Human Resource Specialist

Army Human Resource Specialists (MOS 42A) Army Human Resource Specialists are responsible for managing personnel records, administrative actions, and human resources support for Army units. Soldiers in this role provide essential services that support readiness, accountability, and the welfare of service members and their families. Human Resource Specialists work in garrison, deployed, and joint environments, supporting commanders and soldiers across all ranks. Qualifications, Training, and Duty Stations To enter into this MOS, recruits must receive a minimum score of 100 on the General Technical (GT) and 90 on the Clerical (CL) portions of the ASVAB test. They must also be able to meet Secret security clearance as the information in this MOS can be private and sensitive. Once all entry testing is complete, recruits attend 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training (BCT). When BCT is complete, recruits attend Advanced Individual Training (AIT) for approximately 9 weeks at Fort Gregg‑Adams, Virginia. This training is a combination of hands‑on and classroom instruction. There may be opportunities for advanced training depending on the type of unit that the individual is assigned to, including postal operations or assault or airborne school. Skills that are helpful in this MOS: Communication and people skills Ability to follow detailed orders/instruction English and business administration aptitude Duty Stations Inside the Continental US (CONUS) Buckley SFB, CO Fort Bliss, TX Fort Campbell, KY Fort Carson, CO Fort Drum, NY Fort Eustis, VA Fort Gordon, GA Fort Huachuca, AZ Fort Hunter Liggett, CA Fort Irwin, CA Fort Jackson, SC Fort Johnson, LA Fort Knox, KY Fort Leavenworth, KS Fort Leonard Wood, MO Fort Liberty, NC Fort Meade, MD Fort Moore, GA Fort Riley, KS Fort Sill, OK Goodfellow AFB, TX Joint Base Lewis‑McChord, WA Joint Base McGuire‑Dix‑Lakehurst, NJ Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek‑Fort Story, VA MacDill AFB, FL Naval Support Activity Bethesda, MD Rock Island Arsenal, IL The Pentagon, Washington D.C. The Presidio of Monterey, CA United States Military Academy West Point, NY USAG Miami, FL USAG White Sands, NM Yakima Training Center, WA Outside the Continental US (OCONUS) Fort Greely, AK Fort Wainwright, AK Joint Base Pearl Harbor‑Hickam, HI Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany What People Get Wrong About Army Human Resource Specialists (MOS 42A) A common misconception is that Army Human Resource Specialists only perform basic paperwork, when the role involves managing critical personnel actions that affect pay, promotions, and readiness. Many people assume the job is limited to office work in garrison, overlooking that Human Resource Specialists also deploy and support operations in field environments. Another misunderstanding is that the position requires little technical skill, even though specialists must work with multiple personnel and finance systems. Some believe the job only supports individual soldiers, when Human Resource Specialists also advise commanders on strength management and unit accountability. There is also confusion about career growth, with some assuming advancement opportunities are limited, despite access to additional training and leadership roles. Finally, many people underestimate how transferable the skills are to civilian careers in human resources, administration, and personnel management. What does a Human Resource Specialist do? Army Human Resource Specialists are responsible for managing personnel records, administrative actions, and human resources support for Army units. They ensure soldiers are being taken care of, from processing voting eligibility to handling travel and duty station paperwork. Specialists advise commanders, staff, and unit soldiers on all human resource issues, support careers, and keep track of promotion packets and unit strength. They maintain officer and enlisted personnel records, assist with career development, help with applications for training, and create ID cards and personnel action requests. Processing personnel financial transactions such as pay inquiries is also part of the specialist role, and they maintain emergency notification data. Advanced training opportunities can lead to work as an executive assistant, postal clerk, or advanced leadership courses. How much does a Human Resource Specialist get paid? Human Resource Specialists are paid based on rank and time of service. Entry‑level specialists are paid according to the Army enlisted pay scale, based on rank and years of service. The base pay table is outlined below.

• E‑1 (less than 4 months) – Private (PVT) – $2,226 per month
• E‑1 (after 4 months) – Private (PVT) – $2,407 per month
• E‑2 – Private Second Class (PV2) – $2,698 per month
• E‑3 – Private First Class (PFC) – $2,837 per month
• E‑4 – Specialist or Corporal (SPC) – $3,142 per month
• E‑5 – Sergeant (SGT) – $3,342 per month
• E‑6 – Staff Sergeant (SSG) – $3,401 per month
• E‑7 – Sergeant First Class (SFC) – $3,932 per month
• E‑8 – Master Sergeant (MSG) – $5,657 per month
• E‑8 – First Sergeant (1SG) – $5,657 per month
• E‑9 – Sergeant Major (SGM) – $6,910 per month
• E‑9 – Command Sergeant Major (CSM) – $6,910 per month
• E‑9 – Sergeant Major of the Army (SMA) – $6,910 per month

Benefits Housing and food for base residents. Deployment and special incentive pay. Tuition assistance and book cost assistance. Free/low‑cost medical and dental. Low‑cost life insurance. Paid sick time, paid vacation, and annual clothing allowance. Civilian Career Opportunities Working as a Human Resources Specialist in the Army opens civilian career opportunities in payroll, human resources, labor relations, office clerk, executive secretary, record keeping, and human relations. Certifications such as Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) can be earned, and the MOS qualifies for the recruiting program PAYS. Summary Army Human Resource Specialists (MOS 42A) assist soldiers with any human resource need or request, maintain records, support promotion packets and strength distribution, and advise commanders. The role requires security clearance, basic and advanced training, and offers benefits and opportunities for civilian careers. #J-18808-Ljbffr Military Kids