Camp Pendleton, California. (October 1, 2024): The Marine Corps would seem an unlikely place to begin a career in Meteorology, but in their business there is a serious need for weather “intelligence”. In this photo by Lance Corporal Nicole Stuart, Lance Corporal Dominic Albanese, a drone operator with Meteorological and Oceanographic Platoon, 1st Intelligence Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, sets up a Base Station during Cobra Horizon 24.2. Cobra Horizon is a semiannual training exercise that focuses on meteorology and oceanographic science as it relates to Marine Corps missions. Accurate and timely weather forecasting can mean the difference between life and death in an amphibious assault.

Under the acronym METOC for Meteorology and Oceanography, weather forecasting is  part of the Marines Information Warfare Community. These oceanographers and meteorologists analyze atmospheric conditions and ocean dynamics and advise mission planners on the latest environmental intelligence.

Often behind the scenes, these professionals work around the clock collecting data, studying atmospheric conditions, and issuing constantly updated forecasts. METOC forecasters go through a rigorous 9 to 12 months of training at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi where they study atmospheric physics and weather forecasting.

Other important duties include charting the ocean floor to prepare undersea and waterway charts for anything from basic navigation to search-and-rescue efforts. They also maintain the military's primary master clock which provides the most precise time interval in the world and drives the Global Positioning System.

It may seem an unlikely place for a weather scientist, but the Marines rely on them to accurately assess conditions before hitting the beaches.