Is it true that prior enlisted are not allowed to retake the ASVAB?

Cpl Blanca Arreguin — Fri, 15 Mar 2019 15:21:40 -0400

I was enlisted 4 years in the Marines right after high school. I got out with my DD214 and went to college. I am graduating soon with a BA and wanting to enlist in the ARMY as an officer. However, the army recruiter is telling me I can not enlist as an officer because the Asvab I took in high school I received a GT of 108 (you need a 110 for officer). I want to retake my ASVAB and the recruiter is saying I CANNOT RETAKE IT because I already qualify for enlistment jobs.

I am trying to join as an officer not an enlisted again. Is this true? I really cant take the ASVAB again? Any information is appreciated.

I read online your ASVAB expires in ten years (its been exactly 10 years) and the you can retake it. I just want to have enough information before I take a decision.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2019 3:29 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Mar 2019 15:29:29 -0400

Hell, find a different recruiter to get a second opinion. I've been in for 20 years (Total Service) and I've taken that thing 4 times. Once when I first came in back in '93, then again in '96 when I went Active Duty, then again in '98 when I wanted to switch back to Medic (it was my secondary MOS and was told my GT wasn't high enough to reclass BACK to an MOS I already held), and again in '08 when I came back in after a 5.5 year break.

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Mar 15 at 2019 3:32 PM

MSgt Michael Smith — Fri, 15 Mar 2019 15:32:06 -0400

He's BSing you.

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Mar 15 at 2019 3:37 PM

PVT Mark Zehner — Fri, 15 Mar 2019 15:37:01 -0400

No my friends son just re took and went to OCS

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Mar 15 at 2019 3:55 PM

CSM Richard StCyr — Fri, 15 Mar 2019 15:55:11 -0400

I retook my ASVAB when I was on active duty in Germany to raise my score over 110. SO I know that at one point you could retest.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2019 4:15 PM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Mar 2019 16:15:18 -0400

You can absolutely retake your ASVAB. I have sent soldiers to go and retake it over. That is absolutely false.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2019 7:14 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Mar 2019 19:14:36 -0400

Per AR 601-210 You are NOT authorized to retest for the sole purpose of increasing your ASVAB. AR 601-210 ch 5-8 h

Response by SSG Byron Howard Sr made Mar 15 at 2019 7:56 PM

SSG Byron Howard Sr — Fri, 15 Mar 2019 19:56:15 -0400

I retook mine while I was active had to raise to 110 for a school.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2019 9:46 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Mar 2019 21:46:50 -0400

You could just talk to a Marine Officer Selection Officer (OSO).

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Mar 16 at 2019 9:47 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Sat, 16 Mar 2019 09:47:42 -0400

You can take one while serving, it has to be authorized for reentry. Thank you for your service.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2019 11:41 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 16 Mar 2019 11:41:25 -0400

ASVAB scores don't expire, the services set their own rules for what they accept and retest options. The last I heard, the Army doesn't allow retests at MEPS. When I rejoined I had to retake the ASVAB because it had been over 3 years I had a break in service. Different times, different policies. If you want to join the Army, then you have to follow their policy.

You should either find another service to join as an officer, or join the Army and choose an MOS with a short training time like cook, supply, or Infantry. It really doesn't matter what you choose, you won't be doing it long. Then, submit your OCS request. Most of our OCS come from within Active Duty, and OCS has a pretty good selection rate as well.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2019 1:36 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 16 Mar 2019 13:36:00 -0400

Your recruiter is telling you the truth, you cannot retake the ASVAB over. I was out for 12yrs when I enlisted back into the Army and could not retake the ASVAB, however once I returned to active duty I was immediately able to retake the ASVAB over once I got to my duty section.

We get wrapped up and focused on what we and not want to accept the correct answer. Remember you’re trying to re-enter the Military that you once exited. Some are not able to have an opportunity to re-join, but you do. Your first hurdle is to re-join, after that focus on your next goal which is to raise your GT score and become an officer. Delaying the start of your career to find the answer you want to hear still doesn’t get you back into the Military because the recruiters will always follow the guidelines and regulatory guidance that pertains to prior service enlistments. Pick and choose your battles, save that one for after you enlist back into the Military. Once you’re back in I’m positive you will succeed in your desire to be an officer. Good luck to you...

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made Mar 16 at 2019 1:38 PM

SP5 Peter Keane — Sat, 16 Mar 2019 13:38:27 -0400

This is probably his basis for the info. From AR 601-210 5-8 h. Recruiters are not authorized to have applicants retested for the sole purpose of increasing aptitude area scores to
meet standards prescribed for enlistment options or programs.

Response by SrA Edgar Mercado made Mar 9 at 2020 7:48 PM

SrA Edgar Mercado — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 19:48:02 -0400

I'm currently in the same situation, any updates?