Yes, a 70 on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is considered a strong score and well above average. The ASVAB uses the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) percentile, derived from four key subtests: Arithmetic Reasoning, Mathematics Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, and Word Knowledge. Scores range from 1 to 99, representing your performance compared to a nationally representative sample of 18- to 23-year-olds tested in 1997.
A 70 AFQT means you outperformed 70% of that reference group, placing you in the upper tier. The military branches set minimum AFQT requirements for enlistment: Army (31), Navy (35), Air Force (36), Marines (32), Coast Guard (40), and Space Force (typically aligning with Air Force). A 70 easily clears all thresholds, qualifying you for nearly every enlisted role without waivers.
More importantly, high AFQT scores unlock better job opportunities via line scores—composites of ASVAB subtests tailored to military occupational specialties (MOS) or ratings. For example:
- Army: A 70 often yields line scores (e.g., GT ≥ 110) for competitive fields like cyber operations, intelligence, or aviation.
- Navy: Qualifies for advanced ratings like Nuclear Field or Cryptologic Technician.
- Air Force: Opens high-demand AFSCs such as Para Rescue or Tactical Air Control.
- Marines: Access to technical MOS like Aviation Maintenance.
Average AFQT scores hover around 50 (median), with many recruits scoring 31–60. Only about 25% of test-takers exceed 70, making it competitive for bonuses, faster promotions, and elite programs. Retaking is allowed after 30 days (or 6 months for third attempt), but a 70 rarely needs improvement unless targeting ultra-specialized roles requiring 90+.
Factors like education (high school diploma boosts eligibility) and physical fitness also matter, but ASVAB is the gatekeeper. Prepare via official practice tests at military.com or ASVAB apps to maximize subtest performance. In short, 70 is excellent—congratulations if you achieved it!