Army Military Occupational Specialties (MOS): Complete Guide
Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) are the foundation of the U.S. Army's organizational structure, defining specific job roles and career paths for soldiers. Each MOS represents a unique skill set and area of expertise that contributes to the Army's overall mission readiness. The Army organizes MOSs into career management fields (CMFs) by series, with each series representing a specific functional area.
Combat Arms
Infantry (11 Series)
- 11B - Infantryman: The backbone of the Army, responsible for closing with and destroying the enemy through fire and maneuver.
- 11C - Indirect Fire Infantryman: Operates mortars and provides indirect fire support to infantry units.
Essential Skills:
- Physical fitness and endurance
- Marksmanship and weapons proficiency
- Small unit tactics and leadership
- Land navigation and map reading
- Combat first aid
Armor (19 Series)
- 19D - Cavalry Scout: Conducts reconnaissance and security operations, serving as the eyes and ears of the commander.
- 19K - M1 Armor Crewman: Operates and maintains the M1 Abrams main battle tank.
Essential Skills:
- Vehicle operation and maintenance
- Gunnery and fire control systems
- Reconnaissance techniques
- Radio communications
- Tactical movement
Combat Support
Field Artillery (13 Series)
- 13B - Cannon Crewmember: Operates howitzers and provides indirect fire support to maneuver forces.
- 13F - Fire Support Specialist: Plans and coordinates fire support for ground forces.
- 13M - Multiple Launch Rocket System Crewmember: Operates MLRS and HIMARS rocket systems.
Essential Skills:
- Mathematics and ballistics calculations
- Fire direction procedures
- Target acquisition and analysis
- Communications systems
- Safety protocols
Air Defense Artillery (14 Series)
- 14E - Patriot Fire Control Enhanced Operator: Operates Patriot missile defense systems.
- 14G - Air Defense Battle Management System Operator: Manages air defense operations and threat assessment.
- 14S - Air and Missile Defense Crewmember: Operates short-range air defense systems.
Essential Skills:
- Radar operation and interpretation
- Missile system operation
- Air threat identification
- Electronic warfare countermeasures
- Command and control procedures
Corps of Engineers (12 Series)
- 12B - Combat Engineer: Constructs and destroys obstacles, conducts mobility and counter-mobility operations.
- 12N - Horizontal Construction Engineer: Operates heavy construction equipment for military construction projects.
- 12W - Carpentry and Masonry Specialist: Performs construction and repair of military facilities.
Essential Skills:
- Construction techniques and materials
- Demolitions and explosives handling
- Heavy equipment operation
- Blueprint reading and surveying
- Safety procedures
Military Police (31 Series)
- 31B - Military Police: Enforces military law, provides security, and conducts police operations.
- 31K - Military Working Dog Handler: Trains and handles military working dogs for various missions.
Essential Skills:
- Law enforcement procedures
- Criminal investigation techniques
- Physical security measures
- Traffic control and accident investigation
- Animal handling (for dog handlers)
Signal/Communications (25 Series)
- 25B - Information Technology Specialist: Maintains computer systems and networks.
- 25U - Signal Support Systems Specialist: Installs and maintains communication equipment.
- 25D - Cyber Network Defender: Protects Army networks from cyber threats.
Essential Skills:
- Computer hardware and software knowledge
- Network administration
- Cybersecurity principles
- Troubleshooting and problem-solving
- Communication protocols
Intelligence and Electronic Warfare
Intelligence (35 Series)
- 35F - Intelligence Analyst: Processes and analyzes intelligence data from multiple sources.
- 35N - Signals Intelligence Analyst: Intercepts and analyzes foreign communications.
- 35M - Human Intelligence Collector: Conducts interviews and interrogations.
- 35T - Military Intelligence Systems Maintainer: Maintains intelligence systems and networks.
Essential Skills:
- Critical thinking and analysis
- Foreign language proficiency
- Computer systems operation
- Security clearance eligibility
- Report writing and briefing
Combat Service Support
Transportation (88 Series)
- 88M - Motor Transport Operator: Operates and maintains military vehicles for cargo and personnel transport.
- 88N - Transportation Management Coordinator: Plans and coordinates transportation operations.
- 88H - Cargo Specialist: Handles and processes military cargo and supplies.
Essential Skills:
- Commercial driver's license (CDL)
- Vehicle maintenance and inspection
- Logistics and supply chain management
- Load planning and cargo handling
- Transportation regulations
Quartermaster (92 Series)
- 92G - Culinary Specialist: Prepares and serves food in military dining facilities.
- 92A - Automated Logistical Specialist: Manages supply operations and inventory.
- 92F - Petroleum Supply Specialist: Handles fuel storage, distribution, and quality control.
Essential Skills:
- Food service and safety procedures
- Inventory management systems
- Hazardous materials handling
- Quality control procedures
- Customer service
Ordnance (89 Series)
- 89B - Ammunition Specialist: Handles, stores, and maintains ammunition and explosives.
- 89D - Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialist: Identifies and disposes of explosive devices.
Essential Skills:
- Explosives safety procedures
- Technical manual interpretation
- Precision and attention to detail
- Risk assessment and management
- Specialized tool operation
Medical (68 Series)
- 68W - Combat Medic Specialist: Provides emergency medical care in combat and garrison environments.
- 68C - Practical Nursing Specialist: Provides nursing care in military medical facilities.
- 68X - Mental Health Specialist: Assists in mental health treatment and counseling.
Essential Skills:
- Medical procedures and protocols
- Patient care and assessment
- Emergency medical response
- Medical equipment operation
- Compassion and communication
Maintenance (91 Series)
- 91B - Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic: Maintains and repairs military wheeled vehicles.
- 91F - Small Arms/Artillery Repairer: Maintains and repairs weapons systems.
- 91M - Bradley Fighting Vehicle System Maintainer: Maintains Bradley fighting vehicles.
Essential Skills:
- Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting
- Technical manual interpretation
- Tool and equipment operation
- Quality control and inspection
- Safety procedures
Special Operations
Special Forces (18 Series)
- 18A - Special Forces Officer: Leads Special Forces teams in unconventional warfare operations.
- 18B - Special Forces Weapons Sergeant: Expert in foreign and domestic weapons systems.
- 18C - Special Forces Engineer Sergeant: Conducts demolitions and construction operations.
- 18D - Special Forces Medical Sergeant: Provides advanced medical care in austere environments.
- 18E - Special Forces Communications Sergeant: Maintains communications in denied areas.
Essential Skills:
- Advanced combat skills
- Foreign language proficiency
- Cultural awareness and adaptability
- Leadership and teamwork
- Specialized technical expertise
Psychological Operations (37 Series)
- 37F - Psychological Operations Specialist: Conducts psychological operations to influence target audiences.
Essential Skills:
- Cultural and psychological understanding
- Communication and media production
- Foreign language capabilities
- Research and analysis
- Creative and strategic thinking
Civil Affairs (38 Series)
- 38B - Civil Affairs Specialist: Conducts civil-military operations and coordinates with civilian authorities.
Essential Skills:
- Diplomatic and negotiation skills
- Cultural sensitivity and awareness
- Project management
- Foreign language proficiency
- Interagency coordination
Intelligence Analysis and Collection
- 35F - Intelligence Analyst: Processes and analyzes intelligence data from multiple sources to support tactical and strategic decision-making.
- 35G - Geospatial Intelligence Imagery Analyst: Interprets satellite imagery and geospatial data to provide terrain analysis and target identification.
- 35N - Signals Intelligence Analyst: Intercepts, analyzes, and reports on foreign communications and electronic signals.
- 35S - Signals Collector/Analyst: Operates sophisticated equipment to collect and analyze enemy communications.
Essential Skills:
- Critical thinking and analytical reasoning
- Attention to detail and pattern recognition
- Computer proficiency and database management
- Written and verbal communication skills
- Foreign language aptitude (for some positions)
Human Intelligence and Counterintelligence
- 35M - Human Intelligence Collector: Conducts interviews and interrogations to gather intelligence from human sources.
- 35L - Counterintelligence Agent: Protects Army personnel and information from foreign intelligence threats.
Essential Skills:
- Interpersonal communication and rapport building
- Cultural awareness and sensitivity
- Psychological assessment abilities
- Security clearance eligibility
- Foreign language proficiency
Cryptologic and Cyber Operations
- 35P - Cryptologic Linguist: Translates and analyzes foreign language communications for intelligence purposes.
- 35Q - Cryptologic Network Warfare Specialist: Conducts defensive and offensive cyber operations.
- 35T - Military Intelligence Systems Maintainer/Integrator: Maintains and integrates complex intelligence systems and networks.
Essential Skills:
- Advanced foreign language proficiency
- Cybersecurity knowledge and network administration
- Programming and scripting abilities
- Systems integration and troubleshooting
- Information security protocols
Unmanned Systems and Advanced Technology
- 35K - Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operator: Pilots and maintains unmanned aircraft systems for reconnaissance and surveillance missions.
- 35U - Multi Sensor Operator: Operates advanced sensor systems on various platforms including aircraft and ground stations.
Essential Skills:
- Hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness
- Technical aptitude and mechanical understanding
- Multitasking and situational awareness
- Equipment maintenance and troubleshooting
- Aviation regulations knowledge
Career Progression and Leadership
Intelligence professionals advance through specialized leadership roles:
- 35X - Intelligence Senior Sergeant: Senior enlisted leader responsible for intelligence operations and personnel management.
- 35Y - Chief Counterintelligence/Human Intelligence Sergeant: Senior leader overseeing CI/HUMINT operations.
- 35Z - Senior Intelligence Sergeant: Top-tier enlisted intelligence professional with broad operational oversight.
Training and Education Requirements
Most 35 Series MOSs require:
- Advanced Individual Training (AIT) ranging from 10-52 weeks
- Security clearance (Secret to Top Secret/SCI)
- Continuous professional education and certification maintenance
- Language training for applicable positions
- Specialized technical schools and vendor training
Civilian Career Applications
35 Series skills translate directly to high-demand civilian careers:
- Intelligence Analyst - Government agencies, defense contractors
- Cybersecurity Specialist - Private sector, government
- Geospatial Analyst - Mapping companies, environmental firms
- Drone Operator - Commercial aviation, surveying, media
- Linguist/Translator - International business, government
- Information Security Manager - Corporate security, consulting
Further Reading and Resources
Intelligence Analysis
Cybersecurity and Electronic Warfare
Geospatial Intelligence
Language and Cultural Studies
Unmanned Systems
Official References
For complete and current MOS information: