Marine Job: MOS 6046 Aircraft Maintenance Administration Specialist

Marines in the aircraft maintenance administration specialty handle paperwork and administrative tasks to help keep Marine aircraft in top working order. While this may not seem like the most challenging job in the Marine Corps, it's crucial to the safety and security of Marine pilots and anyone who flies on a Marine aircraft.

The Marines categorize this job as a military occupational specialty (MOS) 6046. It’s considered a primary MOS and is open to Marines between the ranks of private and master gunnery sergeant.

Duties of Marine MOS 6046

In addition to maintaining log books, preparing reports and logging records, directives and correspondence, these Marines are trained in data processing equipment. This allows them to oversee and supervise maintenance administration functions, as well as set up, operate and maintain logistics hardware and systems.

Qualifying for MOS 6046

To be eligible for this job, you'll need a score of 100 or higher on the general technical (GT) segment of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) tests. You need to be able to type at least 15 words per minute and have normal color perception (in other words, you can't be color blind).

In addition to being a U.S. citizen, Marines in this job must hold or be able to qualify for a confidential security clearance from the Department of Defense. This includes a background check that goes back five years and probes your employment history, finances, and personal and professional relationships. You'll be required to sign a waiver allowing investigators to access any sealed records as well as public records. And for most positions, a history of drug use or alcohol abuse can be disqualifying.

Training for MOS 6046

Once enlisted, there are two locations where Marines go through basic training, otherwise known as boot camp, or simply "boot." Depending on where you enlist, you'll either attend basic training at the Recruit Training Depot at Parris Island, South Carolina, or the Recruit Training Depot at San Diego, California.

Marine boot camp lasts approximately 12 weeks and is widely regarded as the most difficult basic training program among all the U.S. Armed Forces.

Following basic training, Marines in this job will complete the aviation maintenance administration course at the Naval Air Station in Meridian, Mississippi. Sergeants and above will take the required data analysis course at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida.

Civilian Jobs Similar to Marine MOS 6046

Although much of the work you'll do in this job is specific to the Marine Corps and its aircraft, you'll learn some skills useful in the civilian workforce. You should be qualified to work as an aircraft log clerk for a civilian airline, or as a maintenance data analyst.