6802 Meteorological and Oceanographic (METOC) Services Officer

The 6802 Meteorological and Oceanographic Services Officer turns environmental data into operational intelligence. Marine commanders rely on accurate weather forecasts, oceanographic analysis, and atmospheric modeling to plan missions, protect forces, and execute operations in every environment on earth. The 6802 officer sits at the intersection of technical analysis and operational decision support. This is not a generic staff job. It is a specialized field that demands scientific literacy, clear communication, and the ability to translate complex data into useful recommendations.

Job Role and Responsibilities

The 6802 Meteorological and Oceanographic Services Officer provides environmental intelligence support to Marine commanders across all operational domains. This officer interprets weather data, analyzes oceanographic conditions, and integrates environmental intelligence into mission planning and execution. The 6802 briefs commanders on atmospheric and maritime factors that affect aviation operations, ground maneuvers, amphibious landings, and force protection. The role requires a blend of technical expertise and operational understanding, as the officer must connect environmental data to the commander’s scheme of maneuver.

Command and Leadership Scope

The 6802 officer leads enlisted METOC analysts and serves as the primary environmental intelligence advisor to the command. At the unit level, the officer supervises a small team of 6811 METOC Services Technicians who collect data, run models, and produce weather products. At the MEF or MAG level, the officer manages METOC operations across multiple subordinate units and coordinates with Navy and Air Force METOC organizations. The span of control ranges from a handful of analysts at the unit level to a larger METOC staff at the expeditionary level.

MOS Codes in This Field

Mission Contribution

The Marine Air-Ground Task Force operates in every climate and terrain type on earth. Weather and ocean conditions directly affect aviation operations, ground maneuver, amphibious operations, and communications. The 6802 officer ensures that commanders have accurate environmental intelligence before and during operations. Without reliable METOC support, aviation sorties launch into unsafe conditions, ground units march into weather hazards, and amphibious operations face unpredictable surf and tide conditions.

Technology, Equipment, and Systems

The 6802 officer works with meteorological data systems, oceanographic modeling software, and environmental intelligence platforms used by Marine and Navy METOC organizations. These systems include numerical weather prediction models, satellite imagery analysis tools, and oceanographic databases. The officer also employs tactical METOC equipment deployed with forward units, including portable weather sensors and communications systems that relay environmental data to higher headquarters.

Salary and Benefits

Marine officers receive base pay determined by rank and years of service, plus allowances for housing and subsistence. The 2026 monthly base pay rates for junior officers are as follows:

Source: DFAS 2026 pay tables. Figures reflect the 2026 pay raise.

Officers also receive a monthly Basic Allowance for Subsistence of $328.48 and a Basic Allowance for Housing that varies by duty location, pay grade, and dependency status. METOC officers do not receive aviation or hazardous duty special pays, as this is not a flight or combat-diving field.

Additional Benefits

Active-duty Marine officers and their families receive TRICARE Prime health coverage with no enrollment fee, no deductible, and no copay for in-network care. This covers medical, dental, vision, mental health, prescriptions, and hospitalization. Officers accrue 30 days of paid leave per year at a rate of 2.5 days per month, with a maximum carryover of 60 days.

The Blended Retirement System provides a pension at 20 years of service equal to 40 percent of the high-36 average basic pay. The Marine Corps contributes an automatic 1 percent of basic pay to the Thrift Savings Plan and matches up to an additional 4 percent when the officer contributes 5 percent. Officers who reach 8 to 12 years of service may be eligible for continuation pay equal to 2.5 times monthly basic pay in exchange for a three-year service obligation.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill covers full in-state tuition at public universities, up to $29,920.95 per year at private institutions, and includes a monthly housing allowance and annual book stipend. Officers with six years of service can transfer unused GI Bill benefits to dependents with a four-year additional service obligation.

Work-Life Balance

Garrison life for a 6802 officer follows a standard weekday schedule with occasional weekend duty rotations. The analytical nature of METOC work means fewer field exercises than combat arms officers, but the officer still participates in unit training events and deployment preparations. During deployments and major exercises, the work schedule expands to meet operational demands. METOC support runs around the clock in deployed environments, and the officer works shifts to maintain continuous environmental intelligence coverage.

Qualifications and Eligibility

Commissioning Sources

All Marine officers enter through one of several commissioning paths. The 6802 MOS is assigned after commissioning and completion of The Basic School, based on class standing, preferences, and the needs of the Marine Corps.

Test Requirements

Aviation officer applicants must take the ASTB-E. The 6802 METOC Services Officer is not an aviation MOS, so the ASTB-E is not required. OCC and MECEP candidates may need ASVAB scores as part of their enlisted screening history, but the commissioning process itself does not require ASVAB scores for college graduate applicants. Candidates should prepare for the officer selection process by maintaining strong academic records and physical fitness scores.

MOS Assignment at TBS

MOS assignment happens after The Basic School. Every newly commissioned Marine officer attends TBS at MCB Quantico, Virginia. At the end of the six-month program, officers submit their MOS preference list. The Marine Corps assigns MOS codes based on class standing, officer preferences, and the needs of the service. The 6802 is a technical officer MOS with limited billet availability. Officers who want this field should express their preference early and perform well at TBS to improve their chances of assignment.

Upon Commissioning

New officers enter at the rank of O-1, Second Lieutenant. The standard Minimum Service Requirement for Marine officers is eight years of active duty service from the date of commissioning. Technical officer MOS fields like 6802 follow the standard MSR unless specific program guidance dictates otherwise.

Work Environment

Setting and Schedule

The 6802 officer works primarily in staff environments: command centers, operations sections, and METOC facilities equipped with weather workstations and communications systems. The daily schedule follows standard garrison hours with occasional early morning or late evening briefings tied to flight operations or exercise timelines. During field exercises and deployments, the officer works from tactical operations centers and forward METOC sites, often in austere conditions with limited infrastructure.

Leadership and Chain of Command

The 6802 officer reports to the operations officer or executive officer of their parent command. At the unit level, the METOC officer is a staff specialist who advises the commander on environmental factors. The officer works closely with the operations section, the S-2 intelligence section, and aviation operations when supporting flight missions. The relationship with senior enlisted METOC technicians is collaborative. The 6811 METOC Services Technician brings technical expertise in data collection and model operation, while the officer provides operational context and commander-level recommendations.

Staff vs. Command Roles

The 6802 is fundamentally a staff specialty. Officers in this field spend most of their careers in staff positions at the unit, MEF, or joint staff level. Command opportunities exist in the form of leading a METOC detachment or section, but these are smaller in scope than the command billets available to combat arms officers. Staff positions at the MEF or HQMC level offer broader influence over METOC policy and program development.

Job Satisfaction and Retention

Officers who enjoy analytical work, environmental science, and operational advising tend to find the 6802 field rewarding. The job offers a clear mission connection without the physical demands of combat arms. Retention is influenced by the availability of follow-on assignments and the officer’s interest in technical specialization. Officers who want broad command opportunities may find the field limiting, while those who value technical expertise and decision support find a strong career path.

Training and Skill Development

Pre-Commissioning Training

PLC candidates complete two six-week summer training sessions at OCS Quantico. OCC candidates complete a single ten-week program. NROTC Marine Option midshipmen participate in weekly military training and summer cruises. USNA midshipmen complete a four-year integrated academic and military program. All paths prepare candidates for the physical and leadership demands of Marine officer service.

The Basic School

Every Marine officer attends TBS regardless of eventual MOS. The curriculum covers infantry tactics, weapons employment, land navigation, communications, planning, and Marine Corps history. Performance at TBS determines MOS assignment and first billet placement. The 6802 officer who performs well at TBS earns stronger career momentum.

MOS School

After TBS, 6802 officers complete follow-on training through the Navy METOC training pipeline. This training covers meteorology, oceanography, environmental intelligence analysis, and the specific systems used by Marine and Navy METOC organizations. Training locations include Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command facilities and joint METOC training commands. The METOC Officer Course provides advanced instruction in environmental modeling, operational forecasting, and joint METOC integration.

Professional Military Education

Expeditionary Warfare School is the resident PME course for captains at MCB Quantico. It covers joint operations, amphibious warfare, and expeditionary planning. Command and Staff College is the Major-level PME course, also at Quantico, focused on operational art and campaign planning. The School of Advanced Warfighting is a highly competitive one-year program for select Majors that emphasizes operational-level warfighting. Senior officers may attend the Marine Corps War College or equivalent senior service college.

Additional Schools and Training

METOC officers may pursue advanced training in numerical weather prediction, satellite meteorology, oceanographic analysis, and joint environmental intelligence systems. Civilian education opportunities include fully funded graduate programs in meteorology, environmental science, or related fields through Marine Corps advanced degree programs. The Olmsted Scholar Program offers select officers the opportunity to earn a master’s degree and gain international experience.

Career Progression and Advancement

Career Path

Promotion System

Promotion from O-1 to O-3 is essentially time-based for officers who maintain good standing. Promotion to O-4 and above requires selection by a Marine Corps promotion board. The board reviews fitness reports, professional military education completion, awards, and broader career performance. METOC officers compete within the unrestricted officer community. Strong fitness reports, PME completion, and demonstrated performance in staff assignments drive board selection.

MOS Changes and Functional Areas

Officers can change MOS through the lateral move process, typically after their first operational assignment. A 6802 officer who wants to move into a broader operations or logistics field can apply for a lateral MOS change, subject to approval and billet availability. Broadening assignments include recruiting duty, NROTC instructor, joint staff tours, and Marine Security Guard duty. These assignments build a competitive officer record and demonstrate versatility.

Physical Demands and Medical Evaluations

Physical Requirements

The 6802 officer must meet the same physical fitness standards as all Marine officers. There are no MOS-specific physical demands beyond the standard PFT and CFT. The officer must maintain flight-ready physical condition even though this is not an aviation field, as Marine officers are expected to lead Marines in any environment.

PFT/CFT Standards

Medical Evaluations

The 6802 officer does not require a flight physical or dive physical. Standard Marine Corps medical screening applies. Officers must maintain medical readiness for worldwide assignment and deployment.

Deployment and Duty Stations

Deployment Details

METOC officers deploy with their parent commands. On a MEU, the 6802 officer provides weather and oceanographic support for the commanding officer, producing daily weather briefs, monitoring conditions for flight operations, and advising on environmental factors that affect amphibious operations. Larger deployments with a Marine expeditionary brigade or MEF include a full METOC team with officers and enlisted analysts covering weather forecasting, oceanographic analysis, and environmental intelligence production. Expeditionary advanced base operations require the officer to plan for METOC data collection and communications in austere environments with limited infrastructure.

Duty Station Options

Primary duty stations for METOC officers include MCB Quantico, Virginia, where the METOC training pipeline and PME schools are located. Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, offers field exercise experience. Overseas assignments include Marine Corps Installations Pacific on Okinawa and Marine Corps Base Hawaii. METOC officers may also serve at joint METOC organizations, Navy weather centers, and HQMC in the Washington, D.C. area. Assignment is determined through the Marine Corps monitor system, which considers officer preferences, career progression needs, and billet availability.

Risk, Safety, and Legal Considerations

Job Hazards

The 6802 officer faces fewer physical hazards than combat arms officers, but the job carries operational risk. Deployed METOC officers work in austere environments and may be exposed to the same combat risks as other Marines in the unit. The primary hazard is the consequence of inaccurate environmental intelligence. A bad weather forecast can ground aircraft, delay amphibious operations, or expose forces to environmental hazards.

Safety Protocols

METOC officers employ Operational Risk Management principles in their planning and advisory work. The officer assesses environmental hazards, communicates risks to the command, and recommends mitigation measures. In deployed environments, the officer follows force protection protocols and base defense procedures applicable to all Marines at the location.

Legal and Command Responsibility

The 6802 officer holds the same UCMJ authority as any Marine officer. As a staff specialist, the officer does not typically exercise court-martial convening authority, but the officer is responsible for the conduct and discipline of any enlisted Marines assigned to their section. Command climate and equal opportunity requirements apply to all officers in leadership positions. Relief for cause in a staff specialty carries significant career consequences and can end an officer’s career.

Impact on Family and Personal Life

Family Considerations

The 6802 field offers a more predictable schedule than combat arms, which benefits family stability. The officer typically works standard garrison hours and participates in fewer extended field exercises. PCS moves occur every two to three years, consistent with Marine Corps assignment cycles. The Marine Corps Community Services program, Military OneSource, and Marine Corps Family Team Building provide support for families during moves, deployments, and transitions.

Dual-Military Considerations

Dual-military couples in the METOC field face the same assignment challenges as other Marine couples. The Marine Corps attempts to co-locate dual-military spouses through the Join Spouse program, but success depends on billet availability in both MOS fields. A dual-military couple where one spouse is a 6802 officer and the other is in a high-demand field may find co-location easier than two combat arms officers.

Marine Corps Reserve

Component Availability

The 6802 MOS is available in the Marine Corps Reserve, though billet availability is limited compared to the active component. Reserve METOC officers serve in units that support active-component METOC operations during drills and annual training. Career progression in the reserve follows the same promotion boards as active duty, but command billets are fewer and competition for available positions is concentrated.

Commissioning Paths

Reserve commissioning is available through PLC-R, which follows the same structure as active-duty PLC but with a reserve service obligation. NROTC midshipmen can accept reserve contracts. Active-duty officers who complete their Minimum Service Requirement can transfer to the Marine Corps Reserve if reserve billets are available in their MOS.

Drill Commitment

Reserve officers commit to one weekend of drill per month and two weeks of annual training per year. METOC officers may require additional training days for certifications, multi-week exercises, or mobilization preparations. The technical nature of METOC work means that maintaining proficiency requires regular engagement with weather systems and operational procedures.

Part-Time Pay

An O-3 Captain with under two years of service earns $5,534.10 per month on active duty. A reserve O-3 earns one-thirtieth of that rate per drill period, or approximately $184.47 per drill day. A typical four-drill weekend yields about $737.88 before allowances. Annual training pay equals the active-duty monthly rate prorated over the two-week period. Reserve officers also receive BAH for drill weekends if they live more than 50 miles from their drilling location.

Benefits Differences

Reserve officers enroll in TRICARE Reserve Select, which requires monthly premiums, compared to the zero-cost TRICARE Prime coverage for active-duty families. Reserve officers earn GI Bill benefits through active-duty mobilizations and can use Federal Tuition Assistance for civilian education during drill status. The reserve retirement system is points-based, with retirement pay beginning at age 60 and calculated from equivalent years of service based on accumulated retirement points.

Deployment and Mobilization

Reserve METOC officers mobilize when their units are activated or when active-component units require METOC augmentation. Mobilization length typically ranges from six to twelve months. Reserve officers may also serve on Active Duty for Operational Support orders, which provide shorter-term active-duty tours without full mobilization.

Civilian Career Integration

Reserve METOC officers commonly work in civilian careers related to meteorology, environmental science, emergency management, or data analysis. Reserve service enhances civilian career prospects by providing leadership experience, security clearance maintenance, and ongoing professional development. USERRA protects reserve officers from employment discrimination and guarantees reemployment rights after mobilization.

Active vs. Reserve Comparison

Post-Service Opportunities

Transition to Civilian Life

The 6802 MOS builds environmental analysis, decision support, and operational planning skills that translate directly into civilian careers. Officers leave with experience in weather forecasting, environmental modeling, data interpretation, and advisory leadership. The Transition Readiness Program, Hiring Our Heroes, and SkillBridge provide structured transition support.

Civilian Career Prospects

Meteorologists and atmospheric scientists earn a median salary that reflects the technical expertise built in the METOC field. Government weather services, private meteorology firms, and environmental consulting companies value officers with operational METOC experience. Emergency management roles at FEMA and state agencies draw from the same risk assessment and environmental intelligence skill set. Data analysis and operations research roles are another common path, as the METOC officer works with complex data sets and produces useful intelligence under pressure.

Graduate Education

The Post-9/11 GI Bill covers full graduate school tuition at public institutions and up to $29,920.95 per year at private schools. Many former METOC officers pursue master’s degrees in meteorology, environmental science, emergency management, or public administration. The Yellow Ribbon Program at participating schools covers tuition costs that exceed the GI Bill cap.

Is This a Good Job for You? The Right (and Wrong) Fit

Ideal Candidate

The 6802 fits officers who enjoy analytical work, environmental science, and operational advising. If you want a technical field where your analysis directly affects command decisions, and if you prefer staff work over combat arms, this MOS makes sense. The officer who thrives here is comfortable with data, clear communication, and the advisory role that comes with environmental intelligence support.

Potential Challenges

The 6802 is not a combat arms field. Officers who want a tactical identity or who measure career success by command of large combat units will find this field limiting. The daily work is analytical and advisory, not physical or tactical. The field has fewer billets than broad officer communities, which means less flexibility in assignment choices. Officers who cannot communicate complex data clearly will struggle, as the core of the job is translating environmental information into usable recommendations for commanders.

Career and Lifestyle Alignment

The 6802 offers a more predictable schedule than combat arms, which suits officers who value family stability alongside military service. The civilian career transfer value is strong in meteorology, environmental science, emergency management, and data analysis. Officers who plan to serve a full career will find a clear progression path through staff and policy positions. Officers who plan to serve one obligation will leave with marketable technical skills and a straightforward narrative for civilian employers.

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More Information

Contact your local Marine Officer Selection Officer to learn more about the 6802 METOC Services Officer path and the commissioning process. Your OSO can explain eligibility requirements, help you prepare for the selection board, and connect you with current METOC officers who can share their experience. If you are pursuing a commission through OCC or MECEP, start preparing for the ASVAB early, as strong scores strengthen your overall application. Visit the Officer Selection Station nearest you to begin the process.

Explore more Marine officer careers such as Logistics Officer and Intelligence Officer.

Commissioning routes still depend on score planning. Start with the ASVAB guide, and use the ASTB-E guide for aviation pipelines when applicable.