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Articles covering ASVAB scores, line score strategy, bonus planning, career decisions, officer versus enlisted, reserve life, benefits, and what Marine service is actually like.

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Use this page to move from broad research to a practical next step. Start with score rules, then compare job paths, pay, benefits, and daily life.

For test prep, start with the Marine ASVAB study guide, Marine PiCAT study guide, or Marine ASTB-E study guide.

Test Scores and Selection

Score research matters because Marine job choice often depends on line scores, program rules, and timing. Use these articles before you talk through options with a recruiter or officer selection office.

Best first step: Match the job field you want to the score family it uses.

Careers and MOS Research

Use the MOS articles to compare daily work, training path, civilian transfer, and the kind of person who tends to fit each field. A strong pick is one you can explain in plain terms.

Research goalGood starting point
Compare combat rolesInfantry, artillery, armor, engineer, reconnaissance
Compare technical rolesAviation, cyber, intelligence, maintenance, communications
Compare civilian transferLogistics, supply chain, construction, security, legal

Pay, Benefits, Reserve, and Life

These articles help you check the parts that affect family planning, school plans, housing, health care, and daily expectations. Read them after you narrow the job list.

Decision check: A job can look strong on paper and still be wrong if the lifestyle, reserve schedule, or pay path does not fit your situation.

Marine The Basic School: What Happens After OCS

What The Basic School is actually like after OCS: the early surprises, MOS night anxiety, the 26-week grind, and what officers carry into the fleet.

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March 30, 2026

0311 Rifleman vs 0331 Machine Gunner vs 0341 Mortarman

Side-by-side look at the Marine rifleman, machine gunner, and mortarman paths so you can choose the right 03 infantry lane.

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March 29, 2026

Marine Field Artillery MOS: 0811 vs 0861

How 0811 cannoneer and 0861 fire-support paths differ inside Marine field artillery so you pick the right 08 lane today.

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March 29, 2026

1371 Combat Engineer: What the Job Is Really Like

A realistic look at 1371 combat engineer work, training, field demands, and civilian transfer versus the rest of OccFld 13.

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March 29, 2026

5811 Military Police: Duties, Training, and Career Path

What Marine 5811 military police actually do, how the training path works, and where the MOS can lead after first assignment.

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March 29, 2026

Active Duty vs Marine Corps Reserve: Key Differences

How active duty and Marine Corps Reserve service differ in schedule, pay, benefits, deployment rhythm, and civilian-life fit.

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March 29, 2026

ASTB-E vs ASVAB: What Marine Officers Need to Know

Marine officer aviation applicants should not confuse ASTB-E with ASVAB. Here is what each test does, who it is for, and how to study for the right one.

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March 29, 2026

ASVAB Line Scores for Marine Aviation MOS (60-73)

For enlisted Marine aviation fields, the best ASVAB profile usually means stronger EL and MM. Officer aviation applicants should pivot to ASTB-E.

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March 29, 2026

ASVAB Scores for Every Marine MOS (2026)

Field-by-field Marine ASVAB score map for 2026. Learn which occupational fields lean on GT, EL, MM, or CL before you test.

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March 29, 2026

ASVAB Scores for Marine Intelligence and Cyber MOS

How Marine intelligence and cyber score planning works across 02, 26, and 17-series paths. Strong GT, CL, and EL usually matter most.

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March 29, 2026