What qualifies you for jobs in the military?

Thinking about the military, I'm wondering what qualifications are needed for different jobs. Are there specific skills or educational backgrounds they're looking for? It'd be helpful to know before I start seriously considering it as an option.

The qualifications for different positions in the military can vary quite significantly, as you'll find that jobs in the military span a very broad range of areas, from medical professions to engineering, logistics, avionics, and many others. However, here are some general qualifications that are typically required, regardless of the specific role:

1. Physical Fitness: The military frequently requires a specific level of physical fitness for you to serve effectively. You'll typically have to pass a physical fitness test (which can include running, push-ups, and sit-ups) to confirm your ability to undergo the rigors of military life.

2. Education: At a minimum, you'll need a high school diploma or equivalent. For certain roles, a college degree may be required or certainly beneficial. For example, officer positions often demand a bachelor's degree as part of the qualifying criteria.

3. ASVAB Scores: The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a standardized test used to determine qualification for enlistment in the U.S. military. The results of this test help to identify which military careers might be good fits.

4. Citizenship Status: To join the U.S. military, you typically need to be a U.S. citizen or a resident alien (though there are some exceptions).

5. Age: The age requirements can vary by branch, but usually, you need to be 17 to 35 years old.

6. Health: You'll need to pass a medical exam to ensure you meet the health standards for military service.

Now, onto more role-specific qualifications, a few examples:

- Medics: Advanced medical positions, such as doctors and nurses, require medical degrees and often demand experience in the field. However, for medical assistant roles and medics, the military provides training, so previous experience isn't necessary.

- Aviation Jobs: If you're interested in aviation jobs like piloting an aircraft, you generally need a college degree. You'd also need to pass the Aviation Selection Test Battery (ASTB) and complete officer training.

- Military police: For the military police, the military provides the necessary training. Still, a background in criminal justice or related fields can be beneficial.

It's noteworthy that even if you don't have specific skills in these areas, the military often provides extensive training to help you gain the necessary qualifications.

It's always best, though, to speak directly with a recruiter or career counselor to get more specific information about what may be required for certain roles.