Facts About the Marine Corps Motor Transport (Motor T)

In the Marine Corps, each job, or military occupational specialty (MOS) and related jobs are classified within occupational fields (OccFlds). The motor transport field includes operations and maintenance functions for tactical and commercial motor vehicle services. Marines aspiring to this MOS will need a good driving record and should have some experience working on and maintaining motor vehicles. The job is a lot more than driving and keeping the engines running, however. Marines in this job frequently work with those in the distribution management field to transport everything from people and supplies to resources and equipment – even amphibious vehicles or aircraft. 

There are several specialties in this transportation field. They include automotive maintenance technicians, who maintain and repair motor transport vehicles and equipment and motor vehicle operators, who do maintenance and repairs in addition to driving tactical wheeled vehicles in support of combat and garrison operations. 

Motor vehicle operator is considered a PMOS: Primary Military Occupation Specialty. The ranks for this job may range from private to sergeant. 

Job Requirements

To work in the motor transport field, including as a motor vehicle operator, Marines must possess a Mechanical Maintenance (MM) score from the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) of 85 or higher, and complete the Motor Vehicle Operator Course (7T).

This is also a job that requires the ability to work closely with others as part of a team. 

Motor transport Marines will be required to learn military vehicle operator and maintenance procedures, personnel and operations management techniques, preparation of orders and directives, and record-keeping procedures. Formal schooling and standardized training is provided to Marines entering this field. 

After recruit training, Marines in Motor Transport will attend one of two training courses: either the Automotive Organizational Maintenance Course, or the Motor Vehicle Operator Course at Camp Lejeune, in North Carolina.

Non-MOS qualified Reserve Marines unable to attend the regular formal school course may be certified for MOS 3531, as an AMOS-only, by the unit commander upon successful completion of the Alternate Training Instructional Program (ATIP) of the Marine Force Reserves.

The ATIP for MOS 3531 (Motor Vehicle Operator) Marines is found in Force Order 1535.1 and consists of core tasks to be performed to standard during managed on-the-job training (MOJT) at the unit prior to attending a Motor Vehicle Operator mobile training team (MTT). A minimum of 6-months MOJT while assigned to a 3531 billet is required.

Marines in Motor Transport must meet the prerequisites of the course instruction and possess a valid state driver's license, with the exception of students attending the MOS-producing school at the FLC, Ft. Leonard Wood in Missouri.

Applicants' past driving record will be subject to a search under the National Driver Register, and they will need a U.S. Government motor vehicle operator's identification card for an M-Series 7-ton vehicle.

The minimum height for motor vehicle operation in the Marines is 64 inches, and the maximum is 75 inches and they must have normal color vision.

Marines entering this field will receive MOS 3500, basic motor transport. Here are some of the Marine Corps enlisted MOS organized under this occupational field.

In order to qualify for this MOS, Marines need a mechanical maintenance (MM) score of 95 or higher on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), and will likely need to complete the motor transport career course at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina, at their commanding officer's discretion.

3521 Automotive Organizational Mechanic

This is a straightforward job with a great amount of responsibility. The automotive organizational mechanic services, inspects, maintains, and repairs motor transport equipment. These vehicles include fuel and water tankers, seven-ton trucks and high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicles (HMMWVs), better known as Humvees.

3522 Automotive Intermediate Mechanic

This is the next step up from automotive organizational mechanic, and adds rebuilding of automotive components of tactical transport equipment to the list of duties. Marines must have six months' experience as MOS 3521 to qualify, and need to complete the automotive intermediate maintenance course. 

3523 Logistics Vehicle System Mechanic

These mechanics provide intermediate level inspection of motor vehicles, including diagnosis and maintenance of power train, air induction, exhaust, hydraulic, cooling, electrical, fuel, brake, steering and suspension components for the LVS series vehicle. They'll need to complete the automotive intermediate maintenance course, and the logistics vehicle maintenance course at Camp Johnson in Jacksonville, North Carolina. 

3534 Semitrailer Refueler Operator

Semitrailer refueler mechanics operate and maintain the M931 and MK3l tactical tractors and the M970 and MK970 semitrailer refuelers. They're  trained to conduct fueling and defueling operations for all aviation and ground vehicles.

To qualify for this MOS, Marines need 12 months' experience as an MOS 3531 or MOS 3533. They'll complete a semitrailer refueler operator course at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri.

3526 Crash/Fire/Rescue Vehicle Mechanic

These mechanics inspect, service, maintain, and repair crash, fire, and rescue vehicles. They'll need a mechanical maintenance (MM) score of 95 or higher on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), and have either MOS 3521, 3522 or 3529. 

3529 Motor Transport Maintenance Chief

This MOS supervises the maintenance, repair, and inspection of motor transport vehicles, and directs the activities of assigned enlisted personnel in a motor transport repair shop or facility. They assist the motor transport maintenance officer in all duties and tasks.

Other Motor Transport MOS

3524 Fuel and Electrical Systems Mechanic

3529 Motor Transport Maintenance Chief

3531 Motor Vehicle Operator

3536 Vehicle Recovery Operator

3537 Motor Transport Operations Chief

3538 Licensing Examiner

The Motor Transport Division (MTD) on major Marine Corps installations develops and implements policies, provides oversight and guidance on operational and maintenance issues, and provides direction when needed to respective Fleet Managers within the area in support of Bases, Stations and Operating Forces within Marine Expeditionary Force.