Air Support Operations Operator

  • Ratings Average Rating:
  • Required Test Average Duration: 4.7
  • Desinnation Designation: 7242
  • Number Employed Number Employed: 273
  • Category Category: Air Control/Air Support/Anti-Air Warfare/Air Traffic Control
  • Age Average Age: 25
Air Support Operations Operators perform duties that support the integration of aviation with the Ground Combat Element (GCE). They are responsible for processing immediate requests for close air support, casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), and assault support; integrating aviation with other supporting arms and ensuring safety of flight for aircraft throughout the MAGTF area of operations. Their efforts support the management of combat airspace and the delivery of kinetic and non-kinetic aviation fires in support of ground forces. 
Category Requirements
Age17-28
Citizenship RequiredCitizen or Green Card
Minimum Duration4 years
High School DiplomaPreferred
GED AcceptedYes (limited)
Minimum ASVAB (AFQT)~31
Waivers AvailableModerate
Drug History WaiversPossible
Tattoo PolicyStrict
Face/Neck TattoosNo
Hand TattoosLimited
Height Requirement~58–78 in
Weight StandardsYes
Medical Exam (MEPS)Required
Vision StandardsModerate
Security Clearance JobsSome
Physical Fitness TestPFT/CFT
Basic Training Length~13 weeks
Basic Training DifficultyVery High
Deployment FrequencyHigh
Combat Job AvailabilityHigh
Technical JobsMedium
Overseas BasesMany
Signing BonusesModerate
Women in Combat RolesYes
Job Selection ProcessOften assigned
Promotion SpeedFast
Branch CultureWarrior Culture
Category Rating
Overall Rating
Bonuses, Pay & Promotions
Transferable Skills
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Risks & Physical Demands
Basically 911 operator and ATC without certification combined. Very stressfully job because if you mess up people die. As an 7242 you can either work in the Direct Air Support Company or the Tactical Air Command Center. MOS school is at 29 Palms. Your job is to take request from ground forces and decided what aircraft are best suited for the mission and then route them via control points until the Forward Air Controller can take control. I would not recommend this MOS it leaves you with no marketable skills when you leave the Corps. It also promotes very slow usually about the same as 0311.
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