17 career profiles
Army combat occupations focus on operating, leading, and sustaining forces in demanding field environments. These roles can involve substantial physical and operational demands.
Combat directory
As an Infantry Soldier, you’ll serve in the field, working to defend our country against any threats on the ground. You’ll capture, destroy, and deter enemy forces, assist in reconnaissance, and help mobilize troops and weaponry to support the mission as the ground combat force.
As an Indirect Fire Infantry Soldier, you’ll be a member of a mortar squad, section, or platoon. The mortar has the most power and range of any weapon in an infantry unit. In this job, you’ll carry out scout missions to spot enemy troops and gun locations, and operate two-way radios and signal equipment to relay fire missions.
As a first step toward becoming an Infantryman, you’ll train in the use of small arms, anti-tank, and other weapons systems. You will be responsible for capturing, destroying, and repelling enemy ground forces during missions. This is also the starting point for many advanced schools, such as Special Forces, Airborne School, Ranger School, Sniper School, and Pathfinder School.
As a Cannon Crewmember, you’ll play a vital role in helping the Army win during missions. You’ll work with Howitzers, some of the most technologically advanced weapons systems ever created, to support infantry and tank units. You’ll learn how to handle ammunition, operate these weapons systems, and calculate targets. Soldiers in this job will enlist as a Field Artillery Soldier (13U) and be assigned to a specific Field Artillery job (13-Series MOS) based on available Army opportunities and skills assessed at Basic Combat Training.
As a Joint Fire Support Specialist, you’ll gather intelligence and enemy target location to help the Army determine where and how to deploy artillery in mission-based situations. You’ll set up and operate communications systems, encode and decode messages, assist in the preparation of fire support plans, coordinate and target, operate laser range finders and target devices, and determine the target’s location using computers or manual calculations. Soldiers in this job will enlist as a Field Artillery Soldier (13U) and be assigned to a specific Field Artillery job (13-Series MOS) based on available Army opportunities and skills assessed at Basic Combat Training.
As a Fire Control Specialist, you’ll use strategic skills to coordinate and integrate weapons operations. You’ll process and relay tactical battlefield information to a network of joint fires in support of mission-based operations. You’ll integrate information from multiple users and sensors through the Army and other service networks, and you’ll operate computer and database systems. Soldiers in this job will enlist as a Field Artillery Soldier (13U) and be assigned to a specific Field Artillery job (13-Series MOS) based on available Army opportunities and skills assessed at Basic Combat Training.
As a Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS/HIMARS) Crewmember, you’ll maintain and operate the entire multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) as well as the high mobility artillery rocket system (HIMARS). You’ll launch various missiles and munitions in quick strikes to help ensure battlefield success. This role also supports infantry and tank units while supplementing cannon artillery units. Soldiers in this job will enlist as a Field Artillery Soldier (13U) and be assigned to a specific Field Artillery job (13-Series MOS) based on available Army opportunities and skills assessed at Basic Combat Training.
As a Weapons Locating Radar Operator, you’ll have the vital task of detecting enemy forces with speed and accuracy using a highly specialized radar called a Firefinder, and alerting field artillery units to this critical targeting information. Soldiers in this job will enlist as a Field Artillery Soldier (13U) and be assigned to a specific Field Artillery job (13-Series MOS) based on available Army opportunities and skills assessed at Basic Combat Training.
As a Field Artillery Soldier, you will train to use artillery weapons to destroy, neutralize, or suppress enemy forces using cannon, rocket, and missile fire. Soldiers in this branch will be assigned as a 13B, 13F, 13J, 13M, or 13R based on available Army opportunities and skills assessed at Basic Combat Training.
As a Special Forces Weapons Sergeant, you’ll become a member of the Green Berets, one of the most highly skilled Soldiers in the world. You will operate and maintain a wide variety of domestic (United States), allied, and foreign weaponry. You’ll employ conventional and unconventional warfare tactics and techniques in individual and small arms infantry operations.
As a Special Forces Candidate, you’ll be training to become a Green Beret, one of the most highly skilled Soldiers in the world. To join the Army elite, you must complete extensive mental and physical training. There are four entry-level Special Forces Military Occupational Specialties, and your specialty will be decided based on your background, aptitude, and the needs of the Army.
As a Bradley Crewmember, you close with and destroy the enemy forces using firepower, mobility, and shock effect. You will primarily be responsible for conducting decisive action in large scale combat operations. Bradley Crewmembers are valued for their warfighting skills which are perfected in realistic training, military education, and service in the most demanding leadership positions the Armor Branch has to offer. Soldiers in this job will enlist as an Armor Crewmember Recruit (19U) and be assigned to a specific Armor job (a 19-Series MOS) based on available Army opportunities and skills assessed at Basic Combat Training.
As a Cavalry Scout, you’ll act as the eyes and ears on the field, gathering information about enemy positions, vehicles, weapons, and activity. You’ll determine whether to call for reinforcements and when to order a retreat. With the information you’ll gather, commanders can make informed decisions about how to move troops and where and when to attack. Soldiers in this job will enlist as an Armor Crewmember Recruit (19U) and be assigned to a specific Armor job (a 19-Series MOS) based on available Army opportunities and skills assessed at Basic Combat Training.
As an Armor Crewmember, you’ll work as part of a team to operate tanks and assault vehicles and fire weapons to destroy enemy positions. You’ll need to be ready to defend our country anywhere in the world. Soldiers in this job will enlist as an Armor Crewmember Recruit (19U) and be assigned to a specific Armor job (a 19-Series MOS) based on available Army opportunities and skills assessed at Basic Combat Training.
As an Armor Soldier, you will train on tank and cavalry operations on the battlefield. You’ll be part of the team that operates tanks, conducts reconnaissance, and fires weapons to engage and destroy the enemy. Soldiers in this branch will be assigned as a 19C, 19D, or 19K based on available Army opportunities and skills assessed at Basic Combat Training.
As a Psychological Operations Specialist, you’ll be an expert at persuasion. You’ll assess and develop the information needed to influence and engage specific audiences. You’ll broadcast important information through various mediums and assist U.S. and foreign governments, militaries, and civilian populations.
As a Civil Affairs Specialist, you’ll be the link between the Army and local civilians around the world. You will identify what critical resources local citizens may need during missions or in crisis situations, fostering and maintaining dialogue with civilian aid agencies and civilian relief and assistance organizations. And you’ll be responsible for coordinating, conducting, and participating in the planning and production of civil affairs related documents.
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