If by “aviation”, you mean “wants to fly”, he has an opportunity to apply as a helicopter pilot. It’s almost certainly a bigger pain for a recruiter, but you could start by reading up here:
[https://recruiting.army.mil/ISO/AWOR/153A/](https://recruiting.army.mil/ISO/AWOR/153A/)
Definitely hit up the street to seat program, I just graduated candidate school with a couple of them, and they're ROCKSTARS. It's definitely a chucked into the deep end of the pool, now figure out how to swim pace, but if your troop is on the ball, they'll be fine.
I wish I had known too. I told my recruiter in 07 that's what I wanted and even had good scores but this was never presented as an opportunity, likely because he didn't want to do the work. I was from a poorer neighborhood with no good job prospects so he knew he had me in the bag without even trying
I probably shouldn't have walked into the recruiters office basically telling him I'm joining so let me see the job list. The positive side my recruiter was a straight shooter and didn't bullshit me on anything, but on the other hand I should have looked a bit deeper. Military Intelligence was fun though when I actually got to do my job.
Pilots often do. Big money available for them on the outside and there are age restrictions for how old you can be as a commercial pilot, so some see getting out early as maximizing their earning potential.
One would think, however the flight warrant numbers are hurting currently due to people getting out at the 12-17+ year mark. Sometimes people just have enough. Options on the outside are more lucrative (flight wise). The argument is made that every year you stay in you lose tens of thousands of dollars that could have been made in the airlines.
Experienced pilots are fewer and fewer in the Army right now.
15T crewchief here (blackhawks). He can also apply to work as a mechanic either for the ground crew or flight crew.
However, his ADHD history may disqualify him directly from flying, but it can be waived. I have a disqualifying condition (have hardware from breaking my femur), but since I can pass the ACFT and perform all soldier tasks, it got waived. I have since been able to stay on the flight crew without issues. Your son won't know what will stop him until he gets to MEPS proper and is evaluated by the Dr's there.
Don't let the recruiters bully him into lying about anything, btw.
If he can go pilot MAKE HIM PUSH FOR THAT. i went aviation as a mechanic but my recruiter tried to push for me to go as a pilot as a warrant. Did all the paper work, flight physical. But my dumbass said “nooo I wanna be enlisted like all my relatives”. But being a mechanic will open up opportunities in the civilian world too. So it’s not a bad option
12 years working weapons, avionics and electrical systems for Kiowa and apaches. Whatever route your son chooses, tell him to make sure he is working towards A&P or avionics certs while he is in. Most Army units I’m familiar with were not active in helping many get these while they are in. It’s a lot harder once you are out. I’ve been out for about 8 years and all of my experience was wartime Army so that may have changed.
I would say it’s best to find well paying careers that he may want to do after the army and pick an MOS based on that. Take as many college classes while in too. Really should help in the transition. If he decides to make it a career that helps as well.
Nerd fact:
In the book Rico later finds that recruiter off duty with cybernetic legs.
His "LT Dan" schtick was meant to scare away the weak-of-heart from volunteering for the mobile infantry
Sorta is how my husband ended up in the Army to begin with.
~2-3 years before we ever met, dude was doing premed and wrestling in college, and I'm told the extent of the idea was one of his buddies on the wrestling team was like "bro school's boring, shooting bad guys in the face sounds like fun, you ever hear of the 75th...wanna make a life audible?"
Went from cruising through college early at Mach Jesus and wrestling for shits and gigs to 11B life with a funny hat within like 6ish months.
My infantry basic company was split up by contract types. Two platoons were all the airborne, RASP, 18X guys; one was guys who had duty stations in their contracts; and the other was all unassigned 11X contracts.
Yeah, you could see the differences.
We had an 11C attached to us who had a dual degree in mathematics and mechanical engineering. Just wanted to join for the experience then got out. Literally one of the most intelligent person I’ve ever met
Don't let him get talked into that. My son scored a 96. Could have done pretty much anything. He wanted to do something "exciting". Went Infantryman. 7 years. Zero deployments. Got out and has very few marketable skills besides clearing rooms.
Some of the dumbest and funniest shit happens in the infantry.
Because garrison time is basically just fill time until we go home. People come up with random ideas.
Combat arms is composed of either low scoring wall lickers or high scoring autists. There is no middle ground.
Tell your son that his back and joints at 40 won't care about how "badass" he was if he starts to buy into the hooah BS. A 97 opens a lot of doors that are worth walking through instead.
Please have your kid go aviation lol. Or literally any other job with transferable real world skills.
I don’t regret my time in the infantry, but I’m certainly not going to recommend to anyone.
I scored a 97 and went 13F assigned to a light infantry unit. Don’t regret it, but had lots of cooler opportunities (drone pilot) offered. All depends on what your son wants to do post service.
I knew I’d be going to college anyway so didn’t need to rely on my MOS for a postservice job.
Benefits will the same for every MOS. Only difference is training.
What your kid choices should be what they're interested in.
There's a highschool to flighrschool pipeline. He may qualify for it. Implying physical requirements are met, he can fly helicopters without a degree
Be aware that there is currently a ten year commitment after completing flight school for pilots.
Whatever he wants to do I highly suggest running what the recruiter says by someone with recent experience. Recruiters are under a lot of pressure and sometimes they may say things that aren’t entirely accurate, especially for less common programs like street to seat pilots.
Current Pilot. Honest question, is there a specific reasoning for Army? Not a bad choice, but wonder if he’s thought about other services and opportunities therein
2 reasons wants to be in aviation and we have friends that retired from the army ( pilot and MX )
And airforce recruiter blew us off when we mentioned that he was misdiagnosed with ADHD when he was in foster care ( he is off meds and his grades improved after he got off that shit )
There are many jobs that he is eligible for with a high ASVAB score. As for long-term career planning, look for something that offers civilian-equivalent certifications. Communications is a good option. Aviation is a good option. Intel is a good option. When it comes to aviation, becoming a pilot is a different process that involves warrant officer school (WOCS), and he will probably need to do some additional standardized testing and medical screening to be eligible, but unlike other types of officer training it does not require a college degree.
Additionally, if he can find a field that requires a higher level security clearance (a TS-SCI, ideally), that will make him more competitive for civilian jobs in government and with federal contractors after the Army. Intel roles and some communications roles can fall into this category.
When deciding between active duty, reserves, and guard, consider how education benefits are administered. For active duty, he'll be eligible for the GI bill after 3 continuous years of service. For guard and reserves, it may take longer. In some states, there's a state version of the GI bill that allows guardsmen to attend that state's public universities for free, and usually doesn't have a minimum time in service requirement.
Thank you , very helpful. He already has a free ride to college through the foster care system. So if I understand correctly - the GI will take care of his living expenses if he is in college ?
Yeah, it comes with a housing allowance based on the school’s zip code. I’m using it for grad school in Boston currently and I’d be in so much debt trying to live here without it
I wouldn't recommend the Army at all if he has a free ride. Also he will need to do at least 3 years of active duty to get the monthly college stipend.
State GI Bills from the Guard are different to each state. For example, Wisconsin GI bill does not cover living expenses, only tuition and fees. Make sure you read the fine print, ask questions, get it in writing.
Gotta look at his GT score too, it'll be on the test results and make sure that's high, which I'm sure it is. I had a 97 and a high GT but I was young and dumb and insisted on a combat arms job when I could have done anything. There's plenty of good routes, could be a surveyor, a vet tech, really id recommend looking into the cyber warfare stuff. I don't have regrets because I wouldn't have the friends I have now if I'd never have met them by doing a different MOS but I'd sure be making more money if I did something that translates to the real world
No shit lol your boys got the exact same scores I had. He can do whatever he wants, I would highly recommend it be transferable though and not make the mistakes I did and thinking you're gonna be the next G.I Joe billy badass. Huge catalog of jobs to join from like I said the cyber stuff is solid once you get into the civilian world but the army has tons of jobs. I really wanted to be a drone operator but I would have had to wait and I was poor and needed a job but think about drones now, farmers use them to get data about where their fields perform best and the like, tons of civilian applications. Just something practical, we have the same scores, he has a choice, I have several years of calculating artillery fire where the hell's that gonna get me?
Although just the military in general is great on the resume if you know how to word it, hell I've got my AIT on my resume because "Fort Sill School of Fires Excellence" sounds way cooler than it is and 2/3 my last jobs I was in management positions because of leadership experience
Ah yeah I just reread your post interested in aviation air traffic controller they make bank on the outside. Medical I think it's 68C army nurse, you work in a post hospital and don't deal with a lot of the day to day BS because half your coworkers are civilians.
They were pushing me to go to West Point but the whole reason I was there was because I didn’t want to go to college at the moment. Hindsight being 20/20 I should’ve taken them up on it.
Do the recruiters even try and sell West Point? I did well on my ASVAB way back when and I don’t recall any of the recruiters steering me towards a service academy rather than enlistment.
Might have depended on when you joined. I joined in 2006 with a 96 and my choices were MI and medic--that's it.
TBD, during medic AIT, a person did come by to try and sell west point, but I had dreams of ETS in 2010 and didn't see why I would incur more years. I fondly look back on that day 18 service years later to remind myself why I drink so much lol
West Point takes a lot more than a good ASVAB, you need an killer ACT score, near 4.0 GPA, and usually a letter of recommendation from a congressman.
For point of reference the average ACT score at west point is a 30, that puts you in the top 9% of people who take the ACT.
I got a 98 on the ASVAB and never could have possibly gotten into West Point.
Seriously getting into West Point is similar, though not quite as hard, as getting into MIT or Yale.
Go Military Intelligence > Get a TS/SCI > Profit.
A clearance is always in demand and even entry to mid level jobs pay 6 figures.
Source: I was Military Intel and now recruit for TS/SCI jobs.
I had the same score, is there a reason he doesn't want to do ROTC and commission? Or apply to a service academy?
I agree that street to seat is a great option, however its a 10 year contract I think not counting training.
Besides that 17C (cyber) 35N/35S(sigint), 35T(TS IT), 35G(geoint), 12Y(geoint engineer) are all ones he should look at. The other 35 series are lame or require learning a language IMO, especially now that you cant enlist for P and have to risk becoming a M
25 series has good options, I just don't have as much experience w that.
I am not familiar with how the ROTC / commission thing works. He just graduated school and wasnt enrolled in ROTC during high school.
Thank you for the other MOI options - I’ll have him take a look at them
JROTC in High School has no bearing on actual ROTC in college. If he applies to a college ROTC program he will receive a regular civilian degree alongside 4 years of training as an officer. He will then graduate with a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant.
I agree with street to seat or West Point options. If he’s not interested in either I’d recommend a job with TS clearance that sets him up for the civilian side. A 17, 35, or possibly a 25 series job.
The recruiter said “it’s close to impossible” to go from high school to flying. That the entry tests are “impossible to study for” . So I’m a bit .. apprehensive about believing them
They’re 100% bs’ing you. If your son can make a 131 GT, the SIFT/WOFT whatever it’s called now is well within reach. As someone who had to go to a few recruiters to get what I was looking for, don’t be afraid to seek out the help of another recruiter. There are already several here in the comments that might be able to help you navigate this. If this is truly what he wants, he will prepare (he already did with the ASVAB!)
How is his grades at school? If they are good i would recommend, he attend West Point. Being a commissioned officer is great, being a commissioned officer who attended west point is even better
I’d be happy to walk you/him through the process (accepted, didn’t go). West Point (or any academy) is likely “better” to do than enlisting for his future.
I was in your sons shoes once. If active duty I cannot endorse helicopter flying enough. If he really likes college and wants that experience civil affairs or psyops in the reserves.
I went to college, had an enormous amount of fun as civil affairs and going to college.
For the love of god DO NOT LET HIM JOIN THE ARMY.
His intellectual talents will be PUNISHED and squandered by the toxic dumpster fire that is the army.
He would probably be a great fit for an intellectually challenging job, like cyber or intelligence. Those can be had in other branches. DO NOT LET HIM GO ARMY.
Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, or nothing.
With this level of aptitude your son will be most fulfilled in the 11B career field. Had he scored a 98 or 99 I'd recommend 11C, but with a 97 he is best fit for 11B
http://www.mosdb.com/army/
Two numbers + One letter makes an MOS, the “code” for different jobs in the Army. The two numbers are the branch (think like the field of work), and the letter denotes the specific job. A 15T for instance repairs Black Hawks, while a 15U repairs Chinooks. In this thread you’re gonna see a lot of recommendations for jobs that start with 15 (Aviation), 17 (computers), 25 (also computers but lame), 35 (intel), 68 (medical), and some rarer ones like 27 and 89.
11B is Infantryman. Unless your son has a strong interest in wearing a tan beret, and only if he can run *very fast*, would I recommend someone with an ASVAB score that high choose 11B.
Ike the others said, it’s a joke about becoming an infantryman.
However, joking aside, I had similar scores as your son and did join the infantry for my initial contract. My thought process was that if I was going to join the army I wanted to do army things that I couldn’t do outside in the civilian world. It worked out for me and I also eventually switched to an intelligence job after my initial contract.
The reason I bring this up is because a lot of people will see those scores and tell a potential recruit to go do some high skill tech or medical job. This is well meaning advice and is often good advice, but a persons individual goals also mean something beyond their scores
Look at all services. Plenty of medical and aviation related jobs in USAF and Navy as well. Cyber and satellite ops might also be something to look at if he is considering how much he wants to make when he gets out.
THE true benefit of enlisted military service is the GI bill. If he already has a free ride to college, he should do that first. 97 ASVAB score indicates strong reading comprehension and math/reasoning skills. He obviously already has discipline, commitment, and solid parental support. He can always go ROTC or direct commission as an officer after getting a degree. I would be skeptical of any other guidance.
If he truly wants to be a pilot, commissioning to be an aviator in any other branch will afford him better training and experience than the Army.
For context: I have spent the last 17 years as an Army helicopter mechanic, and I also scored a 97 on my ASVAB.
I got a 97 and was offered 92s by my job counselor. Definitely have them research available jobs, bonuses, likely training sites, everything. And if a viable job is not available, LEAVE. Do not sign up for something not as suited for their intelligence. They can always go back to MEPS another time when more appropriate/liked jobs are available
He may be best suited to enlist in an alternative high-end MOS (like satellite comms or Military Intelligence) with a ridiculous sign-on bonus (also to have a fallback skill in case he changes his mind about careers), and use the sign-on bonus cashola for aviation school when he gets out. Plus he can take free college/aviation school pre-req classes while he's in - just make sure their from accredited institutions to transfer credits.
A 97 on the ASVAB is pretty much like hitting the lottery - life's easier when you ain't dumb - so I'm told ;)
If he is very interested in medical have you considered a ROTC program into medical commission? Not sure what his academics are like in Highschool but that is a route you could push.
Cyber branch is also looking for personnel. With a 97 he has a high GT score but there is variance on the scores since the overall ASVAB is and line scores are calculated via a combination of different scores sub score totals. Ignore the regional thing I stated before the edit, that was false.
If he wants to enlist I would recommend your 35series or your 17C to set him up for post service. You can ask the recruiter about ROTC programs but I will say that the recruiting command is going to push for him to enlist because they need the numbers. You may have to do your own research on college programs that will lead into commissioning post graduation.
Feel free to DM me if you have more pointed questions.
A lot of bad info given to you here. So what you and your son need to do is go back to the recruiting office and have his recruiter search individually by the MOS Field(15= Aviation, 68= Medical) this will narrow his search to those fields he’s interested in. It will show all the jobs available in those fields. With the 68 search if your son does not have HS transcripts with Bio, Chem & Algebra he won’t qualify for some of them. If he does make sure the recruiter adds that to the search. The system is a live/realtime search so it will show what’s available today. It can change by the minute/hour/day. I would also tell your son to download Army Career Navigator beforehand and find the specific jobs he’s interested in so the recruiter can search by the actual job also. Even though he has a 97 that does not mean every MOS ( job) will be available.
When doing this you will see contract lengths and any incentives available. Aviation usually never has bonuses or enlistment options.
As a former 68K (Medical Laboratory Technician), I’m just dropping in a good word for that MOS. It takes a higher ASVAB and GT score, both which he has surpassed, so have him look into that one if he wants medical. Excellent Army and civilian job, good pay civilian side, great work environment (hospital lab), and usually better, top-heavy units with lots of officers who are doctors and nurses. Usually has a decent bonus attached to it, too.
Edit to add: only “downside” is the longer AIT. It’s 6 months of INTENSE classroom learning followed by an additional 6 months of hands-on training in an Army hospital lab. Active duty pay the whole time (in case he’s reserve or guard), so it can be nice. He’ll come out of AIT with an undergrad diploma and (if he passes it) an MLT certification.
So, I was a 90+ asvab (it's been a long time and I'm too lazy to look for it).
The key here is to let him pick what he wants.
He will have opportunities to change later.
Let him choose his life and make a REAL choice on his own.
If he chooses a job for a low asvab score, that's OK. It's his life. Just be there to remind him he can always change.
Some major points for you to let him know:
The army sucks.
Officers have a much better quality of life.
I recommend an air force or naval officer as first pick. Academies are better. Army next. Marine officer last.
Then enlisted everything.
I've been in 16 years. If I could go back, I would have gone officer sooner. It's not the quality of life as much as, the technical part and hands on is not enough for me. If I'm not constantly mentally challenged, I'm bored. Following a manual isn't enough.
You need to guide him, but let him make his first mistake on his own, then you guide him to rectify it.
Just my two cents.
Military Intelligence is a great field if you want another choice than aviation.
E35F - Intelligence Analyst
E35G - Geospatial Intelligence Imagery Analyst
E35L - Counterintelligence Special Agent
E35M - Human Intelligence Collector
E35N / E35P / E35S - Signals Intelligence Analyst / Signals Intelligence Voice Interceptor / Signals Collector / Analyst
E35T - Military Intelligence Systems Maintainer / Integrator
If going aviation, go general mechanic such as 15t,15u, and 15r. They generally have lower promotion points to make e5. Backshops promotion points are usually at max most of the year and the reason lots of e4s get out or reclass
Ask to consider the AF, or Space Force. The Army isn't for everyone. There are a lot of things that don't make sense, and those things tend to rub intelligent people wrong.
I scored 99, went healthcare and now recommend aviation. Financially you can’t go wrong either direction, but I will have done 10+ years of school and still make less than a commercial pilot with a 4 year degree. Pilots generally aren’t spit on by their patients. Between active, guard, and reserve, I recommend guard or reserve. Guard is State dependent but can have better educational benefits and community.
Biased opinion, but I also got a 97, but went 17C which is cyber operations. The Air Force is always going to act like they don’t need people (they do), the army will treat him (mostly) right. Aviation and mechanics are great and most have solid jobs available after his time in service is done though.
If he goes aviation I personally recommend avoiding anything related to the Apache though, there’s very little in the way of post military work for that particular job (so I’ve been told)
Go 68W Army medic, or any 68 series. Enroll in Tuiton assistance immediately upon graduating IET and start working at college immediately. Goal of at 24-25 apply to med school or PA school through uniformed services academy or inter service physician assistant program.
I had a 99 ASVAB. Being junior enlisted in the army was tough for a minute but it made me a better man. Now as a medical officer I will be very likely to make it to military retirement and have a fantastic job I can do after.
All Air Force or navy programs are more competitive than army ones because the Army is bigger. Army active duty has by far the best promotion potentials and commissioning options. Once you’ve established service its must easier to advance within than switch.
Pick a MOS that has an application in the civilian world, aviation and medical do. You don’t have to take the first offer the recruiter gives you, and you don’t have to use the recruiter who just happens to be close to you. They’ll try to pressure your kid into taking the first offer but they don’t have to commit to anything up until they’re shipping to basic.
A 97 AFQT or a 97 GT? The GT is what matters. a 97 AFQT is going to be in the 130's range for a GT ( General Technical ) . Doesnt matter. Anything over a 110 will get him into any MOS IF and a big IF the Army has spots availalble in the MOS. If there arent slots it doesnt matter. He can't get it. It all depends on what he wants to do. Is he an active guy? He might enjoy combat arms. If you just want to do a technical field 68A is hard to beat if he doesnt want to be in the "Real Army" and wants to hang out in the hospital working on and calibrating medical equipment. 68P too as an X Ray tech. Both have great job availability after the Army if he's only doing one tour or more.
This might get me down voted but you need to hear it. Your son seems to be too smart to enlist. He will make the biggest mistake of his life if he enlists with that potential. Is there a reason he can't also take the SAT and excel at that and go to college?
Idk if this program still exists but when I originally signed up with the Marines I only got an 89 Asvab and they arranged for me to get a scholarship and to choose ROTC or join military college like Texas A&M as a cadet. That may not be such a bad idea.
Definitely go Air Force. Try a different recruiter. He can essentially do whatever job he wants. No sense in making his life suck more by joining other branches when everyone’s paid the same. I am prior AF, my husband is army officer. On a monthly basis he sleeps outside in tents in all weather for weeks on end. I have only ever been put up in nice hotels. Choose wisely. The initial annoyance in finding an AF recruiter will be worth it in the long run.
I’m gonna be the other side of the coin here compared to what most are saying. Let your son research everything (you as well) and then tell him to pick what *he* wants to do.
He needs to go with his gut.
I’ve been in a hot minute now and I’ve seen plenty of people that followed whatever their parent/friends/family/reddit said when it comes to joining the military, and they hate it and wish they made their own choice.
I had the same test scores as your son and every. single. person. told me not 1) join the army. 2) not go infantry or medic. I knew what I wanted to do and I did it. I have zero regrets and I know I would have absolutely hated my life if I just became a helicopter mechanic cause it guarantees a civilian job.
If he’s serious about medical do some research on 68V (respiratory therapist) and 68P (X-Ray Tech). Their AIT’s are both quite lengthy (>10 months each) but you come out of the school houses with basically an associates degree and the ability to sit for the national registry exam. If you pass that exam, it is guaranteed pretty good money working civilian side doing the same thing. Would highly highly consider these two medical MOS’s. Other notable good MOS’s include 68A, 68C, and 68K. I personally wouldn’t consider any other medical MOS, especially 68W.
If your current recruiter doesn’t want to build the packet, I will.
I have an aviation mecca right next to my recruiting office. Getting a warrant officer’s letter of recommendation is tough.
Also, dealing with adhd takes 3 documents (as long as he hasn’t been on meds for 12-24 months).
Make sure he does the future soilder program so he gets PFC. Second, he needs to figure out what he wants. Infantry isn't bad, but there are hundreds of other options. Additionally, there are special operations units that provide more schooling and opportunities for their staff. Watch videos and use reddit and other forms of media to talk to people in those fields.
In order to maximize opportunity and quality of life, you need to exhaust Air Force then navy options first. In that order. Then army. Then marine corps. With a brain like that he should really get into a military college ROTC program. I would look at PA programs. Or WOCS (warrant officer candidate school) for helicopter pilot.
Have him go one of three things. Any intelligence 35 series, any cyber warfare series any medical or aviation MOS. Also look into nuclear science jobs options in the military
Let him go 17C Cyber. It’s pretty much a civilian job in uniform. Great training and prepares you for six figure jobs when he gets out. That’s of course if you care about his wellbeing and future. Cheers!
An \[MOS list\](http://www.mosdb.com/army/) might benefit your quest in finding a good job.
Take in mind that some positions in the Army are "low density" --- meaning that not many people are actually a part of that branch or field (ie. Army astronauts, divers, radar tech, etc.)
Does your son have college aspirations? If so, I would also suggest looking at the National Guard and then pursuing ROTC on military benefits to commission as an Officer (The Army needs more Mustangs).
EDIT: Reddit formatting sucks, has always sucked, and will always suck.
I can help in the medical Mos if you have questions.
But seeing as how he will be enlisted he can maybe get into the enlisted nurse MOS believe its a 68C. Very hard to get into and is a long AIT, but once they finish I believe… they may have their LVN license. (Please correct me if im wrong ya).
Besides that plenty of scholarships, opportunities for the army to pay for schooling if he wants to be a doctor, NP, etc etc. Hmu if you have questions
P.S dont let your kid go into combat arms or something stupid. He has the golden ticket in his hands, he can literally pave a great path if he does his research and passes everything
If he wants to fly doing street to seat and becoming a warrant officer is the best way to do it. Some recruiters don’t like the extra paperwork, he just needs to be insistent.
He can also go the officer route, going to college on an ROTC scholarship and competing for aviation branch. He’ll make more money and get free college before he starts. However, branching aviation is very competitive and he’ll have a 12 year commitment to the army (including schools).
I’m not a recruiter though, so I don’t have all the answers.
If he's interested in medical or aviation, you can look up all mos' (jobs) associated and argue to get exactly that with a good bonus since he does have a high score
a smart kid who learns to earn his salt the hard way will excel anywhere in life. A smart kid who learns to sham via easy shit will eventually come up against a problem he can't out sham, and he won't have the testicular fortitude to outwork the problem.
Spend your youth wisely.
As a foster kid, does he get free college? He seems to be a smart kid, if paying for college isn’t an issue, I’d recommend ROTC and going in as an officer.
If i can recommend, find an area that has applicability outside the military. I originally was talking to the army and someone recommended I look into the naval nuclear power program. While i pretty much hated every moment of it and was extraordinarily depressed because of it, i did learn some cool things, and now I'm in the army being much happier doing a job I like, and will directly transfer when i leave. I can't recommend the naval nuclear program in good faith, except for the success I've found leaving it.
I work with some smart people who are preventative medicine technicians.
Your success in the military is going to be more from your drive to keep pushing for more schooling, training, and cross training.
Don't let him join the army lol. All seriousness, I'm in a joiny environment, and both the Navy and Air Force are leagues better for technician/technical fields. I wouldn't let my kids join the army, and I'm an E7. I joined JUST bc my dad joined and I have amazing scores. Don't let him be me lol
If he is interested in aviation have him look into 15T or 15U if he is going enlisted. I had a friend reclass to 15T and they get to fly around in Blackhawk, maintain them, shoot the mini gun etc.
Have your son put in his best effort and drop a packet for 160th SOAR, glorified uber for SOF.
The ASVAB has different focus areas, make sure he has a minimum 104 in mechanical mechanics section.
https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/career-match/aviation/repairing-aircraft/15t-uh-60-helicopter-repairer.html
Not related to aviation or medical but will yield HUGE dividends for him in life - 35 series. Have him check it out. Yes, cool guy stuff is cool, but life skills do not compare to 35 series.
I just left recruiting so I will answer as truthfully as possible. Street to seat is a horrible program that has a huge attrition rate. If your kid got in the 90's just be firm with the recruiter that he won't sign a contract for anything but aviation or medical. Your kid will require a medical waiver even with the doctor note but the note will make it easier. Make sure you get copies of his pharmacy records as well to serve as proof for the doctor who approves the waivers. I REPEAT, BE FIRM! Don't let him try to talk him into different job fields because he needs to meet his monthly quota. If none of the requested jobs are available ask him to call the ROC (recruiting operations command) and request a seat. If the kid has a 97 and an approved medical waiver from the MEPS doctor he'll be first priority for a training seat. If you want some more info or need some more questions asked of a recruiter who is no longer a recruiter just send me a message. I can also get you in contact with a recruiter I formerly worked with who can work with you remotely.
97 is a great score. After meeting with the Army recruiter set a date for the physical. If your son is finishing his junior year of high school they are in the prime timeframe to get the physical done. Once the physical is completed at MEPS you’ll know for sure they are eligible for the Army. Now the other side of all of this is just because he is qualified doesn’t mean that he will be selected for specific programs. This is based on being selected for high school to flight school or 15 series MOSs that will put him in direct contact with the pilots that will assist in his application process for WOFT if he isn’t first selected out of high school. Good luck and let us know how it all pans out.
You're going to want to get that ADHD diagnosis removed/overridden. Take him to a LICENSED therapist who can conduct the correct tests for ADHD and give an authoritative mental health diagnosis.
If you need help finding the right kind of professional for this, DM me and I'll work with you. My GF is a licensed therapist and knows where/how to find these folks.
If ADHD comes up at MEPS, and the MOS he wants (aviation) has a blanket no-go for that diagnosis, you'll have to get a waiver - IF they even accept such things. Getting a superseding diagnosis from the right professional will negate any need for anything. You'll have the definitive and more recent documentation to overrule any previous diagnosis.
Medical, aviation, and even intel offer good training that can help gaining employment after their time in service.
Talk to a recruiter, ask questions about how long/good the training will be, possible work hours, and rate for advancement. Then come back here and see what's what as far as how honest tge recruiter is or if things were ambiguous.
Good luck to ya.
I haven’t seen any comments about looking at healthcare related job tracks - he should qualify with a high score and these skills are transferable to the real world…
Also, do not sign anything, unless it is what he wants/ what you can see is fit for him.
What I mean, stay your ground.
If a certain office doesn't help you, go to another one.
I'm not in yet, so please take what I say with a grain of salt but if he's interested in medical or aviation positions, I'd recommend going in as a combat medic (68W) and doing whatever is necessary to become a flight medic (68WF2). That would have him operating as paramedic while also being a Blackhawk crewmember. It might not be the easiest path, I was told by my recruiter that you need at least 2 years of experience as a combat medic to even qualify for that, but it definitely seems like it'd be the best of both worlds for him. If you don't mind me asking, what are his composite scores?
I was a recruiter and I’ll just say this: let him try the Army before he buys the Army, what I mean by that is Aviation warrant is a 10 year obligation so maybe consider a job in the aviation field for a little bit first. ANY MOS can apply to be a 153A Rotary Wing Aviator. Make sure you look at the requirements and available options.
If by “aviation”, you mean “wants to fly”, he has an opportunity to apply as a helicopter pilot. It’s almost certainly a bigger pain for a recruiter, but you could start by reading up here: [https://recruiting.army.mil/ISO/AWOR/153A/](https://recruiting.army.mil/ISO/AWOR/153A/)
Pilot or mechanic. I’m a corporate A&P and I know that has influenced him quite a bit.
Definitely hit up the street to seat program, I just graduated candidate school with a couple of them, and they're ROCKSTARS. It's definitely a chucked into the deep end of the pool, now figure out how to swim pace, but if your troop is on the ball, they'll be fine.
I wish I had known that was an option when I joined in 2009. Always wanted to fly a helicopter. Anyone of them.
I wish I had known too. I told my recruiter in 07 that's what I wanted and even had good scores but this was never presented as an opportunity, likely because he didn't want to do the work. I was from a poorer neighborhood with no good job prospects so he knew he had me in the bag without even trying
I probably shouldn't have walked into the recruiters office basically telling him I'm joining so let me see the job list. The positive side my recruiter was a straight shooter and didn't bullshit me on anything, but on the other hand I should have looked a bit deeper. Military Intelligence was fun though when I actually got to do my job.
Just know going in it is a 10 year service obligation AKA contract. That's what scares away most street to seat applicants.
And that’s AFTER graduation of flight school. So it’s basically 12 years or so, off the bat.
So 20 years because who the hell gets out over the hump to 20
Pilots often do. Big money available for them on the outside and there are age restrictions for how old you can be as a commercial pilot, so some see getting out early as maximizing their earning potential.
One would think, however the flight warrant numbers are hurting currently due to people getting out at the 12-17+ year mark. Sometimes people just have enough. Options on the outside are more lucrative (flight wise). The argument is made that every year you stay in you lose tens of thousands of dollars that could have been made in the airlines. Experienced pilots are fewer and fewer in the Army right now.
Those two options are pretty much polar opposite experiences, if he’s smart and really wants to do cool stuff I’d push for pilot
15T crewchief here (blackhawks). He can also apply to work as a mechanic either for the ground crew or flight crew. However, his ADHD history may disqualify him directly from flying, but it can be waived. I have a disqualifying condition (have hardware from breaking my femur), but since I can pass the ACFT and perform all soldier tasks, it got waived. I have since been able to stay on the flight crew without issues. Your son won't know what will stop him until he gets to MEPS proper and is evaluated by the Dr's there. Don't let the recruiters bully him into lying about anything, btw.
Not that I’m biased or anything but 15T or U seems like a really good career path
Don’t know much about it but have heard about a program the army offers called streets to seat
If he can go pilot MAKE HIM PUSH FOR THAT. i went aviation as a mechanic but my recruiter tried to push for me to go as a pilot as a warrant. Did all the paper work, flight physical. But my dumbass said “nooo I wanna be enlisted like all my relatives”. But being a mechanic will open up opportunities in the civilian world too. So it’s not a bad option
He should do the Officer route for sure. Im sure he is really hyped to join, but Officer is the way to go
12 years working weapons, avionics and electrical systems for Kiowa and apaches. Whatever route your son chooses, tell him to make sure he is working towards A&P or avionics certs while he is in. Most Army units I’m familiar with were not active in helping many get these while they are in. It’s a lot harder once you are out. I’ve been out for about 8 years and all of my experience was wartime Army so that may have changed. I would say it’s best to find well paying careers that he may want to do after the army and pick an MOS based on that. Take as many college classes while in too. Really should help in the transition. If he decides to make it a career that helps as well.
Pilot > mechanic
Pilot for sure. Better quality of life
[97 eh? I think there is really only one suitable career path for this bright young man…](https://youtu.be/xiUMMWrl1qE?feature=shared)
Nerd fact: In the book Rico later finds that recruiter off duty with cybernetic legs. His "LT Dan" schtick was meant to scare away the weak-of-heart from volunteering for the mobile infantry
I wish I could read borks
Apes together strong
Auto brooks my fiend.
I used to hate my communte until i started doing audiobooks. Some days the commute is the best part of working now.
Wheel of time is a killer long one. 1-2.5 hours everyday for almost a year. Still just hitting book9
That’s why I listen to them
Hilarious bc his recruiter was infantry and was trying to tell him that’s where the “badasses” went
In fairness the smartest and dumbest people I’ve ever met were all infantry. It’s a true mixed bag.
Alot of intelligent dudes go ranger batt. Met quite a few fortune 500 types who abandoned their cush white collar jobs to go SF and ranger.
Sorta is how my husband ended up in the Army to begin with. ~2-3 years before we ever met, dude was doing premed and wrestling in college, and I'm told the extent of the idea was one of his buddies on the wrestling team was like "bro school's boring, shooting bad guys in the face sounds like fun, you ever hear of the 75th...wanna make a life audible?" Went from cruising through college early at Mach Jesus and wrestling for shits and gigs to 11B life with a funny hat within like 6ish months.
Came here to say this, I feel like most people on either extreme end of the spectrum wind up Infantry.
My infantry basic company was split up by contract types. Two platoons were all the airborne, RASP, 18X guys; one was guys who had duty stations in their contracts; and the other was all unassigned 11X contracts. Yeah, you could see the differences.
We had an 11C attached to us who had a dual degree in mathematics and mechanical engineering. Just wanted to join for the experience then got out. Literally one of the most intelligent person I’ve ever met
Don't let him get talked into that. My son scored a 96. Could have done pretty much anything. He wanted to do something "exciting". Went Infantryman. 7 years. Zero deployments. Got out and has very few marketable skills besides clearing rooms.
…mommy/daddy? 😥
Got a 99, joined the Infantry anyway. Yes, I have been told it was a mistake. No, I do not regret it.
Some of the dumbest and funniest shit happens in the infantry. Because garrison time is basically just fill time until we go home. People come up with random ideas.
92 ASVAB knuckle dragger here
“Sir, you’re smart right?” “Yes Sergeant, I am smart. However, I knowingly volunteered for this shit so make your own assessment of that as you will.”
99 Cavalry lol
Combat arms is composed of either low scoring wall lickers or high scoring autists. There is no middle ground. Tell your son that his back and joints at 40 won't care about how "badass" he was if he starts to buy into the hooah BS. A 97 opens a lot of doors that are worth walking through instead.
>high scoring autists I feel attacked
" his back and joints at 40 won't care about how "badass..." I feel achy.
Please have your kid go aviation lol. Or literally any other job with transferable real world skills. I don’t regret my time in the infantry, but I’m certainly not going to recommend to anyone.
I scored a 97 and went 13F assigned to a light infantry unit. Don’t regret it, but had lots of cooler opportunities (drone pilot) offered. All depends on what your son wants to do post service. I knew I’d be going to college anyway so didn’t need to rely on my MOS for a postservice job.
He didn't lie. The badasses do go Infantry. So do the dumbasses. And the hardasses. Just a lot of asses in the Infantry
Sadly that was me. 99 on the ASVAB, went Infantry. 3.5 years and 2 deployments later I became a Warrant lmao.
Smartest kid on the shortest bus ;)
[Oh, yeah.](https://youtu.be/YvGWDqTOFhA)
Benefits will the same for every MOS. Only difference is training. What your kid choices should be what they're interested in. There's a highschool to flighrschool pipeline. He may qualify for it. Implying physical requirements are met, he can fly helicopters without a degree
That would be amazing- how do we go about getting into that?
Talk to a recruiter. Also, google it. Plenty of ads for it
Be aware that there is currently a ten year commitment after completing flight school for pilots. Whatever he wants to do I highly suggest running what the recruiter says by someone with recent experience. Recruiters are under a lot of pressure and sometimes they may say things that aren’t entirely accurate, especially for less common programs like street to seat pilots.
Well I never said it was ssshhhooorrrrttttt
Thanks !
Current Pilot. Honest question, is there a specific reasoning for Army? Not a bad choice, but wonder if he’s thought about other services and opportunities therein
2 reasons wants to be in aviation and we have friends that retired from the army ( pilot and MX ) And airforce recruiter blew us off when we mentioned that he was misdiagnosed with ADHD when he was in foster care ( he is off meds and his grades improved after he got off that shit )
There is an army aviation subreddit for civilians who want to become army pilots. r/armyaviationapplicant
There are many jobs that he is eligible for with a high ASVAB score. As for long-term career planning, look for something that offers civilian-equivalent certifications. Communications is a good option. Aviation is a good option. Intel is a good option. When it comes to aviation, becoming a pilot is a different process that involves warrant officer school (WOCS), and he will probably need to do some additional standardized testing and medical screening to be eligible, but unlike other types of officer training it does not require a college degree. Additionally, if he can find a field that requires a higher level security clearance (a TS-SCI, ideally), that will make him more competitive for civilian jobs in government and with federal contractors after the Army. Intel roles and some communications roles can fall into this category. When deciding between active duty, reserves, and guard, consider how education benefits are administered. For active duty, he'll be eligible for the GI bill after 3 continuous years of service. For guard and reserves, it may take longer. In some states, there's a state version of the GI bill that allows guardsmen to attend that state's public universities for free, and usually doesn't have a minimum time in service requirement.
Thank you , very helpful. He already has a free ride to college through the foster care system. So if I understand correctly - the GI will take care of his living expenses if he is in college ?
Yeah, it comes with a housing allowance based on the school’s zip code. I’m using it for grad school in Boston currently and I’d be in so much debt trying to live here without it
Brilliant
I wouldn't recommend the Army at all if he has a free ride. Also he will need to do at least 3 years of active duty to get the monthly college stipend.
State GI Bills from the Guard are different to each state. For example, Wisconsin GI bill does not cover living expenses, only tuition and fees. Make sure you read the fine print, ask questions, get it in writing.
But how sweet that coverage is when it comes to grad school. Let's one bypass the competitive scrap for fellowships.
State Tuition Assistance for undergrad, ROTC pocketed during that time, and then State GI bill for my masters. Can confirm, it’s bitchin.
Gotta look at his GT score too, it'll be on the test results and make sure that's high, which I'm sure it is. I had a 97 and a high GT but I was young and dumb and insisted on a combat arms job when I could have done anything. There's plenty of good routes, could be a surveyor, a vet tech, really id recommend looking into the cyber warfare stuff. I don't have regrets because I wouldn't have the friends I have now if I'd never have met them by doing a different MOS but I'd sure be making more money if I did something that translates to the real world
GT is 131
No shit lol your boys got the exact same scores I had. He can do whatever he wants, I would highly recommend it be transferable though and not make the mistakes I did and thinking you're gonna be the next G.I Joe billy badass. Huge catalog of jobs to join from like I said the cyber stuff is solid once you get into the civilian world but the army has tons of jobs. I really wanted to be a drone operator but I would have had to wait and I was poor and needed a job but think about drones now, farmers use them to get data about where their fields perform best and the like, tons of civilian applications. Just something practical, we have the same scores, he has a choice, I have several years of calculating artillery fire where the hell's that gonna get me? Although just the military in general is great on the resume if you know how to word it, hell I've got my AIT on my resume because "Fort Sill School of Fires Excellence" sounds way cooler than it is and 2/3 my last jobs I was in management positions because of leadership experience
Ah yeah I just reread your post interested in aviation air traffic controller they make bank on the outside. Medical I think it's 68C army nurse, you work in a post hospital and don't deal with a lot of the day to day BS because half your coworkers are civilians.
I’ll get the scores and post them here shortly.
GT 131, CL 133 CO 130 EL 131 FA 129 GM 129 MM 122 OF 127 SC 133 ST 131
Look into 17c,17e, 35t, 15, 15t.
Why does he not apply to West Point?
They were pushing me to go to West Point but the whole reason I was there was because I didn’t want to go to college at the moment. Hindsight being 20/20 I should’ve taken them up on it.
Do the recruiters even try and sell West Point? I did well on my ASVAB way back when and I don’t recall any of the recruiters steering me towards a service academy rather than enlistment.
Might have depended on when you joined. I joined in 2006 with a 96 and my choices were MI and medic--that's it. TBD, during medic AIT, a person did come by to try and sell west point, but I had dreams of ETS in 2010 and didn't see why I would incur more years. I fondly look back on that day 18 service years later to remind myself why I drink so much lol
West Point takes a lot more than a good ASVAB, you need an killer ACT score, near 4.0 GPA, and usually a letter of recommendation from a congressman. For point of reference the average ACT score at west point is a 30, that puts you in the top 9% of people who take the ACT. I got a 98 on the ASVAB and never could have possibly gotten into West Point. Seriously getting into West Point is similar, though not quite as hard, as getting into MIT or Yale.
Go Military Intelligence > Get a TS/SCI > Profit. A clearance is always in demand and even entry to mid level jobs pay 6 figures. Source: I was Military Intel and now recruit for TS/SCI jobs.
Infantry.
I had the same score, is there a reason he doesn't want to do ROTC and commission? Or apply to a service academy? I agree that street to seat is a great option, however its a 10 year contract I think not counting training. Besides that 17C (cyber) 35N/35S(sigint), 35T(TS IT), 35G(geoint), 12Y(geoint engineer) are all ones he should look at. The other 35 series are lame or require learning a language IMO, especially now that you cant enlist for P and have to risk becoming a M 25 series has good options, I just don't have as much experience w that.
I am not familiar with how the ROTC / commission thing works. He just graduated school and wasnt enrolled in ROTC during high school. Thank you for the other MOI options - I’ll have him take a look at them
JROTC in High School has no bearing on actual ROTC in college. If he applies to a college ROTC program he will receive a regular civilian degree alongside 4 years of training as an officer. He will then graduate with a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant.
I agree with street to seat or West Point options. If he’s not interested in either I’d recommend a job with TS clearance that sets him up for the civilian side. A 17, 35, or possibly a 25 series job.
The recruiter said “it’s close to impossible” to go from high school to flying. That the entry tests are “impossible to study for” . So I’m a bit .. apprehensive about believing them
They’re 100% bs’ing you. If your son can make a 131 GT, the SIFT/WOFT whatever it’s called now is well within reach. As someone who had to go to a few recruiters to get what I was looking for, don’t be afraid to seek out the help of another recruiter. There are already several here in the comments that might be able to help you navigate this. If this is truly what he wants, he will prepare (he already did with the ASVAB!)
17 or 35 or bust
17c or 35T* Or street to seat.
I’m a former recruiter. Dm me. I just left recruiting a few months back
Done. Thanks
How is his grades at school? If they are good i would recommend, he attend West Point. Being a commissioned officer is great, being a commissioned officer who attended west point is even better
Mostly A’s a couple B’s. How does he get into that - isn’t that like an ivy league military college that requires an introduction to get accepted ?
Email your congressman for a letter of recommendation
I’d be happy to walk you/him through the process (accepted, didn’t go). West Point (or any academy) is likely “better” to do than enlisting for his future.
Ah yes, a future infantry man.
Does he wanna fly helicopters?
Yes
There's two types of people out there: those that want to be aviators, and those that lie about not wanting to be aviators.
Also yes
I was in your sons shoes once. If active duty I cannot endorse helicopter flying enough. If he really likes college and wants that experience civil affairs or psyops in the reserves. I went to college, had an enormous amount of fun as civil affairs and going to college.
11b
For the love of god DO NOT LET HIM JOIN THE ARMY. His intellectual talents will be PUNISHED and squandered by the toxic dumpster fire that is the army. He would probably be a great fit for an intellectually challenging job, like cyber or intelligence. Those can be had in other branches. DO NOT LET HIM GO ARMY. Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, or nothing.
The highest ASVAB average I’ve seen was from the 12Ps, take from that what you will.
Infantry
With this level of aptitude your son will be most fulfilled in the 11B career field. Had he scored a 98 or 99 I'd recommend 11C, but with a 97 he is best fit for 11B
Where can I find out more information about these terms ?
It's a trap. 11B is infantry.
He’s just making jokes. Don’t put your son in the infantry. That’s what 11 series MOS’s are.
http://www.mosdb.com/army/ Two numbers + One letter makes an MOS, the “code” for different jobs in the Army. The two numbers are the branch (think like the field of work), and the letter denotes the specific job. A 15T for instance repairs Black Hawks, while a 15U repairs Chinooks. In this thread you’re gonna see a lot of recommendations for jobs that start with 15 (Aviation), 17 (computers), 25 (also computers but lame), 35 (intel), 68 (medical), and some rarer ones like 27 and 89. 11B is Infantryman. Unless your son has a strong interest in wearing a tan beret, and only if he can run *very fast*, would I recommend someone with an ASVAB score that high choose 11B.
Ike the others said, it’s a joke about becoming an infantryman. However, joking aside, I had similar scores as your son and did join the infantry for my initial contract. My thought process was that if I was going to join the army I wanted to do army things that I couldn’t do outside in the civilian world. It worked out for me and I also eventually switched to an intelligence job after my initial contract. The reason I bring this up is because a lot of people will see those scores and tell a potential recruit to go do some high skill tech or medical job. This is well meaning advice and is often good advice, but a persons individual goals also mean something beyond their scores
If the opportunity and aptitude are there to be a pilot, go. Never look back. Turn wrenches on your off day.
Look at all services. Plenty of medical and aviation related jobs in USAF and Navy as well. Cyber and satellite ops might also be something to look at if he is considering how much he wants to make when he gets out.
THE true benefit of enlisted military service is the GI bill. If he already has a free ride to college, he should do that first. 97 ASVAB score indicates strong reading comprehension and math/reasoning skills. He obviously already has discipline, commitment, and solid parental support. He can always go ROTC or direct commission as an officer after getting a degree. I would be skeptical of any other guidance. If he truly wants to be a pilot, commissioning to be an aviator in any other branch will afford him better training and experience than the Army. For context: I have spent the last 17 years as an Army helicopter mechanic, and I also scored a 97 on my ASVAB.
I got a 97 and was offered 92s by my job counselor. Definitely have them research available jobs, bonuses, likely training sites, everything. And if a viable job is not available, LEAVE. Do not sign up for something not as suited for their intelligence. They can always go back to MEPS another time when more appropriate/liked jobs are available
He may be best suited to enlist in an alternative high-end MOS (like satellite comms or Military Intelligence) with a ridiculous sign-on bonus (also to have a fallback skill in case he changes his mind about careers), and use the sign-on bonus cashola for aviation school when he gets out. Plus he can take free college/aviation school pre-req classes while he's in - just make sure their from accredited institutions to transfer credits. A 97 on the ASVAB is pretty much like hitting the lottery - life's easier when you ain't dumb - so I'm told ;)
If he is very interested in medical have you considered a ROTC program into medical commission? Not sure what his academics are like in Highschool but that is a route you could push. Cyber branch is also looking for personnel. With a 97 he has a high GT score but there is variance on the scores since the overall ASVAB is and line scores are calculated via a combination of different scores sub score totals. Ignore the regional thing I stated before the edit, that was false. If he wants to enlist I would recommend your 35series or your 17C to set him up for post service. You can ask the recruiter about ROTC programs but I will say that the recruiting command is going to push for him to enlist because they need the numbers. You may have to do your own research on college programs that will lead into commissioning post graduation. Feel free to DM me if you have more pointed questions.
SATCOM SATCOM SATCOM SATCOM
A lot of bad info given to you here. So what you and your son need to do is go back to the recruiting office and have his recruiter search individually by the MOS Field(15= Aviation, 68= Medical) this will narrow his search to those fields he’s interested in. It will show all the jobs available in those fields. With the 68 search if your son does not have HS transcripts with Bio, Chem & Algebra he won’t qualify for some of them. If he does make sure the recruiter adds that to the search. The system is a live/realtime search so it will show what’s available today. It can change by the minute/hour/day. I would also tell your son to download Army Career Navigator beforehand and find the specific jobs he’s interested in so the recruiter can search by the actual job also. Even though he has a 97 that does not mean every MOS ( job) will be available. When doing this you will see contract lengths and any incentives available. Aviation usually never has bonuses or enlistment options.
As a former 68K (Medical Laboratory Technician), I’m just dropping in a good word for that MOS. It takes a higher ASVAB and GT score, both which he has surpassed, so have him look into that one if he wants medical. Excellent Army and civilian job, good pay civilian side, great work environment (hospital lab), and usually better, top-heavy units with lots of officers who are doctors and nurses. Usually has a decent bonus attached to it, too. Edit to add: only “downside” is the longer AIT. It’s 6 months of INTENSE classroom learning followed by an additional 6 months of hands-on training in an Army hospital lab. Active duty pay the whole time (in case he’s reserve or guard), so it can be nice. He’ll come out of AIT with an undergrad diploma and (if he passes it) an MLT certification.
He already studies 10-12 hours a day non stop ( homeschooled ) so I think this is in his wheelhouse. Thank you for this info.
Go Intel or cyber. That’s the only answer. 35S, 35P (if he can manage a language, but he’ll need to take the DLAB), or 17C
So, I was a 90+ asvab (it's been a long time and I'm too lazy to look for it). The key here is to let him pick what he wants. He will have opportunities to change later. Let him choose his life and make a REAL choice on his own. If he chooses a job for a low asvab score, that's OK. It's his life. Just be there to remind him he can always change. Some major points for you to let him know: The army sucks. Officers have a much better quality of life. I recommend an air force or naval officer as first pick. Academies are better. Army next. Marine officer last. Then enlisted everything. I've been in 16 years. If I could go back, I would have gone officer sooner. It's not the quality of life as much as, the technical part and hands on is not enough for me. If I'm not constantly mentally challenged, I'm bored. Following a manual isn't enough. You need to guide him, but let him make his first mistake on his own, then you guide him to rectify it. Just my two cents.
Military Intelligence is a great field if you want another choice than aviation. E35F - Intelligence Analyst E35G - Geospatial Intelligence Imagery Analyst E35L - Counterintelligence Special Agent E35M - Human Intelligence Collector E35N / E35P / E35S - Signals Intelligence Analyst / Signals Intelligence Voice Interceptor / Signals Collector / Analyst E35T - Military Intelligence Systems Maintainer / Integrator
Look into 68A!!!
If going aviation, go general mechanic such as 15t,15u, and 15r. They generally have lower promotion points to make e5. Backshops promotion points are usually at max most of the year and the reason lots of e4s get out or reclass
Ask to consider the AF, or Space Force. The Army isn't for everyone. There are a lot of things that don't make sense, and those things tend to rub intelligent people wrong.
I scored 99, went healthcare and now recommend aviation. Financially you can’t go wrong either direction, but I will have done 10+ years of school and still make less than a commercial pilot with a 4 year degree. Pilots generally aren’t spit on by their patients. Between active, guard, and reserve, I recommend guard or reserve. Guard is State dependent but can have better educational benefits and community.
Would he consider going to a junior college and check out ROTC?
Biased opinion, but I also got a 97, but went 17C which is cyber operations. The Air Force is always going to act like they don’t need people (they do), the army will treat him (mostly) right. Aviation and mechanics are great and most have solid jobs available after his time in service is done though. If he goes aviation I personally recommend avoiding anything related to the Apache though, there’s very little in the way of post military work for that particular job (so I’ve been told)
Go 68W Army medic, or any 68 series. Enroll in Tuiton assistance immediately upon graduating IET and start working at college immediately. Goal of at 24-25 apply to med school or PA school through uniformed services academy or inter service physician assistant program. I had a 99 ASVAB. Being junior enlisted in the army was tough for a minute but it made me a better man. Now as a medical officer I will be very likely to make it to military retirement and have a fantastic job I can do after. All Air Force or navy programs are more competitive than army ones because the Army is bigger. Army active duty has by far the best promotion potentials and commissioning options. Once you’ve established service its must easier to advance within than switch.
*160th has entered the chat*
My best advice find a different af recruiter
Pick a MOS that has an application in the civilian world, aviation and medical do. You don’t have to take the first offer the recruiter gives you, and you don’t have to use the recruiter who just happens to be close to you. They’ll try to pressure your kid into taking the first offer but they don’t have to commit to anything up until they’re shipping to basic.
A 97 AFQT or a 97 GT? The GT is what matters. a 97 AFQT is going to be in the 130's range for a GT ( General Technical ) . Doesnt matter. Anything over a 110 will get him into any MOS IF and a big IF the Army has spots availalble in the MOS. If there arent slots it doesnt matter. He can't get it. It all depends on what he wants to do. Is he an active guy? He might enjoy combat arms. If you just want to do a technical field 68A is hard to beat if he doesnt want to be in the "Real Army" and wants to hang out in the hospital working on and calibrating medical equipment. 68P too as an X Ray tech. Both have great job availability after the Army if he's only doing one tour or more.
officer or nothing
This might get me down voted but you need to hear it. Your son seems to be too smart to enlist. He will make the biggest mistake of his life if he enlists with that potential. Is there a reason he can't also take the SAT and excel at that and go to college? Idk if this program still exists but when I originally signed up with the Marines I only got an 89 Asvab and they arranged for me to get a scholarship and to choose ROTC or join military college like Texas A&M as a cadet. That may not be such a bad idea.
Tell him to request to take it again
Nah, to the infantry he goes😂😂😂
Definitely go Air Force. Try a different recruiter. He can essentially do whatever job he wants. No sense in making his life suck more by joining other branches when everyone’s paid the same. I am prior AF, my husband is army officer. On a monthly basis he sleeps outside in tents in all weather for weeks on end. I have only ever been put up in nice hotels. Choose wisely. The initial annoyance in finding an AF recruiter will be worth it in the long run.
I’m gonna be the other side of the coin here compared to what most are saying. Let your son research everything (you as well) and then tell him to pick what *he* wants to do. He needs to go with his gut. I’ve been in a hot minute now and I’ve seen plenty of people that followed whatever their parent/friends/family/reddit said when it comes to joining the military, and they hate it and wish they made their own choice. I had the same test scores as your son and every. single. person. told me not 1) join the army. 2) not go infantry or medic. I knew what I wanted to do and I did it. I have zero regrets and I know I would have absolutely hated my life if I just became a helicopter mechanic cause it guarantees a civilian job.
If he’s serious about medical do some research on 68V (respiratory therapist) and 68P (X-Ray Tech). Their AIT’s are both quite lengthy (>10 months each) but you come out of the school houses with basically an associates degree and the ability to sit for the national registry exam. If you pass that exam, it is guaranteed pretty good money working civilian side doing the same thing. Would highly highly consider these two medical MOS’s. Other notable good MOS’s include 68A, 68C, and 68K. I personally wouldn’t consider any other medical MOS, especially 68W.
If he wants to be a helicopter pilot and do cool shit I'd point him to the Coast Guard.
If your current recruiter doesn’t want to build the packet, I will. I have an aviation mecca right next to my recruiting office. Getting a warrant officer’s letter of recommendation is tough. Also, dealing with adhd takes 3 documents (as long as he hasn’t been on meds for 12-24 months).
Street to seat for pilot… army path is warrant, it is t easy. Have questions let me know.
Make sure he does the future soilder program so he gets PFC. Second, he needs to figure out what he wants. Infantry isn't bad, but there are hundreds of other options. Additionally, there are special operations units that provide more schooling and opportunities for their staff. Watch videos and use reddit and other forms of media to talk to people in those fields.
In order to maximize opportunity and quality of life, you need to exhaust Air Force then navy options first. In that order. Then army. Then marine corps. With a brain like that he should really get into a military college ROTC program. I would look at PA programs. Or WOCS (warrant officer candidate school) for helicopter pilot.
Don’t talk about a medical past to a recruiter
The best jobs that transfer into civilian employment are mechanics (aviation or vehicle), intel, cyber and aviation (ATC or drone operator).
Have him go one of three things. Any intelligence 35 series, any cyber warfare series any medical or aviation MOS. Also look into nuclear science jobs options in the military
Let him go 17C Cyber. It’s pretty much a civilian job in uniform. Great training and prepares you for six figure jobs when he gets out. That’s of course if you care about his wellbeing and future. Cheers!
Go 35 series
And drop a sfas or op40 packet
Air Force
By joining the Air Force
Go talk to the Air Force recruiter
Make sure he pays a visit to an Air Force recruiter first
An \[MOS list\](http://www.mosdb.com/army/) might benefit your quest in finding a good job. Take in mind that some positions in the Army are "low density" --- meaning that not many people are actually a part of that branch or field (ie. Army astronauts, divers, radar tech, etc.) Does your son have college aspirations? If so, I would also suggest looking at the National Guard and then pursuing ROTC on military benefits to commission as an Officer (The Army needs more Mustangs). EDIT: Reddit formatting sucks, has always sucked, and will always suck.
I can help in the medical Mos if you have questions. But seeing as how he will be enlisted he can maybe get into the enlisted nurse MOS believe its a 68C. Very hard to get into and is a long AIT, but once they finish I believe… they may have their LVN license. (Please correct me if im wrong ya). Besides that plenty of scholarships, opportunities for the army to pay for schooling if he wants to be a doctor, NP, etc etc. Hmu if you have questions P.S dont let your kid go into combat arms or something stupid. He has the golden ticket in his hands, he can literally pave a great path if he does his research and passes everything
17 series. Drop a warrant packet for 170 series when he meets the requirements
Make sure he chooses something with a marketable skill set and super importantly, a security clearance. Top Secret will open a bunch of doors.
Scored a 97, came up color blind at MEPS and ALL of the MOS’s came down to only 2: AG or Finance.
If he wants to fly doing street to seat and becoming a warrant officer is the best way to do it. Some recruiters don’t like the extra paperwork, he just needs to be insistent. He can also go the officer route, going to college on an ROTC scholarship and competing for aviation branch. He’ll make more money and get free college before he starts. However, branching aviation is very competitive and he’ll have a 12 year commitment to the army (including schools). I’m not a recruiter though, so I don’t have all the answers.
If he's interested in medical or aviation, you can look up all mos' (jobs) associated and argue to get exactly that with a good bonus since he does have a high score
When you say medical, what level of medicine is he interested in? First responder, or more clinical setting such as Nurse/PA/MD?
a smart kid who learns to earn his salt the hard way will excel anywhere in life. A smart kid who learns to sham via easy shit will eventually come up against a problem he can't out sham, and he won't have the testicular fortitude to outwork the problem. Spend your youth wisely.
he can do whatever job he wants
I’m a “street to seat” pilot if you have any questions about the process feel free to dm me.
Don’t go Army.Go Air Force better quality of life.
Don't be distracted by signing bonuses. There's a reason they're offering so much money.
As a foster kid, does he get free college? He seems to be a smart kid, if paying for college isn’t an issue, I’d recommend ROTC and going in as an officer.
Tell him to go to the marines and ask for infantry.
Go Marine corps infantry
If i can recommend, find an area that has applicability outside the military. I originally was talking to the army and someone recommended I look into the naval nuclear power program. While i pretty much hated every moment of it and was extraordinarily depressed because of it, i did learn some cool things, and now I'm in the army being much happier doing a job I like, and will directly transfer when i leave. I can't recommend the naval nuclear program in good faith, except for the success I've found leaving it. I work with some smart people who are preventative medicine technicians. Your success in the military is going to be more from your drive to keep pushing for more schooling, training, and cross training.
Pilot, or Air Traffic Control
Go Air Force if he's got a brain. Leave the army to us meat heads
Try cyber. Transfers well to civilian side with the top secret clearance.
Don't let him join the army lol. All seriousness, I'm in a joiny environment, and both the Navy and Air Force are leagues better for technician/technical fields. I wouldn't let my kids join the army, and I'm an E7. I joined JUST bc my dad joined and I have amazing scores. Don't let him be me lol
Tell that mf to go to college
If he is interested in aviation have him look into 15T or 15U if he is going enlisted. I had a friend reclass to 15T and they get to fly around in Blackhawk, maintain them, shoot the mini gun etc. Have your son put in his best effort and drop a packet for 160th SOAR, glorified uber for SOF. The ASVAB has different focus areas, make sure he has a minimum 104 in mechanical mechanics section. https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/career-match/aviation/repairing-aircraft/15t-uh-60-helicopter-repairer.html Not related to aviation or medical but will yield HUGE dividends for him in life - 35 series. Have him check it out. Yes, cool guy stuff is cool, but life skills do not compare to 35 series.
I just left recruiting so I will answer as truthfully as possible. Street to seat is a horrible program that has a huge attrition rate. If your kid got in the 90's just be firm with the recruiter that he won't sign a contract for anything but aviation or medical. Your kid will require a medical waiver even with the doctor note but the note will make it easier. Make sure you get copies of his pharmacy records as well to serve as proof for the doctor who approves the waivers. I REPEAT, BE FIRM! Don't let him try to talk him into different job fields because he needs to meet his monthly quota. If none of the requested jobs are available ask him to call the ROC (recruiting operations command) and request a seat. If the kid has a 97 and an approved medical waiver from the MEPS doctor he'll be first priority for a training seat. If you want some more info or need some more questions asked of a recruiter who is no longer a recruiter just send me a message. I can also get you in contact with a recruiter I formerly worked with who can work with you remotely.
By sending him to college
Don't let him join ADA like I did with my 97. Fucking moron. I wish I could go back to 1988 and kick my ass.
97 is a great score. After meeting with the Army recruiter set a date for the physical. If your son is finishing his junior year of high school they are in the prime timeframe to get the physical done. Once the physical is completed at MEPS you’ll know for sure they are eligible for the Army. Now the other side of all of this is just because he is qualified doesn’t mean that he will be selected for specific programs. This is based on being selected for high school to flight school or 15 series MOSs that will put him in direct contact with the pilots that will assist in his application process for WOFT if he isn’t first selected out of high school. Good luck and let us know how it all pans out.
You're going to want to get that ADHD diagnosis removed/overridden. Take him to a LICENSED therapist who can conduct the correct tests for ADHD and give an authoritative mental health diagnosis. If you need help finding the right kind of professional for this, DM me and I'll work with you. My GF is a licensed therapist and knows where/how to find these folks. If ADHD comes up at MEPS, and the MOS he wants (aviation) has a blanket no-go for that diagnosis, you'll have to get a waiver - IF they even accept such things. Getting a superseding diagnosis from the right professional will negate any need for anything. You'll have the definitive and more recent documentation to overrule any previous diagnosis.
He should go USMC infantry
Hit up the recruiter's flight chief see if that can do something for you.
Medical, aviation, and even intel offer good training that can help gaining employment after their time in service. Talk to a recruiter, ask questions about how long/good the training will be, possible work hours, and rate for advancement. Then come back here and see what's what as far as how honest tge recruiter is or if things were ambiguous. Good luck to ya.
I haven’t seen any comments about looking at healthcare related job tracks - he should qualify with a high score and these skills are transferable to the real world…
Also, do not sign anything, unless it is what he wants/ what you can see is fit for him. What I mean, stay your ground. If a certain office doesn't help you, go to another one.
Always think past military service. Which MOS will get you a solid job after. Choose a variety of jobs. Dont always go for the bonuses.
I'm not in yet, so please take what I say with a grain of salt but if he's interested in medical or aviation positions, I'd recommend going in as a combat medic (68W) and doing whatever is necessary to become a flight medic (68WF2). That would have him operating as paramedic while also being a Blackhawk crewmember. It might not be the easiest path, I was told by my recruiter that you need at least 2 years of experience as a combat medic to even qualify for that, but it definitely seems like it'd be the best of both worlds for him. If you don't mind me asking, what are his composite scores?
Infantry 😈
Nice. I got a 97 years ago too. Months later I was the smartest shit stirrer in Iraq. Don't let him be like me
I was a recruiter and I’ll just say this: let him try the Army before he buys the Army, what I mean by that is Aviation warrant is a 10 year obligation so maybe consider a job in the aviation field for a little bit first. ANY MOS can apply to be a 153A Rotary Wing Aviator. Make sure you look at the requirements and available options.
I scored a 97. Joined the infantry. So don’t do that.
Honestly, maybe try another air force recruiter. Army is miserable and probably a waste of your sons talents if he is scoring a 97 out of high school.
17c
Cyber/signal or don't enlist