08 Field Artillery
Marine Corps OccFld 08 is the artillery field built around cannon employment, fire control, target processing, and fire support. It is one of the classic combat-arms communities in the Corps, but the field is more technical than the outside image sometimes suggests.
It treats artillery as both a physical field and a coordination field, because public Marine descriptions make clear that gunnery, sensors, and support-to-maneuver all matter here.
The Marine MOS overview page says field artillery includes firing battery duties, artillery operations tied to target-acquisition equipment, and observation-and-liaison work that checks plans and communicates advice and operating information. That is the best broad picture of the field.
Some 08 Marines are closest to the guns. Some are closest to the fire-direction side. Some work closest to supported maneuver units. They all serve the same larger purpose: helping the force put accurate fires where and when they matter.
At a Glance
| Area | What to know |
|---|---|
| Field purpose | Deliver artillery fires, control firing data, and support maneuver forces with observation and coordination |
| Representative enlisted roles | 0811 Field Artillery Cannoneer, 0844 Field Artillery Fire Control Marine, 0861 Fire Support Marine |
| Screening themes | Combat-arms readiness, field discipline, and comfort with technical firing and target procedures |
| Training anchor | Formal artillery schoolhouse training after initial Marine qualification |
| Reserve note | Reserve artillery billets exist, but the exact experience depends heavily on the unit and training calendar |
Which Role Fits You?
Choose 0811 Field Artillery Cannoneer if the call comes over the radio.
Choose 0842 Field Artillery Radar Operator if an enemy mortar round leaves its tube.
Choose 0844 Field Artillery Fire Control Marine if a call for fire comes in over the radio: target location, description, method of engagement.
Choose 0861 Fire Support Marine if you are moving with a rifle company through broken terrain when the lead element makes contact.
Common Entry Requirements
All enlisted Marines in this occupational field enlist with a minimum AFQT of 31, a high school diploma, U.S. citizenship, and MEPS medical clearance. Boot Camp is the first training gate: 13 weeks at MCRD San Diego or Parris Island. After graduation, Marines complete Marine Combat Training or the Infantry Training Battalion before attending their MOS-specific school. See each role’s profile below for specific ASVAB line scores, training details, and additional requirements.
Career Field Directory
- 0811 Field Artillery Cannoneer : The call comes over the radio
- 0842 Field Artillery Radar Operator : An enemy mortar round leaves its tube
- 0844 Field Artillery Fire Control Marine : A call for fire comes in over the radio: target location, description, method of engagement
- 0861 Fire Support Marine : You are moving with a rifle company through broken terrain when the lead element makes contact
Related Resources
If you are interested in 08 work, start with the ASVAB guide and PiCAT guide so you keep as many combat-arms options open as possible. Then compare the field with 03 Infantry if you are deciding between fires and maneuver.