The ASVAB or “Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery” is a test used to determine a certain set of skills that an individual is best at. This test was initially created by the Department of Defense to assess what role is best suited for someone in the military. This assessment is divided into nine categories with each one focusing on a different skill area. Categories have a varied number of questions and amount of time that the test taker has per section. The subjects range from science to math to problem solving, and auto shop terminology.
A school has to contact an MEP or “Military Entry Processing” command. The school informs them how many students are taking the test and tells them that this isn’t used for military purposes. “This is the most comprehensive career test that a person can take. The test taker has to specifically approve of the military knowing about this. This means that the only person that knows the score is the counselor and the test taker,” said career specialist Patrick O’Donal.
If students are interested in enlisting into the military after high school then the ASVAB is a requirement to join. This test is used by the military to find what role is best suited for this person when they join. They are able to join all branches of the military from Navy, Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard. The person is required to receive a 31 out of 99 to pass. Although this test is required for people to join, not everyone who takes the test will choose to join the military.
After passing, the participant will have to meet with a MEPS career counselor. This individual will guide them through the process of picking an occupation that they are best suited for based off of the test results. Afterword this implies that the military officially welcomes this person as an active member after signing a contract for their branch of choice. The contract is necessary to display the dedication that the person has because if someone defies this contract then they will be charged with a criminal or civil penalty. This means they will have to pay money or go to jail and pay money.
As a simple tool in finding a career path, thousands of schools across the nation are providing this assessment. This test is particularly popular among juniors as they prepare for their impending graduation and there are no negative consequences for the student.
