General Maintenance (GM) Score

The General Maintenance (GM) score on the ASVAB is used to determine eligibility for military occupational specialties (MOS) in the U.S. Army that involve mechanical, maintenance, and technical skills. The GM score is calculated by combining the scores from subtests that measure your mechanical comprehension, general science knowledge, and understanding of automotive and shop information.

How to Calculate the GM Score

The GM score is derived using the following formula:GM=GS+AS+MC

where:

• GS (General Science) is the raw score from the General Science subtest.
• AS (Auto and Shop Information) is the raw score from the Auto and Shop Information subtest.
• MC (Mechanical Comprehension) is the raw score from the Mechanical Comprehension subtest.

Step-by-Step Calculation of the GM Score

1. Determine Raw Scores for Subtests:
   • Gather the raw scores from the General Science (GS), Auto and Shop Information (AS), and Mechanical Comprehension (MC) subtests.
2. Add the Scores Together:
   • Add the raw scores from these subtests to determine the overall GM score.

Example Calculation

Suppose a test-taker receives the following raw scores:

• General Science (GS): 55
• Auto and Shop Information (AS): 65
• Mechanical Comprehension (MC): 60

Step 1: Add the Subtest Scores

1. Calculate the GM score: GM=GS+AS+MC=55+65+60=180

So, the GM score would be 180.

Important Notes

• The GM score is derived directly from the raw scores of the subtests, so there is no need for additional conversions or scaling like with the VE score in other ASVAB composites.
• A higher GM score can increase eligibility for various technical and mechanical roles in the U.S. Army, such as mechanics, equipment repair specialists, and engineers.

Roles that Require a High GM Score

The GM score is particularly important for Army MOS that involve maintaining and repairing vehicles, equipment, and infrastructure. Some of these roles include:

• 91B – Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic: Maintains and repairs Army vehicles.
• 12R – Interior Electrician: Installs and maintains interior electrical systems.
• 12W – Carpentry and Masonry Specialist: Performs carpentry and masonry duties.
• 15B – Aircraft Powerplant Repairer: Maintains and repairs aircraft engines and powertrains.

Conclusion

The GM score on the ASVAB is essential for recruits interested in technical, mechanical, or maintenance roles in the U.S. Army. By understanding which subtests contribute to the GM score and focusing on improving performance in those areas, recruits can increase their chances of qualifying for their desired MOS. Emphasizing your knowledge in general science, automotive skills, and mechanical comprehension will help you achieve a higher GM score and open up more opportunities in Army technical and maintenance careers.