MOS 5511 is assigned to musicians who are enlisted "for duty with the United States Marine Band only." They are appointed to the grade of staff sergeant upon their initial 4-year enlistment. These enlistees report directly to the Marine Band, Marine Barracks, Washington, DC, for duty. They are permanently assigned to the Band and perform musical duties as an instrumentalist or music related technical duties as a member of the support staff. The Director, U.S. Marine Band recommends MOS 5511 promotions to CMC (MM) to fill T/O vacancies.

Drum and Bugle Corps (D&B) members perform music or music related duties in support of military ceremonies, official functions, community relations, Marine Corps recruiting, and Marine "esprit de corps." A secondary mission of the unit is to augment barracks security in contingency operations in the event of an emergency or combat environment. After completion of recruit training and Marine Combat Training (MCT), Marines report directly to the Commanding Officer, Marine Barracks, Washington, DC for duty with "The Commandant's Own," U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps.

Enlisted conductors lead, train and manage the musical performances of the ceremonial band. They select and rehearse music for band ceremonial performances. They implement musical protocol in accordance with Navy Regulations and Marine Corps Drill and Ceremonies Manual. They coordinate all logistic functions such as messing, billeting and transportation for ceremonial band operations. They are responsible in all matters pertaining to Band Public Affairs to include, internal and external information programs, press packages, concert narrations and band historical files. This MOS will be assigned as an NMOS only.

Drum majors lead, train and manage the ceremonial band on the march. They select and rehearse music for marching band operations and instruct band personnel in drills peculiar to bands. They implement those portions of the Navy Regulations, and Marine Corps Drill and Ceremonies Manual pertaining to parades and ceremonies. They coordinate all logistic functions such as messing, billeting and transportation for marching band operations. Drum majors must possess an overall knowledge of personnel, general and operational administration procedures in order to establish, direct, and supervise the administrative functions of the band to which assigned. This MOS will be assigned as an NMOS only.

Small ensemble leaders lead, train and manage the Marine Corps Band's small ensembles. As leader/performers of one or more small ensembles, they select and rehearse the music of the ensemble to which assigned and manages the operations and training of the remaining small ensembles. They coordinate all logistic functions such as messing, billeting and transportation for Marine Corps Band small ensemble operations. Small ensemble leaders must be knowledgeable in the equipment capabilities and system integration of sound reinforcement components. They establish and maintain an effective audio reinforcement system for band operations. This MOS will be assigned as an NMOS only.

Instrument repair technicians are responsible to the band officer for inspecting, maintaining, repairing and overhauling all musical equipment assigned to a band. Duties include organizing and maintaining the instrument repair shop according to current occupational safety and health standards, maintaining administrative records and repairs of work performed on musical instruments, and performing preventative maintenance on instrument repair tools and equipment. They perform various duties incident to the acquisition and inventory sources. Marines in this MOS must have the ability
to work independently and be objective in applying purchasing and contracting laws and regulations. This MOS will be assigned as an NMOS only.

Musicians perform musical instruments in a Marine Corps Band in concerts, parades, band drills, and various other official functions and ceremonies. They also perform other additional duties as required, such as, band supply or administrative assistant, music librarian, and conduct preventative maintenance for musical equipment. Upon reaching the rank of Master Sergeant, musicians not holding the NMOS 5523 assume the role of bandmaster musical section leaders, and assist with the supervision and training of musicians within the section. Additionally, upon reaching the rank of Master Sergeant, they assume the role of Bandmaster and serve as senior enlisted Marine. Bandmasters plan, schedule, and are responsible for the operation and training of the band in garrison and in the field. They evaluate the technical proficiency of musicians and counsel subordinate musicians to improve the general effectiveness of the band.

Musicians perform musical instruments in a Marine Corps Band in a Marine Corps Band in concerts, parades, band drills and various other official functions and ceremonies. They also perform other additional duties as required, such as, band supply or administrative assistant, music librarian, and conduct preventative maintenance for musical equipment.