How to Kick-Butt on the ASVAB

I did very well on the ASVAB with a 92 AFQT and in the 90's across all the sections. I have had a lot of people asking me about how I did it, especially on Instagram, so I thought I'd put together some info on how I studied. I want you to know that I am not even close to being a genius. I really struggled with the math sections and it took a lot of effort to get my high scores. It didn't come easy. So don't tell yourself you can't get a score like that, because you absolutely can!

One thing you need to understand is that your entire career will involve testing and studying. It doesn't begin and end with the ASVAB. You will test at the end of basic training, at the end of your technical training for your field, at the end of your hands-on training while you're at your first assignment, for promotions and more! Use these strategies now and remember them for later in your career. In order to be successful in your career, you need to know how to develop great study habits!

Recognize your Learning Style 

I have a friend who is a writer who is planning on doing a guest post here soon to help you dive into this more. To give you a brief run-down; we all have different learning styes. Some of us learn by reading it, some of us learn by listening to it, some of us learn by seeing it, and some of us learn by doing it.

My very best advice is to know yourself and know what works for you. How do you learn the best? I learn through a combination of different things; writing and taking notes, watching videos, hands-on when possible and I utilize flash-cards a lot to help review and keep things fresh. I can't just read it and retain the info, I have to use other methods to help retain what I read.

Pick a Great Study Guide (or two) 

You will need a great study guide or two. Don't just grab whatever you see on the shelf, really look at what they have to offer. The best guide in my opinion after reading reviews and looking at the guides in person, is the "Kaplan Premier Study Guide 2016".  It has extensive info on all the sections, comes with pre-made flashcards, online access and 6 tests total. It is very detailed and comprehensive.

**One thing I want you to realize is that this guide's math section in my opinion was much more difficult than the ASVAB itself, so if you aren't getting perfect scores on the practice exams, don't get discouraged!** If you struggle with the math, I recommend checking out "AFQT for Dummies", and I thought the math in it was more similar to what was on the actual test.

Understand your Timeline

Focus most on the AFQT- that is the Math, Arithmetic, Word Knowledge and Paragraph Comp. These are the absolute most important because they determine whether or not you are eligible to enlist in your branch of service. Take the diagnostic test, determine which sections you struggle with the most, and study those first.

If you don't have an ASVAB test date or haven't talked to a recruiter yet, you have the luxury to really dig in. I suggest taking the diagnostic, making a list of each section and ranking them, the first being the one you did the worst on and the last being the one you did best on, and study them in that order. In other words, study your worst subjects first, and leave the ones you're good at for last.

Word Knowledge and Paragraph Comp 

First off, study what is in your study guide. However, I will tell you right now that what is in any study guide will likely not be enough to get you an amazing score. If you want to excel, reach out to other resources.

I used an app on my phone called "Magoosh Vocabulary Builder". It is not designed for the ASVAB, but it has some similar words and it's FREE. Focus on the "Basic" and "Intermediate" categories only. I didn't use the "Advanced" category at all. I used the "General/GRE" section the most but honestly the "SAT" words and the "TOEFL/English Learner" sections wouldn't hurt.

For paragraph Comp, you're just going to have to practice. Read carefully and understand the "overall point" of the material. There is no way to study for it other than to practice. Read some non-fiction articles and think critically about what the overall message was as well as the author's tone. Learn how to skim for facts after you've read it so that you can find key info quickly. It just takes practice.

Mathematics and Arithmetic

The very best tips I can offer are to utilize YouTube tutorials and if at all possible, find a friend who is really good at math or even invest in a tutor if you can. I am lucky enough to have a husband who loves math, so I picked his brain a LOT. It was very helpful when a written explanation just didn't make sense to me. He could often explain it a different way and then it would seem so simple. Just studying the study guide probably won't be good enough if you struggle with math. Utilize additional resources to help you understand.

With that being said; practice, practice, practice!!!! Figure out the types of problems you struggle with the most and practice until you understand! With math, you can't just learn it and then remember it. You have to practice it a lot to help retain how it is done.

Check out Khan Academy. It's free and it's a great way to review several different subjects. In addition to math, they also have science review and English sections.

All other Sections 

Unless you have a specific career in mind, think of the other sections as secondary to your AFQT sections. You still want to try and do well because it opens up so many career options for you. I qualify for almost all the jobs in the Air Force and that opens up a world of opportunity for me.

For the most part, the Kaplan guide will prepare you for the other sections of the ASVAB very, very well. However, when you run up against something that really throws you off, look it up online. The internet is full of great resources. I struggled with the Auto shop section and YouTube was my saving grace. I previously had VERY limited knowledge of cars but now I understand the basics of all the major systems that allow a vehicle to operate. If I can go from zero knowledge to scores in the 90's, I promise that you can as well.

For things like electronics and auto shop, see if someone proficient in those can show you some things hands-on. For instance, I opened up the hood of my car and my husband told me in detail what everything was and even while we were driving around, I'd review how the car actually works and how the engine functions.

I struggle with Electronics. Luckily, that is my husband's field, so I picked his brain on that just like I did for math. I also watched a lot of YouTube videos and studied the info until I had a basic grasp. Talking to someone about it out loud helped me remember it better than just reading about it.

Here are some good starting-points for understanding some of the more technical aspects of the ASVAB. You'll see some of these are kinda geared towards kids and you know what?? If they help you understand the concepts, watch them! I cannot stress how much I utilized videos online.

Four-Stroke Engine Cycle 

Major Auto Systems 

Click HERE for Info on the major systems

Basics of Electronics 

Simple Machines 

Waiting for BMT part 1

If you're waiting for a waiver or you're in DEP waiting to ship out, you should spend some time learning a few key things to get ready for BMT. I highly recommend picking up a copy of "The Airman's Guide" and also High Speed Training Cards to help study and prepare for Air Force life.

The company that makes the training cards is veteran-owned and operated, so not only are you studying for BMT and preparing yourself better, but you are also supporting an Air Force veteran. Win-win! You can purchase these at High Speed Training Cards  I *just* bought mine and they shipped a couple days ago but I am very excited to start studying with them! 

This book has SO much info that you need to know; Airman's Creed, what uniforms you need for different occasions, explaining military benefits, rank charts, pay charts..... seriously, this has it all. I highly recommend picking up a copy of this, I STILL reference this from time to time and my husband has been in for 3 years. I bought it as a gift for my husband when he graduated BMT but I wish I had bought it for him before he left. You can buy it on Amazon Here.

Core Values 

Integrity First
Service before Self
Excellence in all We do

Airman's Creed 

You will have to recite this word-for-word on command, so learn it now. It's pretty simple to memorize but it is one less thing you have to worry about at BMT.

Reporting Statement 

Every time you address an MTI or other personnel at BMT, you will need to use your reporting statement. 

Sir/Ma'am, Trainee ____ reports as ordered.

Don't be the poor sod that uses a "sir sandwhich". You know in movies how cadets and trainees say "Sir, Blah blah blah, Sir!!!!". No, that is wrong. Don't do it. Your MTI is going to have a field day with you if you do. I may not have been to BMT yet, but my husband has, as have many of my close friends. The stories they have about MTI's and the "special attention" they give to people is priceless but also not so funny when it's happening to you!

Rank Structure of Enlisted and Officers 

Take some time and memorize ranks. Again, one less thing to worry about at BMT and fairly simple. Know the grade (E-1), abbrev. (AB), full name (Airman Basic), and the insignia. 

For Officer ranks, remember: One  gold bar (butterbars, a term to describe newbie officers, 2nd lieutenants), silver bars (1st Lt.), double silver bars (captains), gold leaf (major), silver leaf (Lt. Colonel,), eagle (Colonel). 

For Generals, remember "Be my little General". Brigadier (one star), Major (two), Lieutenant (three), and General (four). 

To be continued........ 

Navigating Military Medical Standards

For me, the absolute most-frustrating aspect of military entrance is medical. I have hypothyroidism, I had mild depression in high school and I apparently have an ovarian cyst that I didn't know about that was found by accident when I had had a scan when my gallbladder was taken out. They are TRYING to find anything wrong with you now, mostly because they don't want recruits who have serious medical issues that could effect training or deploying. I get that. I do. It still hurts though when you want something so bad and you might not get the chance because of things you cannot help. If you want it bad enough though, you owe it to yourself to try.

***DO NOT HIDE ANYTHING FROM MEPS ***

When you fill out your medical form in your recruiter's office, fill it out carefully and don't hide things. You will hear people say: "I hid this" or "I chose not to tell them about that", DO NOT DO THAT! For one thing, if they find out you were lying, you could face serious consequences. Furthermore, you are starting off your career with lies. In the Air Force, the core values are Integrity First, Service Before Self, Excellence in all we do. Honor those values and tell the truth. I know you want it badly. I truly get that. However, it isn't worth it to risk the consequences.

Navigating the Disqualifications 

If you receive a disqualification, DO NOT PANIC. It happens a lot and in many cases it is possible to get a waiver. Try to stay calm and patient and see what happens. My husband was "permanently disqualified from the Armed Forces" but then he ended up getting a waiver. A waiver is not ever guaranteed and depends greatly on your overall healthy and the specifics of your condition, but don't give up until you've been officially and completely disqualified.

Also, don't ask random forums on the internet. I have seen questions asked where answers I know are wrong are given. The thing is, people mean well and they're telling you how it was for them. They mean well, but the military standards are constantly changing so how it was for them may no longer be the case. Also, it goes without saying, but anyone can hop on the internet and pretend to be qualified but the reality is that you have no idea who people really are. Again, all you can do is try and hope for the best.

Here is a document that will help you navigate some of the DoD criteria for military entrance.

Medical Standards (DoD)

Being Disqualified and Getting a Waiver 

If you get a disqualification, it will likely get sent up to the Surgeon General if your  condition is waiverable. There are some conditions that are not waiverable but many are. I know how hard it is. I'm right there, waiting for my waiver as I type this. It pulls at my heart strings. I REALLY want to serve and my fate is sitting on someone's desk somewhere.

It can take a long time to get a waiver. Be patient. Don't pester your recruiter because he/she cannot expedite the process. Try to stay busy. Study for what you need to know at BMT. Work on fitness. For now, just assume you're going to get in and keep preparing.

If you get that fated letter that says you are disqualified permanently, remember that there are so many other amazing things you can do with your life. I want to tell you right now, Thank YOU for trying. Seriously, I am grateful that you tried, and grateful that you wished to serve. I'm also sorry if you get disqualified. Truly. As I wait for my waiver, my heart is on pins and needles because I want this SO BAD. I know life isn't over if it doesn't come back in my favor, but I will be extremely disappointed.


Here is a photo of my husband swearing in after receiving an initial disqualification. Don't give up hope. I sincerely hope you are able to enlist!!! (He's the one in light gray)

Egg-less Protein Powder Mug Cake

I went to make a mug cake, and SURPRISE! No eggs. Oops. I had already mixed the dry ingredients, so what was a girl to do? Improvise of course!!!

I added half a banana instead of an egg and crossed my fingers, hoping for the best Seriously. I had no idea if this was going to work, but I figured even if it was a ooey gooey mess, I'd still eat it. (P.S. I tasted the "batter" before I microwaved it, and it tasted like brownie batter. So if you want edible brownie batter, just skip the microwave and the baking powder and you're good to go!)

Anyway, here are the ingredients!

• 1 scoop chocolate protein powder (I use Beachbody performance) 
• 1 tsp. baking powder 
• pinch of salt 
• 1/2 banana
• 1 tbsp. milk

mix the dry ingredients first and then mash in the banana and milk. Mix well until it has a cake-batter consistency. Microwave in a mug (microwave safe of course) for 1:45 to 2 minutes. Cut around the edges with a butter knife and it should pop right out onto a plate. Top with peanut butter if you want "frosting".

I think I like it better than the version made with egg!!! It turned out so good, I *may* have made another one out of the other half banana. *cough cough*

Enjoy!!!

Clean and Easy Egg "Muffins"

Want a breakfast on the go? Try these Egg Muffins! I make 6 up at the beginning of the week and then I have breakfast on the go for the entire work-week. They are super easy and super versatile! You can add veggies, take out other veggies. You can add cheese. You can add more meat. It's totally up to you.

7 eggs lightly beaten
1 green bell pepper chopped
1 red bell pepper chopped
1 yellow bell pepper chopped
1 cup diced onion
2-3 jalapenos (optional)
2 tsp baking powder
1/8 cup skim milk (or milk sub)
sliced lunchmeat (try to pick "clean" lunch meat, natural, no nitrites or nitrates if possible)
salt and pepper to taste or other salt-free seasonings

I used a pan with large muffin cups rather than standard so I made 6 muffins. First, use an olive oil sprayer if you have one or cooking spray if you don't to lightly grease the pan so the muffins don't stick. Then line them with the lunchmeat, using it like muffin cups. It doesn't have to be perfect at all, just try to line them evenly.

After you have lined them, add the baking powder and skim milk to the egg mixture and mix well. Then add all the veggies. Now spoon carefully into the baking cups and try to make sure there is both enough veggies and enough egg in each cup. Only fill them about 3/4 of the way, otherwise they will spill out as they cook

Bake at 350 for about 30-40 minutes. I'm at a high altitude, so just keep an eye on yours since my cook  time could be slightly different. Once it is "set" (no longer goopy or wet on the top) they are done.

I like serving mine with a little buffalo sauce. YUM!

Enjoy!

Crock Pot Beef Fajitas

I try to eat a lot of lean chicken/turkey but let's face it, sometimes that gets a little boring and ya need some BEEF!!!! This recipe cooks for a long time but it is actually very easy. I adapted this from a recipe I found in a crock pot cookbook. I always tweak things a little to make them fit my family and my cooking style.

You will need: 

• Beef Roast - I used a 3 pound rump roast
• One large onion, cut into half-rings
• 1 to 2 tsp. Mrs. Dash Chipotle seasoning 
• 1 to 2 tsp. Ground cumin
• 1 to 2 tsp. Mexican chile powder
• 1 tsp. salt or less if you like 
• 1 jar of salsa - I used Newman's Own Mild
• 3 bell peppers of different colors
• Tortillas- corn or wheat. To save on carbs, you can also eat these like a naked burrito and not use tortillas at all
• Fajita toppings of choice- low fat sour cream, light shredded cheese, avocado/guacamole, jalapenos, cilantro, etc.

First, cut the onion into slices and then half the rings. Put them in the bottom of the crock pot so that the roast will sit right on top. Add the rub to the roast and set it on top of the onions. Dump the entire jar of salsa on the roast and turn the crock pot to low. Let it cook 8-9 hours.

After the roast is cooked, carefully remove it from the crock put and shred it using forks or slice it into strips. If you can, trim off any visible fat and discard. Also, you may be able to skim fat out of the crock pot itself. The roast I chose was pretty lean, so there wasn't much to trim away or skim.

Add it back to the crock pot with the diced bell peppers.

Let cook on low for 1 more hour or until the peppers are soft. Time to eat!!! Put the beef mixture onto your tortilla with all your fixins' and enjoy!!!!

This is a new favorite in our household. My kids LOVED it!!!! Yay for kid-approved recipes! 

No-nonsense Meal-Planning

The following is what I do. There is no right or wrong answer, as long as you find a system that helps you have healthy food on hand to make fulfilling, healthy meals!

Let's make one thing very clear: I HATE grocery shopping. I get these car-carts that have a steering wheel for each of the kids, and it entertains them for about 15 minutes and after that it's all "Don't touch me.... stop poking me....MOM!!!!!"

However, I do love providing healthy, wholesome meals for myself and for my family. I have a system now that helps me pick great recipes to try and helps me get in and out of the grocery store relatively quickly.

So, first thing's first!

Meal Planning

The very first thing I do is decide how many meals I need to shop for. I make two big shopping trips a month, so I figure out how many meals I need to last until my next trip.  After I know how many meals I need, I start picking recipes. I use pinterest, Beachbody, random searches, facebook, Tasty's Facebook page, etc. and hunt down healthy stuff I'd like to try along with old favorites. I estimate how many meals each of them will provide. Then I make sure I have enough dishes/meals to last until the next time I go shopping.

I don't personally schedule my meals on certain days and I don't prep it all at once on one day. I just know about how many meals I need and I tend to cook whatever is most perishable first. If I bought something that uses a lot of fresh produce, I use that first to avoid the produce going bad before I use it.

I pick meals that are mostly from-scratch and utilize lower-calorie, lean ingredients. I often tweak recipes to be a little healthier. I don't make a lot of carb-heavy foods like pizza, pasta, or "bready" foods. I try to go for things that are full of veggies and lean protein. So when you see those tempting pinterest recipes that utilize packaged dried salad dressing or processed sauces, or tater tots, or casseroles that use pre-made foods in them, I say avoid them!!!!

Making the Shopping List

I first list all the ingredients I need for my meals. Then I add lots of salad stuff since that is almost always what I have for lunch. I add things I need for my kid's lunches (usually simple and something easily repeated... sandwhiches, organic mac and cheese, chicken, taco stuff, etc.) plus healthy kid snacks including lots of fresh fruit, baby carrots, hummus, and anything else that is somewhat healthy that I can think of. My kids are bottomless pits so having lots of healthy snacks on hand is a must! I tend to buy a lot of plain oats and eggs and avoid breakfast cereal. I buy it for my kids to have but I don't eat cereal at all anymore.

I then check the fridge for staples I need more of; eggs, milk, butter, condiments, etc and I add those too. Try to make your list very healthy. I know that seems obvious but think about what you're adding. Are you buying tons of processed coffee creamer? Soda? Chips and salty snacks? Juice? Those are nutritionally worthless. Learn to be mindful of what you're consuming and think of food as fuel.

I make my grocery list in excel. I'm super nerdy like that. I break it down by area of the store, so "Shelf-stable packaged, Other, Produce, Dairy, Frozen, Meat". I shop roughly in that order so that my cold, perishable items are in my cart last and therefore less likely to spoil.

Shopping 

I highly recommend resisting the urge to buy extras. If you buy unhealthy junk, you're much more likely to feel tempted to eat it. If it's readily available and it sounds good, you're going to break. Do yourself a favor and just don't even have it in the house.

Shop the perimeter of the store. Get lots of fresh produce, meats, dairy, etc. and try to shop less in the inner aisles which had more processed foods. When you do shop the inner aisles, try to opt for things that are somewhat healthier. Think whole grain, fewer ingredients, less sodium, less sugar, etc. For instance, think of peanut butter. There are a bazillion different kinds. Look at the label. It should say something like "Peanuts, salt." and that's IT. It shouldn't have hydrogenated oil or sugars added. Peanut butter can and should be very basic. Make the better choice and choose the most basic, less-processed version. It might be slightly more expensive, but it's worth it! You will get used to less sugar and less processed-food. Your body will thank you!

Check these labels out. The first is from JIF peanut butter... you know... "choosy moms choose Jif". Yea, right!

Even things like soy milk, almond milk, etc. are tricky. Opt for "unsweetened". The kind with sugar added can pack a LOT more calories that are totally unnecessary. At first, cutting out most added sugar will be hard. It will taste different. I promise it's worth it though. These hidden sugars are bad news and they really add up! 

Beware of Marketing!!!!! 

Companies want their products to be attractive to you and they will do ANYTHING to make their products look appealing and healthy. Don't fall for it! Labels like "fat free", "low-fat", "Sugar-free", etc. do NOT mean a product is healthy. Also, unless you have specific reasons why to avoid gluten, dairy or meat products, do not assume "gluten free", "vegan" or "vegetarian" mean it is healthier. Often they can contain more calories and fat and are often just as processed as the "regular" kind. 

Get familiar with how to read a nutrition label. How much sugar is in it? How many carbs? Protein? Calories? Fat? What kind of fat? Learn what these things are and how to tell how much you should be eating. Again, be aware of the actual ingredient list. If there are a bunch of things you can't pronounce in it, chances are it isn't good for you. Try checking out My Fitness Pal to track how much you should be consuming of all of those, it's free!!! 

Moral of the story: don't believe the packaging. The proof is in the pudding. Hah, see what I did there? 

Try to make it fun! Experiment with new recipes, explore foods you've never tried. You will be surprised at how delicious and fulfilling healthy food is!!! Happy Shopping!!!! 

Air Force PT test requirements

This is arguably one of the most important parts of BMT prep! It's also the one that can be the most daunting. I know when I first started, I was mortified because I was absolutely, pitifully out of shape. I have turned that all around! Here is my method of preparing for a fit life in the Air Force.

Remember, fitness is an incredibly important part of your career. You will be expected to maintain your fitness for the rest of the time you are in the military. Your goal shouldn't be to "get by". Seek to exceed the minimums and do your absolute best!

(There are some slight variations on what I can find about the current BMT requirements, so be aware that the actual requirements may differ slightly. This is what I found on Military.com , please also see About Careers for another version of the current requirements. I will be seeking clarification on this.)

Once you're in the Air Force, PT requirements will be based on your gender and age, but preparing for BMT is the same across the board regardless of your age!!!!

Here is a training challenge to help you build up your sit-ups and push-ups steadily in a short amount of time. This is just intended to give you a starting point. Don't just aim to pass, aim to exceed!!! A friend of mine who is active duty suggested the 100 push-up program and 200 sit-up program for intermediate training, so if you are able to pass minimums, try something more challenging!

30 Days to Passing Sit-ups and Push-ups! (for women!!!! This is not a sufficient amount for men to pass!)
	Sit-ups	Push-ups
Day 1	10	5
Day 2	12	6
Day 3	14	7
Day 4	16	8
Day 5	18	9
Day 6	20	10
Day 7	rest	rest
Day 8	22	10
Day 9	24	11
Day 10	26	12
Day 11	28	13
Day 12	30	14
Day 13	32	15
Day 14	rest	rest
Day 15	34	15
Day 16	36	16
Day 17	38	17
Day 18	40	18
Day 19	42	19
Day 20	44	20
Day 21	rest	rest
day 22	46	20
Day 23	48	21
Day 24	50	22
Day 25	52	23
Day 26	54	24
Day 27	56	25
Day 28	rest	rest
Day 29	58	26
Day 30	60	27

In addition to the PT components, I recommend the following Beachbody programs to help supplement your fitness abilities.

- Insanity- fast-paced cardio workouts that challenge both your strength and your cardio ability
- Hammer and Chisel- strength workouts that will build your strength throughout your entire body
- 22 Minute Hard Corp- boot-camp style workouts that are short yet intense and mimic some of the types of workouts you might see at BMT

************ Purchase these programs HERE! ***************

An App I use that has been enormously helpful in calculating my PT score is the "PFA Calculator". I highly recommend downloading this app. You plug in your gender, age, waist circumference, push-ups, sit-ups, and run time and it calculates your score for you.

You will hear people say, "You don't have to be fit beforehand, you'll get fit at BMT." I personally believe that if you've got the fitness aspect down, it's one less thing to be stressed about. You won't have control over much at BMT, but this is one thing you DO have control over now. Take advantage.

"If you fail to plan, you plan to fail."


Running 

The component that has the most "weight" in your PT test is your run. 50% of your score comes from the run! If you do poorly in the run, it doesn't matter if you max out (get the highest) points for everything else. Make sure that you are comfortable with running 1.5 miles or ideally more before you go to BMT.

My advice is to start small and slow. If you haven't run before, start out with some intervals. Warm up, run for a minute and walk for a minute or two, and do this about 20-30 minutes max if you're not used to running. Slowly work up to running more and walking less. I have never followed a strict schedule. I just listen to my body. Eventually you want to be able to run 30-40 minutes at a time, and you want to run 1.5 to 2 miles without stopping.

A fun way to help prepare for BMT would be to sign up for a 5K and train for it. That way you're training for something really fun. Try a color run or a mud run, especially if you're not that keen on running. It will help motivate you when you're feeling a little blah.

DO NOT OVERDO! If you go out and run like crazy from the get-go, you risk injury. Believe me, it is NOT worth it. Shin Splints are one of the common running injuries from doing too much too soon. They hurt, and they take a while to heal. Be smart and start off slow if you're new to running. I promise that you'll get there!

Sit-ups 

Lay on your back with your arms crossed over your chest and your feet firmly fixed under something heavy or under a friends knees. Sit up fully until your elbows touch your thighs, and then "fall" back down. Try not to expend energy or waste time laying down carefully. Practice on a soft mat or carpet if you can so you can get the full effect.

Start out with just seeing how many you can do in the time limit and then continue doing them until "failure", meaning you can't do any more. Every day, work on doing more than you did before, timing yourself first and then going beyond the time limit to do more. It's a long process, and you're not going to see progress overnight.

Push-ups 

You must do push-ups on your toes/feet. No knees! Butt down, back straight, core tight! Lower yourself until your arms are bent at 90 degree angles. Push back up all the way. Try to do them relatively fast because if you pause every time it's going to feel harder and you'll struggle to get enough done in the time limit.

Use the same principles in the Sit-ups section. Start out seeing how many push-ups you can do in the minute time limit. Then keep going. If you have to break and go down to your knees, go for it. Just remember you won't be allowed to do that at BMT, so make it your goal to do more and more on your feed and less on your knees.

MEPS physical/ASVAB from a female perspective

Bear with me, this is a very LONG post, but it was a very long day! I am trying to include all the little details so you'll know what to expect!

Before I really get into the nitty gritty, here is a video that helps explain some of the "Underwear Olympics" moves you'll have to do. Practice ahead of time, they aren't really that hard but some of them take balance.

Arriving at the Hotel

I checked into my hotel at 3:30 pm with the Military Liaison. I had a room mate who was shipping out the next day. She was nice but not chatty. She slept most of the afternoon and evening, and I tried to be quiet because I figured she needed all the rest she could get. It was a perfect time to study.

I chose not to have a heavy dinner and opted for a protein bar, some fresh fruit and lots of water. I had to weigh-in the next day and since I'm close to the limit, I didn't want to risk gaining water weight from some heavy, sodium-filled food.

I finally went to bed around 9:30 but slept terribly, mostly because my room mate then decided to stay up all night after sleeping all afternoon. I forgive her though. I imagine that because she was shipping out, she was probably having a hard time sleeping. Who could blame her?

We both got up around 4:00am. We didn't have to be down to the military liaison office until 5:30am. We had breakfast after meeting at the office, which was a buffet style with a lot of heavy food (sausages, pancakes, bacon, etc.). I opted for fruit, I didn't want a heavy breakfast and I also couldn't eat super greasy food that early without likely making myself feel sick.

You will be handed info on what to wear more than once. Pay attention and make sure you wear appropriate clothing. No plain white shirts, nothing offensive, no rips or stains or holes in anything. Opt for a nice pair of jeans, a plain, dark-colored shirt, conservative undergarments and close-toed shoes. Don't wear athletic clothing like workout pants or sweat pants, and don't wear sports bras. Make sure the bra you do wear holds the girls in.... if you're exploding out (sorry, haha, but it has to be said), it's going to be a problem during the "underwear olympics" (more on that later).

Off to MEPS

Off to MEPS. I had to follow the shuttle because there is no return shuttle. It was TERRIBLE!!!! They sped through traffic, even on post!!! I was a little concerned that I would end up getting pulled over by the military police. (Curse you, hotel shuttle, you were a pain!). I did thankfully make it there alive, but they did not wait to start their briefing, so I didn't hear the very beginning. The jist was, "If you have a cell phone, silence it and put it in your bag, NOW. You will go inside, place your belongings on the belt and you will walk through the metal detector and you will have a seat on the left side of the room where you will then wait for further instruction."

Here's a tip: If you are going to MEPS solely for your physical and your ASVAB, leave EVERYTHING in your car except your manila envelope with the paperwork your recruiter told you to bring and anything else your recruiter specifically tells you to bring (I would also bring your driver's license and military dependent ID if you have one). Don't bring anything else. If you're like me and take your ASVAB and do your physical in the same day, you probably won't have time to use your cell phone anyways.

#1 Rule for surviving MEPS: Listen to instructions!!!!!! You're probably thinking "well, duh" but it is sometimes very hard to hear. The people that do the tests and briefings do it so often that they tend to mumble and it is sometimes easy to miss something. Listen as carefully as you can and don't assume things. Don't touch anything or fill anything out until you're told to. Be very polite and use your "yes/no, ma'am/sirs". This is your bridge to the military, so treat it as such and be very formal.

You will wait until your name is called and you will go up to the desk and check in. You will create a fingerprint if you haven't done so before and that will be how you check in from now on. When you go to medical and to the ASVAB testing area, you will check in with a fingerprint scanner.

ASVAB Testing 

I was told to go to medical first. I started my paperwork, and they realized that another applicant and I had been sent there by accident. We were then taken to the testing area to do the ASVAB and TAPAS (personality test). During the test I didn't feel like I was doing particularly well. I did the TAPAS and HATED it!!!! It gives you two statements, and you have to pick "which is more like you". What's awful though is that sometimes neither of the statements is anything like you, and you just need to pick the lesser of the evils. Seriously, here is an example:

I often offend people.
I refuse to give to charity because I believe people are on their own.

I mean... you try picking of those. :P Neither is like me, and there were a lot of instances like this that I just had to try and decide which one was worse and pick the lesser evil. It was awful. I really hate the TAPAS. I'm sure there is a specific purpose, but ick. After my ASVAB and TAPAS, I got my printout of my scores!!! Although I felt like I did crappy, I did AMAZING. All the studying paid off! AFQT was 92 and all my other scores were good too!!!! Yay!

Medical 

After that I went back to medical. I had my hearing and vision tests. I passed both, but the lady who did them was EVIL. Like..... spawn of satan evil. She yelled at me during the vision test, as if I could will myself to see better... I'm serious. She said that I was not reading the correct letters. I responded, "I'm sorry, ma'am, but I cannot see well enough to tell what they are for sure." No matter how they try to ruffle your feathers, take a deep breath, stay calm and stay polite. I'm almost certain they do this both to teach you what basic training will be like and also to weed out the people who can't handle being yelled at. You WILL survive, someone yelling at you is not going to kill you. No matter what they say, stay polite. Do NOT get defensive. Let it go. You need to realize that you cannot take this personally. Every MEPS is different, but I have been told that my experience sounded more "hardcore" than most and that it sounded like they gave me a harder time than what is typical. Whatever the case is with your experience, you will survive. While it is definitely not fun, it is worth it.

Anyway, I slowly had my boxes checked off, and then all that was left was my interview with the doctor and my "ortho/neuro" checkup, aka Underwear olympics. The interview was done in her office. The rest was done in a separate area.

In the interview, the doctor was INCREDIBLY nitpicky. I had to submit a lot of records about my thyroid and my gallbladder so she picked up bits and pieces of other information from those and nitpicked me. She said, "You missed a period in 2007. Why????" and I answered, "Ma'am, I don't recall. I believe that was around the time I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, so perhaps it was because of that?" She grilled me about anything and everything. In 2013 I was prescribed muscle relaxer for a back spasm, and she grilled me about that too. I explained that I had just PCSed with my husband, and we had slept on an air mattress for 6 weeks. I told her I believed that was the reason I had experienced issues. Just be honest and stay calm.

IF YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL CONDITIONS NOW OR HAVE HAD IN THE PAST, TELL YOUR RECRUITER BEFORE YOU GO TO MEPS.

You probably will come across people who say, "I lied, my buddies lied, everyone lies to get in." Do yourself a favor (and the Air Force) and DON'T LIE. Yes, the threat of being DQed is hard. Yes it will be a huge bummer if you do. However, if you lie and you are caught, the consequences are BAD. Before you even join, remember the core values: Integrity First, Service before Self, Excellence in all you do. Think about that for a moment. If you have to lie to get in.... are you ever really going to be able to say you act with integrity?

I was then directed to the room to do the underwear olympics. I was the only female applicant processing for a physical that day, so I was in the room all alone. The lady gave me directions as she was walking away and shut the door, but I believe she told me to strip down to my undies and bra and put the paper robe on with the slit in the back. I stood there for what felt like forever. I was freezing cold and standing there shivering in a paper robe. Lots of your day at MEPS will be spent waiting.

Finally, the doctor comes in. I do all the exercises in my underwear with two women staring at me, critiquing my form. It was awkward and every bit as embarrassing as I expected, but it's worth it so I just deal. (The reason you need a bra with good coverage is that you're going to be bending over, jumping around and doing weird movements, and if your bra isn't containing the girls, you will have issues and could possibly get into trouble. Try to wear a full coverage bra.) After that, it's time for my exam. Yay. I went into the exam room and I'm instructed to strip down to nude and put my paper robe on with the slit in the front. I lay down on the table and she pushes on my pelvis, checks my back, does a breast exam, and briefly makes me get into the stirrups but she seems only to take a very quick glance, as if to simply verify that I'm a female. Again, a little TMI, but it's all part of it, so I'm not leaving out the uncomfortable bits because I want you to know what to expect.

I was given 15 minutes total to go to the Air Force office, request my lunch, find the cafeteria, eat my lunch and be back. So I had about 10 minutes or less to eat after having not really eaten a meal since the day before. I was dying and that sub sandwhich was the best I've had in my entire life. hahaha, I was SOOO hungry!

I then had to go have my ears flushed out. I am a clean person, I shower frequently, I clean my ears.... but apparently I am just one of those luckly people who overproduces earwax. I had wax built up in my ears that even ear drops and hydrogen peroxide couldn't get rid of, so I got to have an ear wash with a thing that looked like a gun and shot water in and sucked it back out simultaneously. It was tons of fun. It took almost a full hour to get the chunk out of each ear. It was kind of gross. Just warning you! You might be thinking "TMI" but apparently it is not uncommon for people to need to have this done while at MEPS. I was mortified, but she assured me it wasn't anything to be embarrassed about.

I finally met with the doctor one last time. I got the not-so-great news that I was being disqualified for hypothyroidism and a possible ovarian cyst (I will require an SG waiver for each of those), seen on a scan when I had my gallbladder taken out. I also have an appt. being set up to have a psych consult since I had depression in high school. They aren't satisfied with the documents I had and want to verify that I am mentally fit. So... while most of my physical went ok, I have to wait for another waiver which could take months. I'm pretty bummed about that. My consult with the psychologist will be within 21 days and with a psychologist of their choosing. I'm not sure what to expect but I'm not worried about it since I haven't been depressed in a very, very long time. The reason I am sharing such personal info is so that you get a realistic idea of what to expect.

I finally checked in with the Air Force office one more time and then checked out at the front desk and was finally released around 2:30pm. It was a VERY long day, and I was experiencing a strange mix of emotion. I was elated that I did so well on my ASVAB, and very bummed about the medical issues holding me back. However, I'm trying to remain optimistic that my waiver will be approved. *fingers crossed*

Please let me know if you have questions! I can't promise that I'll have the answers but I'll do my best! Everyone will have a slightly different experience because each MEPS is just a little different but for the most part, all the important stuff should be the same.