Marine Corps Infantry (0311) Requirements

MOS 0311, Rifleman, is the foundational infantry Military Occupational Specialty in the United States Marine Corps. Every Marine infantry battalion is built around 0311s, making this the most populated MOS in the infantry community. The position requires a minimum General Technical (GT) score of 80 on the ASVAB and successful completion of 13 weeks of recruit training followed by the Infantry Training Battalion (ITB) at the School of Infantry.

ASVAB Score Requirements

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) determines eligibility for all military occupational specialties. For MOS 0311:

• Minimum GT Score: 80. The GT (General Technical) composite score is calculated from Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) and Verbal Expression (VE) subtests.
• Minimum AFQT Score: 31 for enlistment eligibility, though competitive candidates typically score 50+.

The GT score requirement for infantry is lower than many technical MOSs, but a higher score gives you more options for reclassification or lateral moves later in your career. Scoring well on the ASVAB provides flexibility even if your initial goal is 0311.

Basic Eligibility

To enlist in the Marine Corps and pursue MOS 0311:

1. Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien.
2. Be between 17 and 28 years old (17 requires parental consent; age waivers possible up to 29-30 in some cases).
3. Hold a high school diploma (GED accepted with additional AFQT requirements, typically 50+).
4. Pass the Initial Strength Test (IST): minimum 3 pull-ups (or 34-second flexed-arm hang for minimum), 44 crunches in 2 minutes, and 1.5-mile run in 13:30 or faster.
5. Meet height and weight standards per Marine Corps Order 6110.3.
6. Pass a medical examination at MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station).
7. Have no disqualifying medical conditions, criminal convictions, or drug use history.
8. Score 80+ GT on the ASVAB.

Training Pipeline

The path from enlistment to becoming a fleet Marine infantryman follows a structured pipeline:

1. Recruit Training (Boot Camp) , 13 Weeks

Location: Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego or MCRD Parris Island, depending on geographic origin. Boot camp is divided into three phases covering:

• Phase 1 (Weeks 1-4): Physical conditioning, close-order drill, Marine Corps history and values, water survival, pugil sticks.
• Phase 2 (Weeks 5-8): Marksmanship training (M16A4/M4 rifle qualification), combat conditioning, field training.
• Phase 3 (Weeks 9-12): The Crucible (54-hour field exercise), final PFT, warrior training. Week 13 is graduation week.

Recruits must pass the Physical Fitness Test (PFT) and Combat Fitness Test (CFT) at minimum standards to graduate.

2. Marine Combat Training / Infantry Training Battalion (ITB) , 59 Days

Location: School of Infantry (SOI) at Camp Pendleton, CA or Camp Lejeune, NC.

All Marines who hold an infantry MOS attend ITB (as opposed to the shorter MCT for non-infantry Marines). The 59-day course covers:

• Patrolling and small unit tactics
• Land navigation (map reading, compass, terrain association)
• Weapons employment (M4, M27 IAR, M240, M2, Mk 19, AT-4, M203/M320)
• Fire and maneuver at the fire team and squad level
• MOUT (Military Operations on Urban Terrain)
• Live-fire exercises and night operations
• Field radio communications
• Improvised explosive device (IED) awareness
• Combat first aid (Tactical Combat Casualty Care)

3. Fleet Assignment

After ITB, 0311s receive orders to an infantry battalion. First assignment is typically to a rifle company where you serve as a rifleman in a fire team within a rifle squad. Fleet assignments include stateside bases (Camp Pendleton, Camp Lejeune, Camp Hansen) and potential deployment to forward-deployed units.

Physical Standards

Marine infantry demands high physical fitness. Key benchmarks:

Physical Fitness Test (PFT) , Conducted Semi-Annually:

Combat Fitness Test (CFT):

Infantry Marines are expected to score well above minimums. A first-class PFT (235+ points) and first-class CFT are the informal standard in infantry battalions.

Pay and Compensation

Marine Corps pay is standardized across all branches by rank and time in service:

Base pay does not include:

• Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH): Varies by location and dependents. Ranges from $800 to $3,000+/month.
• Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS): $452.56/month (2026).
• Special pays: Hostile fire pay ($225/month), family separation allowance ($250/month), hazardous duty pay (varies).

Total compensation for an E-3 with BAH and BAS often reaches $38,000 to $45,000 annually, plus free healthcare (TRICARE), and access to base facilities.

Career Progression

The infantry career path offers both vertical promotion and lateral specialization:

• E-1 to E-3 (0-3 years): Rifleman in a fire team. Learn core infantry skills, qualify on multiple weapon systems, complete first deployment.
• E-4 Corporal (3-4 years): Fire team leader. First leadership billet, responsible for 3 Marines.
• E-5 Sergeant (4-6 years): Squad leader. Responsible for 12-13 Marines across 3 fire teams.
• Lateral moves: Scout Sniper (0317), Reconnaissance Marine (0321), Marine Raider (MARSOC), Drill Instructor, Recruiter, or reclassification to a different MOS.

After the Marines

MOS 0311 experience translates directly to several civilian career paths:

• Law enforcement: Infantry skills in decision-making, physical fitness, weapons proficiency, and operating under stress are valued by police departments and federal agencies. Many departments offer veteran preference points.
• Fire service: Discipline, physical fitness, teamwork, and experience working 24-hour operational cycles make former infantry Marines strong firefighter candidates. Departments across the country actively recruit veterans.
• Private security and contracting: Executive protection, site security, and defense contracting firms recruit experienced infantrymen.
• Federal careers: CBP, ICE, TSA, Secret Service, FBI, and the intelligence community all recruit from the infantry community.

The GI Bill provides 36 months of full-time education benefits, covering tuition at any public university or up to approximately $27,120/year at private institutions, plus a monthly housing allowance.

Start Your path Today

Whether you are preparing for enlistment or transitioning out of the infantry into a first responder career, the preparation process involves physical fitness benchmarks, test scores, and credential timelines that benefit from structured tracking. Ready to Serve helps future service members and transitioning veterans organize their preparation across fitness, testing, and career milestones.

Sources

• Marines.com MOS 0311 Information
• USMC Physical Fitness and Body Composition Program (MCO 6110.3)
• 2026 Military Pay Charts (DFAS)
• ASVAB Testing Program

Related Pages

• ASVAB Requirements for Military Enlistment
• Army Combat Medic 68W Requirements
• Navy Corpsman HM Requirements
• Air Force Pararescue PJ Requirements
• Military to Firefighter Transition Guide