How do military job codes work?

I'm curious about how military job codes are assigned. Do they determine what role you'll have in the service, and how does one find out what their code is? Any insights would be appreciated!

In the U.S. military, job codes, often referred to as Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes, play an essential role in defining a service member's specific job or role within their respective branch. These codes vary in terms of structure and designation based on the branch of service. For instance, the Army and Marine Corps use an alphanumeric system, such as 11B (for an infantryman in the Army) or 0311 (for a Rifleman in the Marine Corps).

When you enlist, you will take a series of tests, including the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), to assess your skills, abilities, and preferences. Your performance on the ASVAB, along with your qualifications such as physical abilities, moral standards, or citizenship status, can influence the MOS codes available to you.

After you take the ASVAB, a military career counselor will review your scores, qualifications, and job availability to help you understand your options. You'll learn your MOS code during the enrollment process. It's important to remember that the needs of the military also play a factor in assigning MOS codes, and not all jobs will be available at all times.

To gain a deeper understanding of what specific job codes entail, you can find complete lists and explanations online by looking for "MOS codes" followed by the branch of service you're interested in (for example, "Army MOS codes"). These resources provide a breakdown of each code, including detailed job descriptions and requirements.