Expert: Rod Powers - 4/23/2007

Question
Hello! My name is John. I turn 28 years of age in Oct. I have always wanted to answer my call and join the Military since HS. I have 4 relatives that has served. I have made up my mind and want to join Air Force to become a Load master. Well to be honest with you, I just took a couple of ASVAB practice test online at Military.com. I did o.k., considering I haven't been in School in about 8-9 years. I wasn't that bright so to say in HS. I picked up a ASVAB pracitce book at local book store to practice with. I have not talked with a recruiter yet, because I want to be prepared for this test when the time comes.
My question is...How high do I have to score on the ASVAB? Which subjects do I need to study more of than others? If I do score to get the job and get into Tech-School, and not do so good....What then?
This is what I want to do with the next stage in my life, I don't want to be the one that look back and says, What if?

Thanks you for your time, John


Answer
Hi John,

See My Aircraft LoadMaster job description and qualification factors at: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/airforceenlistedjobs/a/afjob1a2x1.htm

To qualify for Loadmaster, you need a minimum Air Force "General" score of 57. The "General Score" in the Air Force is computed from the Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, and Arithmetic Reasoning subtests of the ASVAB.

However, in order to even be qualified to join the Air Force (regardless of job), you need to score (at least) a 36 on the AFQT (the overall ASVAB), which is comprised of the Arithmetic Reasoning, Math Knowlege, Word Knowledge, and Paragraph Comprehension portions of the ASVAB.

However, competition to join the Air Force is currently pretty tough, so just scoring the minimum probably ain't going to get you in.

One last point of bad news. The maximum age to join the active duty Air Force is age 27. You have to go onto active duty before you turn 28.

Because the Air Force has hundreds of more volunteers to join than they have slots for, the average waiting time for active duty enlistments is about 9 to 10 months. Your chances of going onto active duty before your birthday are slim -- very slim.

Because of your age, and because the Air Force has more volunteers than they are allowed to accept, if you want any chance of all of joining the active duty Air Force, you need to visit with an Air Force active duty recruiter, tomorrow. Even so, it may be (and probably is) too late.

The Air Force Reserves, and Air National Guard, on the other hand, are available for enlistment, up to the age of 34.

For more information about the United States Military, feel free to visit my Military Information Website at: http://usmilitary.about.com

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com