I did talk to an enlisted recruiter (in the common out of ignorance way) when I was in high school. He said something to the effect of "no way you are getting into flight school with these grades/etc, you should enlist, you can go in undesignated and figure out what you want from there". I told him no thanks, turned around and left, and 10 years later I was flying grey Navy jets off the boat. This was prior to 9/11, and I hadn't really become serious about it at that point, so I guess that helped in not biting when he cast the bait. Long story short, I'm aware that the process is often skewed or unclear in an applicant/hopeful's mind. My only point is that if you are barking up the correct tree in such a pursuit, they aren't really in a position to need to lie to you.
Roger, roger - the process leaves a great deal on the applicant to figure out, most certainly for officer candidates. Especially over the last decade, with so many more qualified applicants than slots for them to fill.
They'll hand-hold enlisted to a much greater degree, but even there, just meeting the min quals may get you a "sorry, you didn't make the cut." What's published as minimally qualifying usually won't get you sworn in, unless you pick the right recruiter, at the right time in the FY, in the right location. It can help your case, if female or minority, unless that office has already done well in those areas.
It isn't nice, even kinda cruel, but I've seen "DQ competitions" in an office, where recruiters see who can legitimately disqualify a walk-in the shortest time. Some offices are even appointment only now. . .
In fairness, I've seen some above and beyond, too - a senior recruiter moved heaven and earth to get a minor waiver for a great kid , an emancipated minor (17), working full time, taking care of two younger siblings (parents passed). His great aunt lived in the house, but he was really it, sole source. No surprise to anyone that he was successful. Good, tough kid, way mature beyond his years.
Enjoy your unicorn.
