Description
Fire Support Marines perform duties related to the planning, observation, conduct, and control of surface to surface and air to surface fires. These duties include planning, calling for, integrating, coordinating, observing and adjusting artillery (cannon, rocket, missile) and naval surface fire support (NSFS), employment of LASER designators, range finders, and LASER guided munitions and coordination of non-lethal fires. These duties also include operating communications equipment, establishing radio networks for voice and digital communications, as well as operating Marine Corps fire support systems. Upon promotion to staff sergeant and completion of the appropriate formal schools, the 0861 will be designated MOS 0871.
Core Skills
- fires planning and coordination
- targeting and fire mission processing
- use of laser designators and range finders
- radio and digital communications procedures
- map reading and geospatial awareness
- call for fire and close air support procedures
- integration of lethal and non-lethal effects
- observation and battle tracking
- reporting and documentation of fire missions
- use of digital fire support systems
- team coordination in high-stress environments
- problem solving and rapid decision-making
- basic networking and communications equipment setup
Common Certifications
- ASIS Physical Security Professional (PSP)
- Certified Protection Professional (CPP)
- FEMA Emergency Management Institute Certifications (ICS 100/200/700/800)
- Certified Emergency Manager (CEM)
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- State POST Certification (if pursuing law enforcement)
- Firearms Instructor Certification (NRA, state police, or equivalent)
Civilian Career Paths
- TELECOMMUNICATIONS
- GEOSPATIAL INTELLIGENCE
- PROJECT MANAGEMENT
- TRAINING AND EDUCATION
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Data sourced from official Marine Corps publications and public military occupational references. Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.