I'm former Navy (Electronics Technician - Radio/Radar), but was in Army JROTC in High School.
First step is to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). There is no obligation to take that test (despite the pressure from the Navy or Air Force recruiter that you need to "lock up" your spot right away). Your score on this test will essentially open or shut doors to the variety of jobs/ratings you can ask for.
Generally, if you score high enough, you can guarantee a slot in a school of your choice, post-boot camp graduation. Like anything, if you fail in boot camp (generally sent home) or fail in the the "A-school" -- you can be put into any classification as the military sees fit.
Ignore all "promises" from recruiters that are not explicitly made in writing. Verbal assurances are meaningless -- no matter how sincere the recruiter appears.
You will be best served, if you feel the military is not going to be a career, to select jobs/classifications that have immediate transferability to civilian applications.
Once in, take advantage of all the training schools or other educational outlets that the military offers (and the GI Bill when you exit).
P.S., Some boot camp tips (applies to Air Force probably)
1. Consider when your boot camp located and join in "good weather" months. Great Lakes is hot & humid in July/Aug and bitter cold in Dec-Feb.
2. Show up being able to at least run a mile with little effort and do 20 "real pushups". They'll train you up from there, but those first 2 weeks will be brutal if you can't do either on day 1.
3. It's all about paying attention to (mostly meaningless) details. This is to prepare you to not being lazy and learn your most innocent mistakes can get someone killed. So it appears "stupid" early, but you'll see it's importance later.
First step is to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). There is no obligation to take that test (despite the pressure from the Navy or Air Force recruiter that you need to "lock up" your spot right away). Your score on this test will essentially open or shut doors to the variety of jobs/ratings you can ask for.
Generally, if you score high enough, you can guarantee a slot in a school of your choice, post-boot camp graduation. Like anything, if you fail in boot camp (generally sent home) or fail in the the "A-school" -- you can be put into any classification as the military sees fit.
Ignore all "promises" from recruiters that are not explicitly made in writing. Verbal assurances are meaningless -- no matter how sincere the recruiter appears.
You will be best served, if you feel the military is not going to be a career, to select jobs/classifications that have immediate transferability to civilian applications.
Once in, take advantage of all the training schools or other educational outlets that the military offers (and the GI Bill when you exit).
P.S., Some boot camp tips (applies to Air Force probably)
1. Consider when your boot camp located and join in "good weather" months. Great Lakes is hot & humid in July/Aug and bitter cold in Dec-Feb.
2. Show up being able to at least run a mile with little effort and do 20 "real pushups". They'll train you up from there, but those first 2 weeks will be brutal if you can't do either on day 1.
3. It's all about paying attention to (mostly meaningless) details. This is to prepare you to not being lazy and learn your most innocent mistakes can get someone killed. So it appears "stupid" early, but you'll see it's importance later.