Kennard-Dale Career & Employment Connections and U.S. Military Partnership

The Kennard-Dale Career & Employment Connections Coordinator works in collaboration with the branches of the U.S. Military to support students interested in exploring military service and career opportunities after high school. Through a combination of testing, counseling, and engagement with recruiters, students gain valuable insight into military career paths while also developing a deeper understanding of their own skills and strengths. 

The ASVAB is a multiple-aptitude test developed by the Department of Defense used to determine a recruit's eligibility for enlistment and to identify which military jobs they are best suited for. The test evaluates a range of skills and provides both an Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) score and line scores for specific military occupational specialties.

How the ASVAB Helps Students:

1. Enlistment Eligibility:

   • The AFQT score, derived from four subtests, determines whether a student meets the minimum requirements for a particular military branch.

   • Each branch has its own minimum AFQT score requirement, which can vary for students with a GED versus a high school diploma.

2. Career and Job Placement:

   • Scores from all ten subtests produce composite or "line scores" used to match students to specific military occupations.

   • Higher scores expand the range of available jobs, including technical and advanced positions.

Additionally, the ASVAB Career Exploration Program (CEP) provides interest assessments and planning tools, helping students explore both military and civilian career pathways without any obligation to enlist.

Minimum AFQT Scores by Branch (General Guidelines):

• Air Force: 31 (diploma), often seeks 50+

• Army: 31

• Marine Corps: 31

• Navy: 35

• Coast Guard: 40

The Career & Employment Connections Coordinator helps students access multiple opportunities to explore military careers, including:

• Twice-Yearly ASVAB Testing: Students can take the ASVAB in a structured high school setting to assess aptitude and eligibility.

• ASVAB Result Sessions: Students can choose to meet with the Coordinator to review their scores, understand their strengths, and explore potential military and civilian career paths.

• Military Career Corner Visits: Different branches of the U.S. Military provide on-site informational visits where students learn about branch-specific opportunities and requirements.

• Military Lunch Visits: Recruiters visit during lunch periods to speak directly with students, answer questions, and provide guidance on enlistment, training programs, and career pathways.

Through this partnership, students:

• Gain insight into military career options and requirements

• Understand their own skills, strengths, and potential career matches

• Receive guidance on enlistment eligibility and job placement opportunities

• Explore both military and civilian careers through the ASVAB Career Exploration Program

• Connect directly with recruiters and professionals in their field of interest

By working together, the Kennard-Dale Career & Employment Connections Coordinator and U.S. Military branches provide students with the knowledge, assessments, and mentorship needed to make informed decisions about military service and career planning after high school. This collaboration ensures that students are prepared, confident, and supported as they explore their post-graduation options.