How do job assignments work in the military?

I'm considering enlisting after high school but am curious about how job assignments are determined. Do personal preferences play a role, or are assignments mostly based on the needs of the military?

Job assignments in the military, often referred to as Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) in the Army and Marine Corps, Air Force Specialty Codes (AFSC) in the Air Force, and Ratings in the Navy, are typically determined based on several factors.

1. ASVAB Test Results: Before enlisting, you'll take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). This test measures your abilities in different areas, and the results will provide a general idea of which professions you'd excel at.

2. Physical and Medical Qualifications: Certain jobs in the military require specific physical or medical qualifications. For example, pilots need good vision, and Special Forces personnel need to be in top physical condition.

3. Needs of the Military: The military will also consider their own needs when assigning you a job. If a certain occupation is in high demand, the military may assign more people to that field.

4. Personal Preference: You'll be able to list your preferences for specific job roles during the enlistment process. While the military does its best to accommodate individual preferences where possible, it’s important to remember that allocations ultimately depend on the needs of the military service.

Keep in mind that different branches of the military might have slightly different processes, but in essence, they follow the same general guidelines. After you complete your basic training, you'll go to advanced training where you'll learn the skills required for your assigned job role. It can be beneficial to research your preferred roles beforehand and discuss these with your recruitment officer to gain a clearer picture of what might be expected.