You’ve decided to join the military and are about to sign your enlistment contract. Before you sign, you’ll have the ability to choose from a list of available MOSs. Your MOS will determine what your military career looks like, including who you’ll work with and where you’ll go.

With so many options, pinning down a single MOS can be challenging. We’ll help you narrow down your choices so you can make the best decision for your future.

What Is a MOS?

A MOS is a military occupational specialty, which defines the job or role a service member will complete while in the military. The United States Armed Forces has over 10,000 unique MOSs encompassing various skills and responsibilities.

Keep in mind that other branches have a different way of referring to an MOS, which include:

●Army: Military Occupational Speciality (MOS)

●Marines: Primary Military Occupational Speciality (PMOS)

●Air Force: Air Force Speciality Code (AFSC)

●Navy and Coast Guard: Enlisted Personnel Ratings

Despite the different names and acronyms for occupational specialties, they generally mean the same thing — a job or role that a service member fulfills during their time in the service. For the sake of this article, we’ll keep it simple and refer to all occupational specialties as an MOS.

While many MOSs are specific to the military, you’ll also find a lot of military roles that are just like civilian jobs, such as technicians, administration, health care, and more. In some cases, you’ll get to choose your MOS if you qualify for the role. But with so many options, it can be difficult to choose, especially if you’ve enlisted right out of high school.

Tips for Choosing Your MOS

Your MOS will be your job and responsibility during your time in the military, whether you plan on getting out after your contract or want to spend your entire career in the armed forces. If you have the opportunity to pick, you should choose your MOS carefully so you’re not stuck in a job you don’t enjoy or regret choosing. Below are some times to help you make a more informed decision about your future in the military.

1. Consider Your ASVAB Scores

Before getting your MOS, you must take the Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test. You’ll be tested on various subjects, including language, math, and science. The ASVAB aims to test your knowledge and skills so you can be matched with the right job in the military.

Your ASVAB scores will determine what jobs you’re eligible for in the military. Most people take this test at some point in high school, but you can talk to your recruiter about the test if you haven’t taken it yet.

If you have taken your ASVAB but don’t like the job prospects you have with your current scores, you can always choose to retake the test. After your first attempt, you can take the ASVAB a second time one month later. If you want to retest after the second time, you’ll need to wait at least six months.

You can also use your ASVAB scores to see what areas you’re better suited for. While you may have an interest in one area, you may score well enough in one subject to excel in a different career field than you first thought. Consider your scores carefully so you can make the best choice for your future. Your recruiter can provide extra guidance based on your existing ASVAB scores.

2. Think About Your Post-Military Career

The MOS you pick in the military will affect your career options in the civilian world. You’ll gain training and experience working in a specific job, which will translate to job experience once you enter the civilian workforce.

When choosing an MOS, consider if it aligns with what you want to do in the civilian world. Some jobs in the military have transferrable skills, while others are military-specific and won’t work as well once you’re separated or retire. If you have career goals once you get out of the military, try to pick an MOS that aligns well so you’re gaining valuable experience and skills during your time in the service.

3. Make a List of the MOSs That Interest You

Once you know more about what type of job you want after the military, you can start making a list of MOSs that interest you. Creating a list will help you down the possibilities from the many different choices since you likely won’t be interested in everything available. Research what’s popular in your specific branch. A list is a great place to start, and you can narrow your options even further using the steps below.

4. Learn More From Other Service Members

You can ask your recruiter about the possibility of job shadowing someone who has the MOS you’re interested in. Shadowing someone who does what you’re interested in allows you to learn more about what you can expect from the role. You can also ask questions that your recruiter may be unable to answer.

Job shadowing is only possible if you live close to the right base or the job doesn’t require a security clearance.

If can’t job shadow, you should talk with active duty personnel, retirees, and veterans. Active duty personnel can give you a better idea of what an MOS is currently like in the service, while retirees and veterans can help you determine what your job prospects might look like once you get out.

You can ask your recruiter to put you in touch with different people who have or are currently working in your desired MOS, or you can look online on forums or social media groups to learn from a larger community.

5. Find Out About Job Requirements

Each MOS will have specific requirements, some that are more advanced than others. Once you’ve nailed down a few options, you should ask your recruiter or research the requirements for each MOS. Each MOS will require different ASVAB scores, and you may need a medical evaluation to ensure you don’t have any restrictions. Some MOSs will also require additional training apart from what’s standard in the military.

As you discover more about the job requirements, you can start crossing different options off your list. Eventually, you’ll be able to narrow down your choices until it’s easier to choose from your eligible options.

6. Don’t Always Go For the Signup Bonus

Most of the time, pay won’t be a factor when choosing your MOS. Most service members are paid by rank, location, and other factors that have nothing to do with your work. However, the military may offer a bonus if they need a specific MOS, usually a one-time offer that can reach as high as $40,000 in some situations.

You’ll want to be careful about the allure of sign-on bonuses. Keep in mind that the military usually only offers high signup bonuses for MOSs that are in highly skilled career paths and can sometimes come with risks. Thoroughly research the MOS for each bonus you’re offered so you know what you’re getting into.

Even if the work seems easy, don’t take an MOS just because of a bonus, especially if the job is something you never wanted. You could end up stuck in a position you’re not happy with or well-suited for. You might not get the experience you want for your desired civilian career. While a signup bonus can be something to think about when choosing your MOS, it shouldn’t be the only thing you consider.

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