17 Information Maneuver
Marine Corps OccFld 17 is the information field built around cyber, civil affairs, influence, and related operations in the information environment. It is one of the clearest examples of the Corps shifting toward technical and cognitive competition instead of treating every fight as a purely physical one.
This hub uses current FY2026 public titles and field structure. That matters in 17 more than in many other fields because the occupational field changed quickly over the last few years, and older internet references often mix outdated titles with current roles.
The Marine MOS overview page says Marines in OccFld 17 receive specialized training for space, electromagnetic spectrum operations, cyber warfare, civil affairs, and influence. The field is broad, but the common thread is the information environment: helping commanders understand it, shape it, defend friendly systems, and create effects that support operations.
That makes 17 different from a classic support field. Some Marines in this field work close to network defense and cyber operations. Others work closer to civil populations, messaging, or influence planning. The mission changes, but the theme stays the same: technical skill and judgment applied to real operations.
At a Glance
| Area | What to know |
|---|---|
| Field purpose | Support Marine operations in cyberspace, the electromagnetic spectrum, civil affairs, and influence activities |
| Representative enlisted roles | 1721 Cyberspace Warfare Operator, 1732 Civil Affairs Specialist, 1751 Influence Specialist |
| Screening themes | Strong GT scores, security screening, and selective lateral-move or reserve-accession pathways |
| Training anchor | Specialized follow-on courses after basic Marine qualification, often with field-specific screening before training |
| Reserve note | Some roles are active and reserve, while 1732 is explicitly reserve-only in current public guidance |
Which Role Fits You?
Choose 1721 Cyberspace Warfare Operator if every network is a potential avenue of approach, and every defensive gap is a vulnerability the enemy can exploit.
Choose 1732 Civil Affairs Specialist if when a marine unit operates in a populated area, the civilian environment shapes the mission as much as the terrain does.
Choose 1751 Influence Specialist if every military operation exists inside an information environment that shapes what people believe, how they behave, and whether they support or resist the mission.
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
- 1721 Cyberspace Warfare Operator : Every network is a potential avenue of approach, and every defensive gap is a vulnerability the enemy can exploit
- 1732 Civil Affairs Specialist : When a Marine unit operates in a populated area, the civilian environment shapes the mission as much as the terrain does
- 1751 Influence Specialist : Every military operation exists inside an information environment that shapes what people believe, how they behave, and whether they support or resist the mission
Related Resources
If you want to stay eligible for 17XX options, start with the ASVAB guide and PiCAT guide so your GT score planning is solid. Then compare the field against 02 Intelligence and 06 Communications before narrowing down to one screening path.