Army Ammunition Specialist (MOS 89B) are responsible for the management of ammunition and explosives.
Soldiers in this Army MOS will receive, store and issue ammunition and explosives.
This can include conventional ammunition, guided missiles, explosives, rockets and other related items.
Qualifications and Training
Soldiers who wish to enter into this MOS must take the ASVAB test and receive a minimum score of 91 on the Skilled Technical (ST) portion.
After meeting all testing requirements, soldiers will attend Basic Combat Training for 10 weeks.
They will then attend 7 weeks of Advanced Individual Training.
This training consists of on-the-job training with a combination of field and classroom work.
Skills that are helpful in this position include:
- Effective communication
- Ability to work under stress
- Organized
- Interest in a job involving algebra, chemistry, trigonometry, physics and geometry
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What are the Job Tasks of an Ammunition Specialist?
Ammunition Specialist have the important role of ensuring ammunition is ready to go onto the battlefield.
Specialist who work in this position will inspect and re-package each piece of ordnance prior to it making it’s way into the soldier’s hands.
Soldiers in this MOS must be able to identify all ammunition types including their capabilities.
They must be familiar with ammunition related publications.
They perform ammunition supply stock control and accounting.
Soldiers use both automated and manual procedures to complete stock control.
They are required to operate different computer hardware and software programming.
This software tracks all inventory and is used to determine when pieces of ordnance are due for inspection or demilitarization.
They are also required to use utility manual records to perform procedures.
The specialist will receive, store and issue ordnance.
They will also maintain, modify, destroy and demilitarize ordnance.
Soldiers in this MOS will be required to properly label ammunition and ammunition shipments.
Specialist ensue that the shipments meet Army regulations and that each piece of ammunition is packaged safely according to technical manuals.
Specialist will inspect weapon systems to determine if there is a need for repair or destruction.
They will also inspect ammunition and explosive components.
When completing inspections they are looking for any needed modifications, destruction or demilitarization.
They will perform any of the above unit, direct support and general support maintenance tasks when needed.
Sometimes ammunition issues are not due to it not working or being faulty, issues can be related to markings as well.
Each piece should have identifiable markings and will be checked by the specialist to ensure they are legible.
Specialist perform explosives demolition operations.
The specialist are required to know the proper disposal techniques for each type of ordnance.
At times, the specialist will work with bulk ammunition shipments.
The specialist must be aware of how to inventory, package and ship these bulk shipments.
This can include moving shipments with forklifts and knowing how to properly work with all types of ordnance.
Specialist in this field do not only inspect the ordnance, they also inspect the containers and vehicles that will be transporting the materials.
Review the below Army Recruiting video for more information on training and MOS 89B job tasks.
What Does an Ammunition Specialist get Paid?
The Ammunition Specialist MOS is an entry-level position.
Soldiers who enter into this position will be paid based on rank and time of service.
For those who enter with no prior Military experience, you can generally expect to make a base income of around $20,000 a year.
This base income does not include benefits, special pay or allowances.
The table below can be followed to get an idea of base pay for the Army.
| Insignia | Pay Grade | Rank | Abbreviation | Minimum Monthly Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-1 +4 months | Private | PVT | $1,917.60 | |
 | E-2 | Private Second Class | PV2 | $2,149.20 |
 | E-3 | Private First Class | PFC | $2,259.90 |
 | E-4 | Specialist | SPC | $2,503.50 |
 | E-4 | Corporal | CPL | $2,503.50 |
 | E-5 | Sergeant | SGT | $2,730.30 |
 | E-6 | Staff Sergeant | SSG | $2,980.50 |
 | E-7 | Sergeant First Class | SFC | $3,445.80 |
 | E-8 | Master Sergeant | MSG | $4,957.20 |
 | E-8 | First Sergeant | 1SG | $4,957.20 |
 | E-9 | Sergeant Major | SGM | $6,055.50 |
 | E-9 | Command Sergeant Major | CSM | $6,055.50 |
 | E-9 | Sergeant Major of the Army | SMA | $6,055.50 |
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Benefits
Recruiting and special pay opportunities are available for certain positions and scenarios.
In-demand positions that qualify for the recruiting bonus change depending on Army needs and can give recruits up to an extra $40,000.
Other Army benefits include:
- Paid Housing
- Paid Food
- Annual Military Clothing Allowance
- Medical and Dental
- Paid sick time
- 30 days vacation
- Tuition Assistance
- Low-cost life insurance
Job Reviews
Reviews of this position are positive.
Most soldiers understand that if they perform their job incorrectly, it could be the bullet that doesn’t fire or the explosive that does not go off, causing damage, missed opportunities or lost lives.
Soldiers mention the benefits, leadership skills and experience as positive aspects of the position.
Negative reviews discuss the time away from family and influence leaders can have on the position.
Reviews below provide personal positive and negative aspects of the position.
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Civilian Career Opportunities
There is not an exact civilian equivalent to Ammunition Specialist.
However, the position does provide skills and experience that allows for civilian careers with government agencies or private industries that work with ordnance.
Specific job titles include Bomb-Disposal Expert, Ordnance-Handling Expert, Hazardous Materials Removal Worker and Computer Operator.
This position allows individuals to gain skills with ordnance, bookkeeping, accounting, computer software and industrial work.
Soldiers in this MOS have opportunities to receive certificates that assist with Army promotions, civilian career opportunities and can be GI Bill funded.
An example of a certificate that currently meets all of the above benefits is the Certified Hazardous Material Manager credential from the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management.
Summary
Army Ammunition Specialist (MOS 89B) receive, store and issue ordnance.
Specialist in this MOS work with conventional ammunition, guided missiles, large rockets, explosives and other related items.
Their job is to ensure these items are in working order.
Recruits who enter this MOS must pass all required testing and attend both Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training.
Pay for this position will follow the Army base pay table and the position will be afforded benefits.
Soldiers who have previously been in the Ammunition Specialist position enjoyed their work and stressed the importance of their role.
Working in this career field opens the door for civilian career opportunities in accounting, computer software, industrial work and ordnance destruction.
Related Article –Army MOS 89A: Career Details
References
Army Ammunition Supply Article
Born and raised in Woodbridge, NJ, he graduated from the New Jersey Institute Of Technology with an MBA in eCommerce.His hobbies include beach volleyball, target shooting, and lifting.
Rob is also a Commercially rated pilot and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), with over 1,500 hours of flight time.
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