NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. –
Education Services Specialists (ESSs) play a vital role in the military processing mission across USMEPCOM, serving as the primary coordinators for the ASVAB Career Exploration Program (CEP). As the main advocates for the program, ESSs collaborate with school counselors, administrators and other education professionals to expand access and awareness, ensuring students have the resources they need to make informed decisions about their futures.
Montgomery MEPS ESS Misty Calhoun is passionate about helping students explore their future—whether in the military or beyond. With more than six years at Montgomery MEPS and serving as the ESS Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Montgomery MEPS and USMEPCOM’s 8th Battalion, Calhoun plays a critical role in student testing and career exploration.
“For me, it has a special emphasis because I am from Alabama and I joined the service straight out of high school,” said Calhoun. “The military was a way up in the world. It means a lot to me to give back to the community that I’m from. Everything is personal for me. It means a lot for me to give students career options, whether it’s for the military or not."
Originally from Alabama, she enlisted in the U.S. Army, spending more than nine years in uniform before transitioning to federal service. After working in education services roles with Army Recruiting Command, she jumped at the chance to return home to Alabama when a position opened at Montgomery MEPS.
“When I was working in the recruiting command in Florida and saw this opening in Alabama, it seemed like winning the lottery,” Calhoun said. “I knew this would be a great opportunity to move closer to home. At the time, three of my children were in college in Alabama, and I knew this was where I wanted to be.”
She not only coordinates student testing but also leads post-test interpretation workshops, helping students understand how their strengths align with career paths.
“Our mission in student testing is two-fold, to provide leads to the recruiting services and provide career exploration services to America’s youth,” said Calhoun. “The ASVAB program is about more than just testing, it provides students with a pathway to explore their interests, whether that’s military service, college or a trade career. Seeing the impact it has on their futures is the most rewarding part of my job.”
Her dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. USMEPCOM’s 8th Battalion Executive Director Shawn Aldridge selected her as the battalion’s SME due to her expertise, leadership and ability to consistently exceed student testing goals.
“Misty is invaluable to the Career Exploration program not only for Montgomery MEPS, but all of 8th Battalion,” said Aldridge. “Her efforts directly impact the Battalion’s ability to not only meet but exceed our annual student testing goals.”
In addition to being USMEPCOM’s 8th Battalion’s SME, she coordinated with the Alabama Governor’s office to sign a proclamation, declaring October 2024 as ASVAB Career Exploration Program Month.
“She set an example for the other ESSs in the Battalion to pursue similar proclamations from the Governors of Mississippi, Tennessee and Kentucky in school year 2025-2026,” said Aldridge.
Despite her busy career, Calhoun maintains a strong work-life balance, thanks in part to her husband, a retired military veteran. Together, they prioritize family time, whether it’s spending weekends at their lake property in Alabama, going on family vacations or simply enjoying time with their three dogs.
“We try to do one trip a year with all the kids,” Calhoun said. “I work hard, but I also make sure to take advantage of my time off. My family and I love to travel—we’ve done beach trips, mountain getaways, even cruises. Last year, I went to Korea to visit my son while he was stationed there. Having the flexibility to do that is priceless.”
Looking ahead, Calhoun is excited to continue growing in her role and helping to shape the futures of students across her region.
“I couldn’t imagine having any other job,” she said. “The job we do is important for the nation and we provide opportunities to people to transform their lives.”