What does MOS mean in the military?
In the military, MOS stands for Military Occupational Specialty. It refers to a specific job or role within the armed forces, which is categorized into various branches, ranks, and responsibilities. Understanding MOS is crucial for military personnel, as it defines their role, duties, and career progression.
Definition and Purpose
A MOS is a unique identifier for each military job, combining a two-digit code for the branch (e.g., 11 for Infantry) and a four-digit code for the specific specialty (e.g., 14 for Infantryman). The purpose of MOS is to:
- Identify the type of job a soldier is trained for
- Allocate personnel to specific units and roles
- Facilitate career advancement and education
- Streamline military operations and communication
Types of MOS
The military has various branches, each with its own set of MOS. Here’s a breakdown of the major branches and their corresponding MOS:
- Army:
- Infantry: 11-XX
- Armor: 19-XX
- Artillery: 13-XX
- Engineering: 12-XX
- Navy:
- Aviation: 1XXX
- Surface Warfare: 2XXX
- Submarine Warfare: 3XXX
- Special Warfare: 4XXX
- Air Force:
- Pilot: 1XXX
- Navigator: 2XXX
- Aircraft Maintenance: 3XXX
- Security Forces: 4XXX
- Marine Corps:
- Infantry: 01-XX
- Artillery: 01-XX
- Armor: 01-XX
- Logistics: 41-XX
Examples of MOS
Here are some examples of MOS:
- Army:
- 11B (Infantryman)
- 12B (Combat Engineer)
- 13B (Cannon Crewmember)
- 25B (Information Technology Specialist)
- Navy:
- 1234 (Aviation Structural Mechanic)
- 2334 (Submarine Sonar Technician)
- 3444 (Cryptologic Technician)
- 4455 (Special Warfare Operator)
- Air Force:
- 1T0X1 (Air Traffic Control)
- 2T0X1 (Airborne Instructor)
- 3T0X1 (Aircraft Maintenance Technician)
- 4T0X1 (Security Forces)
- Marine Corps:
- 0111 (Infantryman)
- 0311 (Rifleman)
- 0317 (Intelligence Specialist)
- 4311 (Logistics Specialist)
MOS Classification
Military Occupational Specialties are categorized into several groups based on their level of complexity, responsibility, and job requirements. These groups include:
- Entry-Level (EL): Basic training and a short period of on-the-job training
- Intermediate-Level (IL): Moderate level of responsibility and requires additional training
- Advanced-Level (AL): High level of responsibility and requires specialized training and experience
- Senior-Level (SL): High-level leadership positions and requires extensive experience
Conclusion
In summary, MOS is a vital component of the military’s organizational structure, allowing personnel to be assigned to specific roles and responsibilities. Understanding the different types of MOS, examples, and classification can help military personnel better comprehend their role within the armed forces and facilitate their career progression.
