family Military Career STEP 2 (ASVAB TEST)

[Cowboy Denny]

Is the military your choice for a career?  It's not a bad choice and if you ask me I believe we Americans should do what Italians do and require everyone who graduates serve their country for a minimum of two years.  Then they have the choice to either stay with the military and work towards and nice retirement or go the public sector and find a job with a company.

If the military is your choice, you should probably practice the ASVAB testing which practice testing is available on this website, ASVAB Practice Test Online but why do you need to practice?  Most people think they can join any branch if they want which isn't true.  Everyone wanting to join the Military must take a written test called ASVAB which stands for Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery. After taking the test you'll have to wait a few weeks for the results which is given to you as a number and that number tells you what branch of service you qualify for.  Not only what branch you qualify for but what jobs in the service you qualify for.  The higher the score the more job/career choices you have.

Examples of 2018 minimum AFQT scores for entry into each branch, with a high school diploma, are as follows:

• Army & National Guard – 31
• Marine Corps – 32
• Navy – 35
• Air Force – 36
• Coast Guard – 40

So now you see what is the minimum score and now you don't like what you got you may have the question.... 

Can I Take the ASVAB Test More Than Once?

The Answer is Yes.

• 1st Retake of the ASVAB you must wait one full calendar month to retake the ASVAB test
• 2nd Retake of the ASVAB you must wait an additional calendar month to retest
• 3rd Retake of the ASVAB you have to wait six calendar months to retake the ASVAB.
• 4th Retake of the ASVAB you have to wait six calendar months to retake the ASVAB.
• Any additional times are just like the 3rd and 4th where you have to wait six calendar months to retake the ASVAB.

Where Can I Take the ASVAB Test? How Do I Schedule It?

You can contact the Armed Forces Recruiting Officer in your area and you can schedule an appointment with a local recruiter from the branch of the military you wish to join.  Honestly the best place for you to take the ASVAVB test (the least stressful) is your High School and/or if you are going to some ROTC program that is another great option versus coming down to the MEPS for ASVAB testing.

Getting Ready For Your Test Date

Now is also a good time to learn more about the specific sub-sections of the ASVAB test. You may be a pro at solving math problems, but if reading comprehension is not your forte it can bring down your overall ASVAB score, known specifically as your AFQT score.

To study effectively for the ASVAB, you really need to begin studying at least two months before you plan to take the test, if not more!

Here are some basic steps to take:

• Find a comfortable, quiet area to study.
• Gather paper, pens and pencils, a calculator and other tools.
• Make a basic study schedule.

Making a Schedule
Probably the most important thing is to make a schedule and stick with it. Some days, you will be a little tired, and you may not concentrate as hard as you should on other days, but if you are consistent, you will reap great rewards.

When you first begin studying, you should make a list of the areas you are good at and those on which you could use improvement.

If you're not really sure, it would be a great idea to take a practice ASVAB test.

This will help you figure out what you're good and not so good at. For example, you might make a table like this:

Section	Current Skill Level Scale of 1 - 5: 1 = Low 5 = High
AFQT Sections
Arithmetic reasoning (AR)	3
Mathematics knowledge (MK)	2
Word knowledge (WK)	4
Paragraph comprehension (PC)	3
Extra Sections
General science (GS)	11
Auto and shop information (AS)	11
Mechanical comprehension (MC)	19
Electronics information (EI)	9

Focus on Your Weaknesses

Focus on the four essential sections, those critical to the AFQT score, first. From the example above, it seems that your verbal abilities are at least OK: you gave yourself a four on the word knowledge section and a three on paragraph comprehension. However, your math skills could use some work -- especially with mathematics knowledge, as you only have a skill level of two. This tells you that you'll have to work extra hard on the math sections.

After you know the problem, the solution will come much easier. In the example above, you probably would want to spend about 60% of your time with math studying and about 40% with verbal. If you are really ambitious, you could throw in some studying time for the nonessential sections -- GS, AS, MC, EI.

Once you have decided on a test date, it is important to register as early as possible. This will prevent any avoidable issues with test administrators needing enough time to make sure you are eligible to take the test.

What if I fail the ASVAB?

There is no pass or fail on the ASVAB. You cannot "ace" the ASVAB or "flunk" it! Your scores reflect your own abilities!  The maximum score for all ASVAB tests is 99.

You will want to do your best so that you will be eligible for the military skill specialty that matches your ability and interests. In addition, to be eligible to enlist in one of the military services, you must obtain a minimum Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) score, which varies between services as mentioned at the beginning.

How long are ASVAB scores valid?

ASVAB scores are good for two years.

Any help out there?

Here is some help to do better at your ASVAB Test.  It's $20 but to help you get the most job choices in whatever branch of service you choose, you need good scores so $20 to help you get those opportunities doesn't sound like a whole lot.

ASVAB Secrets Study Guide