience and skills working on unusual tactical vehicles and other types of equipment.
Motor T Marines are also valued in the civilian world because of their ability to work under intense pressure and deadlines while in the military.
Summary
Motor T Marines are part of OccFld 35 Motor Transportation.
There are several different Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) under OccFld 35 which deal with serving the branch as mechanics or tactical vehicle operators.
After you meet the education, qualifications, and basic training for Occfld 35 you can begin working as a Motor T Marines MOS.
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Resources:
- USMC Cryptologic Language Analyst (MOS 2641): 2023 Career Details - March 20, 2022
- 10 Best Marine Corps Jobs For Civilian Life In 2023 - March 20, 2022
- Marine Corps Boot Camp Schedule - November 20, 2020
