Army JROTC expands ASVAB advocacy through train-the-trainer initiative

Army JROTC hosted a training event in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, Aug. 12-14, to strengthen the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Career Exploration Program across the nation.

The CEP is a comprehensive, no-cost, career planning resource provided by the Department of Defense. Designed for high school students and early post-secondary students, the CEP helps participants build informed post-secondary plans whether they pursue college, vocational training, or military service.

The CEP includes interest assessments, career matching tools, and the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, an aptitude test that measures developed abilities and helps predict future academic and occupational success. Participation does not obligate students to enlist, though scores can be used for enlistment if desired.

By the end of the training, 48 Army JROTC instructors were equipped with the tools, resources, and confidence to serve as ASVAB CEP counselors. They learned how to guide students through the program, advocate for voluntary participation, and integrate the ASVAB into broader conversations about post-secondary readiness and career planning.

The course also certified them to train their fellow Army JROTC instructors to expand ASVAB advocacy in schools nationwide and expand ASVAB access to every student, Cadet or not, in schools with Army JROTC programs.

With 48 Army JROTC instructors now trained, the ripple effect across schools and communities is expected to be significant. These newly certified counselors will serve as champions for career readiness, helping students make informed decisions about their futures while expanding awareness of the ASVAB CEP’s value. This training marks a milestone in Army JROTC’s ongoing commitment to student development and career exploration.

As these instructors return to their schools equipped with new tools and insights, the long-term impact will extend far beyond the classroom. Army JROTC is continuing to empower the next generation of leaders by fostering a culture of career readiness and informed exploration through the ASVAB CEP.