Each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces has its own method for distinguishing training, skill sets and career paths for its members. But, in each case, designations vary based on training, rank and proficiency within each career field, as well as any additional specialty indicators.
Army
The Army uses an MOS designator made up of several digits. It provides more information than just a soldier’s career field. The code is used with automated personnel management systems for active and reserve personnel records, reports, and other documents.
The elements of the job designation are:
- The first two characters are numbers and the third character is a letter. The two-digit number indicates the Career Management Field.
- The fourth character represents a skill level parallel to rank and grade.
- Fifth character is a letter or number and is a Special Qualification identifier (SQI).
- Sixth and seventh characters are additional skill identifiers. They are an alphanumeric mixture and may only be linked with specific MOSs.
- Eighth and ninth characters are two letters and are a language identification code.
Marine Corps
The Marine Corps separates all jobs into work-related fields. They are numbered from 01 to 99 and include general categories (Intelligence, Infantry, Logistics, Public Affairs, Ordnance, etc.) with specific jobs falling under each broad category.
Each field contains multiple jobs, each specified by a four number indicator and a job title.
Duties and tasks are identified by rank because the Marine Corps system is designed around the belief that increased ranks includes increased duties and jobs. The first two digits name the field and, the last two digits identify the promotional route and specialty.
Navy
The Navy does not use the Military Occupational Specialty as do the Marines and the Army, but instead uses their own Navy Enlisted Classification. The Navy divides their occupational specialties into ratings for enlisted personnel and designators for officers.
The Navy indicates its “Ratings” by a two or three character code based on the actual name of the rating. These range from ABE (Aviation Boatswain’s Mate – Equipment) to YN (Yeoman).
Coast Guard
The Coast Guard does not use the Military Occupational Specialty concept either, instead dividing their occupational specialties into groups such as the Aviation Group and Administrative and Scientific Group.
The Coast Guard indicates its “Ratings” by a two or three character code based on the actual name of the rating. These range from AMT (Aviation Maintenance Technician) to YN (Yeoman).
Air Force
The Air Force uses a system, entitled Air Force Specialty Code. Enlisted airmen have a five digit code, and officers have a four digit code.
A soldier, sailor, airman or Marine spends time learning and using their MOS, and, after they leave the service, can continue to use it. A veteran’s MOS outlines the functions of their everyday work within military. These required skills can be translated into a civilian job.
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