MARINE CORPS OPERATIONAL CONTRACTING SUPPORT (OCS, 3044 MOS): AN ANALYSIS OF THE MARINE ENLISTED OCS CAREER MODEL AND CAREER PATH DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

This project examines the current career model and career path development for the Marine Corps (MC) enlisted Operational Contracting Support (OCS) 3044 Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)–a low density yet critical capability and force multiplier for the agency. With increasing reliance on contracts to support the MC’s operational mission, it is imperative that OCS Marines are highly competent, confident, and efficient in their contracting duties. To ensure this is achieved, data collected via survey indicate that the MC Installation and Logistics, Logistics and Planning section (I&L LPC-4) must make improvements to the current 3044 career development model, which was the principle objective of this research. These improvements are outlined in the recommendations. To support necessary improvements in the 3044 career development, this project completed a thorough benchmark of the current MC, Air Force (AF), and Army enlisted contracting career models, an analysis of the MC OCS mission, personnel readiness, and competency requirements to sustain the mission, and analysis of survey responses from current OCS Marines. After identifying the critical training gaps within the current MC career model and analyzing best practices from both the AF and Army, four recommendations are provided to improve the training, competency standards, and career progression of the enlisted OCS community.