MOS (Military Occupational Specialty)
MOS stands for Military Occupational Specialty, the alphanumeric code system used by the Army and Marine Corps to classify enlisted jobs. ASVAB line scores determine which MOS codes a recruit qualifies for.
Exam Tip
MOS = Military Occupational Specialty (Army/Marines job code). Army format: 2 digits + letter (e.g., 11B). Marines format: 4 digits (e.g., 0311). ASVAB line scores determine eligibility.
What is MOS?
MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) is the abbreviation for the job classification system used by the U.S. Army and Marine Corps. Each MOS code represents a specific military job with its own training pipeline, duties, and ASVAB score requirements.
Army MOS Format
Army MOS codes follow a structured format:
- Two-digit number = Career Management Field (CMF)
- Letter = Specific job within that field
Example: 68W = Healthcare Specialist (Combat Medic)
- 68 = Medical CMF
- W = Healthcare Specialist
Marine Corps MOS Format
Marine MOS codes use a four-digit system:
- First two digits = Occupational field
- Last two digits = Specific job
Example: 0311 = Rifleman
- 03 = Infantry
- 11 = Rifleman
ASVAB Line Scores for MOS
Each MOS requires minimum scores in specific ASVAB composites:
| Line Score | Common MOS Types |
|---|---|
| GT (General Technical) | Intelligence, admin, medical |
| CL (Clerical) | Administrative, finance |
| CO (Combat) | Infantry, combat engineer |
| EL (Electronics) | Signal, IT, communications |
| MM (Mechanical Maintenance) | Vehicle/aircraft maintenance |
Key Facts
- There are over 150 Army MOS and 180+ Marine MOS codes
- Some MOS offer enlistment bonuses for high-demand specialties
- MOS assignment happens at MEPS after ASVAB scoring
- Soldiers can reclassify to a different MOS during their career
Study This Term In
Related Terms
Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)
A Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) is the Army and Marine Corps system for classifying enlisted jobs. Each MOS is identified by a numeric code and requires specific ASVAB line scores for qualification.
Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
The ASVAB is a multiple-aptitude test administered by the U.S. Department of Defense to determine qualification for military enlistment and job placement across all branches. It consists of 10 subtests covering verbal, math, science, and technical domains.
Line Scores (ASVAB)
Line scores are composite scores derived from specific combinations of ASVAB subtest results. Each military branch uses different line score formulas to determine which jobs a recruit qualifies for, separate from the AFQT enlistment score.
10 free AI interactions per day
Stay Updated
Get free exam tips and study guides delivered to your inbox.