Are references required for applying to military jobs?

I'm interested in enlisting in the military after graduation and wondering if references are a necessary part of the application process. If so, who makes a good reference, and how important are they in deciding eligibility?

When applying for a position in the military, references are not explicitly required as they are in some other job applications. However, during the enlistment process and potentially during a security clearance investigation, you will be asked for a list of contacts who can vouch for your personal character, reliability, and integrity.

These contacts could be former employers, teachers, coaches, or anyone else who knows you well and can speak to your character and work ethic. Personal or character references are used by military recruiters and security investigators to get a comprehensive picture of who you are outside of your written application or face-to-face interviews.

In terms of their importance, these personal assessments can be critical in security clearance investigations, as inconsistencies or negative comments may cause further investigation or impact the outcome. However, in the initial recruitment stages, the focus will usually be more on your physical fitness, educational background, and any potential legal issues rather than references.

So while you don't need formal letters of reference like you might for a college application or certain civilian jobs, it's still wise to have a solid list of individuals who would speak positively about you ready before initiating the recruitment process.