Which military jobs are the hardest to get?

Hello guys! I'm a junior in high school thinking about joining the military after graduation. I like to set high goals for myself and definitely up for a challenge. Does anyone here have any insight or experience about which military jobs are the most competitive or hardest to get? Thanks a lot!

The process of determining which military job is the hardest to land can be quite subjective, as it typically depends on the branch of the military, the specific job's requirements, and the number of available spots. That being said, there are indeed several positions that are notoriously competitive due to the high physical, mental, or technical requirements, or due to the low number of positions open each year.

To start with, Special Operations roles across all branches can be exceptionally challenging to enter due to the stringent physical, mental, intellectual, and psychological selection processes. For instance, in the U.S. Army these would include positions within the Army Special Forces (Green Berets) and Army Rangers, while the Navy has the famous SEALs (Sea, Air, Land) teams. Similarly, the Marine Corps Raider teams, Air Force's Pararescue Jumpers (PJs) and Combat Controllers, and Coast Guard's special operations roles are also notably challenging to get into.

Another perspective would be to look at roles that are highly technical or command-heavy and require a certain level of expertise, such as nuclear engineering roles (for example: Nuclear Propulsion Officers in the Navy), pilots in any branch, Cyber Operations Specialists, or intelligence roles, which come with high competition and demands.

However, to get these jobs, one usually must score high on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test, clear rigorous physical and psychological evaluations, and often meet specific educational requirements as well. For example, to be a pilot in any branch, you generally must have a bachelor's degree and complete Officer Candidate School.

Remember, though, that it is always important to consider personal interests and long-term career goals when choosing a job in the military. While it's impressive to aspire to these highly competitive roles, it's equally important that the position aligns with your own skills, talents, and future aspirations. All roles in the military are vital and offer different opportunities for growth, leadership, and impact. Achieving a position in any of these fields requires dedication, perseverance, and resilience, and is a noteworthy accomplishment in its own right.