Marine Occupational Specialties

Platoon Leader - The Platoon Leader is in charge of the 40 enlisted marines in his/her platoon.  They are usually a 2LT or 1LT, but it varies.  This officer reports directly to the Marine Company Commander and Company XO.

Platoon Sergeant - The Platoon Sergeant is second in command of the platoon.  He/she must be ranked Sergeant or higher, but usually isn't higher than a Gunnery Sergeant.  He/she is usually in charge of all of the training of the marines in the platoon.  He/she reports directly to the Platoon Leader and First Sergeant.

Squad Leader - The squad leader is in charge of the other twelve marines in his/her squad.  He/she is responsible to train the squad and make sure each of them can carry out their job effectively.  He is usually assigned daily tasks for his squad.  He reports to the Platoon Sergeant or Platoon Leader.

Fire Team Leader - Fire Team Leaders are regular Marines until the Squad Leader instructs them to break into fire teams.  There are three fire teams in each squad.  They are usually the second highest ranking enlisted Marines in the squad.

Heavy Weapons Specialist - There are usually two Heavy Weapons Specialists in each squad.  They deal with squad support and the more destructive weapons such as the SSPW (Squad Support Phaser Weapon) and heavier ballistic weapons.

Explosives Specialist - The Explosives Specialist deals with demolitions and if necessary, can disarm most bombs.  An Explosives Specialists can set traps and mortars.  Explosives Specialists are usually easy-going types of people.  They have to know how to work well under pressure (such as disarming a bomb).

Sniper - Snipers don't necessarily stay with the squad.  They usually take position up high and out of sight, where they can pick off enemies from a distance.  It requires lots of training and they must be able to take out targets with a single shot.

Marine Medic - The Medic is probably one of the most liked members of the squad.  The Marines have their own medics which they specially train.  Medics are regular infantrymen until the first casualty falls, then they are lifesavers.  They must rely on only 15 weeks medical training and lots of guts.  They are highly protected by the rest of the members of the squad, and are usually referred to as "Doc."

Point man - The Point man of the squad takes position in front of the formation.  They have to be highly aware and able to notice things like trip wires.  The safety of the squad is usually in their hands when they are operating covertly.

Rifleman - The Riflemen in the squad are regular grunts.  They make up the rest of the squad.  They are usually skilled in a bit of everything.  Most of the time they are the lowest ranking Marines of a squad.  They are the 'backbone' of the Marine Corps.