ASVAB Scores for Army Jobs

Many jobs available in the U.S. Army, but they aren't open to everyone. Jobs in the Army are called “MOS,” for Military Occupational Specialty. The job you are given is determined by your Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test. The ASVAB is actually composed of eight individual tests that cover general science, arithmetic reasoning, word knowledge, paragraph comprehension, mathematics knowledge, electronics information, auto and shop information and mechanical comprehension. Your ASVAB score will also reveal your score on the AFQT -- the Armed Forces Qualification Test). Knowing how ASVAB scores dictate eligible Army jobs will help you focus on the areas of the test that require you to do well to qualify for your desired jobs in the U.S. Army.

If you score well in the science portion of the ASVAB, you can qualify for a number of exciting careers that include medical laboratory specialist, optical laboratory specialist, petroleum laboratory specialist and mortuary affairs specialist. To work as a medical laboratory specialist, you must score 106 or higher in the skilled technical arena of the ASVAB. A strong score in this area proves that you will be able to successfully complete the specialized training required to start actively working within this field.

The Army offers some exciting career options within the field of engineering. These jobs include combat engineer, geospatial engineer, horizontal construction engineer, special forces engineer sergeant, technical engineer and watercraft engineer. Although Army engineering jobs fall into one category, certain jobs require high ASVAB scores in various areas. A combat engineer will construct fighting positions and place explosive devices in target areas. He will need a combat score of 87 or higher. On the other hand a watercraft engineer who performs maintenance and daily systems checks will need an ASVAB score in mechanical maintenance of 99 or higher. Other engineering jobs require satisfactory ASVAB scores in skilled and general technical, general maintenance and technical engineer.

According to the Army’s website as of the date of publication, there are 29 available jobs in the field of technology, including positions as an information technology specialist, watercraft operator and signals collection analyst. One of the featured careers on the Army’s technology careers page is cryptologic linguist. Enlisted men and women working in this field interpret and analyze foreign communications. Due to the technical aspect of this job, an ASVAB score of 91 or higher in skilled technical is required to qualify. Technology jobs that are heavy-handed in computers like the Computer/Detection Systems Repairer will require satisfactory ASVAB scores in the area of electronics -- in the case of this job, a score of 102 or higher.

If you want to improve your aptitude in math, a number of army jobs will provide you with the training to increase your knowledge and efficiency in mathematics. Jobs for enlisted soldiers include positions as a financial management technician, geospatial engineer, human intelligence collector, ammunition stock control and accounting specialist, automated logistical specialist, unit supply specialist, test measurement, and diagnostic equipment maintenance support specialist. The ammunition a soldier carries is recorded every time he steps off the base. When he discharges his weapon, he must later explain why his ammunition supply is lower than previously recorded. Ammunition stock control accountants have the detail-oriented task of recording these numbers. An ASVAB score of 91 or higher in skilled technical is required to qualify for this job.