FIELD 11, UTILITIES (5)

A utility is a provided service such as water, light, and power. The utilities OccFld is responsible for planning and providing
strategic and tactical utilities support to all levels of all elements of the various MAGTFs, to include posts and stations, in any climate or place. This functional support includes establishment, operation, maintenance, and repair of electric power generation sites along with the inherent underground, above ground and overhead electric power distribution systems; water filtration/ purification, storage and distribution sites; shower and laundry facilities; and heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration sites. In addition to maintaining and repairing their own equipment at the organizational and intermediate levels, Marines in this OccFld troubleshoot and repair water pumps on equipment used by other OccFlds; the air conditioning systems on all ground equipment, including automotive; and the electrical systems on engineer and general supply equipment. Cantonment is supported with field sanitation, sewage, and waste disposal; and Humanitarian Assistance and Civil Military Operations are supported with plumbing, HVAC, and interior wiring installation and repair.
a. Basic qualifications to work in this OccFld include manual dexterity, normal color vision, and the ability to understand involved technical material. Formal schooling is mandatory prior to assignment of any utilities MOS. Marines entering the utilities field are assigned MOS 1100, Basic Utilities Marine, and attend formal schooling to gain the specific skills required to qualify for one of the designated MOSs. These skills are further developed by individual and team training, to include some cross training between MOSs, while in the Operating Forces. Later in the Marine's career, advanced formal schooling may be provided leading to assignment as a Section Chief, Utilities Chief, or appointment as a Utilities Officer.
b. Skills acquired in OccFld 11 are directly transferable to civilian occupations upon leaving military service. The opportunity to participate in a formal apprenticeship program leading to certification as a Journey Worker by the U.S. Department of Labor is available to all basic MOSs within the OccFld; refer to OPNAVINST 1560.10C for specific information concerning the United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP). Additional information and assistance on apprenticeships is available from local education offices.