ASVAB Scores Impact Military Careers
The higher your score on the ASVAB tests, the more chance you'll have to attend your desired training school for a particular military service occupation. This is especially important when you consider that a high percentage of recruits enroll in the military services with the purpose of acquiring occupational training skills that can benefit them when and if they return to civilian life. There are some interesting facts you may wish to consider:
- Statistics show that nearly all U.S. Army recruits enter service to train in specific skill areas.
- In the Air Force, about 60 percent of recruits enter to receive training in a specific skill set, in aviation specialties or electronic areas, for instance.
- Seventy percent of U.S. Navy enlistees enter the service with a desire to obtaining training in a specific skill and occupation.
- Marine Corps recruitment guarantees 85 percent of their enlistees their chosen occupational area.
Those who are undecided about career and do not enter the U.S Air Force with a specific job target in mind are assigned to specific skill areas during the basic training process. If you're contemplating a military service occupation in a particular field, it is extremely important to do well on the ASVAB tests so that you can fit into the higher categories of enlistment. Certainly, a Tier 1 Air Force recruit who scores in the 90th percentile will have a much better chance of making it in the field of aviation mechanics than a recruit from Category IIIA. Scoring high on the ASVAB-AFQT is especially important when the job openings in certain popular skill areas are limited.
Besides having an effect on your choice of military occupation, there are several other important reasons to achieve a high ASVAB score. With a higher score, you're more likely to be granted your wish to serve in a particular geographic area or to participate in incentive programs. Military incentive programs may include enlistment bonuses and college fund assistance.
