A Marine Combat Engineer is the unsung hero of the military branch.
Combat Engineers work hard to build and repair damaged infrastructure.
They maintain buildings, roads, and power supplies for the Marine Corps.
However, the job role is also considered dangerous as engineers may face combat while making repairs or additions.
Learn more about what it takes to become a Marine Combat Engineer (MOS 1371).
The Marine Corps classifies its jobs as Military Occupational Specialties (MOS).
Every USMC MOS has requirements to qualify for the military job.
Therefore, if you are interested in becoming a Marine Combat Engineer (MOS 1371) you need to understand the qualifications and training:
The Marine Corps is like other military branches in that it expects you to complete high school with a diploma.
If you did not finish high school, the military branch usually accepts a GED equivalent.
However, your chances of getting accepted without one of the above are slim so make sure you make education a priority.
Additionally, every military branch requires you to complete ASVAB testing.
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a series of examinations comparable to a test you would take in high school.
It determines your strengths and weaknesses and therefore finds the Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) that suit your skillset.
You need to score at least Mechanical Maintenance (MM): 95 on the ASVAB to qualify for Marine Combat Engineer (MOS 1371).
The Mechanical Maintenance portion of the exam comprises the following sections:
You can learn more about the ASVAB and how to prepare for testing by speaking to a local USMC recruiter.
There are basic and advanced qualifications for Marine Combat Engineer (MOS 1371).
First, the basic requirements apply to every new recruit of the Marine Corps regardless of Miltary Occupational Specialty:
Along with the physical examination, new recruits also need to pass the medical exam which takes place at the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS).
There is no security clearance required for MOS 1371, unlike some Military Occupational Specialties.
You will need to have normal color vision for this MOS, with no color blindness.
Secondly, you need to make sure that you qualify for military service by meeting height and weight as well as grooming standards.
Marines also must remain compliant with the tattoo policy of the branch.
Every new recruit, regardless of MOS, begins their journey with boot camp.
Basic Combat Training takes place at one of two locations:
The grueling training program lasts 13 weeks and confirms that you have what it takes to serve the USMC.
Furthermore, a prospective Marine Combat Engineer must complete specialized training for the MOS.
The Basic Combat Engineer course is available through the Marine Corps Engineer School.
The training grounds are out of Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.
Moreover, any Marine with the rank of gunnery sergeant (E-7) or higher must complete the Engineer Operations Chief Course.
Lastly, the Marine Corps also recommends the following courses for MOS 1371 as they progress in rank and experience.
Once a Marine is fully qualified, he or she will receive an assignment to a combat engineer battalion, support battalion, or Marine wing support squadron.
A Marine Combat Engineer (MOS 1371) has a very important yet thankless role within the military branch.
Combat Engineers build, repair, and maintain buildings, roads, and power supplies.
The kicker is that Combat Engineers (MOS 1371) are often under fire while they make repairs.
Therefore, the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) falls under the role of combat since you’ll likely encounter dangerous situations.
Marine Combat Engineers have one of the most crucial jobs in the USMC because they help keep the critical infrastructure intact.
USMC Engineers are often on the front line of any offensive action against enemy troops.
Combat Engineers are the first to respond and remedy the situation when the battalion reaches a place they cannot access or need repairing,
For this reason, Combat Engineers are accustomed to using explosives for construction and demolition projects.
Marine MOS 1371 also use heavy machinery like the Assault Breacher Vehicle to clear minefields.
Combat Engineers work within the Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).
They support ground forces by removing obstacles, building causeways, and erecting bunkers.
Finally, MOS 1371 also learn carpentry skills and other trades so they can work on a wide range of construction projects.
According to the Marine Corps, these are the official duties of MOS 1371:
A Marine Combat Engineer (MOS 1371) makes the same monthly income as other Marines in the same rank.
Consequently, pay in the Marine Corps is dictated by military rank and years of service:
| 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 |
You can find out more about what it’s like to serve the country as a Marine Combat Engineer (MOS 1371) by reading online job reviews.
Job sites like Indeed.com have several reviews from former MOS 1371:
Expect a productive yet challenging work environment:
The Marine Corps can also help you progress your education or future after leaving the military branch:
All in all, the military instills qualities and characteristics that are invaluable to anything you decide to do in life after your military career comes to a conclusion:
There are many different civilian occupations you may pursue after finishing your military career.
A Marine Combat Engineer is in an excellent position of success after leaving the branch.
Combat Engineers are incredibly knowledgeable and skilled in several areas of construction.
Therefore, many continue to work in the construction trade as carpenters, concrete finishers, or masons.
The high stakes and hazardous work environment of a Combat Engineer teach you leadership skills and how to work under intense pressure.
Some decide to start their own construction companies or work for the military as private contractors.
A Marine Combat Engineer (MOS 1371) is critical to daily operations.
Combat Engineers make quick repairs and maintain infrastructure while facing an enemy force.
They work in a high-paced and intense work environment where they may see combat while making critical repairs.
Additionally, Combat Engineers work on a variety of construction projects and have many different skills.
They also handle explosives and conduct demolition exercises to clear pathways for fellow ground troops.
Resources:
Levi served in the Marine Corps as a heavy equipment operator from 2007-2011. He deployed to Iraq in 2008 where he convoyed heavily around the Anbar province with a myriad of units. Following the Iraq deployment, Levi was assigned to various detachments who travelled and worked around Southeast Asia. He is now a freelance writer and outdoor enthusiast who spends much of his year traveling between campsites around the country.
Latest posts by Levi D. (see all)USMC Combat Engineers have a number of responsibilities and duties. For starters, they are the people that are tasked with building and maintaining bridges, roads, power stations, and barracks. Click Here to learn more about what they do.
USMC Combat Engineer school a median time of 3 months in duration, and is conducted exclusively at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. The reason why we list it in median time is that there are several different courses available. Depending on which training qualification you're going after, the courses can be as short as 2 months, to as long as 8 months.
It is very possible for those in MOS 1371 to see combat, depending on the circumstances. If you're deployed to a war zone, there's a very good chance that you will be involved in combat operations.
USMC combat engineers are stationed all over the world. Your duty station will be dependent on a wide variety of factors, the most important one being where combat engineers are currently needed the most. See a list of Marine Corps bases in the US here.
Originally posted on June 11, 2020 @ 4:37 pm
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.
