Military MOS Lists

Written by: Tom Jackson

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An MOS, or military occupational specialty, involves the breathtakingly wide range of jobs carried out by members of the United States armed forces — more than10,000 different specialties covering a vast array of skills, interests, opportunities, and levels of responsibility.

An MOS can be absolutely precise, a meticulous description of the skills required and job to be performed. Others are purposely generalized.

Moreover, while every MOS has a military function, not every occupation is military-specific. MOS designations can include civilian workplace equivalents, such as administration, engineering, construction, information technology, communications, logistics, maintenance, healthcare, and so on

How Are Military Occupational Specialty Lists Used?

MOS lists are used to define and detail jobs/specialties in the armed forces. Specialties that are similar or related are gathered into branches and categorized within various Career Management Fields. Each job is given a unique designation; related specialties within a category get the same two numbers, followed by a letter assigned to a particular specialty.

Training for each job is as specialized as the specialty itself. Opportunities for advancement are available in each, as are opportunities to move laterally, change to other MOS ratings, and expand skills through training.

Army MOS List

The U.S. Army lists roughly 160 MOS designations available to enlistees, from frontline warriors (infantrymen, field artillery soldiers, combat engineers) to aviators and aviation support (including piloting unmanned drones) to special forces and armor to civil affairs (communications, planning, agency coordinators) to chaplains’ assistants, interpreter/translators, and mechanics and beyond.

Check it out:

Interpreter/Translator (MOS 09L) provides interpreting and translating of foreign languages — spoken and written — into English, and vice versa.

The Infantry Branch comprises the main combat force on the ground. Its assignment: defeat enemy ground troops. Recruits are assigned MOS 11X as enlistees, and are designated as Infantryman (11B) or Indirect Fire Infantryman (11C) during training.

Infantry MOS designations include.

  • Infantryman (MOS 11B): Riflemen assigned to reconnaissance operations, as well as deploy and recover anti-personnel and anti-tank mines.
  • Indirect Fire Infantryman (MOS 11C): Fire and recover anti-personnel and anti-tank mines; locate and neutralize mines in live minefields; navigate between ground points; orient maps; operate and maintain communications equipment.
  • Infantry Senior Sergeant (MOS 11Z): Leaders of infantry troops.

The Corps of Engineers organizes specialists who are equally adept at building and destroying. Their MOS specialties include:

  • Engineer Senior Sergeant (MOS 12A): Leaders skilled in assorted engineering-related roles, among them reconnaissance, demolitions, construction, rescue and training.
  • Combat Engineer (MOS 12B): Supervise and/or assist team members in combat situations on difficult terrain. Must be experts in mobility, counter-mobility, survival and general engineering. Build defenses to protect troops; obliterate obstacles impeding movement of combat troops (including mines and minefields).

Additional MOS 12 designations:

Field Artillery Soldiers provide big-gun firepower during combat operations by operating various electronics and communications platforms, in addition to weapons systems and munitions. MOS 13 specialties include:

Air Defense units operate and maintain systems designed to impede or intercept enemy-fired long- and short-range missiles. Patriot Batteries are deployed to such areas of South Korea and Israel to deter and challenge threats of incoming enemy missiles.

Air Defense MOS designations include:

 

Because the modern Army goes airborne, Army Aviation operates and maintains helicopters, planes, and unmanned aerial vehicles. Assignments include transporting equipment and personnel, as well as delivering combat action to enemy ground troops.

MOS 15 specialties include:

Cyber Operations Specialists are assigned with protecting Army intelligence and information. Their job is to safeguard digital data from enemy hackers by maintaining security measures such as firewalls and introducing new cyber security. Cyber Operations Specialists are designed MOS 17C.

Army Special Forces train allied troops and engage the enemy in secretive direct-action missions around the world. Army Special Forces members earn the right to wear the prestigious Green Beret upon completion of rigorous qualifications courses.

MOS positions in Special Forces include:

Army Armor officers and crew project American military force through combat operations employing armored vehicles such as the M1 Abrams Tank and the Bradley Fighting Vehicle. Army Armor specialties include:

The Signal Corps’ task is to provide secure, reliable communications between the soldier on the ground, helicopter over a combat zone, and ground commanders. Signal Corps units also are relied upon to intercept, gather and translate or decipher verbal/nonverbal enemy communications.

Signal Corps specialties include:

The Judge Advocate General’s Corps, the legal arm of the U.S. Army, has opportunities for enlistees. A Paralegal Specialist carries the MOS 27D designation.

Electronic Warfare Specialists are designated MOS 29E.

Military Police are assigned the task of protecting lives and property on Army installations domestically and around the world. MPs carry out most of the functions of a city police department or county sheriff’s office. The regulate traffic, help prevent crime, respond to emergencies on and off base, and enforce military laws and regulations. MPs also investigate crimes and have arrest authority. MP canine units detect illegal activities using police dogs and protect their base with bomb-sniffing dogs.

MP MOS designations include:

Military Intelligence collects and shares essential information with combat soldiers regarding targeting, enemy forces, and capabilities. Methods employed include photos, electronic transmissions and communications, and human counterintelligence.

Military Intelligence specialties include:

The Financial Management Technician’s designation is MOS 36B.

Psychological Operations influence local populations not to join insurgencies plus provide information that helps Army troops on the ground. Persuading enemy combatants to switch sides and leave the battlefield are key assignments of Psychological Operations Specialists.

Psychological Operations Specialists carry the designation MOS 37F.

Civil Affairs involves communications, planning, and coordination with assorted agencies to assist local population in combat zones. Civil Affairs Specialists are designated MOS 38B.

Adjutant General’s Corps includes these designations:

Public Affairs specialties include:

Army Acquisition Troops includes the Acquisition, Logistics and Technology Contracting NCO (MOS 51C).

Religious Affairs Specialists primarily support worship services, planning religious support operations and certain other duties. A Chaplain Assistant’s designation is MOS 56M.

The Army Healthcare system relies on the support of the well-trained men and women of the Medical Community. Involving the full menu of medical professionals, the Army medical staff is organized to assist in combat zones and stateside hospitals.

Medical Community specialties include:

The Chemical field includes Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Specialist Recruiting and retention. Its designation is MOS 74D.

Recruiting and Retention (MOS 79) includes these specialties:

Transportation Specialists operate and repair transportation vehicles across the Army arsenal, including air, land, sea and rail. Their specialties include:

Ammunition Specialists are involved in ammunition, mechanical maintenance, and ordinance. Designations include:

Mechanics and Equipment Maintenance involves assorted specialties, including:

The Quartermaster Corps provide soldiers with food, water, petroleum, repair parts and other services during operations. Quartermaster specialties include:

 

Combat Electronic Systems Repair/Maintenance units take care of extremely technical combat electronic systems. Among these specialties:

Marines MOS List

The Marine Corps employs a four-digit code for its occupational specialties. Upon graduation from boot camp, Marines receive their initial job, the Primary Marine Occupational Special (PMOS). Special skills or duties performed on tours or in training programs are designated Additional MOS (AMOS) or Category II MOS.

Personnel and Administration (01) performs administrative and clerical services in the fields of general administration, postal service and what civilians call “human resources” administration. Qualifications include communication abilities, typing and elementary clerical skills.

Intelligence (02) includes jobs responsible for gathering, processing and disseminating sensitive classified information. Specialties include geographic intelligence, counterintelligence, image interpretation and analysis. Candidates must have mastery of analytical and technical skills, plus communication, computer and clerical skills.

Infantry (03) includes ground forces trained to locate and destroy the enemy by fire and maneuver or repel their assault by fire and close combat. These roles all require high levels of fitness, mental toughness and tactical proficiency.

Logistics (04) Marines provide general and direct support above the organic capabilities of the support element of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF). Marines in the logistics unit may support the MAGTF in assaults and operations ashore.

Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) (05) includes MAGTF Marines, planning specialists, information operations specialists and security forces advisors.

Communications (06) Marines design, install, connect and operate communication networks and information systems. They also operate and perform preventive maintenance on software and hardware systems, including computer systems, radio, telephones and cryptography.

Field Artillery (08) Marines have various areas of responsibility and expertise. Field Artillery includes the following duties: firing battery (moving, loading, firing and maintaining cannon weapons systems); field artillery operations (moving, operating and maintaining equipment that acquires targets); and observation and liaison (checking and analyzing combat plans and communicating advice and operating information).

Training (09) encompasses Marine instructors, including drill, combat, marksmanship, small weapons, water safety and survival, and martial arts instructors.

Utilities (11) Marines plan and provide utilities to support posts and stations. Utilities includes the establishment, operation, maintenance and repair of power generation sites, heating, shower and laundry facilities, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration.

Engineer, Construction, Facilities and Equipment (13) Marines have duties such as welding and metalworking and are responsible for maintenance, operation and repair of heavy engineering equipment.

Tank and Assault Amphibious Vehicle (18) Marines help operate and maintain the vehicle and up-gunned weapons station. Jobs include basic tank and AAV marine, M1A1 tank crewman and ACV marine.

Ground Ordnance Maintenance (21) Marines carry out the inspection, repair and maintenance of weapons systems. Maintenance personnel conduct administrative procedures, repair analysis, technical inspection procedures, testing of ordnance equipment and quality-control methodology.

Ammunition and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (23) Marines undertake the secure disposal of explosive weaponry and ammunition. This MOS has three enlisted positions: basic ammunition and explosive ordnance disposal marine, ammunition technician and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technician.

Signals Intelligence/Ground Electronic Warfare (26) Marines  focus on strategic and tactical intelligence, listening to radio and other broadcasts to determine enemy positions. This MOS  includes jobs such as signals intelligence analysts, cryptanalysts, signals intelligence/electronic warfare and radio reconnaissance.

Linguist (27) Marines supervise and participate in translation and interpretation activities to support military operations and intelligence matters during operations and exercises.

Ground Electronics Maintenance (28) Marines focus on installation, diagnosis, repair, modification and calibration of electronic equipment. The equipment and systems include assorted communication hardware, biological, nuclear and chemical detection electronics and a range of test equipment. Jobs include basic data/communications maintenance marine, technical controller or artillery electronics technician.

Supply Administration and Operations (30) Marines perform ground supply administration and operations, including maintaining supply warehouses, ordering and processing equipment and coordinating the distribution of supplies. Some jobs include basic supply administration and operations marine, warehouse clerk, aviation supply clerk and contract specialist.

Distribution Management (31) Marines coordinate travel and shipments. They assist with the shipping of military and personal property and help marines and their families with moves from base to base, contracting civilian moving companies. They also oversee movement of military equipment and supplies and must know how to handle and store hazardous materials.

Food Service (33) Marines prepare food for other Marines in the garrison and the field. They may help plan how much food is needed for Marines who work and live in the field during deployments.

Financial Management (34) Marines help with budgeting finances and generating spending forecasts. They monitor, reconcile and prepare accounting records and analyze variances between budget plans and execution. Jobs include basic financial management marine, financial technician, non-appropriated fund audit technician and fiscal/budget technician.

Motor Transport (35) is considered a primary MOS and is reserved for Marines holding ranks from Private to Sergeant. Motor Transport Marines are responsible for making sure all vehicles used in the field are inspected, maintained and in top condition. They may oversee repair and maintenance of transport equipment, service fuel and water tankers and HUMVEEs. This field also includes motor vehicle operators who complete motor transportation school to learn to drive a variety of USMC vehicles.

Morale Welfare and Recreation (41) Marines see to the well-being of military families and service members. Jobs in this MOS include basic exchange Marine and Morale, Welfare, Recreation (MWR) specialist.

Public Affairs (43) Marines build understanding, credibility and trust with local and international citizens and media organizations. They are responsible for communicating plans and coordinating and implementing communication strategies to build relationships. They gather news and stories distributed via writing or through television broadcasts. They may conduct interviews or perform minor investigative work to gather information.

Legal Services (44) Marines assist military officers who have studied law and are licensed attorneys. They must understand various military laws and proceedings to help both Marines and civilians. Jobs include basic legal services, legal services specialist and legal services reporter.

Combat Camera (46) Marines use various camera equipment to photograph people, places and deployments for historical intelligence/civil affairs. They also capture videos pertinent to the mission and use software to clean up video and images useful for missions.

Music (55) Marines perform music or music-related activities in support of military ceremonies, official functions, community relations, recruiting and Marine “esprit de corps.”

Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (57) Marines defend against any type of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) attack that could occur in their jurisdiction. They issue and inspect gas masks and related equipment and train Marines on how to use them.

Military Police and Corrections (58) provide commander support by enforcing the law, preventing crime, preserving military control, investigating offenses and apprehending offenders. Marines in this field also may be involved in antiterrorism or the handling and safeguarding prisoners of war, refugees or evacuees. Jobs include military police, working dog handler, military police investigator, criminal investigator CID agent and correctional specialist.

Electronics Maintenance (59) Marines maintain, repair and operate of different types of electronic equipment within the Marine Air Command and Control Systems network, supporting air defense, weaponry, surveillance, radio communication, data monitoring and air traffic control.

Aircraft Maintenance (60/61/62) comprises the 6000 field. The first two numbers designate the primary position of mechanic (60), helicopters (61) and fixed-wing aircraft (62). The aircraft maintenance occupational fields include direct and indirect support of the total airframes as well as power plant pack of all aircraft weapons systems. Marines start as basic aircraft maintenance crew and progress through hard skill MOS. Jobs include helicopter power plants mechanic, airframe mechanic, fixed-wing aircraft mechanic and unmanned aerial vehicle mechanic.

Avionics (63/64) includes direct and indirect support of aviation weapons systems. As the Marine is promoted within the field, repair and administrative requirements for multiple systems take equal importance, until the Marine is placed in a supervisory position. There are a wide variety of jobs in avionics, including unmanned aerial vehicle avionics technician, aircraft avionics technician, communications/navigation systems technician and cryptographic systems technician.

Aviation Ordnance (65) includes organizational and intermediate maintenance of guns, gun pods, aircraft weapons systems, bomb racks, missile launches and aviation ordnance support equipment.

Aviation Logistics (66) encompasses a broad spectrum of network infrastructure and information systems operations and maintenance.

Meteorology and Oceanography (68) Marines collect, assess and disseminate intelligence relevant to friendly and enemy force strengths and vulnerabilities. This includes climatic, atmospheric and hydrologic intelligence.

Airfield Services (70) includes the performance of aviation operations duties, expeditionary aircraft equipment recovery duties and aircraft rescue firefighting. Jobs in airfield services include expeditionary airfield systems technician, aviation operations specialist and aircraft rescue and firefighting specialist.

Air Control/Air Support/Anti-air Warfare/Air Traffic Control (72) includes the operation and management of air command and functions associated with the Marine aircraft wing. It includes jobs such as air control electronics operator and air traffic controller.

Navigation Officer/Enlisted Flight Crews (73) Marines perform duties related to the maintenance and operation of aircraft and helicopters. Jobs include helicopter specialist, unmanned aircraft system operator, tactical systems operator or airborne radio operator.

Miscellaneous Requirements MOS (80) includes assorted jobs, including recruiters, security guards and parachutist/combatant diver Marines.

Air Force AFSC List

The Air Force has 135 jobs available to enlistees. These occupations are designated by a five-character alphanumeric code — the Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC).

Air Force designations fall into nine categories: Operations, Logistics, Support, Medical, Professionals (Chaplain and Legal), Contracting and Financial, Special Investigations, Special Duty Assignments, and Special Reporting Identifiers.

Operations covers the vast majority of Air Force combat activities, and is broken down into nine career fields.

  • Aircrew Operations (1A) duties include resolving problems that can render an aircraft unable to perform. Necessary skills include fixing airborne systems equipment that involve computer systems, radar and radio systems, and surveillance systems operations activities. AFSCs for Aircrew Operations include:

1A0XX In-Flight Refueling

1A1XX Flight Engineer

1A2XX Aircraft Loadmaster

1A3XX Airborne Mission System

1A4XX Airborne Operations

1A6XX Flight Attendant

1A7XX Aerial Gunner

1A8XX Airborne Cryptologic Linguist

1A9X1 Special Missions Aviation

 

  • Cyberspace Career Field (1B) involves surveillance, combat, reporting, and network-management systems. The goal: Protect data and network systems beyond passive defense measures. Additionally, some operations are in support of intelligence operations. The AFSC is 1B4XX Cyberspace Defense Operations.
  • Command & Control Systems Operations (1C) involve aerospace surveillance and aerospace vehicle detection, including missile warning systems. This career field gets highly involved with close air support and tactical air reconnaissance. Many within this career field assist forward air controllers in tactical air mission planning and operation and provide terminal strike control as interim substitutes for forward air controllers in emergency conditions.

AFSCs for Command & Control Systems Operations:

1C0XX Aviation Resource Management

1C1XX Air Traffic Control

1C2XX Combat Control

1C3XX Command Post

1C4XX Tactical Air Control Party

1C5XX Command and Control Battle Management Operations

1C6XX Space Systems Operations

1C7XX Airfield Management

  • Intelligence (1N) gathers, analyzes, and processes all forms of military intelligence to support combat operations with target acquisition and recognition. Intelligence AFSCs include:

1N0XX Operations Intelligence

1N1XX Geospatial Intelligence

1N2XX Signals Intelligence Analyst

1N3XX Cryptologic Language Analyst

1N4XX Network Intelligence Analyst

  • Aircrew Flight Equipment (1P) Specialists manage, perform, and schedule inspections, maintenance, and adjustments of assigned aircrew flight equipment (AFE), aircrew chemical defense equipment (ACDE), associated supplies, and inventories assets. Providing life support to each aircraft, these Specialists are designated 1POXX Aircrew Flight Equipment.
  • Safety (1S) is not for newcomers. The job demands a seasoned, mature airman to manage and conduct safety programs. Safety Specialists also analyze mishap causes and trends, and assess risk. Duties include risk management and mitigation consultation as well as instruction on safety education. The AFSC designation is 1S0XX Safety.
  • Aircrew Protection (1T) help train and rescue downed pilots through SERE training programs. They also are part of Special Operations Command with Pararescue Airmen. Aircrew Protection helps prepare pilots and crew for the unforeseen, guided by their motto, “So others may live.” Aircrew Protection AFSCs include:

1T0XX Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape

1T2XX Pararescue

  • Unmanned Aerospace Systems (1U) Specialists perform duties as a mission crew member on unmanned aerospace systems. They employ airborne sensors in manual or computer-assisted modes to actively and/or passively acquire, track, and monitor airborne, maritime, and ground objects. UAS Specialists are designated 1U0XX Career RPA Sensor Operator.
  • Weather (1W) Specialists employ a wide array of fixed and deployable meteorological sensors to measure and evaluate atmospheric and space weather conditions. Weather career branch members observe, record, and disseminate weather data and information under the AFSC designation 1W0XX Weather.

Maintenance & Logistics

  • Aerospace Maintenance (2A) airmen perform and supervise aviation equipment maintenance functions and activities. Specialists conduct inspections, repairs, maintenance, and servicing of aviation and support equipment (SE). Aerospace Maintenance AFSC designations include:

2A0XX Avionics Test Station and Components

2A3XX Avionics Systems

2A5XX Aerospace Maintenance

2A6XX Aerospace Propulsion

2A7XX Aircraft Metals Technology

 

  • Comm-Elec/WireSystems Maintenance (2E) airmen see to the inner workings of computer and electronic systems on and controlling aircraft, both manned and unmanned. Their AFSCs include:

2E1XX Satellite, Wideband and Telemetry Systems

2E2XX Network Infrastructure Systems

2E6XX Communication Cable and Antenna Systems

 

  • Fuels (2F) ensures maintenance, storage, quality, security, and in-flight refueling equipment function properly, enabling successful conduct of Air Force operations.
  • Logistics Plans (2G) involves moving equipment and people from one place to another, requiring organizational skills and attention to detail to undertake operations around the globe.
  • Missile & Space Systems Maintenance (2M) Specialists monitor, operate, and supervise the operation of consoles, fault display panels, and more. These technicians monitor status of missiles, UAVs, boosters, payloads, subsystems, and support equipment.
  • Precision Measurement (2P) airmen test, measure, and diagnose equipment (TMDE), including precision measurement equipment laboratory (PMEL). They inspect, align, troubleshoot, and repair to PMEL standards.
  • Maintenance Management Systems (2R) Specialists plan and schedule aerospace vehicle maintenance and utilization requirements and develop plans and establish production schedules to meet mission requirements. Areas of responsibility include aerospace vehicles, AGE, munitions, missiles, space systems, and associated support systems through maintenance phases. MMS designations include:

2R0XX Maintenance Management Analysis

2R1XX Maintenance Management Production

  • Material Management (2S)
  • Transportation & Vehicle Maintenance (2T) AFSCs include:

2T0XX Traffic Management

2T1XX Vehicle Operations

2T2XX Air Transportation

2T3XX Vehicle Maintenance

  • Munitions & Weapons (2W) Specialists focus on the maintenance, storage, and repair of highly technical weapons systems and munitions in support of military operations.

 

Support

  • Information Management (3A)
  • Communication-Computer Systems (3C) AFSCs include:

3C0XX Communication-Computer Systems

3C1XX Information Systems Technology

3C2XX Network Integration

  • Cyberspace Support (3D) Specialists manage planning, coordinating, sharing, and controlling data assets. AFSCs include:

3D0XX Knowledge Operations Management

3D1XX Client Systems

  • Civil Engineering (3E) Specialists build structures, living quarters, water and fuel systems. Additionally, Air Force engineers also perform explosive ordnance disposal. Civil Engineering AFSCs include:

3E0XX Electrical Systems

3E1XX Heating, Ventilation, AC, Refrigeration

3E2XX Pavement and Construction Equipment

3E3XX Structural

3E4XX Water and Fuel Systems Maintenance

3E5XX Engineering

3E6XX Operations Management

3E7XX Fire Protection

3E8XX Explosive Ordnance Disposal

3E9XX Emergency Management

  • Services (3M)
  • Public Affairs (3N) Specialists produce all announcements or media releases authorized by the Air Force. Trained in multimedia communication methods from print, video, audio, and internet/digital, and all forms of media, public affairs personnel enable the Air Force to shape its message and update the public. AFSC designations include:

3N0XX Public Affairs

3N1XX Regional Band

3N2XX Premier Band

  • Security Forces (Military Police) (3P) guard, protect and secure equipment and people on bases all over the world.
  • Mission Support (3S) specialists ensure military manpower needs are fulfilled and current with the necessary training and work support. AFSC designations include:

3S0XX Personnel

3S1XX Equal Opportunity

3S2XX Education and Training

3S3XX Manpower

 

Medical & Dental

  • Medical (4A-V) Specialists assist doctors, nurses, and hospital administration with their duties. AFSCs in this field include:

4A0XX Health Services Management

4A1XX Medical Material

4A2XX Biomedical Equipment

4B0XX Bioenvironmental Engineering

4C0XX Mental Health Service

4D0XX Diet Therapy

4E0XX Public Health

4H0XX Cardiopulmonary Laboratory

4J0XX Physical Medicine

4M0XX Aerospace and Operational Physiology

4N0XX Aerospace Medical Service

4N1XX Surgical Service

4P0XX Pharmacy

4R0XX Diagnostic Imaging

4T0XX Medical Laboratory

4V0XX Ophthalmic

  • Dental (4Y) Specialists assist health care professionals who provide oral and dental care for all members on base.

Professional

  • Paralegal (5J) Specialists support JAG officers (lawyers) as they do their jobs.
  • Chaplain Assistants (5R) support the conduct of religious services and spiritual outreach provided by Air Force Chaplains.

Acquisition

  • Contracting (6C) Specialists obtain data on marketing trends, supply sources, and trade information to advise government and contractor personnel on contracting-related issues.
  • Financial (6F) technicians account for cash, checks, and other negotiable instruments. They process commitments and obligations, payments, and collections as well as serve as financial advisor to commanders and resource managers.

Special Investigations

Special Investigations (OSI) (7S) is not an entry-level position. OSI conducts criminal, fraud, counterintelligence, personal background, and technical services investigations and special inquiries and manage special investigations activities.

 

Special Duty Assignments

Special Duty Assignments are usually jobs a member performs temporarily, working outside their assigned AFSC. When the special duty tour is completed, members typically return to their primary AFSC (enlisted job). Examples would be a recruiter, first sergeant, or military training instructor.

  • Special Duty Identifiers (8X) are assigned to the various auxiliary jobs within the Air Force. These jobs, including Postal Service, recruiting, and Honor Guards for ceremonies, require special training. AFSCs include:

8A1XX Career Assistance Adviser

8A2XX Enlisted Aide

8B0XX Military Training Instructor

8B1XX Military Training Leader

8B2XX Academy Military Training NCO

8C0XX Airmen/Family Readiness Center

8D0XX Strategic Debriefer

8F0XX First Sergeant

8G0XX Honor Guard

8H0XX Airman Dorm Leader

8M0XX Postal

8P0XX Courier

8P1XX Defense Attaché

8R0XX Enlisted Accessions Recruiter

8R2XX Second-Tier Recruiter

8R3XX Third-Tier Recruiter

8S0XX Missile Facility Manager

8T0XX Professional Military Education Instructor

  • Special Reporting Identifiers (9X): Special codes are provided to identify the status of airmen in unusual circumstances. These include:

9A0XX Awaiting Retraining — Reasons Beyond Control

9A1XX Awaiting Retraining — Reasons Within Control

9A2XX Awaiting Discharge, Separation, Retirement for Reasons Within Their Control

9A3XX Awaiting Discharge, Separation, Retirement for Reasons Beyond Their Control

9C0XX Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force

9D0XX Dormitory Manager

9E0XX Command Chief Master Sergeant

9F0XX First Term Airmen Center

9G1XX Group Superintendent

9J0XX Prisoner

9L0XX Interpreter/Translator

9P0XX Patient

9R0XX Civil Air Patrol-USAF Reserve Assistance NCO

9S1XX Scientific Applications Specialist

9T0XX Basic Enlisted Airman

9T1XX Officer Trainee

9T2XX Pre-Cadet Assignee

9WOXX Wounded Warrior

Navy Rating List

When is an MOS not an MOS? When it goes by the title “rating,” which is how the U.S. Navy classifies its occupational branches and individual jobs. The Navy’s 93 ratings are organized into groups known as communities, such as aviation, medical, security, submarine, surface operations, nuclear, administration, and so on.

Ratings identify general enlisted occupations consisting of specific skills and abilities. Specialty badges are assigned to each naval rating, and worn on the left sleeve of the uniform.

 

The Navy’s ratings include:

Administration

The Administration Community provides oversight and direction for the Navy as a whole. Administration jobs include:

  • Legalmen (LN) (Paralegals) provide legal assistance to fellow sailors and prepare records for proceedings such as courts-martial and courts of inquiry. They also assist personnel in filing claims and conducting investigations.
  • Mass Communications (MC) Specialists serve as the Navy’s public relations wing. They write, edit, and produce news articles; shoot, edit and publish video; design content for online and print; arrange, manage and conduct interviews; act as public affairs officers.
  • Navy Counselor (NC) sailors interview personnel, prepare and deliver talks, establish and maintain liaison with local media, and recruit civilian personnel into the Navy. Because it requires a deep understanding of the Navy and its operations, the position of Navy Counselor is not available to new enlistees.
  • Personnel Specialists (PS) serve as the Navy’s human resource coordinators. Personnel Specialists are sources for information and counseling about Navy occupations, education and job training, requirements for promotion, and rights and benefits.
  • Yeomen (YN) are charged with assorted personnel administration duties, including maintenance of records and official publications, as well as providing administrative functions for legal proceedings.

Aviation

Aviation community ratings blanket a vast array of responsibilities, including aviation mechanics, supply and logistics, and air traffic control.

 

  • Air Traffic Controllers (AC), similar to their civilian counterparts, direct and control the movement of Navy aircraft, instructing pilots via radio communications.
  • Aviation Machinist’s (AD) Mates are aircraft mechanics, performing maintenance, repairs, and updates to aircraft.
  • Aviation Electrician’s (AE) Mates bring technical and electronics expertise to their assignments, providing repairs and updates to aircraft. They also perform in-flight duties, including operating radar and weapons systems.
  • Aerographer’s (AG) Mates (Weather and Oceanography) apply their training in meteorology and oceanography to the measurement and monitoring of conditions such as air pressure, humidity, and wind speed, distributing the information to aircraft, ships, and shore facilities.
  • Aviation Ordnancemen(AO) handle and service weapons and ammunition carried on Navy aircraft.
  • Aviation Electronics (AT) Technicians repair and maintain navigation, infrared detection, and radar, as well as other complex electronics systems.

 

Cryptology (Information Warfare)

Information Warfare sailors receive, decode, and analyze intelligence from foreign nations’ electronic communications (radio, internet, written, spoken, email, etc.). Most CT ratings are Cryptologic Technicians. Specializations include interpretation, maintenance, networks (maintaining and monitoring tech infrastructure), collection, and technical.

  • Information System (IT) Technicians operate and maintain the Navy’s satellite telecommunications systems, mainframe computers, local and wide area networks, and micro-computer systems.

 

Intelligence

The Office of Naval Intelligence collects, analyzes, and produces scientific, technical, geopolitical, military, and maritime intelligence. The Intelligence Community spans the globe with more than 3,000 military, civilian, reservist, and contractor personnel.

  • Intelligence Specialists (IS) analyze intelligence data, prepare and present intelligence briefings, produce image data, and maintain intelligence databases.

 

Medical and Dental

All specialties of the medical and dental communities branch off from the Hospital Corpsman rating.

  • Navy Hospital (HM) Corpsmen can pursue dental, neurology, cardiology, surgical, combat, or special operations medics, to name just a few medical specialties available.

Nuclear

Because they’ll be hands-on operators of nuclear reactors, applicants for this highly competitive field must be well-qualified in math and science. The Nuclear Field (NF) offers three ratings:

  • Machinist’s Mate (MM)
  • Electrician’s Mate (EM)
  • Electronics Technician (ET)

Builders: The SEABEE Community

The construction branch of the Navy, SEABEE comes from the abbreviation CB for “Construction Brigade.” Beyond their work as builders, however, Navy construction workers and engineers are warriors, trained in combat tactics and maneuvering in defense of their positions and construction sites.

  • Builders (BU) operate as carpenters, plasterers, roofers, concrete finishers, masons, painters, bricklayers, and cabinet makers.
  • Construction Electricians (CE) build, maintain, and operate Navy power production facilities and electrical distribution systems.
  • Construction Mechanics (CM) repair and maintain heavy construction and automotive equipment, including buses, dump trucks, bulldozers, and tactical vehicles.
  • Engineering Aides (EA) conduct land surveys, prepare maps and sketches for construction sites, and estimate costs for building projects.

Security (Military Police)

At bases and forward operating sites, Military Police and the Naval Master at Arms ratings are assigned the task of maintaining safety and keeping the peace by establishing security procedures, controlling access, enforcing existing laws, and deploying defensive tactics as necessary.

 

Master at Arms (MA) responsibilities include running security patrols and law enforcement operations, operating brigs (jails),  and providing protection for high-ranking dignitaries and government officials.

Special Warfare/Special Operations

Operating in small teams assigned complicated missions, members of the Special Warfare and Special Operations Community tackle salvage operations, IED (improvised explosive device) disposal, hostage rescue, and small boat operations.

  • Explosives and Ordnance Disposal (EOD)Technicians dispose of explosives and ordnance. Sometimes their expertise is summoned to assist civilian law enforcement with disposal efforts.
  • Navy Divers (ND) perform underwater salvage, repair, and maintenance on ships; submarine rescue; and serve in support of explosive ordnance disposal.
  • Special Warfare Operator (SO), or SEALs, comprise an elite fighting team, organized, trained, and equipped to carry out special operations and missions.

Submarine

Nuclear-powered submarines command some of the Navy’s most highly skilled workers. Among the specialists in the Submarine Community:

  • Culinary Specialists (CS) prepare onboard meals
  • Storekeepers (SK) maintain repair parts and other supplies.
  • Fire Control Technicians (FT) oversee the submarine’s computer and control mechanisms used in weapons systems and other programs.
  • Sonar Technicians (STS)operate the submarine’s sonar and oceanographic equipment and maintain sonar and related equipment.
  • Yeoman (YN) handles clerical and other related work aboard the submarine.

Surface Combat Systems

Among the ratings within the Navy’s Surface Combat Community:

  • Boatswain’s Mates (BM) direct and supervise maintenance duties in the upkeep of ship’s external structure, rigging, deck equipment, and boats. This all-purpose position handles a variety of duties, including standing as helmsmen and lookouts, or as security watches. They may also serve in damage control, emergency, or as part of a security alert team.
  • Gunner’s Mates (GM) are responsible for guided missile launching systems, gun mounts, and other ordnance equipment, including small arms and magazines.
  • Minemen (MN)serve aboard minesweeping ships, seeking and neutralizing underwater mines. When ashore, Minemen test, assemble, and maintain underwater explosive devices.
  • Quartermasters (QM) are trained to be navigation experts, standing watch as assistants to officers of the deck and the navigator. They also serve as helmsman and perform ship control, navigation, and bridge watch duties.

Surface Engineering

Ratings for the engineers and mechanics who take care of the engines powering the ships of the Navy include:

  • Electricians Mates (EM)look after all things electrical on their ship: power generation, lighting, electrical equipment, and electrical appliances.
  • Enginemen (EN)see to the good operation, service, and repair of internal combustion engines that power ships and most Navy small craft.
  • Hull Maintenance Technicians (HT) are responsible for the upkeep and repair of ships’ structures, as well as shipboard plumbing and marine sanitation systems; they also repair small boats, among other duties.

Coast Guard Rating List

The U.S. Coast Guard also calls its occupational assignments ratings, and, like the Navy, categorizes them by responsibility. The Coast Guard has nearly two dozen ratings for enlistees.

  • Aviation Maintenance Technicians (AMT) maintain and crew Coast Guard aircraft.
  • Aviation Survival Technicians (AST) save lives, provide emergency medical support, and maintain the survival equipment shipmates Rey on in emergencies.
  • Avionics Electrical Technicians (AET) troubleshoot and repair complex avionics and electrical systems on assigned aircraft.
  • Boatswain’s Mates (BM) are the true sailors of Coast Guard ships, essential to the operation of every CG mission.
  • Culinary Specialists (CS), the chefs of the Coast Guard, are trained in all facets of food preparation, accounting and purchasing, inventory management, nutrition and time management.
  • Damage Controlmen (DC) specialize in maintenance and emergency repair.
  • Divers (DV) sweep ports and waterways during coastal security missions. Divers also survey coral reefs and environmentally sensitive areas; repair, maintain, and place aids to navigation.
  • Electrician’s Mates (EM) keep the Coast Guard’s electrical systems connects and operating smoothly.
  • Electronics Technicians (ET) maintain virtually all the Coast Guard’s electronics systems, from navigation to command, control, and communications.
  • Gunner’s Mates (GM) are trained in the technical inner-workings of small arms, weapons systems, and pyrotechnics.
  • Health Services Technicians (HS) are trained to care for individuals in distress or life-threatening situations.
  • Information Systems Technicians (IT) oversee the critical information and data systems for the Coast Guard.
  • Intelligence Specialists (IS) perform a vast array of duties associated with the collection, analysis, processing, and dissemination of intelligence in support of Coast Guard operational missions.
  • Machinery Technicians (MK) maintain engineering systems at virtually every Coast Guard unit, actively participating in operational missions.
  • Marine Science Technicians (MST) perform a variety of duties, all linked to enforcing regulations for the safety of the marine environment and the security of the port.
  • Maritime Enforcement Specialists (ME) play a central role in protecting the public from all maritime threats and hazards through command and control of boats, cutters, aircraft and personnel. YEs craft search-and-rescue plans to save mariners in danger, oversee law enforcement operations, and gather and apply intelligence information.
  • Musicians (MU) compose and play music for Coast Guard bands, which recruits highly skilled musicians through a competitive audition process.
  • Operations Specialists (OS) work in the ship’s combat center, collecting, processing, displaying, evaluating, and swiftly disseminating tactical combat information.
  • Public Affairs Specialists (PA) apply media training and skills while serving as the main link between the Coast Guard and the public.
  • Storekeepers (SK) procure, store, preserve, and package supplies, spare parts, provisions, technical items, and all other necessary supplies and services. They also track inventories, prepare requisitions, and check incoming supplies.
  • Yeomen (YN) serve the human resources function of the Coast Guard as key problem-solvers, counselors, and sources of information to personnel on questions ranging from career moves, entitlements, and incentive programs to retirement options and veterans’ benefits.

Job Specialty Selection Process

Clearly, the U.S. military offers a wide variety of occupations, responsibilities, and experiences, many that thoroughly prepare an armed services veteran for significant opportunities in the civilian world.

Potential enlistees, as well as active-duty personnel considering a job change, should make themselves well-acquainted with the job requirements of the fields that interest them before talking to a recruiter or military career counselor. Know what you’re thinking about getting into.

To help ascertain a prospect’s fitness and suitability, the several military branches require applicants to pass certain tests. How well the candidate scores plays a critical role in determining whether (s)he gets the job of her/his choice.

  • Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) is where the action begins. Recruits are examined to determine whether they are medically qualified to join. Forms and paperwork are reviewed at MEPS.
  • Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) determines those jobs for which the recruit qualifies. Scoring well on the ASVAB may well determine whether enlistee gets his/her top choice after boot camp or basic training. Practice tests are available.
  • Defense Language Aptitude Battery (DLAB) must be passed if the recruit seeks a job requiring foreign language skills.
  • Physical Profile is a designation of the recruit’s medical condition in a variety of areas. Certain assignments, including Army Ranger. Navy SEAL, Marine RECON, or Air Force PJ, demand superb physical conditioning.
Updated: September 30, 2022
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    About The Author

    Tom Jackson

    Tom Jackson focuses on writing about debt solutions for consumers struggling to make ends meet. His background includes time as a columnist for newspapers in Washington D.C., Tampa and Sacramento, Calif., where he reported and commented on everything from city and state budgets to the marketing of local businesses and how the business of professional sports impacts a city. Along the way, he has racked up state and national awards for writing, editing and design. Tom’s blogging on the 2016 election won a pair of top honors from the Florida Press Club. A University of Florida alumnus, St. Louis Cardinals fan and eager-if-haphazard golfer, Tom splits time between Tampa and Cashiers, N.C., with his wife of 40 years, college-age son, and Spencer, a yappy Shetland sheepdog.

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