O-6 - Col
O-6 - Col
Posted on Dec 8, 2017
What does being a "Colonel, Ground" mean in the USMC?
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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!
8041: Colonel, Ground
Marines
COL
Posted >1 y ago
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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.
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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.
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