Steps to successfully research military jobs

I'm starting to research military job options because I'm not entirely sure what I want to do after high school. What are the best resources for researching these jobs, and how can I determine which roles would be a good fit for me?

To start, consider what type of military job you're interested in. Are you drawn more towards combat roles, support positions, intelligence work, engineering tasks, or healthcare professions? If you're unsure, evaluation of your personal strengths, interests, academic prowess, physical capabilities and desired career progression can help guide your decisions.

One of the primary and most authentic resources for researching military jobs is the official websites of the different branches of the military. These websites give you in-depth information about the different roles available, along with details on qualifications, training, and progression:

1. U.S. Army: www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs.html

2. U.S. Navy: www.navy.com/careers

3. U.S. Air Force: www.airforce.com/careers

4. U.S. Marine Corps: www.marines.com/being-a-marine/roles-in-the-corps.html

5. U.S. Coast Guard: www.gocoastguard.com/active-duty-careers

6. U.S. Space Force is accessible through the Air Force's website.

Moreover, there are several online resources that could further help with your research. For instance, Appily has a section dedicated to military jobs that provides a wealth of information.

Job description pages on these websites often include a section about required ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) scores. The ASVAB is a test that determines your qualifications for military service, and for specific jobs within that service. If you have an idea of the ASVAB score required for a specific position, it could give you insight into what areas you need to focus on while preparing for the exam.

Don't overlook the benefits of talking to a recruiter who can answer specific questions and provide insight based on their experience. They can help you understand the day-to-day reality of specific military jobs. Ensure to prepare a list of questions covering job duties, qualifications, enlistment process, training pipelines, potential for advancement, lifestyle, and possibilities for post-service transition, among others.

Visiting a local recruiting station to speak directly with personnel or communicating through online platforms are good ways to reach recruiters. Just remember that recruiters do have a job to do - attracting new recruits - so it's important to get a balanced view by speaking to several people and doing your own independent research.

Keep in mind that the military also offers various educational benefits (e.g., GI Bill, Tuition Assistance), which can help you gain professional qualifications and degrees during or after your service. If you have longer term career or academic goals, these benefits can be a crucial part of your decision-making process.

In summary, the process to research military jobs successfully involves self-reflection, utilization of the right resources, engagement with knowledgeable individuals, and consideration of your long-term career goals.