ZHS Military Service Career Awareness

ASVAB Career Preparation website http://www.asvabprogram.com/ This program is designed to help students learn more about themselves and the world of work, identify and explore potentially satisfying occupations, and develop an effective strategy to realize their goals.

Minimum Required ASVAB Scores

Each of the services have their own minimum standards when it comes to Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) score requirements, and education levels needed to qualify for enlistment.

Air Force

Air Force recruits must score at least 36 points the 99-point ASVAB (Note: The "Overall" ASVAB Score is known as the "AFQT Score," or "Armed Forces Qualification Test Score"). Exceptions are made, however, for a handful of high school graduates who can score as low as 21. But these "category four- A" recruits (by regulation) cannot exceed more than one percent of all recruits per year. (Note: A "Category IVA recruit is a recruit who scores between 16 and 30 on the AFQT). In actuality, the number of Cat IVA recruits the Air Force generally accepts each year is about 0.1 percent of the Air Force's annual accessions.

Army

The Army requires a minimum AFQT Score of 31 to qualify for enlistment. However, in recent months, the Army has been approving more and more waivers for those with scores as low as 26 (Category IVA). To qualify for certain enlistment incentives, such as enlistment bonuses, an Army recruit must score a minimum of 50.

Marine Corps

Marine Corps recruits must score at least 32. A very few exceptions are made (about one percent) for some exceptionally otherwise qualified recruits with scores as low as 25.

Navy

Navy recruits must score at least 35 on the AFQT. The Navy raised this requirement from 31 in 2003 for active duty accessions. Reserve enlistment programs still only require a score of 31. Additionally, because of limited berths on ships, the Navy limits the number of women they can enlist each year. Quite often, when there are too many female applicants, the Navy will require a higher ASVAB score for females in order to decide which women get to enlist and which don't.

Make an appointment to meet with a recruiter in the guidance center (a minimum of 24 hour advanced notice and a pre-arranged release from your classroom teacher is required) or for a home visit at your convenience.

Investigate all branches regarding how they can help you reach your goals. Meet with at least two different branches to get a comparison of what the various services can offer and which will be the best fit for your personality, education, aptitude and goals. Also compare active service vs reserve and National Guard options and officer vs enlisted options if they apply.

Some branches have programs that give you a sample of military life prior to making a commitment. If there is a weekend or summer opportunity to observe or participate in military training without obligation, arrange this with the recruiter.

Get all guarantees in writing (training, placement, location, education/schooling, signing bonus, college savings plans, etc.). Compare college options while in the military and upon termination of service.

Some students will make an early decision in the junior year and may even participate in a summer training between their Junior and Senior years. Others will delay deciding until late spring of their Senior year when all financial aid and school admission issues are complete. Some early decisions allow bonuses, special training/job options, and/or special duty assignments. Some late decisions can effect and limit these same areas. You will need to weigh the pluses and minuses when determining when to decide and sign.

Discuss all options with your parents. Don't sign any agreement until you and your parents are sure of this decision. Sleep on your options for at least a day or two. A good deal today will still be a good deal tomorrow.

The Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction requests that schools cooperate the military services by providing lists of Junior and Senior students and allowing contact on campus at appropriate times. Zillah High School complies with this request. You have the right to have your name removed from the list. This process is announced through the daily bulletin each September and May. This will reduce most contact.

If a recruiter calls, just simply tell them: "NO THANK YOU. I AM NOT INTERESTED." You can also ask “PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT ME AGAIN.” Don’t tell a recruiter you are interested if you are not. This includes agreeing to meet with them. It is a waste of time and resources for all. Just say no if not interested. If the same recruiter calls again after you have told him NO, remind him firmly of your decision and hang up.

If you feel that you are having your privacy violated, have your parents request to speak with the recruiters commander. The counselor and principal would also like to know if you are having difficulty with any particular recruiter.