Deciding on the Right Military Job for You?

I'm a high school junior exploring joining the military after graduation. How do you decide which military job suits your skills and interests the best? Are there resources or assessments that can help guide this decision?

When deciding on a military job, it's crucial to reflect on what resonates with your current and future goals. If there are fields you're interested in or things you'd like to be doing in the future, see if there are roles in the military that align with those aspirations. Many skills and experiences gained in the military can translate into civilian careers, so consider the long-term implications of your choice as well.

In every branch of the armed forces, there's a plethora of roles available, ranging from health care to engineering, to cybersecurity, and many more. You don't necessarily have to envision a combat position, unless that's something you are genuinely interested in.

A helpful resource could be the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). This series of tests is designed to help you understand where your strengths lie and what military jobs you might be best suited for. The ASVAB evaluates your skills in areas such as general science, arithmetic reasoning, word knowledge, paragraph comprehension, numerical operations, coding speed, auto and shop information, mathematics knowledge, mechanical comprehension, and electronics.

Additionally, consider speaking with current and former military members to understand their experiences better. They can provide firsthand insights into the day-to-day life in different roles, the challenges they've faced, and how their experiences have shaped their careers during and after the military.

Remember to also speak with a recruiter for the branch you're interested in. They can provide more information about the available job roles and can offer guidance based on your interests and qualifications. However, be aware that while recruiters can be very informative, they are also trying to meet recruitment goals. Always cross-reference the information you receive and make your decision wisely.

Ultimately, the decision should align with your personal and career goals. Reflect on why you want to join the military, consider the different branches, think about your long-term plan, and the role that being in the military will play in reaching those objectives. Take your time—this is a significant decision that should not be rushed. You have plenty of resources to help guide you, and I do recommend utilizing as many as you can to make an informed decision.