One of the premiere jobs in the Marine Corps Infantry is the trained Machine Gunner. This position is one of high responsibility and it’s a direct combat position, you will engage enemy equipment and personnel in a up close and personal manner. As a Machine Gunner in the Marine Corps you will work to operate and maintain a variety of weapons and weapons systems, including the machine Gun, naval guns, artillery, and other mortar and ordnance. You will be trained in a full spectrum of night and day combat techniques, and against a full variety of enemy ability including nuclear, biological and chemical weapons
Infantry Machine Gunners in the Marine Corps are able to defend and secure themselves and vital geography and terrain, and to work as part of a fire team to oppose and repel enemy forces by using fire support, maneuvering techniques, close combat, as well as the variety of weapons that you will be trained with. You will receive training on combat methods on foot, and from various assault vehicles, trucks and even assault vertical aircraft.
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A Marine Corps Machine Gunner is part of an elite Marine Infantry team, a expeditionary soldier and warrior of first response, able to travel and fight at a moments notice. A Machine Gunner in the Marine Corps is a team member cross trained with other equipment on his fire team. As a fully trained machine gunner you will be trained using 40mm heavy machine gun weapons systems, the 50 caliber gun, and the 7.62 medium caliber machine gun. As a Marine Machine Gunner you will be responsible for direct fire and support using LAR and rifle equipment.
You will attend basic training and become a Marine Corps Infantry rifleman. After Basic Training, you will attend the Machine Gunner Course at School of Infantry, Camp Lejeune NC or at Camp Pendleton California. You will be trained in military tactics, fire control and weapons systems, and how to work as part of a well trained fire team. As you continue in your military Career you will have the opportunity to participate in regular advanced training with new weapons and tactics, to keep your skills current and your abilities sharp.
As you rise in rank you will be given more responsibility, including training and supervision of junior enlisted personnel. You will be promoted according to time in service and demonstrated ability, and may eventually rise to the rank of Gunnery or Staff Sergeant.
