We all know that weapons and ammunition is a priority in the Army. And as such, there needs to be trained personnel that understand everything about ammunition used by the United States Army. That person would be the Army 89B MOS, ammunition specialist.
In today’s post, we are going to take a look at this Army job. We will examine their responsibilities and duties, the requirements to become an 89B as well as the training so you understand what is involved before you decide on this Army MOS.
Army 89B Basic Job Description
The primary job of the Army 89B is the handling and storage ammunition and explosives, known as ordnance in the military.
They are involved in all facets of ammunition transport, storage, inspection, preparation and disposal.
Army 89B Responsibilities And Duties
The responsibilities and duties of the 89B Ammunition Specialist are numerous. Some of the primary ones include:
- Performs modifications, destruction and demilitarization on ammunition and explosives.
- Operates computer programs as well as manual files to keep inventory on all ammunition and explosives.
- Loading and unloading ammunition and explosives on trucks, boats and aircraft.
- Inspection of missile launchers and bomb release systems.
- Teaching new soldiers their job responsibilities and duties.
- And much more.
Requirements To Become an Army 89B
There are certain requirements you must meet to be able to be classified as an 89B Ammunition Specialist…
- United States citizenship is required.
- A very heavy physical demands rating.
- PULHES = 222221
- An ASVAB score of 91 in Skilled Technical which is General Science + Verbal + Mathematics Knowledge + Mechanical Comprehension
- No security clearance is required but, you must have a favorable National Agency Check or Entrance National Agency Check.
- Normal color vision
- Not allergic to explosive materials.
- Not claustrophobic.
Training For The Army 89B
Like all other soldiers in the United States Army, you will start out with approximately 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training (BCT).
After completing BCT, you will travel to Redstone Arsenal in Alabama for Advanced Individual Training (AIT) where you will learn things like:
- Ammunition identification
- Maintenance operations
- Demolition operations
- Operation of computer software and hardware to keep inventory
- And a whole lot more.
Some training will be in the classroom and other will be in the field. You will also still be in a learning stage when you are deployed to your work location.
Final Thoughts
From what I hear, this can be a tedious job but you can feel a strength in that you are ensuring that your fellow soldiers are fully stocked with the ammunition and explosives to help them win the battles they face.
As for civilian jobs, there is not a lot out there with ammunition, but you will have the skills to manage warehouse and inventories.
I hope this helps you if this is an MOS you are considering. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. And, if any of you reading this are current or former 89B’s, tell us more please.
Thanks for visiting.
Other posts you may enjoy:
- Army 89A MOS: Ammunition Stock Control And Accounting Specialist
- Army 890A Ammunition Warrant Officer Duties, Responsibilities and Job Description
- The Top 10 Army Artillery Shells Of All Time
- Army Warfighting Functions: A Complete List & Overview
- Army 88N MOS Overview: Transportation Management Coordinator
Chuck Holmes
Former Army Major (resigned)
Publisher, Part-Time-Commander.com
Email: mrchuckholmes@gmail.com
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