Many military jobs are available for soldiers who have specialized training in hazardous materials, also called CBRN. The Military Occupational Specialty 74D is a U.S. Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense Specialist. The 74D develops strategies and provides technical and tactical expertise to execute CBRN defense plans and operations for military forces in garrison or deployed in combat zones of operation, trains personnel in protective measures. This article provides further in-depth information on MOS 74D.
Army CBRN Specialist MOS 74D is part of Army Mos List of Codes.
Table of Contents
MOS 74D Requirements: Qualifications and Skills
In order to become MOS 74D, there are a few requirements you need to satisfy:
Qualification
The MOS 74D is broken down into two areas are Training and Operations. Training is to instruct soldiers in the use of chemical weapons in emergency situations, while Operations is to maintain databases on equipment and personnel for emergency response missions.
Applicants should be GED graduates. ASVAB scores must be valid at the time of application to qualify for consideration. To be a MOS 74D, applicants will undergo rigorous training, including the U.S. Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) for 11 weeks. A 100 score on the Skill Technical segment is required.
Effective Communication
All CBRN Specialists must be able to communicate in a clear and concise manner in order to convey their operational intentions with teammates and other military personnel or with the general public. The ability to speak clearly on the radio is likewise essential.
Ability to work in high-stress situations
The MOS requires that soldiers be mentally tough, sustain positive self-esteem, and maintain the ability to work effectively under arduous conditions of fatigue or discomfort. People are required to conduct dangerous CBRN operations under combat conditions, battle stress, and stressful situations.
The ability to work in high-stress situations requires the skills of planning, reacting quickly under adverse conditions, absorbing large amounts of information, ability to communicating effectively with team members and superiors. The MOS also requires soldiers to conduct their normal duties under challenging conditions. Negative factors include inadequate physical fitness, inadequate mental toughness, or compassion for non-combatants or civilians. These include gruesome or gruesome deaths at the hands of CBRN weapons.
Organized
The organization is an important part of being in the Army. Soldiers will be required to stay organized throughout their service in the Army, and it is necessary to be good at this skill right from the start. It will be especially important for ammunition specialists to stay organized as they will often have a number of different tasks and responsibilities at one time.
Interest in these areas
Algebra is a very important subject which soldiers must learn well if they expect to succeed as ammunition specialists. The use of algebraic equations will be used to calculate many aspects of ammunition such as propellant, volume, and weight.
Chemistry is also very important for soldiers as they will be required to know how explosives work and what factors affect their performance. Many aspects of the job require the use of chemistry to ensure that ammunition meets strict government standards. Knowing chemistry will allow a soldier to calculate the burning rate of propellant within in order to determine the number of inches the projectile will travel in a given amount of time.
Trigonometry is another math-related subject that is necessary for soldiers interested in being ammunition specialists. Soldiers who become ammunition specialists will be required to calculate elevation and windage using trigonometry, which is a branch of mathematics involving triangles. Trigonometry is important because it allows soldiers to determine the height and range of objects from their position. This, in turn, helps them aim at targets more effectively and with more accuracy.
Physics is yet another math-related subject that ammunition specialists must learn well. The use of physics will allow a soldier to calculate the force needed to propel a round downrange and at what angle it should be fired in order to hit the desired target. Soldiers will be required to use physics in order to measure and calculate the energy of their weapons. It is important for soldiers to understand the principles of physics so that they can calculate the correct amounts of energy for various types of weapons.
Geometry is another math-related subject that ammunition specialists need to learn well because it allows soldiers to calculate the trajectory and accuracy of a fired projectile as it travels through the air and towards its intended target. Soldiers may be required to use their understanding of mathematics and physics in order to perform their duties. Soldiers who become ammunition specialists will be required to determine the distance and angle between two objects, and this is a task that can only be performed by using mathematics and geometry.
Job Responsibilities
The CBRN Specialist (MOS 74D) is trained to operate in areas with either biological, chemical, radiological, or nuclear threats. They are taught emergency response training and vehicle handling skills. The primary function of this specialist is to provide assistance in the event of a biological or nuclear emergency. They will also be able to handle chemical and radiological materials while accompanying on-field personnel on deployment missions. The CBRN Specialist may be required to fill in for deployed personnel in the event of a chemical or nuclear emergency.
This job also has other responsibilities. However, not all duties are required in all situations. They may be assigned to assist other units during deployments, training exercises, and/or operations. This specialist is also responsible for providing information about the environment (e.g., radiation levels) to other personnel within their unit or outside of their unit. Other duties include briefing personnel on issues related to CBRN (e.g., proper decontamination procedures), maintaining equipment (e.g., testing for leaks), and updating information (e.g., managing intelligence).
Maintain equipment
The MOS 74D maintains the CBRN equipment that is used by the military. There are many different types of equipment used for this type of situation, but the most common are masks, protective suits, gloves, and boots. This includes surface decontamination toolsets, weapon decontamination gear while weapons are being deployed, protective suits while conducting CBRN reconnaissance operations, and protective shelters while on patrol. These items need to be cleaned and properly maintained to be ready when they’re needed.
Conduct surveillance
Army CBRN Specialists (MOS 74D) conduct reconnaissance on potential chemical or biological dangers in order to provide information so commanders can make an educated decision about how their soldiers will most safely handle the possible danger. The surveillance part of this job involves equipment that can detect harmful agents, whether it’s a new technology or an existing one that needs to be altered for the mission. When deployed overseas or during natural disasters like floods, etcetera, it is important to be able to operate these tools in an effective manner.
The CBRN Specialist may be required to fill in for deployed personnel in the event of a chemical or nuclear emergency. This is an area that needs a large amount of attention because there are several different threats that could occur. They have to have a very strong knowledge of any biological, radiological, and/or nuclear threats. They must also be able to understand the environment and how they fit into the tactical picture when it comes to working with their units when an emergency occurs.
Operate decontamination equipment
The MOS 74D conducts reconnaissance by using patrols to secure the perimeter of a given area through CBRN means. This means that patrols can be carrying chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) equipment on them while securing an area.
Camouflage recon and surveillance equipment
During reconnaissance and surveillance operations, the CBRN Specialist will be required to conduct these operations with strictly limited support from military personnel. This includes camouflage which is applied to their recon and surveillance equipment like night vision goggles (NVGs), radio gear, etcetera while conducting these operations in an undetected manner.
Salaries
As in the Army, the salary depends largely on the individual’s rank or time in service. Here is a list of Pay Grade, Rank, and Minimum Monthly Pay:
Private (E-1), Min Pay: $1785
Private Second Class (E-2), Min Pay: $2001
Private First Class (E-3), Min Pay: $2104
Specialist (E-4), Min Pay: $2330
Corporal (E-4), Min Pay: $2330
Sergeant (E-5), Min Pay: $2542
Staff Sergeant (E-6), Min Pay: $2775
Sergeant First Class (E-7), Min Pay: $3208
Master Sergeant (E-8), Min Pay: $4480
First Sergeant (E-8), Min Pay: $4480
Sergeant Major (E-9), Min Pay: $5473
Command Sergeant Major (E-9), Min Pay: $5473
Sergeant Major of the Army (E-9), Min Pay: $5473
Benefits
There are several benefits associated with MOS 15T, including medical insurance, paid sick time, vacation time, free housing and food, as well as tuition assistance:
Medical Insurance
The Army MOS 74D provides a wide variety of medical benefits, including mandatory health and accident coverage. Medical coverage is obtained through the special Program. The Program offers a wide variety of medical services at participating facilities where you can visit for routine checkups, routine hospitalization and inpatient care, and outpatient care. Service members’ dependents may qualify for coverage too!
Paid sick time
Active-duty soldiers and airmen receive paid sick leave in the service, which is vital for physical, mental, and emotional health. The Soldier may use up to three days of sick leave for minor illnesses such as colds, flu, and upset stomachs. Paid sick leave may be used concurrently with any other paid leave time the Soldier is entitled to receive in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.
Vacation Time
Sick leave and annual leave earned as a Soldier or as an Officer may be used as vacation (vacation leave). Vacation hours earned as a soldier may be used for any purpose the Soldier desires, except those military obligations that require immediate retention on active duty. Vacation hours earned as an officer cannot be carried over to the next calendar year.
Free Housing and food
The Army MOS 74D provides a wide variety of benefits, including housing and food allowances. Soldiers are eligible for the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH). The BAH is paid into your bank account each month and will cover rent, utilities, furniture rental, and other miscellaneous expenses related to quarters. This allowance can be used to help offset any housing expenses not covered by the BAH, such as mortgage or interest payments on loans secured by Army-owned real estate.
Tuition Assistance
The Army MOS 74D is eligible for Tuition Assistance (T.A.) to help pay for college courses. The Soldier must be enrolled in a degree or certificate program at a qualifying institution. The tuition assistance courses must lead to an associate’s or bachelor’s degree or another credential such as a vocational certificate that will make the Soldier more valuable to the Army and U.S. society in general or improve the Soldier’s performance of his or her duty assignments.
Clothing Allowance
All enlisted active-duty soldiers and airmen receive a clothing allowance to replace clothing that is lost or damaged while in the service. The Clothing Allowance (C.A.) is paid into your bank account each month and will cover any necessary replacement costs for uniforms, work clothes, etc.
Job Opportunities
With MOS 74D, there are various available job opportunities, including chemical technicians, workers, management directors, or health specialists.
Chemical Technicians
These soldiers do not wear any protective gear or clothing unless there is a chemical warfare attack. They are trained to sample the contaminated area and give their findings to the intelligence officer so they can set up strategies on how best to “attack” the problem at hand. They also refill decontamination equipment, monitor radiation levels with dosimeters, and collect samples for analysis in laboratories all over the world. The Chemical Technician will manage and execute the storage and use of chemical weapons, ammunition, and industrial chemicals. These technicians may also operate industrial chemical equipment in order to accomplish the mission.
Hazardous Materials Removal Workers
The workers are trained in removing hazardous materials from an emergency situation. They are also trained in decontamination procedures when handling hazardous materials that were spilled in combat. They use powerful chemicals to neutralize and dispose of hazardous material in an appropriate and safe manner so their fellow soldiers can return home safely. These soldiers must be able to handle caustic and toxic substances with the proper protective equipment, so they do not become contaminated themselves.
Nuclear Monitoring Technicians
These technicians monitor nuclear radiation levels around the world. They must be able to work at nuclear power plants and research facilities. They collect samples from buildings, soil, and water sources to monitor for any radioactive materials that may exist after a bomb has been dropped on a country or if there is a nuclear accident at a power plant or even an atomic bomb has gone off by accident at one of these plants. These soldiers must wear a dosimeter on their hip with monitors inside the Soldier’s helmet, and they go into contaminated areas all over the world to monitor levels of radiation.
Emergency Management Directors
The directors use their knowledge and expertise in emergency management to assist with disasters that may occur close to home or far away. They train their fellow soldiers on how to handle emergencies before they happen and when they occur. They gather and organize teams of soldiers and civilians to respond to large disaster areas and help the victims that were affected by the disaster. They must also be able to coordinate efforts between all agencies responding to a disaster.
Fire Fighting Prevention
These soldiers work with state and local law enforcement departments as well as ATF and FEMA to prevent fires from starting or spreading at different locations such as chemical plants, power plants, oil refineries, military bases, etc. When a fire is started, these soldiers use water from fire fighting vehicles to put out the fire and make the flames smaller. They use chemicals to control fires, and they also put out fires using extinguishing agents. They also provide rescue services to protect life and property from hazards such as flames, smoke, toxic gases, or radiation. They must be able to work through all phases of fire development, including the prevention phase or attack initiation phase. They also must keep up to date on fire prevention methods and programs.
Occupational and Health Safety Specialist
These soldiers are trained by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Labor in Hazardous Materials Management. They are taught how to safely handle chemicals in the event of an emergency. These soldiers oversee the safe disposal of hazardous materials, so there is no danger to civilians or other companies handling these dangerous materials. The specialists also train civilians in how to dispose of hazardous material safely in an accident-free environment. This job requires a lot of schooling and studying.
Summary of MOS 74D
MOS 74D is one of the few enlisted military occupational specialties (MOS) available to those who desire technical expertise in CBRN operations. The Army CBRN Specialist is responsible for preparing for, conducting, and evaluating the effects of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear operations, as well as providing technical assistance/assistance to units at all levels. They are assigned primarily to the Chemical Corps within the U.S. Army Medical Command (AMC).
FAQs
Where does 74D go to AIT?
Typically, after Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training, a recruit becomes a CBRN specialist at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri.
Where does 74D get stationed?
The CBRN specialists could go almost anywhere. This is because the MOS functions as an advanced MOS and requires technical knowledge and experience that soldiers with other MOS’ may not have. There will be a chance that a soldier with this MOS will be stationed overseas.
How much does a CBRN specialist make?
Per the Army’s pay scale, the average salary of a CBRN specialist is $57,895.
How long is AIT?
The length of a CBRN Specialist’s Advanced Individual Training (AIT) depends on how quickly the recruit learns and absorbs the material. A recruit typically spends 11 weeks at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri learning the basics of their MOS before they ship out to their unit.