Forum: Future F-16 crew

Everyone tells me that you have to had an 80 at least on the ASVAB to even think about taking the AFOQT and that I shouldn't even waste my time trying to be a pilot if I didn't make that. Well someone told me that they were very behind comming out of high school but he studied his AFOQT book everywhere he went and he passed and got his pilot slot...So I am asking is it really true that you can't study and learn your way to success. I took a practice ASVAB test and made a 40 on it because I went right through it. I know I can make higher when I study. My current reason for that grade is because I have been homeless since my 2nd year in High School and havn't had time to study or do anything. I study right before the test long enough to remember it for a couple hours and I usually end up making an A- or A+ and sometimes a perfect 100 on the test. I also have 20/50 vision but the limit is 20/70. I have never done any kind of drugs or drunk before. I am very determined to be a fighter pilot and will go with any branch that can offer the best oppertunity of me getting to that point. Which is bascially Marines or Air Force, I want to know is it a reality for me to study and workout hard throughout college and go to be a fighter pilot in the air force and only taking AFROTC in my 3rd and 4th year in college. Or do you think its better for me to join the Marines after I get my associates and A&P lience and get my BS through the Marines and apply for an officer position being that their officers all get gauranteed pilot slots. And is it really true about what they said about the ASVAB that if you don't make an 80 or above don't even try the AFOQT and in my situation does that apply to me also?
Because if it does or doesn't, I'm going to try anyway...you never know until you try right...?

F-16.net Sponsor

Active Member Joined: Nov 29, 2004 - 01:40 PM Posts: 146

I think that a little bit of rumor control is needed here for you.

First off is that not all Marine Officer candidates are guaranteed pilot slots. IT IS TRUE that there is a specialized program that will guarantee you one, but it is extremely competitive. Just like anywhere else, you will need top marks to get into that program. Just remember that this is not offered to everyone.

You asked about taking your AFOQT in your 3rd of 4th year of college. You will actually have to take it (and pass) not later than your 2nd year in order to be allowed to go to Field Training, which is required for all cadets to become an officer.

Don't let your ASVAB test scores get you down. Personally I never took the ASVAB. To the best of my knowledge it is completely irrelevant to the AFOQT. Sure, how well you do on it might be an indicater as to how well you might do on the AFOQT, but there is no requirement.

You mentioned that you scored a 40 on your practice ASVAB because you "went right through it." That says to me that you didn't necessarily follow all of the instructions for a given question, and take the time to do the work properly. GRANTED, I do not know the whole situation, but thats what I am getting from what you said. If you were to study a bit more, and take your time on the test, you will get a better score.

Which brings up another important point. Time Management! It is critical of all officers to be able to manage their time properly and effectively. If you find yourself having a hard time managing your time on a test, you probably find yourself looking for more time on other things as well.

If you study hard, work hard, and are an excellent cadet, you will in all probability get your pilot slot. Remember, a pilot slot in AFROTC (or anywhere else) does not automatically mean you will get to fly fighters. But it does give you a guaranteed ticket to go to the fighter pilot tryouts (flight school).

So, for those of you who are still reading, the short version is this:

ASVAB has nothing to do with AFOQT.

Study hard, be a good cadet and you will get a chance to be a pilot.

Hope this helps.

Spider Man, I can tell you that there is no direct connection between AFOQT and ASVAB scores other than that they both are representations of your mental aptitude, I have taken both as have quite a few people on this site. I took the ASVAB when I first joined the military and again later in my career and did much better the second time, for the same reason you pointed out I studied a lot the 2nd time around. Don't let anything discourage you and keep you from pursuing your dreams, you can't do any thing about physical disqualifications but you have everything to do with your test scores. I am in ARMY flight school right now but spent 9 years in the AF as a F-16 crew chief, it can be done man just go get it. Listen to AmmoCapt he has got some good gouge on the ROTC route if that's what your looking for.

pete

Forum: Future F-16 crew

AFOQT Truth? or Lie?