What test does the military use to find a job?

I've heard there's a test that the military uses to match recruits with jobs. Could anyone explain what this test involves and how it affects job placement? I'm really interested in understanding the process better.

Yes, absolutely! You're referring to the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test. It's a multiple-choice test administered by the United States Military Entrance Processing Command, and is used to determine qualification for enlistment in the United States Armed Forces.

The ASVAB test is normally divided into 10 sections: General Science, Arithmetic Reasoning, Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Mathematics Knowledge, Electronics Information, Auto & Shop Information, Mechanical Comprehension, Assembling Objects, and Verbal Expression (which is a combination of Word Knowledge and Paragraph Comprehension).

Your performance in these areas, particularly in Arithmetic Reasoning, Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, and Mathematics Knowledge, determines your Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) score. This score is used to determine if you are eligible to enlist in the armed forces.

The remaining scored sections of the test are used to determine your eligibility for certain jobs (Military Occupational Specialties) within the military. High scores in these areas can indicate a natural aptitude for these types of work, and could result in placement into training and positions that correspond with these abilities.

Please keep in mind that while these tests do help the military align jobs with your skills and interests, several other factors such as medical qualifications, needs of the service, and vacancy for certain positions may all impact final job placement.