Can someone explain how the army's enlisted military occupational specialty codes work? I'm interested in joining the army and want to know more about how specialties are assigned and what they mean for my career path.
In the U.S. Army, each job, known as a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), is identified by a specific code. This code consists of a two-digit number and a letter. For instance, an MOS of 11B signifies an Infantryman, 12B is a Combat Engineer, and 68W denotes a Combat Medic.
The first digit represents the career management field. For example, MOS codes beginning with '11' fall under the category of infantry.
The second digit is the skill level which can range from 0 to 5. The skill level relates to the level of training or experience: '0' typically indicates an entry-level position or an officer, and '1' means it's an enlisted job. As you progress from level 2 to 5, you ascend from a team leader to a master sergeant.
The third character, a letter, represents the job within that field. So, among the 11 series, '11B' designates an infantryman, '11C' stands for indirect fire infantryman, and '11Z' is an infantry senior sergeant.
While the MOS you choose plays a large role in laying out your military career path, it's also important to consider the job tasks, required ASVAB scores, and any bonus enlistment options that come with the specific MOS. Alternatively, you can opt to enlist in a broader MOS category and receive job-specific training once you're in the military.
To sum it up, your MOS code in the Army plays a critical part in your military life, from determining your daily responsibilities to future career opportunities within the military, so it is essential to choose an MOS that aligns with your interest and skill set.
For more comprehensive details, you should review the MOS descriptions and requirements on the official U.S. Army website or talk to a recruiter. They can provide you with valuable information on which military occupational specialties best fit your abilities and aspirations.
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