ARMED SERVICES VOCATIONAL APTITUDE BATTERY (ASVAB)

a test battery developed in 1966 by the Department of Defense for use by the U.S. military as a standardized instrument for personnel selection. It was also used to select individuals for specific assignments. In 1976, it became the official testing instrument of all U.S. military branches, and was widely used. It currently consists of nine multiple choice tests relating to word knowledge, paragraph comprehension, arithmetic reasoning, mathematics knowledge, general science, auto and shop information, mechanical comprehension, electronics information, and assembling objects. The first four tests are used to determine eligibility for service more generally, (see armed forces qualification test)- and the remainder are used to determine interests and aptitudes in specialized areas. Although sometimes administered to high school students to assist in future career planning, the ASVAB is a required part of the application process for all potential military recruits.