Asvab Requirements For Each Military Branch Explained

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test is a crucial step in the enlistment process for the United States military. The test measures a candidate's aptitude in various subjects, and the results determine their qualifications for different military careers. Each branch of the military has its own set of requirements and scoring standards for the ASVAB test. In this article, we'll break down the ASVAB requirements for each military branch and explain what it takes to qualify for service.

Understanding ASVAB Scores

Before we dive into the requirements for each branch, let's quickly review how ASVAB scores work. The test is divided into nine individual sections, each measuring a different aspect of a candidate's knowledge and skills. The sections are:

General Science (GS)
Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)
Word Knowledge (WK)
Paragraph Comprehension (PC)
Mathematics Knowledge (MK)
Electronics Information (EI)
Auto & Shop Information (AS)
Mechanical Comprehension (MC)
Assembling Objects (AO)

The scores from these sections are combined to create three main scores:

AFQT (Armed Forces Qualification Test) score: This score is a combination of the AR, MK, and VE (Verbal Expression) sections. The AFQT score determines a candidate's overall qualification for military service.
Line Scores: These scores are calculated by combining the results of different sections. Line scores determine a candidate's qualifications for specific military careers.
MAGE (Mental Ability Group Examination) score: This score is a combination of the GS, AR, MK, and EI sections. The MAGE score is used to determine a candidate's mental ability and aptitude for certain military careers.

ASVAB Requirements for the Army

To qualify for the Army, candidates must meet the following ASVAB requirements:

AFQT score: 31 or higher
Line scores:
- Infantry, Combat Engineer, and Artillery: 90 or higher in the Combat (CO) line score
- Intelligence, Communications, and Electronics: 95 or higher in the Electronics (EL) line score
- Healthcare and Medical: 100 or higher in the Medical (MD) line score
- Aviation: 105 or higher in the Mechanical (MC) line score

ASVAB Requirements for the Navy

To qualify for the Navy, candidates must meet the following ASVAB requirements:

AFQT score: 35 or higher
Line scores:
- Aviation: 60 or higher in the Mechanical (MC) line score
- Electronics and Communications: 65 or higher in the Electronics (EL) line score
- Intelligence and Cryptology: 70 or higher in the Verbal Expression (VE) line score
- Nuclear Field: 100 or higher in the Mathematics Knowledge (MK) line score

ASVAB Requirements for the Air Force

To qualify for the Air Force, candidates must meet the following ASVAB requirements:

AFQT score: 36 or higher
Line scores:
- Aviation: 60 or higher in the Mechanical (MC) line score
- Communications and Electronics: 65 or higher in the Electronics (EL) line score
- Intelligence and Cybersecurity: 70 or higher in the Verbal Expression (VE) line score
- Medical and Healthcare: 80 or higher in the Medical (MD) line score

ASVAB Requirements for the Marine Corps

To qualify for the Marine Corps, candidates must meet the following ASVAB requirements:

AFQT score: 32 or higher
Line scores:
- Infantry, Combat Engineer, and Artillery: 80 or higher in the Combat (CO) line score
- Intelligence, Communications, and Electronics: 90 or higher in the Electronics (EL) line score
- Aviation: 100 or higher in the Mechanical (MC) line score

ASVAB Requirements for the Coast Guard

To qualify for the Coast Guard, candidates must meet the following ASVAB requirements:

AFQT score: 40 or higher
Line scores:
- Aviation: 50 or higher in the Mechanical (MC) line score
- Electronics and Communications: 55 or higher in the Electronics (EL) line score
- Intelligence and Cybersecurity: 60 or higher in the Verbal Expression (VE) line score
- Medical and Healthcare: 70 or higher in the Medical (MD) line score

Special Considerations

In addition to the ASVAB requirements listed above, each branch of the military has its own set of special considerations and requirements. For example:

The Army and Marine Corps require candidates to pass a physical fitness test and meet certain body fat percentage requirements.
The Navy and Air Force require candidates to pass a swim test and meet certain vision requirements.
The Coast Guard requires candidates to pass a swim test and meet certain vision requirements.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ASVAB requirements for each military branch vary, but they all require candidates to demonstrate a certain level of aptitude and knowledge in various subjects. By understanding the requirements for each branch, candidates can better prepare themselves for the ASVAB test and increase their chances of qualifying for their desired military career.

What's Next?

If you're interested in joining the military, it's essential to prepare for the ASVAB test by studying and practicing the different sections. You can use online resources, such as practice tests and study guides, to help you prepare.

Once you've taken the ASVAB test, you'll receive your scores and can begin the enlistment process. You'll need to meet with a recruiter, pass a physical fitness test, and complete other requirements before being sworn into the military.

Remember, the ASVAB test is just one step in the enlistment process. By preparing and studying, you can increase your chances of qualifying for your desired military career and starting a rewarding and challenging journey in the military.

FAQs

What is the ASVAB test?

The ASVAB test is a multiple-choice test that measures a candidate's aptitude in various subjects, including math, science, and language.

How do I prepare for the ASVAB test?

You can prepare for the ASVAB test by studying and practicing the different sections. You can use online resources, such as practice tests and study guides, to help you prepare.