The query focuses on the advisability of delaying entry into the military until specific job openings become available at a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). MEPS facilities are responsible for evaluating potential recruits’ qualifications for service, including medical, aptitude, and moral standards. A candidate might consider waiting in the hope of securing a preferred military occupational specialty (MOS) or job assignment.
The potential benefit of this strategy lies in increasing the likelihood of pursuing a career path aligned with individual skills and interests within the armed forces. Historically, recruits were often assigned jobs based on the immediate needs of the military, irrespective of individual preferences. Waiting for specific job openings could lead to higher job satisfaction and potentially a longer, more fulfilling military career. However, it involves inherent risks, such as changes in eligibility criteria, shifts in military needs, or the desired positions being filled by other candidates.