What truly makes an MOS a combat MOS?

2020-07-16T12:20:51-04:00

While there are certain MOS that are easily . that are identifiable as combat. There are few that could be debated as more support. Do you feel MOSs like 13J,13R or many 14 series should be in the combat brach? And why? This post isn't meant to attack any one, but rather have a discussion.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jul 16 at 2020 12:49 PM

2020-07-16T12:49:02-04:00

This has been reviewed and redone a few times throughout. The latest is locked. However, none of that is to say that other MOS/organizations do not have direct contact with the enemy, however that is viewed as ancillary-all MOS should train to the basics prior to deployment. The bottom line is that for planners at Army level to develop battle plans they place each organization within there assigned roles. That is also not to say that subordinate commanders cannot redesign are a unit to deploy as an infantry Battalion for example (coming from Artillery). I believe that having been the case in a unit that the current SMA was a CSM for.

Bottom line is that units in support of FLT, Artillery, Combat Engineers, ADA are not and will not be designated combat Arms as they support indirectly, while on occassion (sometimes often) get indirectly into the fight. All Soldiers in any battle field we have fought on I. Many years were and are subject to direct contact, but generally not at a unit level. It is very rare that support and service support will engage as a unit in the direct fight. I think this became a bit of a ramble. Not my intent.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2020 1:10 PM

2020-07-16T13:10:59-04:00

Getting shot at by the enemy makes an MOS a combat MOS. Are there MOSs exempt from the CAB of CIB?

Response by SSG Brian G. made Jul 16 at 2020 2:27 PM

2020-07-16T14:27:18-04:00

Fairly simple. Is the main point/job of the MOS to engage the enemy up close or at distance and kill them, blow them and their stuff up and break their things? Then that is a combat arms MOS. IF infantry, armor, artillery and to an extent engineers.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2020 5:40 PM

2020-07-16T17:40:52-04:00

A MOS is considered a combat MOS if they are the primary skill set involved in a unit that engages in direct tactical ground combat. In other words, the primary TOE of a unit that has a mission that involves direct combat, and has the weapon systems needed for that purpose, will be made up of MOSs designed to meet that goal : those are combat MOSs.

Support functions, like you find in headquarters elements, may also be involved in direct combat, just by virtue of being part of a combat unit, but a supply series, maintenance series, CBRN Soldier is not considered combat MOS, just because they happen to be in a combat unit.

Another way to look at it: the S4 team, or maintenance team of a chemical BN are not considered chemical soldiers just because they are part of the HHC unit.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jul 16 at 2020 6:31 PM

2020-07-16T18:31:53-04:00

Once upon a time, the Services designated MOS or AFSC as combat or not. They did that to determine the specialties to which women could be assigned. For example fighter aircraft were clearly combat. So we’re C130s. But C141 and C5 were non-combatant. All three transports could do airdrops. Those days are well gone. With modern asymmetrical warfare perhaps all MOS/AFSC are combat.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Jul 17 at 2020 1:01 AM

2020-07-17T01:01:50-04:00

Is your job to kill the enemy? Yes? Welcome to Combat Arms. Is it to help others kill the enemy by either supporting them (maintenance, logistics, personnel, etc.) or by reducing enemy capability (intel, engineer, electronic attack, etc.)? Welcome to support / service support.