Expert: Aaron Shifferly - 9/29/2009

Question
I am in the process of deciding on whether or not to join the Army.  I am currently a nursing student and want to join before I finish my degree, so I'm wondering if I can choose to have my training in the nursing field.  I understand the basic premise of the ASVAB but am afraid I would become stuck in a position that I do not want.  This is the only issue holding up my enlistment.  Could you please give a little more information on how the job assignment process is done.  Thanks.  God bless the USA.

Answer
Cindy:
First you don't get stuck into anything unless you choose to, because your job and all the aspects of it are spelled out in your contract. If you are not satisfied, simply don't sign it. You will get your pick of choices, but if you want to actually be a nurse the best way to do so is graduate nursing school and apply to the Army's Nurse Corps program. Here is a link to some more information about this: http://www.goarmy.com/amedd/undergrad.jsp

If you were to join without a degree you would be enlisted, and the closest you'd get would be technicians and combat medics. These are more basic positions that require far less skill than your training has given you.  

Bottom line is that you take the ASVAB and then they ask you what you want to do. They will take that into account and generate a list of jobs that fit your desires and that is available.  You can then get more information about this and make a decision. Bottom line: you dont like what you're given you either walk away or they sit with you until you find one that you do like.