Can recruits choose their MOS?

Question

My husband took the ASVAB today, he got a 60.
And the recruiter said he could basically do whatever he wanted in the Army.
So, can he choose his MOS like they're implying? And those who got really low scores cannot? And there are secondary MOS', correct? Can he choose that too, or does the Army choose that one?
I just wanted to check to see how accurate this info was.
Thank You. And any advice on which he should choose..?

Ok, does anyone know the exact website to check availability of MOS'?
How come the recruiter acted like my husband had a high score?
Isnt 31 the lowest they'll take?
Cause if that's the case, 60 is pretty dam high..
And no, the recruiter told him he'd basically be deployed in 2008 for anywhere from 12-24 months in Iraq, so they told him that.
The recruiter is already coming on Friday to look at the MOS' with him at his office. And he hasnt signed anything or even had his physical done yet.

Answer 1

The national average for the ASVAB is 42. The Recruiter can use the Future Soldier Remote Reservation System on his laptop if he can get a secure connection over the internet to show him exactly what will be shown to him at the MEPS when he sits down with the Guidance Counselors.

For the Army, he HAS to choose an MOS. There is no open-general contracts in the Army. As has been said, it depends on his line scores, and if training seats are available in the job he wants.

A secondary MOS is only if he changes his job. The Recruiter is being straight with you, just make sure that if he chooses a job and wants airborne, Special Forces candidate, or Ranger Regiment, it is included in his contract.

If the Recruiter says "you can volunteer for it in Basic" it's very rare that it happens like that, even though it does.

Answer 2

I am not sure where the Recruiter got his info, but a 60 doesn't let you into every MOS. An MOS is chosen when you enlist, you can reclassify after completion of Basic under certain conditions. The best way to go is to get it in writing in your enlistment contract. And Nobody has a secondary MOS unless the have had additional training, not new recruits. Just about any civilian job you can think of is available in the military. My advice is to pick something you are interested in, because you might have to stick with it until your next enlistment. Go to the US Army website and check out the available MOSs and maybe talk to another recruiter or person in the military.

Good Luck?

Answer 3

If the recruiter told him that, it's true. They even have a catalog that describes in detail what each and every MOS involves. Most secondary MOS's are prescribed by regulation - it is, in almost every case, in a field related to one's primary MOS. For instance, if he chose the medical corps and became an x-ray technician, his secondary would also be in the health sciences. He wants a skill he can readily use once he's a civilian again, he might choose welding. Pays real good in civilian life. Or he could chose heavy equipment maintenance and mechanics. Or he could choose to become a pharmacy technician. X-ray techs do pretty well, too, as do respiratory therapy techs. If he's a real technology freak, he might get into electronics countermeasures. And the Army Security Agency is always in need of a few good spooks! Go from there into the FBI or CIA!

Answer 4

I don't agree that recruiters lie, they really don't. They just don't tell you everything you want to know, and for the most part it is because people cant think of all the questions there are. Before he signs the contract, they will give him choices of MOS's they have available. Just make sure that he likes what he does because he will be stuck in his job for at least 3 years min. I myself am a SGT (E-5) in the reserves right know and was active duty for 4 years and I'm going back active so I will answer any questions you have
good luck
P.S. Im a 63B20H-8 (wheeled mechanic)

Answer 5

I was married to 2 different Army men, both of them had mid-grade ASVAB scores. But as part of their recruiting program, they did get to pick the MOS that they wanted. However, there were warned in advance that the correct schools may not be available and to make sure that they stated alternate choices

Answer 6

Most recruiters won't lie to you, but they won't tell you what you don't ask either. Always keep in mind it's their job to get you to sign the papers.

You can choose among what you qualify for, but if there aren't any openings they might throw you into an alternate choice. I've never heard of someone getting a MOS they completely didn't want though

Answer 7

Yes and no. Thats how it should be and is suppose to be but when it comes down to it when you enlist they own you. As others have said, recruiters will tell you anything to get you to join. Even if you do get it in writing it doesnt mean squat. The military has provisions in their contracts they sign with recruits which allows them (the military) to change it to fit their needs at any time they please.
Let me guess, they told him he wouldnt have to go to Iraq also didnt they?
Recruiters do an important job, dont get me wrong. But when it comes down to it they are like used car salesmen. They will do anything and make any promise to get people to sign on the dotted line. Then when the ink is dry they weasel a way out of honoring it.

Answer 8

yes, and no. the ASVAB score isn't what determines what jobs he can choose, it is his line scores. Also you must take into consideration the Army's need. if he wants to be an aircraft mechanic, but there isn't a slot open for one, he can't choose that MOS unless he is willing to wait until there is one open.. but you can't be in DEP for more than 12 months.

The key is choosing something that he will enjoy doing, not chosing based on the bonus or choice of duty station.

Answer 9

I don't know if it still works this way but used to be that they would let you pick your job from a list based on availability and and score on the asvab at least that's how i did it 30 years ago...Don't know about now!

Answer 10

You can sign up for a specific MOS, but whether you will actually be working in this area is another thing altogether. The military puts you where they need you the most. You could be an adminstrative clerk, and find yourself in downtown Iraq surrounded by gunfire and bombs exploding around you.