1,001 questions about the ASTB (post your scores & ask your questions here!)

[DBM]

I was looking over this Excel link on board dates: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...-hRsfem3FmhlLswzPN-04zq_4/edit#gid=1401761530 and I didn't see some for other months, other than the ones listed. Is there a reason for that; are boards held during certain months?

 

[Anthony2000]

I was looking over this Excel link on board dates: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...-hRsfem3FmhlLswzPN-04zq_4/edit#gid=1401761530 and I didn't see some for other months, other than the ones listed. Is there a reason for that; are boards held during certain months?

We don’t know when the next one will be. I think the next board schedule is released in November. They cancelled the one in OCT

 

[ThatOneDude]

I was looking over this Excel link on board dates: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...-hRsfem3FmhlLswzPN-04zq_4/edit#gid=1401761530 and I didn't see some for other months, other than the ones listed. Is there a reason for that; are boards held during certain months?

Yea, from my understanding, they are held a few months out of the year. It seems like they usually have a board in the beginning of the year, in the middle of the year and a last one at the end of the year.

 

[ThatOneDude]

We don’t know when the next one will be. I think the next board schedule is released in November. They cancelled the one in OCT

Does this mean that the next board will most likely be in the beginning of 2024?
Also do you know if Marine Aviation boards coincide with Navy aviation boards?(or do Marines have a separate timeline?)

 

[Anthony2000]

Does this mean that the next board will most likely be in the beginning of 2024?
Also do you know if Marine Aviation boards coincide with Navy aviation boards?(or do Marines have a separate timeline?)

Marines have their own schedule and I believe they have one left later this year.

Navy side, January 2024 would be my guess for the next one. It may seem far out trust me that time will go by fast.

 

[Dinosaurologist]

I took the ASTB for the first time today. Here are my scores ->

OAR: 67
AQR: 9
PFAR: 9
FOFAR: 9

I'm happy. I'm going for a USMC SNA slot. I have a GPA of 3.14 with a degree in Applied Math, so I really wanted to make up for that low GPA.

I also got an LPSS (LCAC Psychomotor Standard Score) of 67. Does anyone know what that means?

I want to thank everyone for posting all the information and tips on this forum. You guys are the best! It was a huge help. I have a busy next couple weeks. Still have to make my way through MEPS, which is gonna be a grind. But after I get done with all that, good news or bad news, I'll make a drive of all the study forms I used, personal tricks and tips, flashcards I made and put it on this thread. I also want to use my minor in Computer Science to design a UAV website so people can train without having to spend $20 on the app.

 

[DBM]

I took the ASTB for the first time today. Here are my scores ->

OAR: 67
AQR: 9
PFAR: 9
FOFAR: 9

I'm happy. I'm going for a USMC SNA slot. I have a GPA of 3.14 with a degree in Applied Math, so I really wanted to make up for that low GPA.

I also got an LPSS (LCAC Psychomotor Standard Score) of 67. Does anyone know what that means?

I want to thank everyone for posting all the information and tips on this forum. You guys are the best! It was a huge help. I have a busy next couple weeks. Still have to make my way through MEPS, which is gonna be a grind. But after I get done with all that, good news or bad news, I'll make a drive of all the study forms I used, personal tricks and tips, flashcards I made and put it on this thread. I also want to use my minor in Computer Science to design a UAV website so people can train without having to spend $20 on the app.

Congratulations, I hope all works out well for you. Also, is there a specific reason why you chose USMC SNA over Navy?

 

[Dinosaurologist]

Congratulations, I hope all works out well for you. Also, is there a specific reason why you chose USMC SNA over Navy?

First off, I love the Navy. My grandpa used to be a commander in the Navy and even used to teach at the Naval Academy. I have the utmost respect for that branch. But USMC is just more my vibe. There were a lot of reasons I am trying to go marines over navy. Anyone feel free to correct me if I'm wrong. But, to my understanding, the marines was the only branch that could guarantee you a flight slot before heading to OCS. Also marines OCS looks harder than any other branch. The attrition rate is highest in their OCS, so that's fun. Also, I wanted to go to TBS. I like how they say "every marine is first and foremost a rifleman." And for their selection process, they consider physical fitness a bigger factor than other branches do. I know that I can get a 300 PFT, so that'll help me get in. Also, if I fail from pilot school, the other officer jobs in USMC looked more appealing than the USN. I like ANGLICO as a backup plan. Also, marine uniforms are cooler.

For you, what makes Navy flight more appealing than the other branches?

 

[exNavyOffRec]

First off, I love the Navy. My grandpa used to be a commander in the Navy and even used to teach at the Naval Academy. I have the utmost respect for that branch. But USMC is just more my vibe. There were a lot of reasons I am trying to go marines over navy. Anyone feel free to correct me if I'm wrong. But, to my understanding, the marines was the only branch that could guarantee you a flight slot before heading to OCS. Also marines OCS looks harder than any other branch. The attrition rate is highest in their OCS, so that's fun. Also, I wanted to go to TBS. I like how they say "every marine is first and foremost a rifleman." And for their selection process, they consider physical fitness a bigger factor than other branches do. I know that I can get a 300 PFT, so that'll help me get in. Also, if I fail from pilot school, the other officer jobs in USMC looked more appealing than the USN. I like ANGLICO as a backup plan. Also, marine uniforms are cooler.

For you, what makes Navy flight more appealing than the other branches?

That 300 PFT should be your ticket, I grabbed guys going for USMC aviation that had very high ASTB scores but were only getting 270 PFT and were passed over. That ASTB you have should solidify you as their pick.

The USN guarantees designator upon selection.

 

[DBM]

First off, I love the Navy. My grandpa used to be a commander in the Navy and even used to teach at the Naval Academy. I have the utmost respect for that branch. But USMC is just more my vibe. There were a lot of reasons I am trying to go marines over navy. Anyone feel free to correct me if I'm wrong. But, to my understanding, the marines was the only branch that could guarantee you a flight slot before heading to OCS. Also marines OCS looks harder than any other branch. The attrition rate is highest in their OCS, so that's fun. Also, I wanted to go to TBS. I like how they say "every marine is first and foremost a rifleman." And for their selection process, they consider physical fitness a bigger factor than other branches do. I know that I can get a 300 PFT, so that'll help me get in. Also, if I fail from pilot school, the other officer jobs in USMC looked more appealing than the USN. I like ANGLICO as a backup plan. Also, marine uniforms are cooler.

For you, what makes Navy flight more appealing than the other branches?

Aye I appreciate you taking your time to write it out. My Dad was in the army, so I've been a army brat up to my teens even. As for the Navy, I've always liked the idea of being on a ship, out at sea. Something about being isolated from the majority of people but still having your crew around always interested me. I also believe that just based on who I am, I'd do well with the Navy life. I've only begun studying for the ASTB a no more than 3 weeks ago, as my interest for a Naval Aviator has becoming a reoccurring theme in my mind, so that is currently where I have my mind set. I'm sure you'll do well at pilot school, you've made the scores and that shows that you're willing to put in the work. I hope I'm able to do the same as well. Best of luck.

 

[Anthony2000]

First off, I love the Navy. My grandpa used to be a commander in the Navy and even used to teach at the Naval Academy. I have the utmost respect for that branch. But USMC is just more my vibe. There were a lot of reasons I am trying to go marines over navy. Anyone feel free to correct me if I'm wrong. But, to my understanding, the marines was the only branch that could guarantee you a flight slot before heading to OCS. Also marines OCS looks harder than any other branch. The attrition rate is highest in their OCS, so that's fun. Also, I wanted to go to TBS. I like how they say "every marine is first and foremost a rifleman." And for their selection process, they consider physical fitness a bigger factor than other branches do. I know that I can get a 300 PFT, so that'll help me get in. Also, if I fail from pilot school, the other officer jobs in USMC looked more appealing than the USN. I like ANGLICO as a backup plan. Also, marine uniforms are cooler.

For you, what makes Navy flight more appealing than the other branches?

There has been Navy pilots that have got a disassociated sea tour in Marine ANGLICO units. Rare but has happened in the past usually as NGLO's (Naval Gunfire Liaison Officers) AKA JTACs. Usually it is your PFT and if you fit the "Marine" profile that gets you the spot green side.

 

[Anthony2000]

There has been Navy pilots that have got a disassociated sea tour in Marine ANGLICO units. Rare but has happened in the past usually as NGLO's (Naval Gunfire Liaison Officers) AKA JTACs. Usually it is your PFT and if you fit the "Marine" profile that gets you the spot green side.

But then again on the Marine side you have what is called a B-Billet down the road where you are given the option to go on the ground and be a ground pounder FACs or JTACs in ANGLICO FSO MARSOC is a common theme for guys who want the best. One of my favorites is Dave Berke he was a Marine F-18 Top Gun guy, and then went to be a FAC (JTAC) in the Seal Teams. In the Navy there isn't an "option" or billet like the Marines to get on the ground it is usually hand selection and very competitive...

 

[CaptainPattio]

Hey, Just took the ASTB and got a 7 5 6 with a 56 OAR studying a little bit. Not what I was hoping for, but for some reason my recruiter says I'm still very competitive given my other extracurriculars and previous experience. I have two questions. If my recruiter is an optimist, does he actually think I'm competitive or does he have any incentive to not be honest with me? Also, I hear alot about the Jantzen sim and an X52. I haven't found instructions on how to get it. Any help there? Thanks everyone for all of the study material, can't wait to really use it this time around!

 

[CaptainPattio]

For the previous post, I actually was able to find out about Jantzen's sim. Which seems very helpful! Still would like to hear thoughts on my first question though if possible.

 

[eranger24]

Hey, Just took the ASTB and got a 7 5 6 with a 56 OAR studying a little bit. Not what I was hoping for, but for some reason my recruiter says I'm still very competitive given my other extracurriculars and previous experience. I have two questions. If my recruiter is an optimist, does he actually think I'm competitive or does he have any incentive to not be honest with me? Also, I hear alot about the Jantzen sim and an X52. I haven't found instructions on how to get it. Any help there? Thanks everyone for all of the study material, can't wait to really use it this time around!

My recruiter was brutally honest with me so I will just relay what my recruiter gave me. If you're going for pilot or NFO, you're scores are LOW. There's a lot of guys scoring triple 9s so you definitely wana get your PFAR and FOFAR up. Good luck to you! I scored 4/6/6 the first time and my recruiter told me to kick rocks until I retook and then I scored 5/8/7 and I still get a hard time.

Edit: Jantzen sim will definitely help a lot if you get the flight sticks for it and you put a lot of time into it!