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By Marshall Smith
Personnel from Yokota High School, the 374th Force Support Squadron, Honolulu MEPS and USMEPCOM worked together to administer the ASVAB Career Exploration Program (CEP) test for 116 students Nov. 3, the largest single administration of the ASVAB CEP in the Pacific.
The ASVAB CEP is a comprehensive career planning tool that includes an aptitude test and post-test interpretation; it enables career exploration and post-secondary planning for high school students.
While USMEPCOM administers the ASVAB CEP in the United States, the Services are responsible for DoDEA high school testing overseas. USMEPCOM oversees the testing program and is responsible for regulatory guidance. The New York and Honolulu MEPS are responsible for scoring, identifying discrepancies and supporting the Services with student test material. In FY2021, 613 student ASVAB tests were administered overseas, 343 in Europe through the New York MEPS and 270 in the Pacific through Honolulu MEPS.
“We love seeing so many students overseas participate in the program as it is a great, if not underutilized, opportunity,” said Stephen Richardt, USMEPCOM overseas testing program manager. “This event was really a team effort that spanned almost the entire globe, from Japan to Honolulu, Washington D.C. and USMEPCOM headquarters in North Chicago.”
Colleen McDougall, information specialist at Yokota High School, wanted to offer a large scale test opportunity to provide opportunities for more students and got the ball rolling to make it happen.
“The ASVAB Career Exploration Program has been a great tool for our students, providing them the opportunity to find careers paths that align with their skills and interests, and the post-secondary training or education that they may need,” said McDougall. “We were thrilled that more than 60% of our 10th-12th graders decided to take the test to help them as they plan for their futures.”
McDougall publicized the event, collected student registrations, coordinated proctors for the exam and ensured proper COVID safety protocols were followed, to include mask wearing and proper social distancing.
Erika Rodriguez, Honolulu MEPS testing coordinator, went above and beyond to support the testing event by mailing 116 additional test materials to supplement the supply already on hand, while William Colley, education and training chief for the 374th Force Support Squadron, ensured adequate space and security to store the increased supply of test materials.
“Overall, taking this test was pretty painless. It’s a great opportunity to have this aptitude test, even though I don’t plan on joining the military,” said senior Isaac Campbell. “It’s a great asset for getting into positions in the future. I would recommend to other students that they take the test.”