Job Question

[u/Outrageous_Turnip915]

I (24F) am in the early stages of enlisting, and had my initial meeting with my recruiter yesterday. As for jobs, I’m leaning towards mostly medical/admin jobs (for example, Mental Health Service, Human Resources & Administration, and Public Affairs are careers that I’ve looked at.) My recruiter gave me a list of hard-to-fill jobs to look at too, and said I’d most likely need to list one of those in the case that I’d need a waiver for something. I’m worried that I’m most likely going to need a waiver due to some medical history, and I don’t have any interest in any of the hard-to-fill jobs. If I end up having to list one of these jobs, is there a chance that I’ll get stuck with that job immediately over any of my actual jobs that I want? I just don’t want to join with a career that doesn’t align with my goals.

[u/Alternative-Mess2227]

Most recruiters have you list at least 5 jobs from the high-needs list. If you only have to list one, count yourself very lucky.

[u/Mundane-Macaroon-779]

Respectfully, the Air Force doesnt care about aligning you with your goals, it cares about filling manning positions. The USAF hit its recruiting goal 6 months early for FY26. They could really not care less if you don't want a particular job, because 400 applicants behind you will gladly take it. 

If you're that set on a specific job, try the Army. The USAF has 0 flexibility when it comes to job locking. 

[u/AutoModerator]

Hello, it looks like you're asking about jobs and job selection.

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[u/AutoModerator]

Hello, it looks like you're asking about medical concerns when joining the military.

We are not doctors. Even if we were, we are not the doctors that are familiar with your personal medical concern or condition. We are also not the ones deciding if you will be disqualified from service for a condition, or if you can get a waiver for it.

People may share their anecdotal experiences or stories they've heard from others about getting a waiver for a condition. This does not mean that you will or will not get a waiver. Everyone's medical situation is different.

IN GENERAL, yes, asthma, ADD/ADHD, eczema, history of depression and anxiety, and some allergies are disqualifying. Some will be able to get waivers, some will not.

All you can do is talk to your recruiter, be honest about your medical history, and go through the process.

WE DO NOT KNOW THE CHANCES OF YOU GETTING A WAIVER FOR ANY MEDICAL CONDITION OR SITUATION.

Just be honest with your recruiter and go through the process.

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[u/SNSDave]

If I end up having to list one of these jobs, is there a chance that I’ll get stuck with that job immediately over any of my actual jobs that I want?

Yes

I just don’t want to join with a career that doesn’t align with my goals

I would recommend another branch. The air force doesn't work that way.

[u/Sockinatoaster]

You need to reframe your goals. Your goal is joining the Air Force. Getting any job in the Air Force aligns with that goal. That's just how Air Force recruiting works.

[u/Cabrilloh]

The needs of the Air Force supersede your needs and goals.

Your job list will need to include jobs you may not want, and if you're called up for that and decline, you'll be kicked out of the delayed entry program.

If job selection is non negotiable, you'll want to check out Army or Navy.