Can Prior Service get an 18x contract? Also, can prior service retake the asvab?

CPL Lorenzo Wells — Sat, 12 Feb 2022 06:52:14 -0500

My recruiter told me I cannot retake the asvab but I’m not sure if that sounds right I thought after it’s been 2 years you can retake it and also been wondering if prior service can get into the 18x program as well.

Response by CPL Lorenzo Wells made Feb 12 at 2022 7:13 AM

CPL Lorenzo Wells — Sat, 12 Feb 2022 07:13:15 -0500

Edit: Forgot to mentioned that I was an 11C and 11B which I switched over too during my time in service.

Response by SFC William Linnell made Feb 12 at 2022 12:59 PM

SFC William Linnell — Sat, 12 Feb 2022 12:59:30 -0500

Been a long time since dealing with prior service as it is usually harder to go back active and sadly, those are not priority. Your High School and College grads are. You would have to take the ASVAB again before you do anything with a contract to get back in. Usually one has to be on active duty first then go to see a 18X recruiter on whichever post you get stationed at. With being out for 2 years so far, I hope that you kept in shape and out of trouble. Both will play a very important part on you getting back in. Good luck.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2022 3:22 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 12 Feb 2022 15:22:41 -0500

A simple google search of “prior service rules for 18x” would provide you with all the info required

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2022 5:12 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 Feb 2022 05:12:19 -0500

There's no rule to taking the ASVAB other than you have to wait six months between tests. However, USAREC has a policy that they won't retest someone who has a qualifying score. So, unless you're in the NG and want to use a DOD testing facility on a base to retake the ASVAB, you're stuck with the scores you have.

That actually works in your favor of preventing you from making a major mistake. Do not take an 18X contract. You will sign on for five years, most likely fail at some point, and get pushed over to the 82nd as an 11B1P. It happens so often that it's a running joke that the 18X is the best recruiting tool for the 82nd.

Take whatever job you would like to do if you don't make it through SF. Then volunteer for SFAS when you get to your first duty station. If you pass, great. You reenlist for five years for the course and get a bonus when you graduate. If you fail, you go back the the job you wanted and you didn't obligate yourself to a five year contract when you first enlisted.

Response by PO2 Robert Sangari made Feb 22 at 2022 11:55 PM

PO2 Robert Sangari — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 23:55:44 -0500

You can retake the asvab.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2023 4:47 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Dec 2023 04:47:29 -0500

A new ASVAB test isn't necessary if we can verify your previous scores. However, if you wish to qualify for a new MOS, you have the option to retake the ASVAB. In my experience, I've assisted prior service members, not currently serving, going for OCS with asvab retesting. I'll review the regulations tomorrow to confirm there haven't been any changes.