MOS Skill Levels

The Army usually refers to enlisted occupations using a designation with at least five characters (e.g. 46Q10, 46Q20, etc.). The first three characters identify the MOS (e.g. 46Q is the designation for Journalist). The fourth character, a number from one to five, indicates the level of skill within the MOS. The fifth character is usually zero unless a soldier has a special qualification identifier (SQI), which indicates a soldier's specific duty assignment or special qualifications.

Each MOS has from one to five skill levels depending on the types of duty positions encompassed by the MOS. The five skill levels are generally characterized as follows:

• Skill Level 1 identifies entry-level positions requiring performance of tasks under direct supervision.
  
   
• Skill Level 2 identifies positions requiring performance of more difficult tasks under general supervision; and in some instances, involving supervision of soldiers in Skill Level 1.
  
   
• Skill Level 3 identifies positions requiring performance of still more difficult tasks and involving first line supervision of soldiers in Skill Levels 1 and 2.
  
   
• Skill Level 4 identifies positions requiring relatively detailed knowledge of all tasks specified for a given MOS, normally involving first-line supervision of soldiers in Skill Levels 1, 2, and 3, and involving managerial duties.
  
   
• Skill Level 5 identifies managerial and supervisory positions requiring broad knowledge of the tasks performed at all subordinate levels in a given MOS and related MOS' s in order to coordinate and give direction to work activities.

An individual is awarded an MOS skill level when the skills, competencies, and knowledge for a particular MOS have been acquired. The MOS may be awarded (1) following successful completion of a period of supervised on-the-job training (reflected on the individual's set of orders) or (2) following successful completion of an MOS-producing course (reflected on a Course Completion Certificate).

Subsequently, an individual is periodically evaluated to determine whether he or she has maintained the MOS skills, competencies, and knowledge.