28 « November « 2007

28Nov/072

Prep for the ASTB (OAR)

*** EDIT ***
For information warfare, you must take all six sections of the ASTB

*** END ***

Next Friday, December 7th, I will be travelling up to Columbus to take the Aviation Selection Test Batter (ASTB). More specifically I will be taking the Officer Apptitude Rating (OAR), which I will discuss in a little bit. First off let me just provide a few background links:

The ASTB on Wikipedia
AirWarriors ASTB Study Guide Gouge
Overview of ASTB including FAQs and score stats from past years
Compilation of links regarding ASTB and other Officer Program items

All right, now down to business. After turning in my SSBI application, I was put into contact with the processor who works up on a base in Columbus. I have talked to her many times so far and she has been extremely responsive and easy to ask any questions. I had left out a little information in one of my applications, which she pointed out. We were then able to schedule a time for me to take the ASTB. When I go up to take this test, I also am required to have three letters of recommendation, degree completion plan, and my birth certificate. In addition I have had transcripts from all the universities/colleges I have attended sent to the processors office. I quickly sent off a few emails to get letters of recommendation and started talking to my academic advisor about the degree completion plan. As of right now we still have a few questions about how specific it needs to be, but once I figure that out, I'll let you know how that went.

But yes, the ASTB. The ASTB consists of six sections:

image used from www.usnavy.vt.edu/CurrentStudents/Forms/astboverview.pdf

Note that the OAR only consists of the section that are like the SAT/ACT. I have read that these section are very comparable in difficulty to the SAT. For this I am glad (although I definitely plan on doing some study guides). For me in my application to Information Warfare, I believe I will only be taking the OAR sections. The other section would be required if I were applying as a Pilot or NFO I believe.

So that is basically it I believe. After the test, if I am professional recommended (pro-rec), I will go take a physical readiness test along with getting an actual physical. But I'm trying not to get too far ahead of myself. Along with making sure that I know exactly what I am doing at all stages of this process, I am doing my best to make sure I am prepared. Through studying for the ASTB and continuing my work out routine, I believe confidence will be a strong factor that they will look for.

That's about it for now. My next update will most likely be after I take the ASTB with my reactions (unless of course something else comes up before).

Happy Wednesday,
Jason