15 Different Army Military Occupational Specialties - Skills To Get Ahead In Your Career

As the largest military branch in the United States, the Army is made up of several specialties and branches that all serve to protect the country and its citizens. Each job in this branch offers professional training, skill development, leadership opportunities and career advancement. If you’re interested in joining the Army, learn about some common occupations you can pursue to help you determine if a military career is right for you. In this article, we will look at what an Army military occupational specialty (MOS) is and outline 15 of them.

An Army MOS refers to a specific job within the military. While many Army members are considered soldiers, they have specific roles within that title. At present, there are approximately 190 MOSs available for enlisted soldiers. Similar specialties are then divided into branches and fields.

Below are 15 different Army MOS positions. For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, click on the national average salary link for each job title below.

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An aircraft powerplant repairer is responsible for supervising and maintaining aircraft turbine engines and their components. It is their job to troubleshoot malfunctions and use the proper tools to make the necessary repairs. Because of their time spent working with engine mechanics, they’re required to have hand and power tool skills. They’ll also need to possess an interest in aircrafts, mathematics and overall shop mechanics.

Unmanned aircraft repairers perform maintenance on unmanned aerial vehicles. They are responsible for keeping them ready to fly and assessing their ability to transmit and receive information. Unmanned aircraft repairers must be able to repair various aircraft functions such as its electrical, propulsion and fuel systems. They should express interest in working as part of a team and in working with electronic equipment.

M1 armor crewmen are tasked with defending our country by operating armored equipment. They are entrusted with operating vehicles over various terrain, loading and firing guns and reading maps and battle plans. They’re also required to relay battle orders and receive incoming communication. Soldiers in this position are required to be in optimal physical and mental shape.

Considered the backbone of the Army, the infantry is tasked with defending our country by land. They’re also responsible for assisting in reconnaissance missions, processing prisoners, using and maintaining combat weapons and aiding vehicle mobilization. Infantrymen should be able to perform well under stress and be in top physical and mental shape.

Radio operator-maintainers spend their day monitoring the function of radio communication equipment and maintaining it when necessary. They allow the Army to consistently communicate troop movement. They are also responsible for maintaining power generators as well as transmitting, receiving and recording messages. It can beneficial for radio operator-maintainers to be good problem-solvers.

Combat engineers are tasked with supervising and assisting team members through combat in rough terrain. At a glance, they must create fighting and defensive positions, place explosives and detect mines. Because their job is out in combat, they must enjoy working outdoors and express an interest in engineering.

Field artillery firefinder radar operators detect enemy forces and maintain communications with various Army units. It’s their job to construct bunkers for other field artillery and maintain firefinder radar. Mathematical skills and the ability to remain focused for long periods are great assets to have in this position.

Military police officers lead tactical military police units and organizations. They’re also responsible for advising the Army Reserve and Army National Guard, as well as leading the execution of the five military police battlefield functions:

Maneuver and mobility support operations

Area security operations

Law and order operations

Internment/resettlement operations

Police intelligence operations

Aircraft powertrain repairers work on aircraft powertrain systems daily. It’s their job to inspect them for maintenance needs and perform said maintenance when necessary. This involves the repair of powertrain quills, transmission adapting parts and rotary-wing hubs and tanks. They’re also required to maintain the upkeep of storage facilities for flammable or hazardous materials. Candidates may find it helpful to have engine mechanics experience.

Horizontal construction engineers are required to use heavy equipment to complete various Army construction projects. They are tasked with driving bulldozers, road graders and other equipment of the sort to move tons of earth and material. Soldiers in this specialty must be able to work with their hands and aid combat engineer missions.

It is the primary job of the signal support system specialist to maintain radio and data distribution systems for the Army to direct troop movement. Also, they must provide technical assistance and perform maintenance on the necessary equipment.

Calvary scouts are responsible for tracking and reporting enemy activity. It’s their job to report back to the commander of the battle, perform navigation and collect various data. As important communicators in battle, cavalry scouts should be communicators and can think efficiently during times of extreme duress.

The main role of this Army specialty includes identifying foreign communications, providing translation and recognizing any changes in transmission modes. They’re responsible for reporting back to the appropriate authority. Understanding foreign languages is a must in this role, as well as the ability to be an effective communicator.

Air defense battle management system operators are responsible for the overall operation of the Sentinel Radar system. Along with operating the system, they must also manage and perform necessary maintenance to the various components. They’re also required to provide airspace situational awareness through ample warnings to incoming dangers.

Air traffic control operators are tasked with tracking various planes and providing them with instruction. Their job includes processing flight plan data and controlling airborne and ground traffic.