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When do you know what MOS you have?
Do you know when enlisting at MEPS, completing basic training, at the start of basic training, can it change from what you have been told?
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Steven’s Answer
Your MOS will be very dependent upon what your testing scores are as well as what the specific needs are for whatever branch of service you elect to go into. You can have good test scores and want a specific MOS, but the MOS you want may be saturated already at which time they will talk with you about your next choice or provide you a list of options to select. There is always the possibility of not being able to get the MOS you have specifically chosen. If your test scores are good, it opens a lot of good options for you.
Good luck.
Good luck.
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Sarah’s Answer
My husband was in the Air Force so I feel like I can answer this honestly for you. I assume you're talking about the job you signed up for, and yes- it can absolutely change based on how you score on your placement tests. My husband 'signed up' for aerial gunner in the Air Force, and then went in open mechanical and then they give you a lot of jobs to choose from after that- none of which were aerial gunner. So just because your recruiter said you would get a certain job if you signed up for it, that's likely not the case. Your recruiter will straight up lie to your face just to get you to sign up.
Okay good to know, thank you for being honest.
Marco
Of course! That's not to say there aren't good jobs available and you will likely find one that you like- but enlisted life will be different than what the recruiter says.
Sarah Ford
Sean Antonucci
Aircraft and Helicopter Mechanic/Retired US Army Special Operations
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Sean’s Answer
Hello Marco, my background is a 22 year US Army Aviation Mechanic veteran, that spent most of my time in Special Operations. If it comes to a specific MOS and your ASVAB scores are high, chances are you'll get it. However, your recruiter WILL most likely try to change your mind into an MOS the Army needs, as they get kudos for filling those slots. If you are set on a specific job, go for it. Just remember this: They need you, not the other way around. There are tremendous benefits to joining the military, but there are some downfalls too. This is where you will do the majority of growing up and maturing. In the Army, there are a lot of opportunities for your career path. Never get stuck in playing just one role. You must adapt and overcome. Good luck to you!
Updated
Kevin P’s Answer
Marco, great question. I was very confused by this when I enlisted. I did not know what I was getting myself into.
You have to take a test. This happens early on. If you don’t take it at the recruiter you will take it at MEPS. (That’s where you report to when you actually ship out to basic training). Based on this score you’ll get a list of jobs.
These are the MOS jobs you qualify for. This is before you ship out. So in a way you select your job from the list they give you.
This does not mean you are certainly getting this job. So at this point you’ve committed to the military. You’ve shipped out to basic training. After that you’ll go to Advanced Individual Training. That’s MOS school.
You must successfully finish this school. Not everyone does. For a few reasons. They physically can’t do it, the tests are too hard. Or some other reasons.
In the end, almost all of this is in your control. Best of luck.
You have to take a test. This happens early on. If you don’t take it at the recruiter you will take it at MEPS. (That’s where you report to when you actually ship out to basic training). Based on this score you’ll get a list of jobs.
These are the MOS jobs you qualify for. This is before you ship out. So in a way you select your job from the list they give you.
This does not mean you are certainly getting this job. So at this point you’ve committed to the military. You’ve shipped out to basic training. After that you’ll go to Advanced Individual Training. That’s MOS school.
You must successfully finish this school. Not everyone does. For a few reasons. They physically can’t do it, the tests are too hard. Or some other reasons.
In the end, almost all of this is in your control. Best of luck.
Updated
Jon’s Answer
Hi Marco! The answer to that question can vary depending on what the branch needs at the moment. BUT I can tell you that I received my specific job title (Tactical Aircraft Maintenance) CLOSE TO THE END of the the Air Force BMT Program. If you've already gone and picked your jobs and taken the ASVAB or other tests, then they'll most likely pick what best suits you FIRST but that doesn't mean you'll get the job. Then, if you don't get your first picked job they'll go to the second one and so on, so forth. It was a while ago for me but I hope this answer helps you get closer to that dream of yours! Cheers. Oh, and PLEASE ASK your recruiter for all the information you need. You'd be surprised at how much they leave out.