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That is Marines MOS 0331. Civilian jobs, federal paths, and how the work reads on a resume.
What is in this guide
What the translation looks like
How it reads in service
Coordinated fire support for company-level operations, integrating M240B, M2 .50 cal, and MK19 assets across multiple engagement areas
How a hiring manager reads it
Coordinated cross-functional resources across multiple teams and operational zones to support organizational objectives, managing asset allocation and timing to maximize effectiveness
Roles this background maps to
Median pay, BLS OEWS May 2024
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Brad TachiNavy Diver · BMR founder
After the Navy he was hired into six federal career fields and tech sales, and sat on federal hiring panels along the way. The last two years went into rebuilding all of it into BMR, tuned for how resumes get screened today. 71,892 resumes built so far.
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Machine Gunners (0331) are the Marine Corps' crew-served weapons specialists, responsible for the tactical employment of the M240B medium machine gun, M2 .50 caliber heavy machine gun, and MK19 automatic grenade launcher. They provide suppressive fire, area denial, and fire support to infantry units during offensive and defensive operations.
0331s attend Machine Gunner Course at the School of Infantry (SOI-West at Camp Pendleton, CA or SOI-East at Camp Lejeune, NC) following Marine Combat Training. The course covers weapons maintenance, ballistics, fire planning, range estimation, and tactical employment of crew-served weapons. Machine Gunners are assigned to weapons companies in infantry battalions across the Marine Corps — 1st through 3rd Marine Divisions and reserve units.
Beyond the weapons proficiency, 0331s develop skills that many civilians and employers overlook: they manage complex equipment inventories, conduct detailed maintenance programs, plan and coordinate supporting fires across a battlefield, and lead small teams under extreme stress. The fire support coordination and equipment maintenance discipline — not just the combat experience — is what transfers to civilian careers.
Machine gunners carry the same translation problem 0311s face, and the resume solution is the same — small-unit leadership, weapons systems mastery, and operational decision-making under pressure. 0331s convert into security operations, industrial supervision, and federal LE roles when the resume reframes the work in civilian terms. The skills are there; the words are the problem. — Brad Tachi, Navy Diver veteran & BMR founder
The number that decides most of this: how does civilian pay compare to what the paycheck looks like now?
Marines mid-career
$58K to $82K
E-5 to E-7 total comp: base plus BAH, BAS and the tax advantage.
Civilian Machine Gunner
$38K to $103K
BLS median across the direct-match civilian roles on this page.
Federal, GS-9 to GS-13
$58K to $120K
10 matching GS series, plus locality pay and step increases.
Comparable on average
Civilian pay for Machine Gunners lands in the same range as mid-career enlisted total comp.
Military comp is approximate and moves with location and dependents. Civilian is the BLS median. Federal includes locality pay. The real number depends on duty station, family status, GS step and overtime.
Machine Gunners transitioning to the private sector face a straightforward reality: there is no civilian job that involves operating crew-served weapons. The transition requires reframing skills rather than finding a direct match.
The strongest private sector paths leverage the operational discipline, equipment expertise, and leadership that define the 0331 MOS. Security and protective services (BLS median $38,370 for security guards, $74,960 for supervisors) are common entry points, but they are not the only — or highest-paying — options. Operations management ($102,950), logistics ($80,880 with 17% growth per BLS), and law enforcement ($76,290 for police officers) all draw on the planning, team coordination, and accountability that 0331s develop in the fleet.
Defense contractors also hire former infantry Marines for weapons system training, technical writing, and program support roles — particularly companies that manufacture or maintain the weapon systems 0331s operated.
| Civilian job title | Industry | BLS median salary | Outlook | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Police OfficerO*NET 33-3051.00 | Government / Law Enforcement | $76,290 | About as fast as average | strong |
| Security GuardO*NET 33-9032.00 | Security Services / Corporate | $38,370 | About as fast as average | strong |
| First-Line Supervisor of Protective Service WorkersO*NET 33-1099.00 | Security Services / Government | $74,960 | About as fast as average | strong |
| Border Patrol AgentO*NET 33-3051.00 | Federal Law Enforcement | $76,290 | About as fast as average | strong |
| Correctional OfficerO*NET 33-3012.00 | Government / Corrections | $57,210 | Slower than average | moderate |
| Construction SupervisorO*NET 47-1011.00 | Construction | $76,060 | About as fast as average | moderate |
| Operations ManagerO*NET 11-1021.00 | Multiple Industries | $102,950 | About as fast as average | moderate |
| LogisticianO*NET 13-1081.00 | Government / Manufacturing / Transportation | $80,880 | Much faster than average (17%) | moderate |
Border Patrol Agent and CBP Officer positions. One of the top federal employers for infantry Marines — physical fitness, fieldwork, and tactical skills are core requirements.
Largest security company in North America. Armed and unarmed security, executive protection, and security management positions nationwide.
Global security services. Security officer, mobile patrol, and security management roles across corporate, government, and industrial clients.
Manufacturer of military weapons systems including vehicle-mounted weapons. Hires former operators for testing, training, technical writing, and program support.
Major weapons systems manufacturer. Program support, field service, and training roles that value hands-on weapons system experience.
Operations management, logistics, and fulfillment center leadership. Military Leadership Development Program specifically designed for transitioning service members with team leadership experience.
Operations, logistics, and package handling management positions. Values the discipline, accountability, and team leadership from military service.
Package operations, delivery management, and logistics coordination. Promotes from within and values operational discipline.
Protective services, security consulting, and government contract security. Known for hiring former infantry and combat arms personnel.
Correctional officer and related positions at federal facilities nationwide. Offers Veterans Preference and values the discipline and situational awareness from military service.
One of the largest logistics companies in North America. Operations, transportation management, and warehouse supervision roles.
Fleet management, logistics operations, and supply chain roles. Dedicated military hiring program with management training tracks.
BMR rewrites your 0331 experience for any of the roles above, in the language the people reading actually scan for.
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Federal employment provides multiple pathways for Machine Gunners. Law enforcement and security are the most obvious matches, but the federal government also hires for logistics, program management, and training positions where infantry experience is valued.
GS-0083 Police and GS-0085 Security Guard positions at DOD installations, VA medical centers, and federal courthouses directly leverage your tactical awareness and discipline. GS-1896 Border Patrol Agent positions are competitive matches — CBP specifically values the physical fitness, fieldwork endurance, and team-based operations that define infantry service. For 0331s with leadership experience, GS-0301 Administrative and GS-0340 Program Management positions are accessible through demonstrated planning, coordination, and resource management skills. Veterans' Preference applies across all of these.
| Series | Federal job title | Typical grades | Match | Explore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-0083 | Police | GS-5, GS-7, GS-9 | 4 of 5 | View details |
| GS-1896 | Border Patrol Agent | GL-7, GL-9, GS-11 | 4 of 5 | View details |
| GS-0085 | Security Guard | GS-5, GS-6, GS-7 | 4 of 5 | View details |
| GS-0007 | Correctional Officer | GS-5, GS-6, GS-7 | 4 of 5 | View details |
| GS-1712 | Training Instruction | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | 3 of 5 | View details |
| GS-2001 | General Supply | GS-5, GS-7, GS-9 | 3 of 5 | View details |
| GS-2010 | Inventory Management | GS-5, GS-7, GS-9 | 3 of 5 | View details |
| GS-0080 | Security Administration | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | 3 of 5 | View details |
| GS-0089 | Emergency Management | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | 3 of 5 | View details |
| GS-0301 | Miscellaneous Administration and Program | GS-5, GS-7, GS-9 | 3 of 5 | View details |
Federal raters match your record against the announcement's specialized experience statement. BMR writes the federal format for any GS series above, with the hours per week and supervisor detail a rater looks for.
Free to start. Federal and private sector formats included.
Not everyone stays in a related field. These paths run on the transferable half of the job: leadership, risk, logistics, planning.
Climbing a turbine to service it demands the same hazard tolerance, physical endurance, and methodical maintenance mindset a machine gunner brings to keeping a gun in the fight. The danger does not faze you.
Transfers: Sustained physical work at height in harsh conditions, Composure managing hazards where a mistake is fatal, Mechanical troubleshooting of a complex weapon-grade system, Disciplined preventive-maintenance and inspection routines.
How to get there: A one-year wind-energy technician certificate from a community college, plus GWO safety training. Employers hire and train climbers; no degree required.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 60% (Much faster than average)
Restoring power on a live line after a storm is high-stakes crew work where a wrong move kills. The decision-under-fire and team-in-chaos instincts of a gun team transfer directly.
Transfers: Decisive action under life-threatening conditions, Tight crew coordination where every member depends on the others, Sustained physical endurance in extreme weather, Following exacting safety procedure under pressure.
How to get there: A paid apprenticeship (3-4 years) through a utility or the IBEW, often after a short line-worker certificate. Employers prioritize physically capable, safety-disciplined candidates.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 8% (Faster than average)
Keeping a machine gun running flawlessly under stress is the same discipline that keeps an aircraft airworthy: exacting maintenance, zero tolerance for shortcuts, full ownership of the outcome.
Transfers: Precision maintenance of a life-or-death system, Working a strict checklist where one missed step is catastrophic, Calm troubleshooting under time pressure, Accountability for equipment others stake their lives on.
How to get there: An FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A and P) certificate from a Part 147 school (18-24 months), or documented military maintenance experience credited toward the FAA exams.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 5% (Faster than average)
An operating room under a trauma case is controlled chaos where the team has to stay calm and move fast. A machine gunner who has worked casualties under fire already thinks that way.
Transfers: Composure and fast decisions in a high-stakes, chaotic environment, Trauma and casualty-care exposure from TCCC training, Anticipating a team leader's next need without being told, Sterile, procedure-driven precision under pressure.
How to get there: A surgical-technology certificate or associate degree (12-24 months) plus the CST national certification. Combat medical experience is a strong entry advantage.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 6% (Faster than average)
Drilling a gun team to standard and pushing Marines through brutal conditioning is coaching. Translating that into civilian strength and fitness training is a natural, credibility-rich move.
Transfers: Coaching and instructing others to a physical standard, Peak personal fitness and conditioning knowledge, Motivating a group through hard physical effort, Building and running progressive training plans.
How to get there: A nationally accredited personal-training certification (NASM, ACE, or ACSM), a few months of study and an exam. A strength-and-conditioning (CSCS) credential opens athletic roles.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 14% (Much faster than average)
Tearing down, troubleshooting, and rebuilding a machine gun under stress is the same mechanical problem-solving a plant needs when a production line goes down. The pressure makes it routine for you.
Transfers: Diagnosing and fixing complex machinery under time pressure, Working calmly when a breakdown halts the whole operation, Preventive-maintenance discipline on critical equipment, Mechanical aptitude built on crew-served weapon systems.
How to get there: Employer on-the-job training or a one-to-two-year industrial-maintenance certificate. Many manufacturers hire mechanically inclined veterans and train to their equipment.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 15% (Much faster than average)
The skills behind the specialty carry further than the specialty. BMR rewrites your bullets for any of the paths above without making it sound like you have never done the work.
Free to start. Try as many angles as you want.
If you are applying to a defense contractor for a weapons-related role or to law enforcement, your terminology is largely understood. But if you are targeting operations management, logistics, project management, or any corporate role, the hiring manager has never seen a fire support coordination plan and does not know what PMCS means.
The translations below convert 0331 experience into business language for non-military, non-law-enforcement roles. These are not just word swaps — they show how to frame your machine gunner experience in terms that corporate hiring managers can evaluate.
Before, in service
Coordinated fire support for company-level operations, integrating M240B, M2 .50 cal, and MK19 assets across multiple engagement areas
After, on the resume
Coordinated cross-functional resources across multiple teams and operational zones to support organizational objectives, managing asset allocation and timing to maximize effectiveness
Before, in service
Conducted daily and weekly PMCS on crew-served weapons systems valued at $150,000+, maintaining 100% operational readiness
After, on the resume
Managed preventive maintenance program for specialized equipment valued at $150,000+, achieving 100% operational availability through systematic inspection and service schedules
Before, in service
Led a 4-Marine fire team through 2 combat deployments, responsible for tactical employment, training, discipline, and welfare of all team members
After, on the resume
Led a 4-person specialized team through 2 high-tempo operational cycles, responsible for task assignment, performance management, professional development, and team welfare
Before, in service
Served as Range Safety Officer for live-fire exercises involving 200+ Marines, enforcing safety protocols with zero incidents over 18 months
After, on the resume
Served as Safety Instructor for high-risk operations involving 200+ personnel, enforcing safety protocols and achieving an 18-month zero-incident record
Before, in service
Managed ammunition accounts for weapons platoon including receipt, storage, distribution, and expenditure reporting for $500K+ in ordnance
After, on the resume
Managed inventory accounts for critical supplies including procurement, storage, distribution, and expenditure reporting for $500K+ in regulated materials
Before, in service
Planned and rehearsed final protective fires for defensive positions, establishing interlocking fields of fire across designated engagement areas
After, on the resume
Designed and rehearsed contingency response plans for facility protection, establishing layered response protocols across designated areas of responsibility
Before, in service
Authored after-action reports following all major operations, documenting lessons learned and recommending improvements to standing operating procedures
After, on the resume
Conducted structured post-event performance analyses after each major project, documenting findings and implementing process improvements to standard operating procedures
Before, in service
Maintained 100% accountability of Table of Equipment items worth $2M+ across 3 deployments, passing all command inspections
After, on the resume
Maintained complete accountability for organizational assets valued at $2M+ across 3 operational cycles, achieving 100% compliance on all equipment audits
BMR turns your 0331 duties and accomplishments into civilian bullets aimed at the job you are applying for. No manual translation.
Free to start. Tailored to each posting.
Which ones you need depends on where you are headed.
Standard credential for emergency management professionals. Demonstrates competency across preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation.Cost $375-475 application + examTime 3-6 months prepRequires combination of education, experience, and training. FEMA Independent Study courses (free online) count toward requirements. Infantry contingency planning experience is directly relevant.
Some Machine Gunners may have earned TCCC during service. Provides a pathway to civilian EMT-B certification.Cost Earned in serviceTime Earned in serviceIf earned, document it on your resume. Can serve as a stepping stone to civilian EMT-B or Paramedic certification for first responder careers. Demonstrates medical competency under stress.
Industry-recognized credential for supply chain and logistics professionals. Covers end-to-end supply chain management.Cost $1,500-2,500 (course + exam)Time 3-6 monthsGI Bill eligibleStrong credential for logistics career path. Your military equipment management and supply accountability experience provides a foundation. 17% growth in logistics means strong demand.
Required for state and local law enforcement. Academy training typically 16-26 weeks depending on state.Cost Varies by state (often employer-funded)Time 16-26 weeks academyGI Bill eligibleMany states offer abbreviated or accelerated academies for veterans with military combat training. Check your target state POST commission for veteran pathways.
Required for most federal law enforcement positions. Completed after hiring — employer funded.Cost Employer fundedTime 12-22 weeksYou do not pay for FLETC — it is completed after you are hired. CBP, Federal Protective Service, and BOP all send new hires through FLETC. Focus on the application and hiring process.
Baseline safety certification for manufacturing, warehousing, and general industry. Required or preferred for safety and operations roles.Cost $150-300 (online)Time 30 hoursGeneral Industry version covers manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics safety. Good for operations management and logistics career paths.
Gold standard for project management across all industries. Fire support planning and coordination hours count toward experience requirements.Cost $555 exam (PMI member)Time 2-4 months studyGI Bill eligibleDocument your planning, coordination, and execution hours from operations, training exercises, and deployment preparation. PMI membership ($139/year) reduces exam fee.
Baseline safety certification for construction industry. Required or preferred for supervisory construction roles.Cost $150-300 (online)Time 30 hoursAvailable online through OSHA-authorized providers. Essential for construction supervisor roles. Pair with industry experience for maximum value.
Required for armed security positions. Requirements vary by state — some accept military firearms training.Cost $100-500 (varies by state)Time 1-4 weeksSome states accept DD-214 with weapons qualification in lieu of civilian firearms training. Check your state licensing requirements. Armed security pays significantly more than unarmed.
Premier certification for security management. Demonstrates competency in security program management, investigations, and risk assessment.Cost $450-650 exam feeTime 3-6 months studyRequires experience in security management. Progression from entry-level security to security supervisor, then CPP for management roles. ASIS International has a military veteran chapter.
Placement decides whether a screener ever sees it. BMR knows where each one ranks, what to call it, and how to frame it.
Free to start. Built around your real certs and clearance.
SkillBridge Programs: Several security companies and federal agencies participate in DOD SkillBridge. Check the SkillBridge database for current openings. Companies like Allied Universal and Securitas have historically participated for security management roles.
Federal Law Enforcement: CBP, Federal Protective Service, and VA Police have active veteran hiring pipelines. Start your USAJobs profile 6 months before your EAS. The hiring process for federal law enforcement takes 6-18 months, so apply early.
State and Local Law Enforcement: Many departments give preference to veteran applicants and offer accelerated academy tracks for those with military combat experience. Check your state veteran affairs office for specific programs.
Project Management: The PMP certification (PMI) opens doors across industries. Your fire support planning and coordination experience counts toward project hours. Cost: ~$555 (PMI member). GI Bill covers many prep courses.
Logistics and Supply Chain: With 17% projected growth (BLS), logistics is one of the strongest job markets. APICS CSCP or CLTD certification strengthens your candidacy. Amazon, UPS, FedEx, and major retailers actively recruit veterans for operations and logistics roles.
OSHA and Safety: Start with OSHA 30-Hour (~$150-300 online). Weapons safety, range safety, and crew-served weapons maintenance all involve documented safety protocols that translate to occupational safety careers.
Federal Employment (USAJobs): Create your USAJobs profile immediately. Federal resumes are 2 pages max. Key agencies for 0331s: CBP, Federal Protective Service, VA Police, DOD installations, and DHS. Build yours here.
Veteran Networking: American Corporate Partners (ACP) provides free mentorship from corporate executives — you get paired with someone in your target industry. Completely free for veterans.
Clearance Leverage: If you hold a Secret clearance, that has market value with defense contractors. ClearanceJobs.com lists positions that require active clearances. Do not let yours lapse during transition.
Education Benefits: Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool to verify program approval. Professional certifications often provide faster ROI than a 4-year degree for operations, logistics, and safety careers.
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Most people do this backwards: wait for terminal leave, then panic. This is the sequence that works. Already out? Same plan, day one is today.
Days 0 to 30
Days 30 to 60
Days 60 to 90
The direct skill (operating crew-served weapons) does not have a civilian equivalent, but the supporting skills transfer broadly. According to BLS May 2024 data, common paths include: police officer (median $76,290), security supervisor ($74,960), operations manager ($102,950), logistician ($80,880 with 17% growth), and compliance officer ($78,420). Defense contractors also hire former 0331s for weapons system training and program support. The key is reframing your experience around the planning, leadership, and equipment management skills rather than the weapons operation itself.
It requires more reframing than some MOSs, but the underlying skills are highly transferable. Fire support coordination is project planning. Crew-served weapons maintenance is equipment management. Team leadership in high-stress environments is exactly what operations managers do. The challenge is communicating these skills in civilian terms — which is what the Skills Translation section above addresses.
Many Machine Gunners transition into completely non-security fields. Operations management (BLS median $102,950), logistics ($80,880 with 17% growth), project management ($100,750), corporate training ($65,850), and construction supervision ($76,060) all leverage your planning, leadership, and accountability skills without any connection to weapons or security. See the Career Change Paths section above for specific entry strategies.
Never lead with the weapons. Lead with what the job actually required: team leadership, equipment management, detailed planning, training program execution, and performance under pressure. Instead of saying you operated a crew-served weapon, explain that you led a specialized team responsible for maintaining and deploying high-value equipment worth over $100,000 in austere field conditions. Quantify everything — team sizes, equipment values, training hours delivered, operational tempo.
If you hold a Secret clearance, yes. An active clearance saves employers thousands of dollars and months of processing time. Defense contractors are the primary beneficiaries, but some financial and energy companies also require clearances. Your clearance stays active for up to 24 months after separation — start your job search before it lapses. ClearanceJobs.com lists positions requiring active clearances.
Prioritize based on your target career. For law enforcement: focus on physical fitness and start federal applications early. For operations and logistics: OSHA 30-Hour (~$150-300 online) and APICS certifications. For project management: start PMP prep. For any career: keep First Aid/CPR current, get your USAJobs profile set up, and start networking 6 months before EAS. Use terminal leave for certification exams and interviews.
Veterans Preference gives you 5 or 10 extra points on federal hiring assessments. Disabled veterans receive 10 points. You need your DD-214 (Member 4 copy) and SF-15 form. Some positions use Direct Hire Authority which bypasses normal competitive hiring. Key tip: apply to positions at or below GS-11 where Veterans Preference has the strongest impact. Federal resumes follow different formatting rules — build yours at bestmilitaryresume.com.
It depends on your target career. For law enforcement: most agencies require only a high school diploma or some college — your GI Bill might be better spent on a degree later for promotion. For operations management and project management: professional certifications (PMP, APICS) often provide faster ROI. For technical fields like IT or engineering: a degree is typically required. Many employers in logistics, construction, and operations will accept military experience plus certifications in lieu of a degree.
For law enforcement and security: positions exist nationwide, but federal law enforcement is concentrated in DC Metro, border states (CBP), and major metro areas. For defense contractors: DC Metro (Northern Virginia), San Diego, Jacksonville, and Camp Lejeune area. For operations and logistics: any major metro with distribution centers — Dallas, Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Indianapolis are strong markets. Amazon, FedEx, and UPS have operations centers nationwide.
Yes — start 12 months before your EAS. At 180 days out, you may be eligible for DOD SkillBridge to work full-time at a civilian company while receiving military pay. At minimum: build your resume 6 months out, start networking on LinkedIn 6 months out, apply to federal positions 6 months out (federal hiring is slow), and attend job fairs. Use terminal leave strategically for interviews and relocation.
Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. Career data from O*NET OnLine.
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