7318 VMU MQ-9 Officer
The 7318 VMU MQ-9 Officer leads unmanned aircraft operations within Marine aviation. The MQ-9 provides persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance for the MAGTF, and the 7318 officer plans missions, coordinates with ground commanders, and ensures that ISR products reach the right people at the right time. This is not a desk job where you sit at a console and fly a drone. The 7318 officer deploys with operational units, plans missions in forward environments, and manages ISR operations that directly affect the ground fight. The field sits inside the aviation system, not outside it. Officers who thrive here understand both the technical demands of unmanned systems and the operational realities of supporting ground commanders with real-time intelligence.
Job Role and Responsibilities
The 7318 VMU MQ-9 Officer plans and executes unmanned aircraft missions in support of Marine Air-Ground Task Force operations. This officer manages ISR collection, coordinates with ground units on intelligence requirements, oversees sensor operations, and ensures that the MQ-9 delivers useful intelligence to commanders. The 7318 leads enlisted UAS operators and sensor operators, serves as the primary UAS advisor to the command, and integrates unmanned aircraft operations into the broader intelligence architecture. The role demands mission planning expertise, analytical skill, and the ability to connect ISR operations to the ground scheme of maneuver.
Command and Leadership Scope
The 7318 officer leads enlisted Marines in field 73, including 7315 UAS Operators and sensor operators. At the squadron level, the officer supervises a VMU detachment of 10 to 20 Marines who execute UAS operations. At the group or MAF level, the officer manages ISR operations across multiple aircraft and coordinates with joint and coalition ISR organizations. The span of control ranges from a small tactical team to a multi-aircraft ISR staff.
MOS Codes in This Field
| MOS Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 7318 | VMU MQ-9 Officer | PMOS |
Mission Contribution
The Marine Air-Ground Task Force needs persistent ISR capability to understand the battlespace, track threats, and support ground maneuver. The MQ-9 provides that capability from the air. The 7318 officer ensures that the MQ-9 delivers real-time intelligence, target acquisition, and battle damage assessment to the commanders who need it. Without effective UAS operations, ground commanders lose eyes on the objective, aviation assets fly blind into contested areas, and the MAGTF loses a critical intelligence layer.
Technology, Equipment, and Systems
The 7318 officer employs MQ-9 unmanned aircraft systems, ground control stations, electro-optical and infrared sensors, and communications relay equipment. The officer works with mission planning software, intelligence distribution systems, and the MAGTF intelligence architecture that routes ISR products to consumers. Tactical UAS equipment deployed with forward units includes portable ground control stations, satellite communications terminals, and launch and recovery systems.
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:
| Rank | Pay Grade | YOS <2 | YOS 2 | YOS 4 | YOS 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second Lieutenant (2ndLt) | O-1 | $4,150 | $4,320 | $5,222 | - |
| First Lieutenant (1stLt) | O-2 | $4,782 | $5,446 | $6,484 | $6,618 |
| Captain (Capt) | O-3 | $5,534 | $6,274 | $7,383 | $7,737 |
| Major (Maj) | O-4 | $6,295 | $7,286 | $7,881 | $8,332 |
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. VMU officers do not receive aviation or hazardous duty special pays, as this is not a manned flight 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 7318 officer follows a standard weekday schedule with occasional shift work tied to mission execution. ISR operations run around the clock during deployments and major exercises, so the officer works early mornings, late evenings, and weekends. During steady-state garrison operations, the schedule is more predictable. The officer who cannot manage shift work and sustained operational focus will struggle during high-tempo periods.
Qualifications and Eligibility
Commissioning Sources
All Marine officers enter through one of several commissioning paths. The 7318 MOS is assigned after commissioning and completion of The Basic School, based on class standing, preferences, and the needs of the Marine Corps.
| Commissioning Source | Description | GPA/Degree Requirements | Age Limit | Physical Standards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PLC | Platoon Leaders Class for college students. Two six-week summer sessions at OCS Quantico plus senior-year commissioning. | Bachelor’s degree in progress. Competitive GPA preferred. | Under 28 at commissioning | Pass PFT, medical screening, background investigation |
| OCC | Officer Candidates Course for college seniors and graduates. Ten-week program at OCS Quantico. | Bachelor’s degree required. Competitive GPA preferred. | Under 28 at commissioning | Pass PFT, medical screening, background investigation |
| NROTC Marine Option | Naval ROTC with Marine Option scholarship or college program. Four years of college with military training. | Bachelor’s degree required. Competitive GPA. | Under 28 at commissioning | Pass PFT, medical screening, background investigation |
| USNA | U.S. Naval Academy. Four-year service academy program with Marine Corps option. | Bachelor’s degree from USNA. | Under 28 at commissioning | Pass PFT, medical screening, background investigation |
| MECEP | Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program for active-duty enlisted Marines. Two to four years of college. | Bachelor’s degree required. Competitive GPA. | Under 28 at commissioning | Pass PFT, medical screening, background investigation |
| ECP | Enlisted Commissioning Program for active-duty and reserve enlisted Marines. Self-funded degree completion. | Bachelor’s degree required. | Under 28 at commissioning | Pass PFT, medical screening, background investigation |
Test Requirements
The 7318 sits inside the aviation system, and aviation officer applicants must take the ASTB-E. Candidates pursuing aviation contracts through PLC-Air or OCC-Air need competitive ASTB-E scores to secure an aviation designation. The ASTB-E measures aviation aptitude, spatial awareness, and mechanical comprehension. Competitive scores vary by year and aviation demand, but candidates should aim for scores above the current Marine Corps minimums. OCC and MECEP candidates may have ASVAB scores from their enlisted screening history.
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 7318 is an aviation-adjacent MOS with limited billet availability. Officers who want this field should express their preference early and perform well at TBS.
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. Aviation-related MOS fields may carry extended service obligations due to the length and cost of training. The 7318 follows standard or extended MSR depending on specific program guidance.
- ASTB-E Online Course Guided lessons covering math, reading, mechanical comprehension, and the aviation-specific subtests.
- ASTB-E Study Guide Self-paced book with full practice tests and the spatial-apperception and aviation supplemental drills.
Work Environment
Setting and Schedule
The 7318 officer works in ground control stations, tactical operations centers, and VMU operations facilities. The daily environment includes mission planning workstations, sensor control consoles, and communications systems that link the MQ-9 to the intelligence architecture. The schedule follows mission execution timelines, which means early mornings, late evenings, and shift work during high-tempo operations. During deployments, the officer works from forward operating sites with tactical equipment and limited infrastructure.
Leadership and Chain of Command
The 7318 officer reports to the VMU operations officer or squadron commander. The officer leads enlisted UAS operators and sensor operators, coordinates with the S-2 intelligence section, and works with ground units that consume ISR products. The relationship with senior enlisted UAS Marines is collaborative. The 7315 UAS Operator brings hands-on system expertise, while the officer provides mission direction, intelligence coordination, and operational context.
Staff vs. Command Roles
The 7318 is primarily an operational specialty with command opportunities at the VMU detachment or squadron level. Officers spend most of their careers in operational staff positions at the squadron, group, or MAF level. Command billets exist but are fewer than in combat arms fields. Staff positions at the MAF or HQMC level offer influence over UAS policy, system integration, and joint ISR coordination.
Job Satisfaction and Retention
Officers who enjoy ISR operations, mission planning, and the direct connection to ground combat find the 7318 field engaging. The job offers a real aviation identity without the manned flight pipeline. Retention depends on billet availability and the officer’s interest in UAS specialization. Officers who want broad command opportunities may find the field limiting, while those who value ISR leadership find a growing career path as the Marine Corps invests in unmanned aviation.
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. Aviation-contract candidates complete additional aviation screening and ASTB-E testing before commissioning.
The Basic School
| Phase | Location | Length | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Basic School | MCB Quantico, Virginia | 6 months | Infantry tactics, leadership, land navigation, Marine Corps doctrine |
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.
MOS School
After TBS, 7318 officers complete follow-on training through the UAS training pipeline. Training covers unmanned aircraft operations, mission planning, sensor operations, and the specific MQ-9 systems used by Marine VMUs. Training locations include Naval Air Station Pensacola for initial aviation training and Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, where VMU-3 and VMU-4 are based. The UAS Officer Course and sensor operations training provide advanced instruction.
Professional Military Education
Expeditionary Warfare School is the resident PME course for captains at MCB Quantico. Command and Staff College is the Major-level PME course at Quantico. The School of Advanced Warfighting is a highly competitive one-year program for select Majors. Senior officers may attend the Marine Corps War College or equivalent senior service college.
Additional Schools and Training
VMU officers may pursue training in joint ISR operations, intelligence analysis, sensor employment, and tactical communications. Civilian education opportunities include fully funded graduate programs through Marine Corps advanced degree programs. The Olmsted Scholar Program offers select officers international experience and a master’s degree.
Career Progression and Advancement
Career Path
| Rank | Grade | Typical Years of Service | Key Roles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2ndLt | O-1 | 0-2 | VMU mission planner, sensor operations officer |
| 1stLt | O-2 | 2-4 | VMU operations officer, assistant operations officer |
| Capt | O-3 | 4-10 | Senior VMU operations officer, ISR section leader (KD) |
| Maj | O-4 | 10-16 | UAS branch head, MAF/Joint staff ISR officer (KD) |
| LtCol | O-5 | 16-22 | VMU operations officer, HQMC UAS policy division |
| Col | O-6 | 22+ | UAS community manager, MAF chief of staff |
Promotion System
Promotion from O-1 to O-3 is essentially time-based. Promotion to O-4 and above requires selection by a Marine Corps promotion board. The board reviews fitness reports, PME completion, awards, and career performance. Strong fitness reports and demonstrated performance in ISR assignments drive board selection.
MOS Changes and Functional Areas
Officers can change MOS through the lateral move process after their first operational assignment. A 7318 officer who wants to move into a broader aviation or intelligence field can apply for a lateral MOS change. Broadening assignments include recruiting duty, NROTC instructor, joint staff tours, and Marine Security Guard duty.
Physical Demands and Medical Evaluations
Physical Requirements
The 7318 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.
PFT/CFT Standards
| Event | Minimum (Male 17-20) | First Class (Male 17-20) | Minimum (Female 17-20) | First Class (Female 17-20) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pull-ups | 3 | 23 | 1 | 7 |
| Crunches (2 min) | 70 | 100 | 70 | 100 |
| 3-Mile Run | 28:00 | 18:00 | 33:00 | 21:00 |
| MTC (CFT) | 3:38 | 2:55 | 4:40 | 3:48 |
| Ammo Lift (lbs) | 42 | 95 | 42 | 95 |
| MUF (CFT) | 3:37 | 2:27 | 4:20 | 3:15 |
Medical Evaluations
The 7318 officer does not require a flight physical. Standard Marine Corps medical screening applies. Officers must maintain medical readiness for worldwide assignment and deployment.
Deployment and Duty Stations
Deployment Details
VMU officers deploy with their squadrons or as part of MAGTFs that require UAS support. On a MEU, the VMU detachment provides ISR support for the commanding officer, conducting surveillance of the operational area and providing real-time intelligence to the ground combat element. Larger deployments with a Marine expeditionary brigade or MEF include multiple VMU aircraft and a full UAS operations team. Expeditionary advanced base operations require the officer to plan for UAS launch and recovery in austere environments with limited infrastructure.
Duty Station Options
Primary duty stations include MCAS Yuma, Arizona, home of VMU-3 and VMU-4. MCB Quantico, Virginia, is home to PME schools and joint ISR organizations. Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, offers field exercise experience. Overseas assignments include Marine Corps Installations Pacific on Okinawa. Assignment is determined through the Marine Corps monitor system.
Risk, Safety, and Legal Considerations
Job Hazards
The 7318 officer faces operational risk from the consequences of ISR failures. A missed target or delayed intelligence product can affect ground operations and force protection. Deployed officers work in austere environments and face the same combat risks as other Marines in the unit. The MQ-9 launch and recovery process carries inherent hazards, and the officer must plan for safe operations in forward locations.
Safety Protocols
VMU officers employ Operational Risk Management principles in mission planning and execution. The officer ensures that UAS operations comply with established procedures, airspace deconfliction protocols, and communications security requirements. In deployed environments, the officer follows force protection protocols applicable to all Marines at the location.
Legal and Command Responsibility
The 7318 officer holds the same UCMJ authority as any Marine officer. As a staff specialist, the officer is responsible for the conduct and discipline of enlisted Marines assigned to their section. Relief for cause in an ISR specialty carries significant career consequences.
Impact on Family and Personal Life
Family Considerations
The 7318 field offers a more predictable schedule than combat arms, though shift work during high-tempo operations is a factor. PCS moves occur every two to three years. MCCS, Military OneSource, and Marine Corps Family Team Building provide family support during moves and deployments.
Dual-Military Considerations
Dual-military couples in the 7318 field face the same assignment challenges as other Marine couples. The Join Spouse program attempts co-location, but success depends on billet availability in both MOS fields.
Marine Corps Reserve
Component Availability
The 7318 MOS is available in the Marine Corps Reserve, though billet availability is limited. Reserve VMU officers serve in units that support active-component UAS operations during drills and annual training.
Commissioning Paths
Reserve commissioning is available through PLC-R and NROTC reserve contracts. Active-duty officers who complete their MSR can transfer to the Marine Corps Reserve if billets are available.
Drill Commitment
Reserve officers commit to one weekend of drill per month and two weeks of annual training per year. VMU officers may require additional training days for certifications and multi-week exercises.
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 approximately $184.47 per drill day, or about $737.88 per four-drill weekend.
Benefits Differences
Reserve officers enroll in TRICARE Reserve Select with monthly premiums. Reserve officers earn GI Bill benefits through mobilizations and can use Federal Tuition Assistance during drill status. The reserve retirement system is points-based, with retirement pay beginning at age 60.
Deployment and Mobilization
Reserve 7318 officers mobilize when their units are activated or when active-component units require UAS augmentation. Mobilization length typically ranges from six to twelve months.
Civilian Career Integration
Reserve VMU officers commonly work in civilian careers related to unmanned systems, intelligence analysis, aviation operations, or program management. USERRA protects reserve officers from employment discrimination.
Active vs. Reserve Comparison
| Factor | Active Duty O-3 | Marine Corps Reserve O-3 |
|---|---|---|
| Commitment | Full-time service | One weekend per month, two weeks per year |
| Monthly Base Pay | $5,534.10 to $6,770.40 | ~$737.88 per drill weekend |
| Healthcare | TRICARE Prime, no cost | TRICARE Reserve Select, monthly premiums |
| Education Benefits | Full GI Bill, TA | GI Bill through mobilization, Federal TA |
| Deployment Tempo | Regular MEU and exercise cycles | Mobilization as required, typically 6-12 months |
| Command Opportunities | Unit and staff command billets | Limited reserve command billets |
| Retirement | 20-year pension at 40% high-36 | Points-based pension, collectible at age 60 |
Post-Service Opportunities
Transition to Civilian Life
The 7318 MOS builds ISR operations, mission planning, and unmanned systems skills that translate into civilian careers. Officers leave with experience in sensor operations, intelligence coordination, and personnel leadership. The Transition Readiness Program, Hiring Our Heroes, and SkillBridge provide structured transition support.
Civilian Career Prospects
| Civilian Career | Median Annual Salary | Job Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Operations Manager | $103,330 | +6% |
| Emergency Management Director | $79,180 | +5% |
| Police or Detective Supervisor | $103,680 | +3% |
| Security Manager | $63,000 | +3% |
| Management Analyst | $99,410 | +10% |
Unmanned systems and drone operations are the most direct transitions. The commercial UAS industry is growing rapidly, and companies that operate unmanned aircraft for surveying, inspection, agriculture, and security value officers with military UAS experience. Intelligence analysis and operations roles at government agencies, defense contractors, and private sector firms draw from the same ISR coordination skill set.
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. Former VMU officers pursue degrees in unmanned systems, intelligence studies, aviation management, and public administration.
Is This a Good Job for You? The Right (and Wrong) Fit
Ideal Candidate
The 7318 fits officers who want aviation operations and ISR work with a real officer leadership identity. If you are comfortable with unmanned systems, intelligence operations, and the coordination demands of ISR support, and if you want a role where your work directly affects ground operations, this field makes sense. The officer who thrives here understands both the technical side of UAS operations and the operational needs of ground commanders.
Potential Challenges
The 7318 is not a manned aviation job. Officers who want to fly fighters or helicopters should pursue the 7562 or 7502 path. The daily work is mission-driven and intelligence-focused, not generalist or administrative. The field is growing but still has fewer billets than broad officer communities. Officers who cannot connect ISR operations to the ground fight will not be effective.
Career and Lifestyle Alignment
The 7318 offers strong civilian transfer value in unmanned systems, intelligence analysis, and aviation operations. The commercial UAS industry is expanding, and military VMU experience carries weight. Officers who plan to serve a full career will find progression through staff and policy positions. Officers who serve one obligation leave with marketable skills in ISR operations and mission planning.
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 local Marine Officer Selection Officer to learn more about the 7318 VMU MQ-9 Officer path and the commissioning process. Your OSO can explain eligibility requirements, help you prepare for the selection board, and connect you with current VMU officers. If you are pursuing an aviation contract, start preparing for the ASTB-E early, as competitive scores are essential for aviation designation. If you are pursuing a commission through OCC or MECEP, strong ASVAB scores strengthen your overall application. Visit the Officer Selection Station nearest you to begin the process.
Explore more Marine officer careers overview.
Commissioning routes still depend on score planning. Start with the ASVAB guide, and use the ASTB-E guide for aviation pipelines when applicable.