What does being a "Colonel, Ground" mean in the USMC?

2017-12-08T09:39:39-05:00

I see some senior officers (or veterans/retirees) here on RP who have the Specialty of "Colonel, Ground" -- I'm trying to better understand what that means, specifically why the designation of "Ground" is included in the title. I'm sure there's a perfect reason why, though as I don't know much about the USMC, I figured I would ask and see if folks can shed some light on this for an Army guy. Thanks!

Response by Cpl Scott McCarroll made Dec 8 at 2017 9:51 AM

2017-12-08T09:51:23-05:00

This link should answer your question it's a PDF file of the MOS
http://www.marines.mil/Portals/59/MCO%201200.17E.pdf

404 - File or directory not found.

Response by Col Joseph Sheehan made Dec 8 at 2017 10:01 AM

2017-12-08T10:01:04-05:00

Indicates non-Naval Aviator (75XX)

Response by LtCol Jack Chase made Dec 12 at 2017 11:44 AM

2017-12-12T11:44:18-05:00

Up through the rank of Lt. Col., Marine Officers hold one or more Military Occupational Specialties (MOS), such as Infantry, Armor, Artillery, Logistics, Intelligence, and various aviation MOS designations depending on type of aircraft they fly or support. Upon being promoted to Colonel, the officer is simply designated as a ground officer or an aviation officer, technically meaning that they can command any major unit within those two broad categories.

Response by Col Russ Smith made Dec 19 at 2017 4:36 PM

2017-12-19T16:36:23-05:00

Any Marine officer serving in a ground-side MOS Is automatically designated a Ground Colonel. Marines that Serve as aviators and naval flight officers are Air Colonels. Combat Service Support are Logistics Colonels. This follows the Corps' Air, Ground, Logistics task organizational construct.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 26 at 2017 5:34 PM

2017-12-26T17:34:15-05:00

When you are selected for 06 (Colonel) HQMC changes your primary MOS from whatever specialty you were - I was an Intel officer - 0202 to either "Ground" or "Air" - at 06 you are supposed to be able to fill many roles

Response by Col Greg Maisel made Dec 26 at 2017 8:12 PM

2017-12-26T20:12:00-05:00

Once a Marine Corps Officer attains the rank of Colonel his MOS is updated. For example a Cobra pilot MOS is 7565. As a LtCol that MOS would be important during command screening in that 7565 is one MOS that makes you eligible/ qualified to command an HMLA squadron (Helicopter Marine Light Attack). Once promoted to Colonel the 9907 MOS says you are an Aviator Helicopter. Likewise a Colonel who had an infantry MOS upon being promoted to Colonel would be designated ground. These designations would indicate what you are qualified to command or not command. A Colonel aviator helicopter would not be selected to command a Marine Infantry regiment or fixed wing Marine Air Group comprised of F 35 and F18 squadrons. Same applies to the Colonel ground designated - - he would not be selected to command an Artillery Regiment; or aviation unit. However there are commands such as a Marine Expeditionary Unit that can can be commanded by an aviator or a ground designated Colonel,

Response by CH (COL) David Hockensmith made Mar 7 at 2018 8:01 PM

2018-03-07T20:01:22-05:00

In the Army that transition changes with promotion to Brigadier General.

Response by 1stSgt Donald Smith made Mar 25 at 2018 3:02 PM

2018-03-25T15:02:05-04:00

I think they might be telling you, they were not an Air Winger. Really when I was on active duty I never heard one address himself as Ground Officer. Course I retired over 38 years ago and many things have changed. Semper Fi