Making the decision to join the United States Army can be life-altering, and it’s vital to select the appropriate job or Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). In this blog post, we will talk about the various MOS categories, some key factors when picking a job, and the necessary requirements and training process.
Understanding Military Occupational Specialties (MOS):
The Army has numerous jobs, known as an MOS. In the Army you can opt for the precise job you desire, provided you meet the qualifications and there are available positions. MOS’s are divided into three categories:
a. Combat Arms: Jobs with a high likelihood of direct engagement in ground combat, such as infantry, tankers, and scouts.
b. Combat Support: Jobs that assist combat missions, for instance, intelligence, military police, and engineers.
c. Combat Service Support: Jobs offering essential support services, including transportation, finance, and medical.
Interestingly, some MOS, like engineers, belong to multiple categories since they perform both combat and support missions.
Selecting the Right MOS for You:
When determining an MOS, it’s essential to consider your interests and whether you’d like to pursue a similar civilian career. Additionally, ponder over the physical requirements, as some jobs can be physically demanding, while others may be less so. Keep in mind that all soldiers must pass the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT). Even if you have a “desk job” in the Army.
Meeting MOS Requirements:
MOS have particular requirements, encompassing ASVAB scores, physical criteria, and U.S. citizenship for specific jobs. It’s crucial to research the qualifications for your desired MOS to ensure you fulfill them.
Evaluating Availability of MOS:
While some MOS have an abundance of openings and may provide bonuses, others have limited slots due to high demand, such as military dog handlers or firefighters. Its a good idea to have an back up MOS if your top choice isn’t available.
The Training Process:
Initially, all soldiers complete 10 weeks of basic training, followed by Advanced Individual Training (AIT) to learn their MOS. Furthermore, some soldiers undergo One Station Unit Training (OSUT), which merges basic training and AIT in a single location. Bear in mind that MOS training duration varies, and longer training may necessitate extended contract commitments.
Considering Contract Length and Inactive Ready Reserves (IRR):
Regardless of the contract length, all soldiers commit to eight years in total. As an example, a four-year contract is accompanied by four years in IRR, during which you might be called back to duty. Although that is fairly rare. If you complete 8 years or more then you will not have any IRR commitment. Your 8 years can be spent either on active duty or reserve. As long as it all adds up to 8 or more years.
Conclusion:
Ultimately, selecting the most suitable MOS is fundamental for a rewarding Army experience. Be sure to research different MOS, assess your interests and goals, and prepare questions for your recruiter. Utilizing online resources and talking with veterans can also offer valuable insights.
Remember to share your dream MOS in the comments!