0670 Data Systems Engineering Officer

The 0670 Data Systems Engineering Officer is the Marine Corps’ technical authority for enterprise-level data systems that support command and control. Selected exclusively from experienced enlisted communications Marines in the 06 field, this warrant officer MOS exists for network and data systems specialists who want to stay technical while stepping into senior leadership. You design, deploy, and manage classified and unclassified data systems at the expert level. You solve enterprise infrastructure problems that generalist commissioned officers and senior SNCOs cannot. The current FY26 MOS manual frames this role around the analysis, design, deployment, and management of enterprise data systems in support of MAGTF command and control. If you need to improve your GT score before applying, structured ASVAB preparation can help you reach the required threshold.

Job Role and Responsibilities

A 0670 Data Systems Engineering Officer designs, deploys, and manages enterprise-level data systems that support Marine Corps command and control. The role encompasses overseeing network services, managing classified and unclassified data systems, coordinating with cybersecurity teams, and ensuring that communication infrastructure meets the operational requirements of the MAGTF across all operational environments.

The 0670 operates at the intersection of hands-on systems engineering and staff-level technical advisory work. At the CWO2 and CWO3 levels, the job is hands-on and systems-focused. You configure servers, manage virtualization environments, troubleshoot network services, and ensure that data systems are secure and operational. At the CWO4 and CWO5 levels, the role expands to program management at the regiment, MEF, or force level. You are responsible for data systems architecture, enterprise service standards, cybersecurity integration, and coordination with joint and national-level communications authorities.

This MOS differs from both the enlisted communications Marines who operate individual network components and the commissioned officers who command communications battalions. The 0670 is the bridge between those two worlds, translating technical data systems requirements into useful architecture guidance for commanders while maintaining deep hands-on competence in enterprise network design and management.

MOS Designations

Mission Contribution

The 0670 contributes directly to MAGTF command and control through reliable enterprise data systems. Within the MAGTF, the warrant officer serves as the commander’s technical advisor on all data systems and network services matters. This includes data systems architecture, enterprise service standards, cybersecurity integration, and coordination with joint communications entities. The warrant officer functions as the critical link between enlisted communications specialists who operate network components and commissioned officers who make command decisions based on communications readiness and information systems capability.

Technology, Equipment, and Systems

The 0670 manages enterprise-level platforms and systems including server architectures, virtualization environments, database management systems, enterprise network services, and classified and unclassified data distribution systems. The warrant officer is responsible for systems design standards, network operations procedures, and the integration of data systems into MAGTF command and control architecture. Diagnostic and planning tools include network monitoring platforms, cybersecurity assessment tools, joint communications planning systems, and MAGTF-level data systems architecture frameworks.

Salary and Benefits

Financial Benefits

Warrant officer base pay is determined by the DFAS pay table. All Marine warrant officers enter from the enlisted ranks with significant time in service, so their years of service for pay purposes are higher than a brand-new W-1. The table below shows realistic pay points based on typical career progression.

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

Data Systems Engineering Officers do not receive aviation flight pay. Hazardous duty pay may apply depending on specific assignments involving expeditionary communications deployments. Special duty assignment pay is not typically associated with this MOS. Accession and retention bonuses for warrant officers vary by year and are announced via MARADMIN. Check the current board message for any bonus programs applicable to the 06 field.

Additional Benefits

Warrant officers receive full healthcare coverage through TRICARE Prime with zero enrollment fees and zero copays for active-duty members. Housing allowance uses the officer BAH rate, which is higher than the enlisted rate. The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides up to $29,920.95 per year for private school tuition, full in-state tuition at public schools, a monthly housing allowance based on the E-5 with dependents rate at the school ZIP code, and an annual book stipend of $1,000.

The Blended Retirement System provides a pension of 40 percent of the high-36 average basic pay at 20 years of service. The Thrift Savings Plan includes automatic 1 percent government contribution and matching up to 4 percent of basic pay, for a total maximum government contribution of 5 percent. Many 0670s serve 20 to 30 plus years total when combining enlisted and warrant time, building substantial retirement benefits.

Work-Life Balance

Warrant officers earn 30 days of leave per year, accruing 2.5 days per month with a maximum carryover of 60 days. In garrison, the work follows a predictable schedule driven by system maintenance windows, training cycles, and readiness inspections. During field exercises and deployments, the tempo increases significantly as data systems must remain operational around the clock. The warrant officer lifestyle offers more technical focus and less staff grind than commissioned officers, while providing more autonomy than senior SNCOs. This balance is one of the primary reasons experienced communications Marines pursue the warrant path.

Qualifications and Eligibility

Appointment Path

Marine Corps warrant officers are selected exclusively from the enlisted ranks. There is no civilian-to-warrant or street-to-seat path in the Marine Corps. The 0670 Data Systems Engineering Officer requires prior service in one of the related MOSs: 0631, 0639, 0671, or 0679. Applicants from the 0679 feeder MOS must complete the Data Systems Chief Course before assignment to the MOS. The baseline requirement is Staff Sergeant (E-6) or above in a qualifying feeder MOS, though specific requirements vary by MARADMIN and MOS proponent guidance.

Selection Board Process

Warrant officer selection is announced annually via MARADMIN. The timeline typically opens in the fall with package deadlines in the winter or early spring. Marines should begin preparing at least six months before the deadline.

The package requires command endorsements through the chain of command to the first general officer. For communications Marines, endorsements typically come from the communications battalion commanding officer and the Marine Expeditionary Force communications director. Each level evaluates your technical credibility in data systems engineering.

Your personal essay should address your specific experience in data systems and network services, the systems you have designed and managed, the communications programs you have supported, and why you want to serve as a warrant officer in the 06 field. The board wants evidence of hands-on technical competence in enterprise data systems.

Supporting records include fitness reports, data systems qualifications, cybersecurity certifications, professional military education, and awards related to communications excellence. Marines who have served as data systems chiefs, network operations supervisors, or communications training NCOs should document those assignments clearly.

Selection for the 0670 is competitive. Demonstrated competence in enterprise network design and management is the primary differentiator. A strong package includes a clean screening record, consistent superior fitness reports, completed PME, relevant cybersecurity certifications, and documented leadership in data systems-specific assignments.

Test Requirements

The warrant officer program requires a minimum GT score as published in the current MARADMIN board message. A strong GT score demonstrates the cognitive aptitude needed for warrant-level technical analysis and advisory work. If your current GT score needs improvement, structured study through ASVAB preparation resources can help raise your score before the board convenes.

Upon Appointment

Newly selected 0670s enter at the W-1 (Warrant Officer 1) grade. Upon promotion to CW2, warrant officers receive a commission. The Minimum Service Requirement upon appointment is established by the MOS proponent and the current MARADMIN. Selected Marines then complete the Warrant Officer Basic Course followed by the Network Engineering Officers Course at Twentynine Palms. Some billets are mapped to DoD cyber workforce framework roles, providing additional career development context.

Work Environment

Setting and Schedule

The 0670 works across multiple environments. Communications battalion billets place you in the operational network environment where you manage data systems that support the MAGTF. Fixed facility billets place you at Marine Corps installations where you manage enterprise data infrastructure. Joint billets place 0670s in multi-service communications commands where the scope includes coalition and national-level data systems. MEF billets place 0670s at the staff level where they serve as data systems advisors.

In garrison, the schedule follows system maintenance windows, training cycles, and readiness inspections. During field exercises and deployments, the tempo increases significantly as data systems must remain operational continuously. The technical demands are high, and the expectation is that the warrant officer can build and maintain communications infrastructure with limited resources.

Position in the Unit

Marine warrant officers occupy a unique position. They are technical advisors to commanders, not in the traditional command chain. The 0670 sits alongside the unit staff as the data systems subject-matter expert. The relationship with the commander is advisory. The warrant officer provides technical analysis and recommendations on data systems architecture and network services, and the commander makes operational decisions based on that input.

The relationship with senior SNCOs is collaborative. The 0670 and the senior enlisted communications Marine work together to ensure the unit’s data systems posture is sound. The warrant officer brings the technical authority, while the SNCO brings enlisted leadership and execution expertise. The relationship with junior Marines in the communications field is mentorship-focused. The warrant officer guides technical development and validates data system operations.

Technical vs. Staff Roles

At WO1 and CWO2, the role is predominantly hands-on. You are configuring servers, managing virtualization environments, troubleshooting network services, and ensuring data systems are secure and operational. At CWO3, the balance shifts toward section-level management and MEF-level advisory work. At CWO4 and CWO5, the role becomes primarily staff-focused, involving architecture policy, program management, and force-level technical guidance. The progression moves from systems engineer to advisor to strategic-level data systems authority.

Job Satisfaction and Retention

The 0670 community has strong retention among Marines who value technical depth over generalist career progression. Warrant officers in this MOS report high job satisfaction because they stay close to the data systems mission they trained for as enlisted Marines. Common reasons for staying include the technical focus, the reduced bureaucracy compared to commissioned officer career paths, and the respect that comes with being the recognized expert in enterprise data systems. Some warrant officers leave due to limited promotion speed to CW5 or the civilian pay gap in enterprise IT and cybersecurity sectors.

Training and Skill Development

Warrant Officer Basic Course

WOBC at MCB Quantico provides the foundation for warrant officer service. The curriculum covers warrant officer leadership, Marine Corps organization at the MAGTF level, and the technical advisory skills needed at the warrant level. For 0670s, WOBC is followed by the Network Engineering Officers Course at Twentynine Palms, which provides MOS-specific technical training in enterprise data systems design, network architecture, and communications program management.

WOBC differs from enlisted MOS school in its focus on leadership and advisory skills rather than individual task proficiency. It differs from officer TBS in its technical specialization rather than generalist command preparation.

Warrant Officer Career Course

The Warrant Officer Career Course is typically attended as a CW2 or CW3. The course covers advanced technical skills in data systems engineering, leadership at higher echelons, and program management. It prepares warrant officers for section chief and MEF-level advisory billets in the communications community.

Warrant Officer Intermediate Level Education

Intermediate level education is typically attended as a CW3 or CW4. The format may be resident, non-resident, or blended depending on current Marine Corps Training and Education Command offerings. The curriculum broadens the warrant officer beyond the technical lane, covering joint operations, MAGTF-level advisory skills, and strategic-level thinking. This education prepares 0670s for CWO4 and CWO5 billets at the force and Marine Forces level.

Warrant Officer Senior Service Education

Senior service education is typically attended as a senior CW4 or CW5 candidate. The curriculum covers force-level strategy, joint and interagency coordination, and senior technical advisory skills. This education prepares 0670s for the most senior billets in the data systems engineering community.

Additional Schools and Training

The 0670 may attend specialized schools including the Network Engineering Officers Course at Twentynine Palms, cybersecurity certification programs, joint communications training courses, and enterprise architecture training. Marine Corps COOL (Credentialing Opportunities On-Line) funds civilian certifications relevant to data systems engineering, including CompTIA Security+, Cisco CCNA and CCNP, AWS and Azure cloud certifications, and ITIL service management credentials. Tuition Assistance provides up to $4,500 per year for degree completion programs, with a cap of $250 per semester hour.

Career Progression and Advancement

Career Path

Key assignments for progression include technical leader at the communications battalion level, section chief at the regiment level, MEF-level data systems officer, and force-level communications program manager. Each assignment builds the technical credibility and leadership record needed for the next board.

Promotion System

Promotion from W-1 to W-2 is time-based after successful completion of WOBC. Promotions to CW3, CW4, and CW5 are board-selected. The board evaluates fitness reports, technical competence, leadership potential, professional military education, and career trajectory. Marine warrant officers receive fitness reports using the same reporting system as commissioned officers.

Promotion to CW5 is highly competitive. The data systems engineering community has very limited CW5 billets. A competitive record includes superior fitness reports, successful completion of all required PME, relevant cybersecurity certifications, documented technical contributions to the communications community, and experience at multiple echelons from battalion to force level.

CW5 as Senior Technical Advisor

A CW5 0670 serves as the senior technical advisor for data systems at the force or Marine Forces level. The role involves force-wide communications policy, enterprise systems oversight, strategic-level technical guidance, and coordination with joint and national-level communications authorities. The CW5 does not hold command authority in the traditional sense but serves as the recognized master of the data systems engineering craft across the entire Marine Corps.

To build a competitive record, focus on technical excellence in every assignment, seek out challenging data systems billets, complete all required PME on schedule, pursue civilian education and cybersecurity certifications, and document your contributions to the communications community through fitness reports and awards.

Physical Demands and Medical Evaluations

Physical Requirements

Warrant officers take the same Physical Fitness Test and Combat Fitness Test as all Marines. The 0670 must maintain physical readiness standards regardless of technical specialty. Data systems engineering work adds physical demands beyond the standard fitness tests. Deploying tactical servers, establishing communications links in austere environments, and working with heavy equipment require baseline fitness and physical capability. The warrant officer must be physically capable of performing alongside enlisted communications Marines in field and expeditionary conditions.

Physical Fitness Standards

MOS-Specific Medical

The 0670 requires standard Marine Corps medical screening. Data systems engineering work is primarily conducted in office, technical facility, and field communications environments, so there are no additional MOS-specific medical requirements beyond the standard Marine Corps physical fitness and medical readiness standards. Medical evaluations are renewed annually as part of the standard Marine Corps medical readiness process. Any condition that prevents performance in a technical operations or expeditionary communications environment may be disqualifying for operational billets.

Deployment and Duty Stations

Deployment Details

Data systems engineering warrant officers deploy with their units as part of Marine expeditionary units or larger MAGTFs. The standard MEU deployment runs approximately seven months. During deployment, the 0670 manages data systems operations in expeditionary conditions, deploying and operating network infrastructure in austere environments. You set up tactical servers, establish secure communications links, and ensure that the MAGTF has the data systems it needs to execute its mission.

Deployments to CENTCOM, INDOPACOM, and EUCOM are the most common. In these theaters, 0670s coordinate with joint communications partners and manage data systems that support combat operations, training exercises, and theater security cooperation activities. The operational tempo for data systems Marines is driven by the communications requirements of the supported unit. When the unit is operating, the data systems need to be running. This means constant monitoring, troubleshooting, and coordination with cybersecurity teams to ensure system integrity.

Warrant officer deployments differ from enlisted deployments in the scope of responsibility. The 0670 manages the entire data systems program for the deployed unit rather than executing individual technical tasks. Compared to commissioned officers, the warrant officer focuses on technical execution rather than command decisions.

Duty Station Options

Primary installations for 0670s include Camp Pendleton, Camp Lejeune, Quantico, MCAS Miramar, and overseas locations such as Okinawa and Hawaii. Warrant officer duty station assignments are determined through the Marine Corps manpower management system, which considers unit vacancies, MOS requirements, and individual preferences. Communications battalion billets are the most common assignment. Fixed facility billets place 0670s at Marine Corps installations where they manage enterprise data infrastructure. Joint billets place 0670s in multi-service communications commands where the scope includes coalition and national-level data systems.

Risk, Safety, and Legal Considerations

Job Hazards

The 0670 faces hazards inherent to expeditionary communications work. Deploying and operating network infrastructure in austere environments carries physical risk. The warrant officer works in environments where equipment is heavy, power sources may be unreliable, and environmental conditions are challenging. Compared to enlisted communications Marines, the warrant officer has more oversight responsibility and less direct exposure to the most physically demanding tasks. Compared to commissioned officers, the warrant officer is closer to the technical infrastructure and the associated hazards.

Safety Protocols

The 0670 employs operational risk management frameworks in all data systems operations. This includes ORM assessments before network deployments, safety inspections of server and communications equipment, and adherence to Marine Corps communications regulations. The warrant officer is responsible for ensuring that all data systems operations within the unit comply with Marine Corps standards and cybersecurity protocols.

Authority and Responsibility

The 0670 holds technical authority over data systems operations within the assigned unit. This includes the authority to recommend data systems architecture, validate communications readiness, and advise the commander on information systems matters. The warrant officer operates under the UCMJ and is subject to the same legal standards as all Marine officers. Technical failures or security breaches in data systems can have serious consequences for command and control. The warrant officer is accountable for the technical soundness of data systems architecture and the proper management of enterprise network operations.

Impact on Family and Personal Life

Family Considerations

The 0670 deployment tempo affects family life. MEU deployments of seven months are standard, and additional training exercises add time away from home. The Marine Corps Community Services program, Military OneSource, and Marine Corps Family Team Building provide support systems for families during deployments and extended field exercises. The PCS tempo for warrant officers is generally more stable than for commissioned officers because warrant assignments are tied to technical billets rather than command and staff rotations. This stability is a significant benefit for families.

Dual-Military and Family Planning

The Marine Corps handles dual-military couples through assignment coordination policies that attempt to collocate spouses when possible. For warrant officer and commissioned officer couples, the same policies apply, though the technical nature of warrant billets can make collocation more challenging in some cases. Warrant officers generally have more assignment stability than commissioned officers, which benefits family planning. During deployments and extended field exercises, family support programs remain available through MCCS and Military OneSource.

Marine Corps Reserve

Component Availability

The 0670 Data Systems Engineering Officer is available in the Marine Corps Reserve. Reserve communications units exist within the Marine Forces Reserve structure. Career progression in the Reserve follows the same warrant officer path as Active Duty, though billet availability at the CW4 and CW5 levels is more limited in the Reserve component.

Appointment Paths

Reserve warrant officer appointment works through two primary paths. Enlisted Reserve Marines in the 06 field can apply through the same MARADMIN board process as Active Duty Marines. Active Duty warrant officers can transfer to the Reserve component, bringing their warrant grade and technical expertise to Reserve communications units. In both cases, the same eligibility requirements apply.

Drill and Training Commitment

The standard Reserve commitment is one weekend per month for drill and two weeks per year for Annual Training. The 0670 may require additional training days for data systems currency requirements, network operations qualifications, and joint communications exercises. The technical nature of the MOS means that maintaining proficiency requires consistent training beyond the minimum drill schedule.

Part-Time Pay

A Reserve warrant officer earns base pay for each drill period. A W-2 with approximately 10 years of service earns roughly $5,058.90 per month on Active Duty. For Reserve drill, this translates to approximately $1,686 per drill weekend (four drill periods at one-thirtieth of monthly base pay each). A CW3 with approximately 16 years of service earns roughly $7,665.90 per month on Active Duty, translating to approximately $2,555 per drill weekend.

Benefits Differences

Reserve warrant officers have access to Tricare Reserve Select, which requires monthly premiums unlike the zero-cost TRICARE Prime for Active Duty members. Education benefits include Federal Tuition Assistance and GI Bill eligibility based on qualifying service. The Reserve retirement system is points-based. A good year requires 50 plus retirement points. Twenty good years qualifies for retirement, with collection beginning at age 60 (reducible by 90 days for each 90 consecutive days of qualifying Active Duty). The pension formula uses 2.5 percent times years of service times the high-36 average base pay, with retirement points converted to equivalent years. Most Reserve retirees receive a smaller pension than Active Duty retirees due to fewer points accumulated per year.

Career Progression

Reserve warrant officers can progress to CW4 and CW5, though billets at those grades are limited in the Reserve component. Promotion timing may differ from Active Duty due to smaller selection pools and fewer available billets. Reserve warrant officers can attend career-level courses, intermediate education, and other PME through the same Marine Corps Training and Education Command programs as Active Duty warrant officers.

Deployment and Mobilization

Reserve 0670s may be mobilized for combat deployments, Active Duty for Operational Support tours, and operational support missions. Mobilization length varies by mission requirements, with typical deployments running 7 to 12 months. The mobilization tempo for Reserve communications Marines depends on the operational requirements of Marine Forces Reserve and the broader Marine Corps.

Civilian Career Integration

The 0670 pairs well with civilian careers in enterprise IT, systems engineering, and cybersecurity. Many Reserve 0670s work for defense contractors, cloud infrastructure companies, or federal IT agencies. Reserve service enhances civilian career prospects by maintaining current data systems skills and providing ongoing leadership experience. USERRA protections ensure job security for civilian employers during mobilizations.

Active vs. Reserve Comparison

Post-Service Opportunities

Transition to Civilian Life

The 0670 Data Systems Engineering Officer prepares warrant officers for civilian technical and leadership roles in several industries. Enterprise IT and systems engineering companies actively recruit former data systems warrant officers for roles in data center management, cloud infrastructure, and enterprise network architecture. Defense contractors that support military communications programs hire 0670 veterans for technical program management, systems engineering, and network architecture roles. Cybersecurity firms value data systems engineering experience for network security, infrastructure protection, and security operations center management.

Transition programs available include the Transition Readiness Program, SkillBridge, and Hiring Our Heroes. These programs connect warrant officers with civilian employers during the final months of service.

Civilian Career Prospects

Certifications and Credentials

Marine Corps COOL funds civilian certifications relevant to data systems engineering, including CompTIA Security+, Cisco CCNA and CCNP, AWS and Azure cloud certifications, and ITIL service management credentials. The GI Bill supports post-service education, covering up to $29,920.95 per year for private school tuition or full in-state tuition at public schools, plus a monthly housing allowance and annual book stipend. Warrant officers with 20 plus years of service can begin collecting their pension at retirement, providing financial stability during the transition to civilian careers.

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

Ideal Candidate

The ideal 0670 candidate is a senior NCO or SNCO in the 06 communications field who wants to stay technical rather than shift to generalist leadership. You should have a strong interest in data systems, network architecture, and enterprise IT. You should be comfortable serving as an advisor rather than a commander. You should value technical depth over broad career progression. The Marines who thrive as 0670s are those who find genuine satisfaction in designing and managing complex data systems that support command and control.

Potential Challenges

The 0670 path is not ideal for Marines who want command authority. Warrant officers do not command units in the traditional sense. The promotion path to CW5 is slow and highly competitive. The data systems engineering community is small, which means fewer billets and less geographic flexibility than larger MOS communities. The work requires constant monitoring and troubleshooting, which can lead to long hours during operational periods. The civilian pay gap in enterprise IT and cybersecurity can be a factor for warrant officers considering separation.

Career and Lifestyle Alignment

The 0670 aligns well with Marines who want a full 20 to 30 year career as a technical expert. It also works for those who plan to transition to civilian enterprise IT or cybersecurity careers after their warrant service. The Reserve component option provides a path for warrant officers who want to continue serving while building a civilian career. Compared to staying enlisted as a senior SNCO, the warrant path offers more technical authority and less administrative burden. Compared to commissioning as an officer, the warrant path keeps you in your technical lane rather than rotating through generalist staff roles.

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 Corps recruiter or Career Planner to discuss the warrant officer path and learn about current board cycles for the 0670 Data Systems Engineering Officer. They can provide guidance on eligibility requirements, package preparation, and the timeline for the next selection board. If you are working toward the GT score needed for warrant officer consideration, structured ASVAB preparation can help you reach the required threshold.

Explore more Marine warrant officer roles such as Strategic Electromagnetic Spectrum Officer and Visual Information Officer. If you need to improve your GT score before applying, the ASVAB study guide offers targeted preparation resources for the Verbal Expression, Arithmetic Reasoning, and Mathematics Knowledge sections that determine your General Technical score.