27 Linguist
Marine Corps OccFld 27 covers linguist designations tied to specific language skills and billets. Unlike many other fields, these roles are not best understood as one simple entry contract because the current MOS Manual treats them as EMOS designations used with designated billets.
That makes this field a good fit for Marines trying to understand how verified language ability gets used inside the larger force, especially near intelligence and specialized support missions.
The important point is that 27XX codes are about language skill in context. A linguist page tells you about the designated language and how it gets used, but the Marine still serves inside a larger primary occupational community. That is why this hub is best used as an orientation page rather than a promise that every language-coded Marine follows the same career pattern.
At a Glance
| Area | What to know |
|---|---|
| Field purpose | Identify and use verified language ability in billets that require translation, interpretation, or language-enabled support |
| Representative roles | Arabic linguist and Chinese linguist EMOS examples |
| Screening themes | Language proficiency, billet need, and often a sensitive assignment context |
| Training anchor | Boot Camp, primary MOS path, language training or validation, then assignment to a billet that uses the skill |
| Reserve note | Billet availability matters more here than in broad-access enlisted fields |
Which Role Fits You?
Choose 2737 Arabic (Modern Standard) Linguist if you sit in a monitoring station and listen to a conversation in arabic.
Choose 2741 Chinese (Mandarin) Linguist if you are listening to a mandarin audio feed.
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
- 2737 Arabic (Modern Standard) Linguist : You sit in a monitoring station and listen to a conversation in Arabic
- 2741 Chinese (Mandarin) Linguist : You are listening to a Mandarin audio feed
Related Resources
Use the ASVAB guide for general planning, then compare 02 Intelligence and 26 SIGINT/EW/Cyberspace Operations if you are trying to see where language skill often overlaps with larger mission communities.