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To enlist, you need an ASVAB score of at least 31. However, if you have a minimum score of 21, there's an academic track of the Future Soldier Preparatory Course to help you better your score. This 90-day program provides training on all the subjects covered on the ASVAB, as well as opportunities to retake the test.

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There are minimum ASVAB scores set for each military branch. The results of your Mathematics Knowledge, Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension and Arithmetic Reasoning subtests determine your Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) score. The AFQT score is often called the ASVAB score, and it determines which branch(es) of the military you are eligible to join.

About the AFQT

The Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) is a score derived from four of the ASVAB subtests. The subtests are Arithmetic Reasoning, Mathematics Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, and Word Knowledge.

For people with a High School Diploma, a minimum qualifying AFQT score of 31 is needed to join the Army or National Guard, whereas you need to get higher than a 35 to join the Navy or Coast Guard. People without a High School Diploma can still enter the forces with a General Educational Development (GED) test passing score, but then the AFQT requirements are higher, starting at 47 points for Coast Guard and going up to 50 for the Army, Marine Corps, National Guard, Navy, and Air Force.

Is the AFQT the same as the ASVAB?

The AFQT is part of the overall ASVAB test, and contains the four sections mentioned above. The ASVAB, on the other hand, is the name given to the full test that contains the AFQT sections as well as six more tests in more specific areas such as electronics and mechanics.

The AFQT determines if you're generally qualified to join the military, whilst the remaining parts of the ASVAB can help determine eligibility for military occupational specialties (MOS).

AFQT Scores

The AFQT is a standardized test, so a score of 50 doesn't mean you got 50 questions correct, or even 50% of the questions.

Your AFQT score is determined using the "mean", and "standard deviation" scores from a sample of 18 to 23 year old youths who took the ASVAB as part of a national study conducted in 1997. Thus, an AFQT score of 90 indicates that the examinee scored as well as or better than 90% of the nationally-representative sample of 18 to 23 year old youth. (Source: official-asvab.com)

If you score 50, you are at the mean, which is the average across the country. If you score 60, you're one standard deviation above the mean, 70 is two standard deviations above, and 30 is two standard deviations below.

So really the AFQT score is how much better or worse you did than other people who have taken the test.

Air Force ASVAB Scores

Applicants with a high school diploma must get a 36 or higher on the AFQT to qualify to join the Air Force. Also, over 90 percent of those approved for Air Force enlistment do score 50 or above. Your recruiter may ask you to return when you get a score of 50 or higher.

Air Force Education Requirements

It is nearly impossible to get into the Air Force without a high school diploma. The chances are incredibly slim for people who only get a GED. Historically, only 0.5% of all annual Air Force enlistments have only a GED. If a GED holder is trying to enlist, that person must score a 50 or higher on the AFQT. On the upside, college credits may result in a higher enlistment rank!

More about Air Force ASVAB Scores >

Army ASVAB Scores

The Army requires a minimum AFQT score of 31 to be eligible to enlist. Moreover, if a recruit scores higher than a 50 then enlistment bonuses could be available depending on circumstances.

Army Education Requirements

More people can join the Army with only a GED than any other military branch. Hence, some recruitment years have allowed 15% of recruits to enter without a high school diploma. Just like the Air Force, college credits open the door to join with a higher enlistment rank! Also, the Army allows recruits with a college degree to enter with a level as high as E-4.

More about Army ASVAB Scores >

Coast Guard ASVAB Scores

The Coast Guard is the most challenging branch of the military to enter. A minimum ASVAB score of 36 is required to enlist.

Coast Guard Education Requirements

95% of recruits must have a high school diploma. If a recruit enlists with a GED, the minimum AFQT score is 47. Also, the Coast Guard provides an advanced enlistment rank of E-2 with a minimum of 30 college credits; or E-3 with at least 60 college credits.

More about Coast Guard ASVAB Scores >

Marine Corps ASVAB Scores

Recruits must get a minimum score of 31 on the ASVAB to join the Marine Corps. There are very few exceptions.

Marine Corps Education Requirements

Recruits without a high school diploma are practically ineligible to enlist. Of note, the Marine Corps does not allow more than 5% of recruits to join with only a GED. A person with a GED must get a minimum score of 50 on the AFQT. As with the other branches, the Marine Corps provides advanced enlistment rank for recruits that have some college credits. However, the Marines are less generous to applicants with some college credit. They only allow a maximum of E-2 upon enlistment.

More about Marine Corps ASVAB Scores >

National Guard ASVAB Scores

National Guard recruits must get a minimum score of 31 on the AFQT. Exceptions are rare for those who do not reach a 31. Unfortunately, the military job opportunities are not highly desirable for scores that low. In this instance, study and retake the test to increase your score.

National Guard Education Requirements

If a person has a GED instead of a high school diploma, the minimum AFQT score required is 50. Thus, GED holders who earn 15 college credits at 100 level or higher are considered equal with those holding high school diplomas.

More about National Guard ASVAB Scores >

Navy ASVAB Scores

Navy recruits must get a minimum score of 35 on the AFQT. Unfortunately for some, there is not a lot of flexibility for minimum ASVAB scores in the Navy. However, a reserve enlistment is available for those that do get an ASVAB score higher than 31.

Navy Education Requirements

The Navy rarely accepts recruits without a high school diploma. Of note, GED enlistments must get at least a 50 on the AFQT. Applicants with only a GED must have three references from prominent members of the community (police, fire, teacher, civil servant, etc.). A person with college experience can increase their enlistment ranking as high as E-3.

More about Navy ASVAB Scores >

Composite scores for MOS

It will come as no surprise that certain roles, also known as military occupational specialties (MOS) are more suited to certain types of intelligence than others, and just because someone might struggle with Mechanical Comprehension, there's no reason they couldn't excel in Arithmetic Reasoning and Math Knowledge.

Military occupational specialties are a reflection of the roles best suited to an individual joining the military, and each specialty requires a specific combination of ASVAB scores. Each job in the military fits into a category, and each category has a combination of ASVAB tests that make up the required score.

The role of Combat Engineer, for example, is in the Combat (CO) category, and requires strong scores in Arithmetic Reasoning (AR), Coding Speed (CS), Auto and Shop Information (AS), and Mechanical Comprehension (MC).

Ammunitions Specialists, however, need to do well in the Skilled Technical (ST) category, and will excel in General Science (GS), Word Knowledge and Paragraph Comprehension (VE), Mathematics Knowledge (MK), and Mechanical Comprehension (MC).

There are a lot of specialties available for those starting a career in the military, and each has its own minimum score for the separate parts of the ASVAB test. For a full list of roles and requirements, see the US Military MOS Database. In most cases, a higher AFQT score will mean more MOS options, but certain roles require exceptional scores in specific tests.

Taking the ASVAB with GED

It is possible to join the military without a high school diploma, but at minimum a General Educational Development (GED) is required. All military branches require a considerably higher ASVAB score, usually 50 or above, to qualify with a GED.

Even then, only a small percentage of all recruits can hold a GED.

ASVAB Scores Summary

There are many career opportunities in the military and specialties to suit all types of people. Knowing which areas of the ASVAB you are already comfortable with, and which you are most likely to struggle with, can help guide you when practising for the ASVAB.

If you are concerned about achieving high enough ASVAB scores to meet military requirements, then online classes and practice tests are available to study through the ASVAB Boot Camp online Official Study Program.

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ASVAB Scores and Military Entry Requirements

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Here are the minimum ASVAB Scores required by each military branch. The requriements vary if a person has a high school diploma, GED, or college credits.

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1. Mechanics & Engineering

2. Science & medicine

3. Ground forces

4. Support & logistics

5. Signal & Intelligence

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U.S. Army Careers

Enlisting in the U.S. Army can be a great opportunity for individuals to gain specialized skills and leadership experience that will prepare them for our complex and globalized economy. While there are many options, some U.S. Army Careers include: Infantry Officer, Cyber Officer, Armor Officer, Aviation Officer, Military Intelligence Officer, Engineer Officer, Field Artillery Officer, Finance Officer, Medical Service Officer, Military Police Officer, Ordnance Officer, Quartermaster Officer, Transportation Officer, Signal Officer, Chemical Officer, Air Defense Artillery Officer, Adjutant General Officer, Physician Assistant, Special Forces, PSTOP, Veterinary Officer, Dental Corps Officer and Chaplains Corps.

Infantry Officer

An Infantry Officer is responsible for leading Infantry Soldiers at all levels of command and combined armed forces during missions on the ground.

Cyber Officer

A U.S. Army Career in Cyber Officers means being responsible for carrying out cyber security operations in conjunction with an organized plan.

Armor Officer

Armor Officers are responsible for tank and cavalry operations on the battlefield.

Aviation Officer

Aviation Officers command flight platoons and lead operations using Army helicopters.

Military Intelligence Officer

A Military Intelligence Officer commands and coordinates Military Intelligence Soldiers and combined armed forces, assesses risks and acts to neutralize intelligence threats.

Engineer Officer

An Engineer Officer will manage a wide range of crucial engineering projects, including constructing roads, bases, bridges and airfields, supporting disaster relief and civilian rescue efforts and researching alternative engineering technology.

Field Artillery Officer

Field Artillery Officers will lead the field artillery branch that neutralizes the enemy by cannon, rocket and missile fire. You must be an expert in tactics, techniques and procedures.

Finance Officer

A Finance Officer uses expertise in math to provide financial advice and recommendations for units looking to purchase services and supplies for their mission, as well as other supervision duties.

Medical Service Officer

The most diverse branch of the Army's Medical Service Corps, a Medical Service Officer treats and helps Soldiers and their families in a variety of areas.

Military Police Officer

A Military Police Officer protects peoples' lives and property on Army installations by enforcing military laws and regulations.

Ordnance Officer

An Ordnance Officer will make sure that weapons systems, vehicles and equipment are ready and available, and in perfect working condition.

Quartermaster Officer

Responsible for making sure equipment, materials and systems are available and functioning, a Quartermaster Officer provides supply support for Soldiers and units in field services, aerial delivery and material and distribution management.

Transportation Officer

Transportation Officers manage all elements of distribution related to the planning, operation, coordination and evaluation of all modes of transportation.

Signal Officer

A U.S. Army Career as a Signal Officer means you will plan and execute all aspects of communication on a mission and is critical to the Army's continued success.

Chemical Officer

As a Chemical Officer, you specifically defend against the threat of biological and chemical weapons, 'dirt bombs' and Weapons of Mass Destruction.

Air Defense Artillery Officer

An Air Defense Artillery Officer leads the air defense artillery branch at all levels of command, protecting U.S. forces from aerial attacks, missile attacks and enemy surveillance.

Adjutant General Officer

Adjutant General Officers are responsible for providing personnel support that affects Soldiers' overall well-being, while assisting commanders by accounting for and keeping Soldiers combat-ready.

Physician Assistant

A Physician Assistant in the U.S. Army will carry out a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic services for Soldiers and their families.

Special Forces

Special Forces lead teams on missions, including counter-terrorism, direct action, foreign internal defence, intelligence gathering and unconventional warfare.

PSYOP

Psychological Operations (PSYOPS) Soldiers intelligence, interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity and foreign language proficiency help sway opinions and actions of foreign governments, groups and individuals.

Veterinary Officer

As an Army Veterinary Officer, you specialize in animal medicine, veterinary public health, and research and development.

Dental Corps Officer

Dental Corps Officers will treat Soldiers suffering from diseases, injuries and defects of the teeth, jaw and mouth, and practice across the field of general dentistry to ensure that each Soldier is in optimal oral health.

Chaplains Corps

Chaplains provide ministry worldwide, accompanying Soldiers and families as they carry out their units' missions in both peace and war.

Learn more about U.S. Army Careers

To learn more about U.S. Army Careers, visit the U.S. Army career site.

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U.S. Army Careers include: Infantry Officer, Cyber Officer, Armor Officer, Aviation Officer, Military Intelligence Officer and more.

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To deploy, fight and win our nation's wars by providing ready, prompt and sustained land dominance by Army forces across the full spectrum of conflict as part of the joint force.To deploy, fight and win our nation's wars by providing ready, prompt and sustained land dominance by Army forces across the full spectrum of conflict as part of the joint force.

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Every Soldier is instilled with a set of core values that embodies a deep history and heritage. Become part of something bigger than yourself.

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As an active-duty Soldier, you'll serve in the Army full time for the duration of your service commitment. Active-duty service terms typically last two to six years, but your service length may vary depending on a number of factors, such as your Army job or decision to reenlist.

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Make the Most of Your Army Experience

Army service is more than a career, gaining valuable skills and experience. It's an opportunity for every Soldier to find their way and make an impact.

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Get the answers to your contract and time commitment questions, so you can determine how Army service fits into your timeline.

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There may be slight variations of your Army basic training experience depending on you're in Fort Benning, Fort Jackson, Fort Sill or the other installations. But wherever you go, your 10 weeks of training are sure to be unforgettable.

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Joining & Eligibility

Basic Training - often called boot camp - prepares recruits for all elements of service: physical, mental and emotional. It gives service members the basic tools necessary to perform the roles that will be assigned to them for the duration of their tour. Each of the Services has its own training program, tailoring the curriculum to the specialized nature of its role in the Military.

Note: Active Duty, Guard and Reserve personnel all attend their respective Service's boot camp.

Boot Camp Basics: Before Boot Camp

No matter which branch of the Service you choose, Basic Training is an intense experience. The purpose of this training isn't to "break" recruits. In fact, the combination of physical training, field exercises and classroom time makes individuals strong and capable. It's a tough process, but a rewarding one that many service members value for life.

To succeed in boot camp, you should prepare yourself physically and mentally. Daily cardio, weight training, pushups and situps are a must. You should also practice arriving early on a regular basis and sticking to a strict schedule. You should also delegate personal affairs to family or friends so you can focus on your training. For example, you will need to figure out who will pay the bills, collect the mail and manage bank accounts while you are at boot camp.

Good to know: By enlisting, you are contractually obligated to complete boot camp and serve. However, if you find that you are incompatible with serving, you can receive an administrative discharge.

Related Videos

Transforming Civilians into Soldiers

Parents Discuss Basic Training

Boot Camp Basics: What Not To Bring

Proper packing can help ease the transition from civilian life to boot camp. The following list of what not to bring can help. Check with a recruiter for a comprehensive list.

Do not bring:

Family

Pets

Expensive personal items - cameras, phones, laptops, jewelry, etc.

Nonprescription drugs or drug paraphernalia

Weapons of any type, including pocket knives

Obscene or pornographic material

Alcoholic beverages

Playing cards/dice/dominoes

Cigarettes/tobacco products

Good to know: This list is only an overview. For more detailed information, contact a recruiter.

Boot Camp Basics: Orientation

While each Service has different training schedules and requirements, the orientation process is basically the same across Services. During this time, new recruits might:

Turn in enlistment packages (paperwork from the Military Entrance Processing Station [MEPS])

Receive dental and medical exams

Get immunizations

Receive uniforms and training gear (shorts/sweats, T-shirts, etc.)

Receive required haircuts (women can keep their hair long provided it can be worn within regulation)

Create direct-deposit accounts for paychecks

Starting at orientation, the actual training begins. This varies from Service to Service and lasts between seven and 13 weeks.

More in Joining & Eligibility

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Basic Training, or boot camp, is an intense process that introduces recruits to the physical, mental and emotional elements of military service.

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Job Training. Everyone in the Military is trained in a job specialty

Money for College. During and after your time in service, the Military encourages you to advance your education.

Pay, Allowances and Promotions.

Vacation.

Retirement.

VA Benefits.

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02/26/2024

WASHINGTON, February 26, 2024 - Today, VA announced that all Veterans who were exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving in the military - at home or abroad - will be eligible to enroll directly in VA health care beginning March 5, 2024. This means that all Veterans who served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, the Global War on Terror, or any other combat zone after 9/11 will be eligible to enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits. Additionally, Veterans who never deployed but were exposed to toxins or hazards while training or on active duty in the United States will also be eligible to enroll.

02/22/2024

WASHINGTON, February 22, 2024 - Some students receive benefit payments to two banking accounts, but VA needs all students to consolidate their payments into one direct deposit account to help protect from fraud and to ensure VA pays Veterans on time, every time, without error.

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MyArmyBenefits | Official U.S. Army Military Benefits Website

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MyArmyBenefits is the Official Military Benefits Website for the U.S. Army and contains over 180 fact sheets with information on benefit eligibility and highlights plus calculators that forecast military retirement benefits and estimate survivor and survivor education benefits.

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The Army represents the land, while the Navy and Coast Guard attend to the water. The Marines act as a bridge, protecting U.S. interests on land and water interchangeably. The Air Force and new Space Force consider America's needs and vulnerabilities from the air.

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With about 1.3 million active-duty service members, the U.S. Armed Forces is one of the largest militaries in the world. Together, the six branches work to protect and defend the country's people and interests.

Though there are similarities across the branches - and they are unified in one great mission of safeguarding the U.S. from any and all threats - they each have their own niche.

1. Army

Established on June 14, 1775, the U.S. Army is the oldest branch of the military. The Army was essential to the U.S. gaining independence because of the bravery of its soldiers during the Revolutionary War. Today, more than two centuries later, its members continue to defend and protect the country and its people.

The Army serves the country primarily by land and air. However, it does have a marine presence. These sea-savvy soldiers like to be called "Army mariners." Within the branch, there are also several elite groups which receive specialized training - like the Rangers and the Night Stalkers - so they are equipped to handle unique combat situations.

The U.S. Navy is known for protecting the country by sea. However, even though they do that and do it well, they also serve on land and in the air. Within the service, members can choose to focus on one of more than 60 career specialties such as engineering, aviation and medicine.

A very famous elite group within the Navy is the Sea, Air and Land Forces - better known as the SEALs. They undergo some of the most physically demanding military training so they can execute the most challenging of missions. Their very specialized preparation consists of initial training (which takes more than a year to complete) followed by about 18 months of pre-deployment training, ensuring SEALs are ready for just about any circumstances.

3. Marines

Although the U.S. Marine Corps is technically part of the Department of the Navy, it does stand alone as a separate branch of the military. It wasn't always part of the Navy, though. Founded in 1775, the Marine Corps was actually an independent service until 1834. At first, President Andrew Jackson wanted to reorganize and add it to the Army. However, after some conversations, Congress added it to the Navy, making them "sister services" from then on.

The Marines are often the first on the ground in combat situations, leading the charge when conflict arises. They also serve on Navy ships, protect Naval bases and guard U.S. embassies.

4. Coast Guard

The Coast Guard protects U.S. waterways, ports, and shores, as well as acts as a first responder on our coasts. The Coast Guard is especially unique because it's not only a military branch, but also a federal law enforcement agency.

Though the Navy and Coast Guard are both maritime branches, they have very different missions. While the Navy maintains a war-ready fleet, the Coast Guard keeps our waterways safe by conducting search and rescue missions, protecting the marine environment and stopping the smuggling of illicit drugs into the country. In peacetime, it operates under the Department of Homeland Security, and in wartime, it serves under the Department of the Navy, so it can assist in the defense against foreign threats.

5. Air Force

The Air Force aerially protects United States' interests at home and abroad. Originally in the early 20th century, the Air Force was created as a unit of the Army, as was known as the Aeronautical Division. It wasn't until 1947, after World War II, that the U.S. Air Force was founded as a separate branch of the military.

Today, there are more than 332,000 full-time active duty members of the Air Force. Aside from flying some of the fastest planes in the world, these service members work as engineers, medical professionals, lawyers and computer scientists.

6. Space Force

Established just last year on Dec. 20, 2019, the U.S. Space Force is the newest branch of the military. Similar to how we have branches of the military to defend the country by air, land, and sea, the Space Force protects the nation in space.

The Space Force's duty is to develop military space capabilities, acquire military space systems, mature the military doctrine for space power and organize space forces to present to our Combatant Commands, which are regionalized or functionalized military teams. This is all to protect the interests of both the U.S. and its allies in space.

Previously, the U.S. Air Force Space Command was responsible for these duties, but since the establishment of the Space Force last year, the command's personnel are currently in the process transferring into the new branch, which will take several more months.

Wait, what about the National Guard?

Though the National Guard isn't technically a military branch, it is an important component of the service. It is a combination of the Army National Guard and the Air Force National Guard, which both serve as reserve components of their respective branches.

Each state, most U.S. territories and the District of Columbia has its own National Guard, which can be activated by both governors and the president. When they are called upon, these part-time service members are ready to respond to reconstruction efforts, natural disasters and some overseas combat missions. In 2020 alone, tens of thousands of National Guard members were activated to help fight the coronavirus and respond to other natural disasters.

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how many branches of the military are there

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what do the different military branches do

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what are the differences between military branches

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How Many Military Branches Are There and What Does Each Branch Do?

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With about 1.3 million active-duty service members, the U.S. Armed Forces is one of the largest militaries in the world. But what do the six branches of the military - the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force and Coast Guard - do?

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The Official Home Page of the United States Army

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The latest news, images, videos, career information, and links from the U.S. Army.

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News about U.S. Army, including commentary and archival articles published in The New York Times.

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Army Times, Independent News For Soldiers | Army Times

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Army Times is your independent voice for news about soldiers at home and deployed around the world.

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Slogans of the United States Army - Wikipedia

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"Be All You Can Be" was the recruiting slogan of the United States Army for over twenty years. Earl Carter (pen-name, E.N.J. Carter) working for the N.W. Ayer Advertising Agency as a Senior Copywriter created the "Be All You Can Be" theme line in 1980. In January 2003, the U.S.