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Introduction
If you’re reading this book, there’s a good chance that you want to join the United States military. Perhaps it’s been your lifelong dream to drive a tank, fire a machine gun, or blow things up (legally). Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn how to cook for 2,000 people at a time. Possibly you were attracted to the military because of education and training opportunities, the chance to travel, or huge enlistment bonuses. In any event, by now you’ve discovered that you can’t just walk into a recruiter’s office and say, “Hey, I’m here. Sign me up!” These days, you have to pass the ASVAB.
The ASVAB (short for Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is unlike any test you’ve ever taken. It covers standard academic areas, such as math and English, but it also measures your knowledge of mechanics, electronics, science, and assembling objects.
The good news is that you need to do well on some of the subtests but not necessarily all of them. In this book, you find out what you need to know to do well on all the subtests. You also get the information you need to figure out which subtests require good scores for your dream job. I include charts and tables that tie together military jobs and test scores, information you may see on the test, and even practice questions in each area to help you determine how much you need to study to get the right scores for your personal goals.
About This Book
The computer enlistment version of the ASVAB has ten separate subtests that result in a total of nine scores, and the paper version of the test has nine subtests to provide you with those same nine scores (two of the subtests are combined). This book shows you what to expect on each subtest, offers strategies for studying each subject area, gives you test-taking (and guessing) tips, and provides three full-length practice tests that help you determine your strengths and weaknesses. These practice tests also help you prepare mentally for taking the real test — you can use them to get in the zone. I’ve thrown in two extra tests that cover the four most important subtests of the ASVAB that make up the AFQT (Armed Forces Qualification Test) score at no extra cost.
Although much of the material covered on the ASVAB is taught in practically every high school in the country, you may have slept through part of the info or performed a major brain-dump as soon as the ink was dry on your diploma. For that reason, you also get a basic review of the relevant subject areas to help refresh your memory, as well as some pointers on where to find more information if you need it.
Foolish Assumptions
While writing and revising this book, I made a few assumptions about you — namely, who you are and why you picked up this book. I assume the following:
You’ve come here for test-taking tips and other helpful information. You may be a nervous test-taker.
You want to take a few ASVAB practice tests to measure your current knowledge in various subject areas to help you develop a study plan.
You want the military job of your dreams, and passing the ASVAB (or certain sections of it) is really important to you.
You’re in a high school that participates in the ASVAB Career Exploration Program, and you want to know what to expect on the test.
Icons Used in This Book
Throughout this book, you find icons that help you use the material in this book. Here’s a rundown of what they mean:
Beyond the Book
In addition to what you’re reading right now, this book comes with a free access-anywhere Cheat Sheet that includes tips to help you prepare for the ASVAB. To get this Cheat Sheet, simply go to www.dummies.com and type ASVAB For Dummies Cheat Sheet in the Search box.
You also get access to seven full-length online practice tests (six ASVAB and one AFQT) and hundreds of flashcards. To gain access to the online practice, all you have to do is register. Just follow these simple steps:
1 Register your book or ebook at Dummies.com to get your PIN. Go to www.dummies.com/go/getaccess.
2 Select your product from the drop-down list on that page.
3 Follow the prompts to validate your product, and then check your email for a confirmation message that includes your PIN and instructions for logging in.
If you do not receive this email