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  annual_pct75     : N/A
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--- GEOGRAPHIC DISPERSION ---
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--- TOP STATES BY WAGE (0 total) ---

--- TOP INDUSTRIES BY EMPLOYMENT (0 total) ---

exact_match_status : found
matched_title      : Infantry weapons officer
match_score        : 0.7805
wikidata_qid       : Q6029122
word_count         : 1,291
wikipedia_url      : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infantry_weapons_officer
license            : CC BY-SA 4.0
fetched_at         : 2026-06-02T23:42:23.968663Z

--- WIKIPEDIA FULL TEXT ---
The United States Marine Corps MOS 0306, infantry weapons officers, commonly referred to as "the Gunner" or "Marine gunner" are non-technical chief warrant officers (CWO-2 to CWO-5) that are weapons specialists and are knowledgeable in the tactical employment of all the infantry weapons in the Marine Corps arsenal—all weapons organic to Marine infantry units.


== Overview ==
The requirements to apply for selection are very stringent and much higher than what is needed for other warrant officer appointments.  For example; minimum time in service is sixteen years and minimum rank to apply is gunnery sergeant (E-7) versus eight years and sergeant (E-5). They are not appointed warrant officers, but rather commissioned directly to the grade of chief warrant officer-2 and are the only officers who are officially designated the title, "Marine gunner" and authorized to wear the "Bursting Bomb" insignia. This insignia has twelve points, which originates from the twelve military occupational specialty (MOS) fields present within the Marine infantry community.
The title "gunner" is almost always used in lieu of rank (i.e., "Gunner Deykerhoff" as opposed to "Chief Warrant Officer Deykerhoff"), and the rank insignia worn on the left collar is replaced with a "Bursting Bomb." A larger "Bursting Bomb" insignia is worn ¾" above the rank insignia on both shoulder epaulets when a coat is worn. Occasionally other warrant officers are referred to as "gunner", but this is incorrect.
The gunners' technical skills complemented with infantry field experience fundamentally posits them as advisers to the force commanders within the Fleet Marine Force's task forces (i.e. Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) and its subordinate units). Marine gunners may be responsible for developing and monitoring weapons training protocols, tactical employment of weapons, preventive maintenance of the unit's infantry weapons, management of the unit's ammunition allocation and the unit training plan, infantry training, and fire support planning. Additional assignments may be based on future needs of the Marine Corps; such as new weapons systems acquisition, new weapons systems research and development.
During combat operations, Marine gunners assists their force commanders in battle tracking; They are sent forward to oversee the battle, reporting directly to task force commanders in a "directed telescope" fashion.


== Billet description and core competencies ==
The Marine Corps Infantry Training and Readiness Manual (NAVMC 3500.44E, 12 Nov 2024) describes the gunner as follows:
The Marine Gunner is a Chief Warrant Officer specifically trained in the employment and training of infantry battalion organic weapons, gear and assigned personnel, and in the Combat Marksmanship continuum. Marine Gunners are special staff officers employed as the principal advisor to commanders at all levels. They assist in the development of training and employment plans designed to ensure Mission Essential Task compliance. They help design and vet the weaponeering and training policies of the commander and help to disseminate information to the unit's personnel regarding such policies. They generate and quantify reports on the unit's technical and tactical
weaponeering proficiency and brief the unit commander as to where each subordinate unit sits in regards to commander's intent.
They mentor the officers and Marines of the unit in all applicable mechanical, doctrinal and conceptual weaponeering and training matters as required in order to improve the general effectiveness and proficiency of the command. They have oversight of the unit's ammunition allocation and annual weapons requalification and certification programs. They accommodate all weapons organic to the MAGTF IAW the current version of MCO 3570.1_. 
Additional duties will include: Battalion Landing Team (BLT) in support of a MEU, Team New Equipment Training (NET), new weapons systems and gear research and development, foreign weapons training, participation in applicable Course Curriculum Review Boards (CCRB), new curriculum development for marksmanship and infantry related tasks, vetting of draft Infantry, LAR, and Recon Training and Readiness Manuals and Fire Support Planning. They are expected to function as a member of the Infantry advocacy/proponency venue established by the Deputy Commandant of Plans Policies and Operations. 
The Gunner's strength is the ability to vet, conduct and quantify combined-arms training and to introduce and sustain basic marksmanship tenets and principles across the Marine Corps. Gunners are advisors on the MOS training requirements and development of all 0302, 0303, 0311, 0313, 0321, 0326, 0331, 0341, 0351, 0352, 0369, 0913, 0931, and 0933 MOSs. 
During combat, a Marine Gunner may be tasked to inspect fire plans to ensure organic fires are integrated and mutually supporting at the battalion and regimental levels, act as the commanders "directed telescope" at critical events, command task organized or provisional combat units and/or design, construct and execute expeditionary training venues for Marine, Joint, NATO and Host Nation personnel.
Initial billet assignments will be an Infantry Battalion or a Base/Station Range Complex.
Subsequent billets assignments may include: Reserve Battalion, LAR Battalion, Recon Battalion, Combat Engineer Battalion (CEB), Active/Reserve Regiment, Tactical Training and Exercise Control Group (TTECG), School of Infantry East/West, Infantry Training Battalion (ITB), Marine Combat Training Battalion (MCT), Advanced Infantry Training Battalion (AITB), The Basic School (TBS), Infantry Officer Course (IOC), Marine Corps Security Forces Regiment, Base/Station Rifle Range Complex, Range Control Operations, Weapons Training Battalion Quantico, and Weapons Field Training Battalions (Parris Island & Edson Range).
Follow-on billets assignments may include: Active/Reserve Infantry Division, MAGTF-TC, Marksmanship Program Management Section (MPMS), Training and Education Command (TECOM), and Plans, Policies & Operations Headquarters Marine Corps.


== History ==

Gunners were the first warrant officers in the Marine Corps when John Francis Burnes and Henry Lewis Hulbert became the first Marines to pin on the bursting bombs on 24 March 1917.  Since that time the gunner designation has undergone many changes, including periods where no new gunners were made from 1943 to 1956, 1959 to 1964, and 1974 to 1988.  These usually were the result of gunners being promoted to temporary commissioned officer status or changes in the laws governing the rank structure of the military.
Throughout this time, some of the few Marines who have become gunners include:

Henry L. Hulbert; who was awarded a Medal of Honor for his service during the Samoan Civil War. A trophy bearing his name and image is presented to a Marine gunner for Outstanding Leadership every year by the commandant of the Marine Corps.
Henry Pierson Crowe, who received the Navy Cross after the Battle of Tarawa.
William A. Lee, who became the first Marine to receive three Navy Crosses after spending World War II as a Japanese POW in China.
Lee's father-in-law Maj. Calvin A. Lloyd, for whom the rifle ranges in Quantico are named; though Lloyd retired a major, he always answered the telephone as "Gunner Lloyd".
There are other less well known, but important gunners such as;

Ira Davidson, the "Daniel Boone of Iwo Jima", who received a Navy Cross for taking out multiple Japanese pill boxes with uncanny accuracy while under withering fire.
Gilbert Bolton, who was himself decorated for valor with a Silver Star in Vietnam for defending his platoon's position against a vastly larger NVA force by calling in six artillery missions on his own position and provided a link for the new breed of gunners to the past.
Neil Warren Goddard - served in the USMC for 32 years. Gunner Goddard had the rare distinction of being an Infantry Weapons Expert (a Marine Gunner), as well 

--- SEMANTIC NEIGHBORS (5) ---

  Title: Gothic hilted British infantry swords (similarity: 0.4444)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gothic_hilted_British_infantry_swords
  QID: Q5587866
  Extract: 
The Gothic hilted swords are a family of swords carried by officers and some NCOs of the British Army between 1822 and the present day. They are primarily infantry swords, although they were also regulation pattern for some other officers such as surgeons and staff officers. The term "Gothic hilt" 

  Title: United States Army officer rank insignia (similarity: 0.4912)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Army_officer_rank_insignia
  QID: Q1058466
  Extract: United States Army commissioned officers rank insignia in use today.

  Title: Mechanized infantry (similarity: 0.4444)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mechanized_infantry
  QID: Q1053481
  Extract: Mechanized infantry are infantry units equipped with armored personnel carriers (APCs) or infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) for transport and combat.

  Title: Ground Combat Vehicle (similarity: 0.3684)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ground_Combat_Vehicle
  QID: Q1547674
  Extract: The Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV) was a program initiated by the United States Army in 2009, with the goal of developing a next-generation armored fighting vehicle. The first variant of the GCV to be developed would be an infantry fighting vehicle to replace the M2 Bradley.

  Title: United States Air Force Combat Control Team (similarity: 0.2667)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Air_Force_Combat_Control_Team
  QID: Q8776719
  Extract: The United States Air Force Combat Control Teams, singular Combat Controller (CCT), are an elite special operations force who specialize in all aspects of air-ground communication, as well as air traffic control, fire support, and command, control, and communications in covert, forward, or austere e

model_pass1          : claude-sonnet-4-20250514
model_pass2          : claude-haiku-4-5-20251001
inference_confidence : medium
confidence_notes     : Missing detailed O*NET work activities, skills, and knowledge data limits depth of analysis. Military occupation data is generally less standardized than civilian roles, requiring inference from job description and general military structure knowledge.
inferred_at          : 2026-06-04T03:44:19.533284+00:00
tokens_input         : 2,105
tokens_output        : 3,369
cost_usd             : $0.034245
wikipedia_used       : True
wikipedia_title      : Infantry weapons officer
wikipedia_note       : The Wikipedia match describes Marine Corps infantry weapons officers as warrant officers specializing in tactical employment of infantry weapons, providing relevant context for understanding the weapons expertise component of infantry officer roles.

--- PROSE FIELDS ---

ROLE SUMMARY:
Infantry Officers direct, train, and lead ground combat units in military operations, managing tactical deployment of weapons, vehicles, and personnel. They coordinate field communications, oversee construction and camouflage of defensive positions, and ensure effective combat readiness of infantry formations. These commissioned military leaders serve as the primary tactical decision-makers for ground-based combat operations.

DAY IN THE LIFE:
Infantry Officers begin their day assessing mission readiness and reviewing intelligence briefings to understand current tactical situations. They direct the deployment and positioning of infantry weapons systems, vehicles, and equipment based on operational requirements. Throughout the day, they manage field communications operations to maintain contact with higher command and coordinate with armored units or other supporting elements. They oversee the construction and camouflage of defensive positions to maximize tactical advantage. Officers continuously train their units on weapon systems, tactical movements, and combat procedures to maintain peak operational effectiveness.

WHO THRIVES:
Individuals who excel as Infantry Officers typically possess strong leadership capabilities and thrive under high-pressure, dynamic situations where quick decision-making is critical. They demonstrate exceptional physical and mental resilience, able to maintain composure and clear thinking during intense combat scenarios. These officers have natural aptitude for spatial reasoning and tactical planning, allowing them to visualize battlefield geometry and coordinate complex troop movements. They exhibit strong interpersonal skills to effectively lead and motivate soldiers, while maintaining the discipline and attention to detail required for mission success and personnel safety.

CAREER ENTRY:
Infantry Officers typically enter through military academy graduation, Officer Candidate School completion, or Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs, requiring a bachelor's degree and successful completion of military leadership training. Candidates must meet strict physical fitness standards and pass comprehensive background security clearances. Initial officer training includes intensive instruction in military tactics, leadership principles, weapons systems, and infantry combat operations lasting several months.

CAREER TRAJECTORY:
Infantry Officers advance through progressive leadership positions from platoon leader to company commander to battalion and brigade-level staff positions. Many transition to specialized roles in military intelligence, special operations, or joint service assignments. Career progression can lead to senior military leadership positions including general officer ranks, while others leverage their leadership and tactical expertise in civilian careers in security, emergency management, or defense contracting.

MARKET INTELLIGENCE:
Infantry Officers serve exclusively within military organizations with compensation determined by military pay scales rather than civilian wage markets. According to military pay tables, junior officers (Second Lieutenant/Lieutenant) earn approximately $40,000-$60,000 annually, while senior company-grade officers (Captain) earn $70,000-$90,000 including base pay and allowances. Career military officers at field-grade levels can earn $90,000-$150,000+ with full benefits packages. Geographic assignment varies globally based on military needs, with positions available at installations worldwide. Demand remains steady based on military force structure requirements and retention challenges.

AUTOMATION OUTLOOK:
Infantry Officers face minimal automation risk as their role centers on human leadership, tactical decision-making, and real-time combat assessment that requires human judgment and adaptability. While technological advances enhance their tools through improved communications, weapons systems, and battlefield awareness technologies, the core responsibilities of leading troops and making complex tactical decisions under pressure remain fundamentally human-dependent.

--- REASONED EDGES ---
  [transferable_skill] First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives (33-1021) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both roles require tactical leadership, coordinating personnel in high-risk situations, and managing field operations under pressure.
    data: tactical decision-making
    data: field communications management
    data: personnel coordination
  [skill_overlap] Managers, All Other (11-9199) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Infantry Officers develop strong leadership and organizational management skills directing units and coordinating complex operations.
    data: leadership training
    data: unit management
    data: operational coordination
  [transferable_skill] Business Operations Specialists, All Other (13-1199) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Military training in strategic planning and operational management translates to civilian business operations roles.
    data: strategic planning
    data: resource coordination
    data: tactical operations
  [career_pathway] First-Line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers, All Other (33-1099) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Military leadership experience in security operations provides natural transition to civilian protective service supervision.
    data: security operations
    data: personnel leadership
    data: tactical coordination
  [career_pathway] General and Operations Managers (11-1021) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Military officers frequently transition to general management roles leveraging leadership experience and operational planning skills.
    data: unit leadership
    data: operational management
    data: strategic coordination

--- NORMALIZER SIGNALS ---
  match_keywords   : ['infantry officer', 'infantry unit leader', 'infantry weapons officer', 'ground combat', 'military officer', 'tactical leadership', 'combat operations', 'military leadership']
  exclude_keywords : ['enlisted', 'non-commissioned', 'civilian', 'police', 'security guard']
  title_patterns   : ['Infantry Officer', 'Infantry Unit Leader', 'Infantry Weapons Officer', 'Ground Combat Officer', 'Military Infantry Officer']
  common_variations: ['infantry officer', 'infantry unit commander', 'infantry weapons specialist', 'ground combat leader', 'military infantry leader', 'tactical infantry officer', 'combat infantry officer', 'infantry platoon leader']

total_terms    : 40
top_words      : ['infantry', 'marine', 'weapons', 'officers', 'combat', 'gunner', 'military', 'tactical', 'officer', 'battalion', 'corps', 'gunners', 'warrant', 'operations', 'force', 'unit', 'leadership', 'units', 'rank', 'insignia']
source_layers  : onet_tasks | onet_dimensions | dwas | wikipedia | inference

TERM                    COUNT     FREQ  DOMINANT SOURCE      SOURCE BREAKDOWN
──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
infantry                   38  0.03215  wikipedia            wikipedia:66%  inference:34%
marine                     26  0.02200  wikipedia            wikipedia:96%  inference:4%
weapons                    26  0.02200  wikipedia            wikipedia:73%  inference:27%
officers                   26  0.02200  inference            inference:54%  wikipedia:46%
combat                     17  0.01438  wikipedia            wikipedia:59%  inference:41%
gunner                     16  0.01354  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
military                   15  0.01269  inference            inference:87%  wikipedia:13%
tactical                   14  0.01184  inference            inference:71%  wikipedia:29%
officer                    13  0.01100  wikipedia            wikipedia:62%  inference:38%
battalion                  13  0.01100  wikipedia            wikipedia:92%  inference:8%
corps                      11  0.00931  wikipedia            wikipedia:82%  inference:18%
gunners                    11  0.00931  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
warrant                    10  0.00846  wikipedia            wikipedia:90%  inference:10%
operations                 10  0.00846  wikipedia            wikipedia:50%  inference:50%
force                       9  0.00761  wikipedia            wikipedia:89%  inference:11%
unit                        9  0.00761  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
leadership                  8  0.00677  inference            inference:88%  wikipedia:12%
units                       7  0.00592  wikipedia            wikipedia:57%  inference:43%
rank                        6  0.00508  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
insignia                    6  0.00508  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
personnel                   6  0.00508  wikipedia            wikipedia:67%  inference:33%
chief                       5  0.00423  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
commanders                  5  0.00423  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
fire                        5  0.00423  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
assignments                 5  0.00423  wikipedia            wikipedia:80%  inference:20%
development                 5  0.00423  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
command                     5  0.00423  wikipedia            wikipedia:80%  inference:20%
control                     5  0.00423  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
united                      4  0.00338  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
states                      4  0.00338  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
organic                     4  0.00338  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
requirements                4  0.00338  wikipedia            wikipedia:50%  inference:50%
service                     4  0.00338  wikipedia            wikipedia:75%  inference:25%
commissioned                4  0.00338  wikipedia            wikipedia:75%  inference:25%
bursting                    4  0.00338  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
readiness                   4  0.00338  wikipedia            wikipedia:50%  inference:50%
marksmanship                4  0.00338  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
plans                       4  0.00338  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
policies                    4  0.00338  wikipedia            wikipedia:100%
commander                   4  0.00338  wikipedia            wikipedia:75%  inference:25%