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:

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:

       This icon alerts you to helpful hints regarding the ASVAB. Tips can help you save time and avoid frustration.

       This icon reminds you of important information you should read carefully.

       This icon flags actions and ideas that may prove hazardous to your plans of conquering the ASVAB. Often, this icon accompanies common mistakes or misconceptions people have about the ASVAB or questions on the test.

       This icon points out information that is interesting, enlightening, or in-depth but that isn’t necessary for you to read.

       This icon points out sample test questions that appear in review chapters.

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:

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