Learning Express Editors - ASVAB Success

As a guide for high school and post-secondary school students, to help them decide upon career paths for which they might best be suited, whether in the military or in some other field or endeavor. There are three different ASVAB tests that are currently being used todaytwo are for military recruiters and the third is used by educational institutions. We will discuss the ASVAB in much more detail and the differences between the various tests later on in this lesson. Before we go into greater detail about the exam, lets review the process of joining the military and some of the jobs that are available to you there. Basic Requirements Certain requirements for enlistment vary with each service, so checking with a recruiter of your military service of choice is the only way to ensure you know all the service-specific qualifications. be a U.S. citizen or legal resident of the United States. have a high school diploma or GED. be drug-free. have a clean arrest record. have a clean arrest record.

It is important to be truthful with your recruiter about any trouble you have had in the past with drugs or with the law. Criminal history checks are conducted on applicants. However, some kinds of problems can be overcome, if they are really in the past , not current difficulties. Check with your recruiter. Working with Your Recruiter The recruiter is there to help you. In speaking with him or her, you will have the opportunity to ask as many questions as you want and get a detailed picture of what each branch of the military has to offer.

All recruiters will have brochures, videotapes, pamphlets, and years of personal experience to offer as resources. Dont be afraid to bring along a parent or trusted friend to help ask questions. You can find out about salaries, fringe benefits, postings, and educational opportunitiesincluding financial aid for college. The recruiter will also ask you about your education, physical and mental health, and all sorts of in-depth questions about your goals, interests, hobbies, and life experience. Your recruiter will talk to you about the benefits of enlisting: the pay, travel, experience, and training. You and your recruiter can also start to discuss the kinds of military jobs available.

These jobs are mentioned later in this lesson. Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) If you show definite interest in enlisting, your recruiter will schedule you for a trip to a MEPS in your area (theres one in almost every state) for a day of computer-based and physical testing. The MEPS is where applicants for every branch of the military begin the enlistment process. During your day at MEPS, you will go through three phases: mental (aptitude) testing taking the ASVAB medical exam having a routine physical by non-military doctors administrative procedures filling out paperwork and discussing your military job options If all three phases are successful, you will join the military and begin your Basic Training. Military Occupational Specialties (MOSs) Joining the military does not just make you a soldier. In fact, there are numerous jobs and job types in every branch of the military.

The following is a limited list of the many options available. Your score on some sections of the ASVAB can affect whether you are qualified to fill certain positions. Administrative Administrative Specialist Cartographer Executive Administrative Assistant Finance Specialist Information Systems Operator Intelligence Analyst Personnel Administration Specialist Combat Specialty Ammunition Specialist Combat Engineer Infantryman M1 Armor (tank) Crewmember PATRIOT Missile Crewmember Communications and Information Systems Information Technology Specialist NODAL Network Systems Operator Visual Information Specialist Construction Carpentry and Masonry Specialist Electronic and Electrical Equipment Repair Radio Repairer Engineering, Science, and Technical Interior Electrician Single Channel Radio Operator Healthcare Animal Care Specialist Behavioral Science Specialist Dental Laboratory Specialist Medical Specialist Practical Nurse Psychological Operations Specialist X-Ray Specialist Machine Operator and Precision Work Crane Operator Machinist Media and Public Affairs Broadcast Journalist Multimedia Illustrator Transportation and Material Handling Fabric Repair Specialist Motor Transport Operator Watercraft Operator Vehicle and Machinery Mechanic Aviation Systems Repairer Light-Wheel Vehicle Mechanic PATRIOT System Repairer UH-60 Helicopter Repairer Do any of these jobs interest you? Keep in mind that to qualify for these positions, you have to receive a specified minimum score on different sections on the ASVAB. Now lets review the ASVAB in greater detail so you know exactly what you will face on test day and what you will have to study to get the score you need. The ASVAB for Non-Military Types Its important to remember that taking the ASVAB does not obligate you to join the military. If you take the ASVAB with no intention of entering the military, the test is, for you, simply an aptitude test.