CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan – -- Military occupational specialties are the foundation of the Marine Corps. Each MOS is a cog, working with and relying on each other to keep the fighting machine that is the United States Marine Corps running. The motor transportation field is one of these cogs.
Motor transportation is one of the most populated MOSs in the Marine Corps. They supply operators and mechanics to an always active organization. Without them, Marines and supplies would not have transportation to the places they are needed, but motor transportation offers more than that.
“Motor transportation is a very diverse field,” said Staff Sgt. Manson Fowler, a driver instructor with Headquarter and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installation Pacific - Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Japan. “There are Marines at every step from preparing, maintaining and dispatching a vehicle to the quality control of parts, the supply warehouse and refueling.”
According to Fowler, motor transportation is the lifeblood of the Marine Corps. When supplies needs to be moved, they deliver. When the flight line needs refueling, they answer the call. Motor transportation is a field full of motivated and dedicated Marines who are always ready to complete their mission.
Motor transportation Marines work sporadic hours catering to their unit’s operational tempo. Some have a 24 hour dispatch, so Marines sleep at the motor pool. Trucks leave at all times to complete their missions.
“Our hours fluctuate from time to time,” said Cpl. Noah Vital, an automotive maintenance technician with 3rd Transportation Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. “If we have priority vehicles that need fixed, no one leaves the motor pool until that vehicle is back up and running. These are the vehicles that will be the first to be sent out on missions, so we need them operational now. ”
Motor transportation Marines can have basic training as both operators and mechanics. This allows them to be assigned to units of various sizes.
According to Fowler, motor transportation has to be able to adapt to all aspects of the mission assigned to them. When a convoy rolls out, it is motor transportation Marines who operate the vehicle, the radio and the weapons.
“It is a thankless job but it is good to know that without you the job can’t be done,” said Fowler. “It can be rewarding knowing that you are the only one who can do the task for refueling on the flight line or operating a wrecker. Without you, the unit you are with cannot properly function. Without motor transportation, there isn’t a lot that will get done.”