5524 musician

The Marine Corps Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) 5524 is for musicians. Musicians perform in Marine Corps bands at concerts, parades, and other official functions. They also perform for honor guards and guard mounts.

Marine musicians are permanently assigned to a band and cannot be transferred to another unit or location. When they enlist, they are appointed to the rank of Staff Sergeant. They receive all pay and benefits for that grade.

When deployed, Marine bands serve as provisional rifle platoons and rear area security for the commanding officer. Individual musicians can also request to be augmented into combat arms units.