What Is an MOS? (Military Occupational Specialty, Explained)
A Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) is the job code the U.S. Army and Marine Corps use to classify what a service member does. Here's how it works and how to translate it.
An MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) is a numeric code the U.S. Army and Marine Corps assign to every enlisted service member to identify their job. The Air Force and Space Force use AFSC, the Navy uses NEC and Rate, and the Coast Guard uses Rate.
The quick answer
- Army/Marines: MOS — e.g. 11B (Infantryman), 25U (Signal Support), 68W (Combat Medic).
- Air Force/Space Force: AFSC — e.g. 1D7X1 (Cyber Defense Operations).
- Navy: Rating + NEC — e.g. IT (Information Systems Technician).
- Coast Guard: Rate — e.g. BM (Boatswain's Mate).
Why MOS matters after service
Your MOS is the shortest description of what you actually did in uniform. On a civilian resume it's useless as a code — but as a translation into functional civilian language (operations, IT, logistics, healthcare, security) it's the single most valuable line on your resume.
How to find your MOS
Check your DD-214, block 11. Officers use branch codes rather than MOS codes.
Related
Build your resume in minutes, not weeks
VetResumeAI turns your MOS, rank, and target role into an ATS-ready resume, cover letter, LinkedIn summary, and interview prep — automatically.
Start freeRelated guides
How Do I Translate My MOS Into a Civilian Job?
A step-by-step guide to translating your military occupational specialty (MOS, AFSC, NEC, or Rate) into civilian job titles, skills, and resume bullets recruiters understand.
Army 11B Infantry to Civilian: 12 Resume-Ready Job Titles
The best civilian job titles for Army 11B infantry veterans, with sample resume bullets and the skills hiring managers actually look for.
Navy Rate to Civilian Job: Translation Guide for the Top 10 Rates
Plain-English civilian job titles and resume bullets for the 10 most common Navy rates — from BM to IT to HM.