Choosing Jobs in the Military Reserves

As someone thinking about joining the military reserves after high school, I'm trying to understand how job assignments work. Are there specific qualifications one should focus on to get their desired role? Any advice from those who have experience?

Your choice of job within the military reserves, often referred to as your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), will largely depend on the branch you're entering and the needs of the service at the time of your enlistment. However, there are a few general factors common across all branches that influence job assignments:

1. Aptitude Testing: Your results on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) play a big role in determining job eligibility. The ASVAB assesses your aptitude in areas such as math, science, reading comprehension, and mechanical and electronic comprehension. The better your scores, the wider range of MOS options you will have.

2. Physical Ability: Some roles in the reserves require a specific level of physical fitness or certain physical traits. For instance, jobs in combat arms or those involving heavy equipment might demand more physical strength. Some roles might require exceptional eyesight, hearing, or other physical attributes.

3. Security Clearance: For some positions, especially those in intelligence or that handle sensitive information, you'll need to be able to obtain a certain level of security clearance. This usually involves a background check that may consider your criminal record, financial history, character references, drug use, and more.

4. Education and Skills: While the military provides a lot of on-the-job training, having certain skills or education could influence your job assignments. For instance, if you have a background in healthcare or aviation, this could make you a better fit for certain MOSs.

In general, it's best to think about the kinds of work you're interested in, as well as your long-term career goals, before selecting an MOS. You can consult with a military career counselor or recruiter for more tailored advice, based on your individual qualifications and goals.