0341 Mortarman
A mortar round does not need a clear line of sight to the target. That is the tactical advantage, and the 0341 Mortarman is the Marine who makes it work. When a rifle company needs to reach targets behind cover, terrain, or walls that direct fire cannot touch, the mortar section answers. This is still infantry, with the same field culture and physical demands as the rest of 03XX, but the mission is indirect fire, and the skill set to execute it correctly is more technical than most people picture going in.
Job Role and Responsibilities
The 0341 Mortarman is responsible for the tactical employment of light and medium mortar systems in direct support of infantry operations. These Marines provide organic indirect fire capability to rifle companies and weapons platoons, delivering accurate fires over terrain obstacles to suppress, neutralize, or destroy enemy forces at ranges beyond direct-fire weapons.
Daily Tasks
Mortar crew work combines fieldwork with technical precision. Daily tasks in a weapons platoon or mortar section include:
- Cleaning, function-checking, and maintaining the M224 60mm and M252 81mm mortar systems
- Conducting section drills including emplacement, displacement, and immediate-action procedures
- Computing firing data using firing tables, mortar ballistic computers, and manual methods
- Forward observer training for NCOs assigned fire direction and observation roles
- Physical conditioning and equipment carries across terrain with mortar systems and ammunition
- Communications training for calling and adjusting fires with supported rifle units
Specific Roles
| Classification | Code | Description |
|---|---|---|
| PMOS | 0341 | Mortarman |
| NMOS | 0365 | Infantry Squad Leader |
| NMOS | 0369 | Infantry Unit Leader |
Mission Contribution
Mortar sections give a rifle battalion organic fires that do not require coordination with higher artillery or aviation assets. When the unit is in contact and cannot wait for fire support from outside, the mortar section can deliver rounds within minutes. That speed and independence make the mortar critical in close-contact infantry fights where timing is everything.
Technology and Equipment
Primary systems include the M224 60mm mortar (lightweight, platoon-level) and the M252 81mm mortar (section and company level). Mortarmen use manual firing tables, the M1064A3 mortar carrier variant in motorized configurations, ballistic computers for firing data computation, and AN/PVS-14 night-vision for low-light operations. Forward observers use binoculars, laser range finders, and digital fire-control devices to acquire and adjust fires.
Salary and Benefits
Financial Benefits
Pay follows the 2026 DFAS active-duty enlisted pay tables, effective January 1, 2026.
| Rank | Grade | Under 2 Years | Over 2 Years | Over 4 Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private | E-1 | $2,407.20 | $2,407.20 | $2,407.20 |
| Private First Class | E-2 | $2,697.90 | $2,697.90 | $2,697.90 |
| Lance Corporal | E-3 | $2,836.80 | $3,015.00 | $3,198.00 |
| Corporal | E-4 | $3,142.20 | $3,303.00 | $3,658.50 |
| Sergeant | E-5 | $3,342.90 | $3,598.20 | $3,946.80 |
Source: dfas.mil, 2026 Enlisted Basic Pay Table.
Additional Benefits
BAS of $476.95 per month applies to all enlisted Marines. BAH varies by duty station and dependency status. TRICARE Prime provides no-cost medical, dental, and vision coverage. The Post-9/11 GI Bill covers full in-state tuition at public schools and up to $29,920.95 annually at private schools (AY 2025-2026 cap).
Work-Life Balance
Infantry weapons platoon tempo means field exercises, ranges, and deployments occupy significant schedule time. Mortar sections train on their systems continuously to maintain firing proficiency, which adds training events beyond the standard rifle platoon schedule.
Qualifications and Eligibility
Basic Qualifications
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident |
| Age | 17-29 for initial enlistment |
| Education | High school diploma or GED |
| AFQT minimum | 31 |
| ASVAB line scores | CL 90 or GT 90 minimum |
| Water survival | WS-B required |
| Physical | Infantry initial strength and combat-arms MOS classification standards |
| Medical | Meet MEPS medical standards |
The CL 90 or GT 90 line-score requirement reflects the calculation, communication, and map-reading demands of indirect fire work. Mortarmen are expected to compute data accurately under pressure, which is why the clerical and general technical composites are used as the entry filter.
Application Process
Enlistment begins with recruiter contact, ASVAB or PiCAT, MEPS physical, and contract negotiation. After Boot Camp, Marines attend ITB and then the Infantry Mortarman Course at SOI East or SOI West. The PMOS is awarded upon successful completion of the mortarman course.
Selection Criteria and Competitiveness
0341 seats are limited within the weapons community. Marines who meet line-score requirements, perform well at ITB, and demonstrate above-average attention to detail and aptitude for technical work are competitive. The calculation and observation demands of the MOS favor Marines who score well on verbal and mathematical sections of the ASVAB.
Upon Accession
Marines enter at E-1 (Private). Standard active-duty enlistment is four years. Current bonus availability should be confirmed with a recruiter.
- ASVAB Online Course Guided lessons and timed practice for the line score this MOS needs.
- ASVAB Study Guide Self-paced study with full-length practice exams and answer explanations.
Work Environment
Setting and Schedule
Mortarmen work in weapons platoons within rifle battalions and in weapons companies at the battalion level. The work environment is heavily field-oriented. Mortar range time, section drills, and combined-arms exercises shape the schedule more than garrison desk time. LAR company billets also exist for mortarmen.
Leadership and Communication
Mortar section leadership runs from crew member to gun team leader (Corporal) to squad and section leader (Sergeant and above). Fire direction communication requires clear, accurate voice procedures between the forward observer and the fire direction center. Errors in communication produce errors on the gun, which is why communication discipline is enforced rigorously.
Team Dynamics and Autonomy
A mortar section depends on three distinct but interdependent elements: the gun crew, the fire direction center, and the forward observer. Each has defined responsibilities and dependencies on the others. Individual reliability is critical because a sloppy gun crew or inaccurate FDC computation can put rounds on friendly forces.
Job Satisfaction and Retention
Marines who enjoy the technical precision of indirect fire, the community identity of the mortar section, and the combination of field work with calculation-based skills tend to stay in 0341. Those who expected straightforward direct-fire infantry work and find the mathematical demands unengaging sometimes transition after their first enlistment.
Training and Skill Development
Initial Training
| Phase | Location | Duration | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boot Camp | MCRD San Diego or Parris Island | 13 weeks | Marine Corps fundamentals, basic combat skills |
| Infantry Training Battalion (ITB) - Infantry Marine Course | SOI-West (Camp Pendleton) or SOI-East (Camp Lejeune) | 59 days | Fire and maneuver, offensive and defensive operations, patrolling |
| Infantry Mortarman Course | SOI-East or SOI-West | Varies | Mortar employment, firing data computation, forward observer basics, crew drills |
Advanced Training
- Advanced Mortarman Course for team and squad leaders
- Infantry Small Unit Leaders Course for squad and section leaders
- Joint Targeting Staff Course for NCOs assigned to targeting sections
- Combined-arms exercises with aviation, artillery, and maneuver elements
- Forward Observer School attendance for NCOs assuming FO billets
Career Progression and Advancement
Career Path
| Rank | Grade | Typical Time in Grade | Primary Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private | E-1 | 0-6 months | Schoolhouse |
| Private First Class | E-2 | 6-12 months | Gun crew member in training |
| Lance Corporal | E-3 | 12-18 months | Qualified crew member, gunner or assistant |
| Corporal | E-4 | 18-36 months | Gun team leader |
| Sergeant | E-5 | 36-60 months | Section leader, forward observer |
| Staff Sergeant | E-6 | 6-10 years | Platoon sergeant or fire direction chief |
| Gunnery Sergeant | E-7 | 10-16 years | Company gunnery sergeant or fire direction chief |
Role Flexibility and Transfers
LATMOVE is available for 0341 Marines with command endorsement and available school seats. Field artillery (08XX) billets represent a natural progression interest for mortarmen who want to expand their fires expertise. Law enforcement and intelligence are also common transition targets.
Performance Evaluation
Proficiency and conduct marks govern Lance Corporals and below. FITREPs govern Staff Sergeants and above. Section-level firing accuracy, data computation speed, and leadership in combined-arms exercises all factor into advancement evaluations.
Physical Demands and Medical Evaluations
Physical Requirements
Carrying mortar systems and ammunition across terrain is physically demanding. The M252 81mm mortar weighs 89 pounds fully assembled. Section movement in the field means distributing that weight across the crew. Sustained fire missions require extended periods of physical work under time pressure.
| Test | Event | Male 17-20 Minimum | Male 17-20 First Class | Female 17-20 Minimum | Female 17-20 First Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFT | Pull-ups | 3 | 23 | 1 | 7 |
| PFT | Crunches (2 min) | 70 | 100 | 70 | 100 |
| PFT | 3-Mile Run | 28:00 | 18:00 | 33:00 | 21:00 |
| CFT | Movement to Contact | 3:38 | 2:55 | 4:40 | 3:48 |
| CFT | Ammunition Lift | 42 | 95 | 42 | 95 |
| CFT | Maneuver Under Fire | 3:37 | 2:27 | 4:20 | 3:15 |
Source: marines.com. Verify current year standards against official Marine Corps publications.
Medical Evaluations
Standard MEPS screening applies at accession. Hearing checks are conducted periodically given mortar firing noise levels. Annual physicals and dental exams are required throughout the career.
Deployment and Duty Stations
Deployment Details
Mortarmen deploy with infantry battalions and MEU Battalion Landing Teams. Deployment tempo matches the infantry standard: approximately one seven-month deployment every 24-36 months. Mortar sections have deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, and throughout the Indo-Pacific.
Location Flexibility
Primary duty stations are Camp Pendleton, Camp Lejeune, Kaneohe Bay, and Okinawa. Twentynine Palms hosts combined-arms training exercises that involve mortarmen. Assignment preferences are submitted but not guaranteed.
Risk, Safety, and Legal Considerations
Job Hazards
Mortar firing produces intense concussive noise and backblast. Carrying heavy systems increases musculoskeletal injury risk. Misfire and cook-off procedures require strict adherence to safety protocols. Direct combat risk is consistent with all infantry deployments.
Safety Protocols
Mortar safety SOP governs all live-fire events including misfire procedures, cook-off waiting times, and range clearance. Range safety officers supervise all qualification events. All mortar ammunition handling follows strict protocols.
Security and Legal Requirements
0341 does not require a security clearance at the PMOS level. All Marines are subject to UCMJ and applicable Rules of Engagement in deployed settings.
Impact on Family and Personal Life
Family Considerations
Infantry deployment cycles and field-exercise tempo create real family impact. MCFTB, Military OneSource, and MCCS programs at all major installations support families. The mortar community’s concentration at Camp Pendleton and Camp Lejeune means strong family support infrastructure is available.
Relocation and Flexibility
Two to three PCS moves during an initial enlistment are typical. Mortar billets are concentrated in major infantry-battalion locations. Location preferences should be discussed with a recruiter before enlistment.
Marine Corps Reserve
Component Availability
Reserve infantry units carry mortar billets, and 0341 Marines can serve in the reserve component. The quality of reserve mortar experience depends heavily on unit training tempo and range access.
Drill Schedule and Training Commitment
Standard reserve commitment is one drill weekend per month and two weeks of Annual Training per year. Mortar reserve units often schedule additional range events to maintain firing proficiency. The technical currency requirement for indirect fire adds time beyond a standard infantry reserve schedule.
Part-Time Pay
A reserve Corporal (E-4) earns approximately $419 per drill weekend based on 2026 pay rates. Active-duty monthly pay of $3,142.20 for the same grade significantly exceeds part-time pay.
Benefits Differences
| Benefit | Active Duty | Marine Corps Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly pay (E-4) | $3,142.20 | ~$419 per drill weekend |
| Healthcare | TRICARE Prime, no cost | TRICARE Reserve Select (premiums apply) |
| Tuition Assistance | Up to $4,500/year | Available on qualifying orders |
| GI Bill | Full Post-9/11 GI Bill | Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve |
| Retirement | 20-year pension at 40% of high-36 | Points-based, collect at age 60 |
| Deployment tempo | Higher, structured cycles | Lower, mobilization possible |
Deployment and Mobilization
Reserve mortarmen can be mobilized under Title 10 orders for contingency operations and overseas deployments. Mobilization lengths are typically six to twelve months.
Civilian Career Integration
Precision calculation, team leadership, and communication under pressure skills pair well with civilian careers in emergency management, law enforcement, and technical operations. USERRA protections apply.
Post-Service Opportunities
Transition to Civilian Life
The Transition Readiness Program provides career counseling, resume preparation, and job-placement support. Veterans’ Preference applies to federal hiring. The GI Bill and tuition assistance can fund degrees or certifications that bridge infantry experience to civilian employment.
Civilian Career Prospects
| Civilian Job Title | Median Annual Salary | Job Outlook (BLS) |
|---|---|---|
| Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officer | $70,900 | +3% |
| Firefighter | $56,560 | +4% |
| Emergency Management Specialist | $79,180 | +5% |
| Logistics and Supply Chain Coordinator | $59,760 | +8% |
| Security Manager | $63,000 | +3% |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Is This a Good Job for You? The Right (and Wrong) Fit
Ideal Candidate Profile
The best 0341 candidates combine physical toughness with a genuine interest in precision and calculation. Marines who like technical problem-solving inside a field infantry culture, who can stay accurate when physically exhausted, and who enjoy the distinct identity of the weapons community find this MOS rewarding. Strong performance on verbal and math sections of the ASVAB is a practical signal of fit.
Potential Challenges
Marines who dislike calculation-heavy work, who prefer direct action to fires coordination, or who find system maintenance tedious may not enjoy 0341. The mortar community has a strong internal culture around precision and teamwork. Those who cannot maintain that standard under field conditions will struggle.
Career and Lifestyle Alignment
The MOS develops technical precision, team leadership, and fires coordination skills that transfer to several civilian fields with the right post-service plan. Benefits including the GI Bill and tuition assistance provide the path from infantry experience to a credentialed civilian career.
This site is not affiliated with the U.S. Marine Corps or any government agency. Verify all information with official Marine Corps sources before making enlistment or career decisions.
More Information
Contact your nearest Marine Corps Recruiting Station to confirm current 0341 school seat availability and contract options. Ask about any current bonus programs tied to infantry weapons specialties.
Explore more 03 Infantry roles, including 0331 Machine Gunner and 0352 Antitank Missile Gunner.
Need score context? Review the ASVAB guide and the PiCAT guide before publishing permanent MOS content.