I'm interested in joining the military after high school but want to make sure I can get a specific job, like a tech or medical role. How do I ensure I get trained for the job I want when enlisting?
When joining the military, you certainly have the option to choose a specific career field. However, you'll need to take several steps to secure the job you want:
1. Discover the Opportunities: First and foremost, research the different roles that are available in each branch of the military. There are numerous career fields available, ranging from technical to medical, communication, logistics, and more. Look at the requirements for each job and see if they align with your skills and interests.
2. Aptitude Test (ASVAB): The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a test you'll need to take before enlisting in any military branch. Your scores on this test will help determine what types of careers in the military you qualify for. If you're aiming for a tech or medical role, you'll want to aim to score high on the subtests associated with these fields.
3. Enlistment Process: During the enlistment process, you can express your preferences for specific jobs or fields. Depending on the needs of the branch and your ASVAB scores, a military counselor or recruiter will go through the potential job options with you.
4. Signing the Contract: The details of your job assignment will be included in your enlistment contract. However, ensure that your desired job or Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) is listed in your contract before you sign it. Do not sign a contract that doesn’t specify your job assignment and promises the desired job verbally.
5. Military Training and School: After completing basic training, you'll attend a specialized training school where you'll gain the skills necessary for your specific job.
Overall, the key to securing a specific role in the military is to research the opportunities, score well on the ASVAB, and ensure your job assignment is listed in your enlistment contract.
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