What is “VE” and “AR” on the ASVAB Air Force?
When preparing for the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) for the United States Air Force, you’ll come across various abbreviations and terms. Two of the most crucial ones are “VE” and “AR.” Understanding what they stand for and how they impact your ASVAB score is essential for your military career. Let’s delve into these terms and their significance.
VE: Verbal Expression Score
The Verbal Expression (VE) score on the ASVAB is a measure of your ability to understand and use words in context. This score is critical for the Air Force because it reflects your ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and speaking. The VE score is derived from two subtests: Word Knowledge and Paragraph Comprehension.
| Subtest | Description |
|---|---|
| Word Knowledge | Measures your knowledge of the meanings of words and the relationships between words. |
| Paragraph Comprehension | Evaluates your ability to understand and interpret written material. |
The Word Knowledge subtest consists of 35 questions, and the Paragraph Comprehension subtest consists of 30 questions. Your total VE score is the sum of your scores on both subtests, with a maximum possible score of 62.
AR: Arithmetic Reasoning Score
The Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) score on the ASVAB measures your ability to solve arithmetic problems and apply mathematical concepts. This score is vital for the Air Force because it indicates your ability to perform calculations and make logical decisions under pressure. The AR subtest consists of 30 questions, and your score ranges from 0 to 99.
Here’s a breakdown of the types of questions you might encounter in the AR subtest:
- Word problems: These questions require you to apply mathematical concepts to real-life situations.
- Number series: You’ll need to identify patterns in a series of numbers and choose the next number in the sequence.
- Algebraic expressions: These questions involve solving for an unknown variable in an algebraic equation.
- Geometry: You’ll need to apply geometric principles to solve problems.
How VE and AR Scores Impact Your ASVAB Score
Your overall ASVAB score is calculated by combining your scores from various subtests, including VE and AR. The Air Force uses these scores to determine your eligibility for specific military jobs and career paths. Here’s how your VE and AR scores can impact your ASVAB results:
- VE Score: A higher VE score can make you eligible for jobs that require strong verbal communication skills, such as intelligence analyst, linguist, or public affairs specialist.
- AR Score: A higher AR score can make you eligible for jobs that require strong mathematical skills, such as air traffic controller, meteorologist, or electronics maintenance.
Preparing for VE and AR Scores
Improving your VE and AR scores requires practice and understanding the types of questions you’ll encounter. Here are some tips to help you prepare:
- Practice regularly: Take practice tests and review your answers to identify areas where you need improvement.
- Understand the material: Make sure you’re familiar with the basic mathematical concepts and vocabulary used in the AR subtest.
- Read extensively: Improving your reading skills can help you perform better on the VE subtest.
- Use study guides: There are many study guides available that can help you prepare for the ASVAB.
By understanding the importance of VE and AR scores and investing time in preparing for them, you can increase your chances of achieving a high ASVAB score and securing the military career of your dreams in the United States Air Force.
