<Get it in writing.

If it's not already in writing, it likely won't be. No recruiter worth his salt will ever add specifications that are not already available in writing. The recruiter’s career would be on the line.

On the other hand, the recruiter will spout folk tales and stories about MOS scripture that is based on pure assumption, having "heard" the oft-times fictional account from others without actually looking up the facts. They are human, subject to the same errors in judgment as the next recruiter.

Do they have "quotas"? Of course. A recruiter will make the applicant aware of the “other” jobs available in the militaries. This is worked from a spreadsheet showing where shortages of personnel are to be found, and these are the areas the militaries need filled. It is only logical that the recruiter will try to adhere to military needs. The recruiter will hope the applicant is receptive (particularly, though not solely, in the Infantry fields), but the applicant will not be bamboozled into an unwanted job -- unless of course he's really begging to be bamboozled (re-enter the human-factor -- assholes generally get what they’re asking for).

Recruiters are not known to have the most integrity in the world.

This is true of many people, not just recruiters, and like many people, they’re not all ogres. I have personally known many recruiters who actually do try their best to fit a person to the job they are looking for, myself included.

Know what it is you're looking for and learn the specifications of the job, then be as accurate as possible regarding your qualifications. Once you’re in, continue to review the process (as Justin has done). Review your choice throughout schooling and ancillary class work. By the time you get to your permanent assignment, you should know exactly what’s expected of you, as well as what you should expect from others.

Dan (who never was a recruiter)