The 10 Army jobs you can qualify for with a low ASVAB score

Not all Army careers are out of reach with a low ASVAB score. There are some attractive opportunities still available to you! If you are determined to serve but think your ASVAB score needs to be corrected, think again. From hands-on to specialized training, the Army has several different positions where your unique strengths and skills can shine regardless of your score. In this post, we will guide you through what minimum score you should fulfill and what Army jobs are available with a low ASVAB score. Keep reading to turn your potential into success!  

The 10 jobs in the Army with a low ASVAB score

Regardless of how low your ASVAB score is, you must satisfy the minimum AFQT score of 31 to be considered for a job in the Army. While the AFQT score is used to determine basic eligibility, ASVAB line scores are used to identify what jobs a recruit is best qualified for. Each Army job – MOS has a minimum required line score. If your ASVAB score is low, there are still some opportunities to start your career in the Army. Commonly, these jobs will involve entry-level positions, not requiring advanced training and skills. Here are some of the most common options: 

1. Infantryman (11B)

Infantryman (11B)
Infantryman (11B)

The Infantryman serves as the backbone of the Army’s combat forces, providing the fundamental fighting force of the Army to protect territory or take an objective. They are trained in tactics, weapons systems, and survival techniques to operate successfully on the battlefield. They are found in dynamic, high-stress environments that require a great amount of physical endurance and mental stamina.

  • Key skills: 
    • The physical stamina and resilience that will enable a soldier to sustain long, grueling missions in various environments
    • Good teamwork, allowing him/her to coordinate with other soldiers in operations
    • The ability to make quick decisions, especially in combat situations, because the conditions and threats keep changing
  • ASVAB requirement: A score of 77 in the Combat (CO) line score is acceptable.

2. Motor Transport Operator (88M)

Motor Transport Operator
Motor Transport Operator (88M)

The person in this position is responsible for responsible for maintaining the Army’s logistics movement. Military vehicles, including tactical trucks and armored trucks, would be operated and maintained in order to move personnel, supplies, and equipment. Operators are assigned to use safety protocols and ensure that cargo is correctly loaded, secured, and transported on schedule. 

  • Key skills: 
    • The ability to operate different types of military vehicles for operation on and off roads or in hazardous conditions
    • Mechanical aptitude to perform routine vehicle inspections, diagnose problems, and perform basic repairs.
    • Route planning skills to navigate unfamiliar terrain and adjust for unexpected obstacles during transport missions
  • ASVAB requirement: A lower score in Mechanical Maintenance (MM) than in other technical jobs.

3. Food Service Specialist (92G)

Food Service Specialist (92G)
Food Service Specialist (92G)

Food Service Specialists prepare, cook, and serve meals for troops in many different environments. By providing correct nutrition and safe food-handling practices, specialists directly influence the health and performance of Army personnel. Specialists are responsible for managing meal production at times in a very condensed time schedule, especially while in the field.

  • Key skills: 
    • Food preparation technique, ability to manage large quantities and to maintain production efficiency
    • Food safety and hygiene principles to prevent contamination and to maintain Army standards
    • Ability to organize resources, plan menus and make adjustments due to diets or operation limitations
  • ASVAB requirement: Relatively low score in Operators and Food (OF), 85 OF score is needed. 

4. Petroleum Supply Specialist (92F)

Petroleum Supply Specialist (92F)
Petroleum Supply Specialist (92F)

This role is concerned with handling the Army’s fuel and oil needs and keeping vehicles, aircraft, and equipment running. They store, test, and distribute fuels safely in order to support operations in any environment. Therefore, they play an important role in ensuring that missions are successful, whether in combat or large-scale logistical operations.

  • Key skills: 
    • Attention to detail in handling fuel inventories, observing parsimonious limits to prevent billion-dollar errors or creating safety hazards
    • Proficiency with the technical operation of specific fuel distribution equipment and test devices
    • Knowledge of safety and environmental regulation and prevention of accidents or depletion of resources
  • ASVAB requirement: Moderate scores of 85 in the OF category, and 89 in the Clerial (CL) category are required.

5. Unit Supply Specialist (92Y)

Unit Supply Specialist (92Y)
Unit Supply Specialist (92Y)

Unit Supply Specialists are responsible for the Army’s inventories of equipment and supplies. They ensure that units are properly equipped to accomplish their missions. They do this by tracking, issuing, and maintaining equipment, and by maintaining accurate records of all supplies. They have to be organized and able to adjust quickly when supply needs change.

  • Key skills: 
    • Strong inventory management for record-keeping and availability of critical equipment
    • Organizational skills for sorting and issuing supplies on time
    • Problem-solving to identify shortages, find alternatives, and deal with damaged or lost items
  • ASVAB requirement: A low Clerical (CL) score of 90 is acceptable for this role. 

6. Indirect Fire Infantryman (11C)

Indirect Fire Infantryman (11C)
Indirect Fire Infantryman (11C)

Indirect Fire Infantrymen are specialists in the operation and maintenance of mortars, providing critical fire support during combat operations. They calculate targeting data and deliver precise indirect fire to suppress enemy positions, support advancing units, or defend strategic locations.

  • Key skills: 
    • The competence in calculating and delivering precision fire with modern targeting equipment
    • Teamwork and communication in coordination with other units to make necessary adjustments to fire missions
    • The tactical understanding of indirect fire systems and how those fit into the larger combat strategy
  • ASVAB requirement: A CO score of 77 is acceptable. 

7. Infantry Enlistment Option (11X)

Infantry Enlistment Option (11X)
Infantry Enlistment Option (11X)

The Infantry Enlistment Option allows recruits to join the Army as entry-level infantrymen with training that will focus on basic combat skills. Recruits learn tactics, how to handle weapons, and field survival in preparation for specialized infantry branch roles. 

  • Key skills: 
    • Good physical condition and endurance for heavy work in difficult conditions
    • The ability to adapt to the high demand of infantry life and mission demands
    • Basic combat skills include weapons proficiency, tactical movement, and situational awareness
  • ASVAB requirement: A score of 77 in CO is qualified for this job.

8. Cavalry Scout (19D)

Cavalry Scout (19D)
Cavalry Scout (19D)

Cavalry Scouts will conduct intelligence gathering and reconnaissance, normally operating several kilometers ahead of forces, determining the position of the enemy, and making terrain evaluations. Their work could be critical to any battlefield strategy and mission success through good information. 

  • Key skills: 
    • Advanced observation of enemy activity, terrain features, and potential threats
    • The ability to make quick decisions and solve problems under high stress, where immediate actions affect mission outcomes
    • Flexibility in adapting to ever-changing conditions that may demand stealth, mobility, and independence
  • ASVAB requirement: A relatively low score of 77 in the CO category is fulfilled. 

9. Shower, Laundry & Clothing Repair Specialist (92S)

Shower, Laundry & Clothing Repair Specialist (92S)
Shower, Laundry & Clothing Repair Specialist (92S)

This position is in charge of mobile sanitation units to maintain the hygiene and cleanliness of the troops out in the field. They repair clothes, operate laundry equipment, and manage resources to maintain soldiers’ health and morale.

  • Key skills:
    • Proficiency in operating and maintaining laundry and clothing repair equipment
    • Ability to manage time effectively to handle large workloads, especially in high-demand situations
    • Attention to detail in ensuring that clothing repairs meet Army standards and equipment remains operational
  • ASVAB requirement: A score of 84 in the GM field is efficient to enlist. 

10. Animal Care Specialist (68T)

Animal Care Specialist (68T)
Animal Care Specialist (68T)

Animal Care Specialists are in charge of the care, treatment, and welfare of military animals, such as dogs or horses. Some main duties include routine care and emergency medical procedures.

  • Key skills: 
    • Knowledge of veterinary to perform routine care and assist in various medical procedures on animals
    • Animal handling skills for safe management of animals in different situations
    • Proficiency in emergency medical care to address injuries or illnesses quickly and effectively
  • ASVAB requirement: A score of 91 in the Skilled Technical (ST) is acceptable. 

These jobs are perfect for new applicants who want to start working in the Army with a low ASVAB score. If you want to find more opportunities, you can check score requirements for each Army MOS in our post on What jobs you qualify for your Army ASVAB score

FAQs

1. Can I join the Army with a low ASVAB score?

Yes, you can join the Army with a low ASVAB score, provided you meet the minimum AFQT score of 31. Although some high-skilled jobs demand higher scores, there are several entry-level positions that accept low ASVAB scores, Such jobs are mainly support-oriented and include infancy, logistics, and food service. In addition to that, the Army has various programs that can help a recruit improve their scores for a higher enlistment rank. Other programs include the Basic Skills Education Program (BSEP).

2. What are the lowest ASVAB jobs in the Army?

Jobs that normally require low ASVAB scores include the following:

  • Infantryman: Ground combat and defense operations
  • Food Service Specialist: Preparing and serving meals
  • Petroleum Supply Specialist: Managing fuel and oil supplies
  • Unit Supply Specialist: Handling equipment and inventory

These roles enable an individual with a low ASVAB score to serve in the Army and continue building the necessary skills and experience. 

Final thought

A low score in ASVAB should not discourage any individual from joining the Army. While it limits a few opportunities at the beginning of your job, there is still substantial scope for fulfilling roles where you can strive for the mission and develop valuable skills. The Army also provided resources and training programs which help you t grow in both professional and personal manners. Build your path for a great military career and beyond. Take the opportunities to take advantage of every avenue. No single soldier is less important to the overall success of the Army. The Army journey begins with that first step!


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