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OT - ASVAB

notsobrady's picture

My Bio S19, graduates high school in May. He's decided to take the ASVAB. 

I'm nervous and excited for him at the sametime. 

Any tips for him? Other than studying? He's begun taking the online practice tests to prepare and so far has done really well. He's taking it this Saturday at the high school. Which I encouraged him to do, as I felt taking it in a recruiting office may make him nervous and he may not score as well.

He's interested in either Air Force or Coast Guard. We've done some reading and these 2 branches are also the most difficult to enter.

Any tips are appreciated.

Comments

ProbablyAlreadyInsane's picture

The ASVAB is easy.  He'll be fine.  He can study some, but it's not overly difficult.  Most people pass pretty easily (unless you're dumb as bricks... Cue homie who got a 4... idk how that's even possible), it's designed to see how your brain works.  There's some basic circutry, math, english, and mechanics.  All of it is about a 10th grade level roughly.

Tell him not to sweat it, just stay calm and remember that most of the questions aren't too complex, so he doens't need to over complicate anything Smile

justmakingthebest's picture

Feel free to PM me if you guys have any questions. My whole family is military. DH is a nuke in the Navy, exH is a Chief in the AF his wife is also AF, My dad was Special Forces in the Army LOL and that is just getting started. 

--figureditout--'s picture

OBS took it a month ago  He scored high in everything but the mechanical stuff as he is book smart. It gives a vague idea of what you're good at, so the military knows your capabilities. He is 17 and has no plans on joining the military even though DH is retired AF.

Crspyew's picture

I don't know what these other posters are basing their opinions on but the ASVAB is not just meant to weed out morons.  It identifies skills and more importantly is an indicator of capability.  One doesn't pass or fail, one receives a score that is used to place the enlisted in a training pipeline.  U mentioned AF and Coast Guard-- does your son want to be a mess cook or a helmsman; does he want to work on the flight line or be part of the aircrew? His ASVAB scores will, initially, drive his placement.  And he should investigate the ratings/designators for the branches.  What is the advancement rate?  which ratings require more time away from home port?  What are the likely duty assignments?  My sil is USAF in a niche type specialty that requires him to travel btwn 20-25 days a month.  Great advancement potential but hard on the home life.  My. DH is retired Navy, 26 years of sea duty status.  His last year on sea duty he spent a total of 90 days in port and a quarter of those days required him to be on the ship round the clock.  It's a good life if u don't weaken.

notsobrady's picture

Definitely good information. I'm not so sure what his thoughts or plans are at the moment. I suggested he get the results and see where he lands. He's very interested in travel so as a single young man I think it would be a good experience for him. I'm sure the reality of things/placements and decisions will be harder than he thinks though once results are in.