Life of an 0331, But I am an 0351, so, What would I know???
What is an 0311 Machine Gunner?
To begin with, expect to walk virtually everywhere. 0331 are attached to infantry units. The only time infantry units ride is when they have to be put somewhere quick. This could be by helo or truck, but then the walking begins.
The HUMVEE gunners are not 0331, they are usually part of mortar T or a unit such as combat engineers and not infantry. I say usually because at times an infantry unit is lucky enough to get a hummer for advanced recon work. The majority of the time, you will be on foot and patrolling in a tactical march column.
You sleep the mud when it rains, in fox holes or defensive positions when in the field. When in garrision it is tents in combat zones and in barracks if in US or Marine Corps bases.
Difference between a rifleman and an 0331 is the weight of the weapon plus extra ammo. I bet you can figure that one out. All the other gear is the same. This is true if you wanted to be a mortarman 0341. Everyone walks.
Level of action - both see the same amount of action since both are on the same patrol. Maybe the question is: Which draws the most enemy fire? Guess what - the machine gunner will receive 10 to 20 times more lead in his direction than the rifleman. You better hope the rifleman is doing his job to take the heat off of you as an 0331!
Harder physically - the weight of the gun and the big box of ammo will feel like a 100 tons after a 20 mile march whereas the M4 rifle with 80 rounds ammo will only feel like 500 lbs.
Advancement - about the same for both 0311 and 0331. Same opportunities since both are grunts doing a grunt job.
Weapons Company - you get assigned to Weapons Company if you are assigned a heavy, crew served gun like the .50 cal MG. Lighter MGs that are organic to an infantry company are part of the company. Often 0331s are attached to Weapons Company and are assigned to infantry companies as heavy support weapons - ditto mortars. So I would say, the odds are good you will be assigned to a Weapons Company. Expect to be doing a lot of weapons cleaning if you are and still have a lot of field time on top of that when the infantry trains.
In Weapons Company, mostly mounted - nope. Most .50 cals are mounted but not so smaller MGs - these you carry. You can be qualified for both but find yourself most of the time assigned to an infantry company.
IF you are looking for a riding job, suggest tanks or LAVs - MT is another. Not much walking, unless your tank or LAV takes a hit and you survive. Ditto MT.
0311 or 0331.
What is an 0311 Machine Gunner?
To begin with, expect to walk virtually everywhere. 0331 are attached to infantry units. The only time infantry units ride is when they have to be put somewhere quick. This could be by helo or truck, but then the walking begins.
The HUMVEE gunners are not 0331, they are usually part of mortar T or a unit such as combat engineers and not infantry. I say usually because at times an infantry unit is lucky enough to get a hummer for advanced recon work. The majority of the time, you will be on foot and patrolling in a tactical march column.
You sleep the mud when it rains, in fox holes or defensive positions when in the field. When in garrision it is tents in combat zones and in barracks if in US or Marine Corps bases.
Difference between a rifleman and an 0331 is the weight of the weapon plus extra ammo. I bet you can figure that one out. All the other gear is the same. This is true if you wanted to be a mortarman 0341. Everyone walks.
Level of action - both see the same amount of action since both are on the same patrol. Maybe the question is: Which draws the most enemy fire? Guess what - the machine gunner will receive 10 to 20 times more lead in his direction than the rifleman. You better hope the rifleman is doing his job to take the heat off of you as an 0331!
Harder physically - the weight of the gun and the big box of ammo will feel like a 100 tons after a 20 mile march whereas the M4 rifle with 80 rounds ammo will only feel like 500 lbs.
Advancement - about the same for both 0311 and 0331. Same opportunities since both are grunts doing a grunt job.
Weapons Company - you get assigned to Weapons Company if you are assigned a heavy, crew served gun like the .50 cal MG. Lighter MGs that are organic to an infantry company are part of the company. Often 0331s are attached to Weapons Company and are assigned to infantry companies as heavy support weapons - ditto mortars. So I would say, the odds are good you will be assigned to a Weapons Company. Expect to be doing a lot of weapons cleaning if you are and still have a lot of field time on top of that when the infantry trains.
In Weapons Company, mostly mounted - nope. Most .50 cals are mounted but not so smaller MGs - these you carry. You can be qualified for both but find yourself most of the time assigned to an infantry company.
IF you are looking for a riding job, suggest tanks or LAVs - MT is another. Not much walking, unless your tank or LAV takes a hit and you survive. Ditto MT.
0311 or 0331.
