With these ASVAB scores, what branches should I be thinking about as an Army Officer down the road?

My scores were every bit as high across the board, if not higher; plus I had 1 Associates and 2 Bachelors degrees going in. So what? Big deal. All that means is I had a few more options than some others, just as you do SPC (Join to see).

I chose to start my Army life as a Grunt before becoming a Reserve 88M. I gave strong consideration to commissioning after I had enlisted experience; an experience I wanted and felt I would be an asset to the Army doing. In a time of 2 wars, a 36 year old, over-educated Grunt, who despite repeated opportunities (and some cajoling) in the end decided that for me, the right path was to stay on the enlisted side and become an NCO. It's fine if you feel that is not the right path for you Jason.

So what's my point? The point is find what you want for yourself, learn what you can about being a solider and know what value you can bring to the Army. Let's all not get whipped up over intelligence and high scores, because in-and-of themselves they're fine, but they alone don't make anyone a better soldier.


Its good to have a plan for your personal betterment--we all do--but I have some concerns about the "tone" of your plan from what I read in your original question and your various responses. I am trying hard not to read-in too much here, but you're fairly open about wanting to milk as much money on the enlisted side as possible without regard for the job you do. Mmmkay, but it makes me wonder about your attitudes and motivations.

If you're not aware, let me introduce you to one of the 7 Army Values you'll get to know: Selfless Service. Ask yourself, what comes first in your mind (and to what degree): Your service to the people you hope to lead one day, the Army and the country it protects or to your yourself?

Only you know the answers, and you DON'T own them to me.

Lastly, why do you want to be an officer? By that I mean, what is your motivation? Higher pay? Better resume bullet point? The ability to boss people around? Or is there something more; something deeper? If you can do well for yourself in an honest, ethical manner as an officer and a leader in the military, God bless ya, and I really hope you succeed. Honestly. If you're looking out for #1 however, you simply don't belong. Period.

Again, only you know the answers, and you DON'T own them to me.

SPC (Join to see) Wow...with those scores you should be eligible for some really good MOSes. If you're going ROTC, IMO you should take a Combat Arms MOS and then branch transfer if you don't like the one you're in. If you don't plan on doing 20, take something that will easily transfer into the civilian word. But if you want to drive trucks, go for it. Just my $.02.

Unless enlisted recruiting has changed A LOT, the counselors will offer you open training slots based your qualifications and time line. You may WANT to be a truck driver, a good job with income potential in the civilian sector, but there may not be a training seat open when you want to ship. Here's a couple of hints: all officers are management-they lead units. They plan co-ordinate and direct. Enlisted folks execute the directives. NCO's train, supervise and evaluate the individual soldier. You want to pick a skill as an enlisted member that will complement your plan to be an officer. I'd recommend logistics, engineering or artillery. If you want to stay in the 88/Trans field, I'd recommend 88N over the M. Novembers are unit movement planners and fits better with your description of your career plan. From your scores, you would qualify for training in almost any enlisted job but your Guard Unit may not have the slot so they may not pay for training. You need to make sure they will pay for it. If they are offering you a bonus, there may be some fine print about fulfilling a contract period or you may have to pay some or all of it back. Finally, military service, particularly in War-time, is serious business. Lives are on the line and the decisions you make for you also affect all those around you. They military WILL get their money's worth just having you in uniform on the line somewhere. You must be just as mercenary about getting the most out of your service experience but always remember, particularly as an officer, others are watching what you do; you set the example that others will emulate. If you put your interest before your subordinate's, the unit's and or the Service, they will see and they will treat you accordingly. Choose carefully but act confidently.

If you are going to get commissioned through ROTC, then the only relevant scores are AFQT and GT. Your scores are high enough to become an officer. You’re enlisted branch won’t matter much when DA assigns you a branch. (I was an enlisted Cav Scout, but was branched Irdnance$ Your scores look high enough to qualify for any MOS so pick the one you think you will enjoy the most until you get commissioned.

Your high scores mean you are good at reading, vocabulary and math. You are a good candidate who can learn. You have the mental capacity to do any job, the key is to find a job that will interest AND Challenge you.. If you choose a job in some of the intel or electronic repair jobs, it will save wear and tear on you body....and maybe provide time to go to college at night. .

I had pretty much the same except my AFQT was 98. GT was 134, etc. Why 88M? You should be eligible for any MOS. I’d really consider 34F or something in MI. Much better paying jobs when you get out. If your good with computers there’s always the new Cyber Command and associated MOS’s. There are plenty of dead end MOS’s where you can make rank but then won’t go much farther because promotion possibilities are very limited. I made that mistake with 31B (MP) and 14G (ADA). I guess it all depends on what your end game is.

Don't let your ASVAB score alone trick you into thinking you're a better fit for a certain branch or MOS. It is simply a vocational test.

You're performance as a future officer has virtually nothing to do with how well you scored on it and everything to do with how well you can lead your Soldiers. And an effective officer (with proper technical knowledge) should be able to lead Soldiers/Airmen/Marines/Sailors from any community, intellect level, experience level, etc.

In short, focus on a branch that appeals to you and try to abandon the idea that you'll be a better fit for a specific branch because of your intellect.

ASVAB scores are great for placement when you enlist. Once you're in, if you think the matter. You are wrong. If you want to be an officer. Go to college and take ROTC. You can always hope that OCS will open up. Chances are with high ASVAB scores, you will be in an MOS that is a critical shortage and you wont be realeased for OCS.

These scores will do nothing for you in achieving your branch. Typically your branch is assigned based off of an OML within your ROTC/OCS/USMA class. It also depends on the needs of the army at the time. If you want to do something in particular, try your best to be toward the top of your class in ROTC, stay in communication with your PMS and let them know your goals.

The moment youncontract with ROTC you are subject to pay back any bonus money you received. Keep that in mind.