RICHinNC once bubbled...
Let's be clear about one thing. On your contract is a statement that you will be given the option to choose a career you would like...however....you will be given the career they want you to have...."the needs of the service"...clause. Like i said, its isnt always fair......can be very good.....very surprising.....very rewarding....and suck too.
This is incorrect.
The Army is the only service that can guarantee your MOS in writing in your contract. If it says you are going to be a clerk you will be a clerk and there is a very good chance that is all you will ever be.
When you sit down to chose your MOS you will pick from a list of what is available at the time. The list may be different tomorrow but if you don't see what you want you can offer to come back another day. You hold 100% of the power in this contract negotiation--if you think of it that way you will get what you want. You should, at a minimum, enlist as E2 because of JROTC. You might be able to talk them in to E3 if they want you bad enough--that's what I had in my contract.
Under no circumstances sign up for any other MOS that you don't want. You can't change it later no matter what they promise you.
On a one year delayed entry you should have your pick!
I was a tough negotiator, got exactly what I wanted, and when I decided it was time for a career change, I left the Army as a Captain.
The needs of the Army clause is in there but as long as you get your MOS in writing, unless there is an extreme circumstance say for example you are a doctor looking for a career change and sign up to be a laundry specialist. If a huge war breaks out you may find yourself in the medical corps.
Good luck and keep going back until you get what you want in writing. It may aggrivate your recruiter but at least he will respect you for it.
Good luck and be all you can.... I mean "Army of One!"
Scott
