How Air Force Job Selection Works
Air Force enlisted jobs are called AFSCs (Air Force Specialty Codes). The Air Force uses a system called MAGE — four composite areas calculated from ASVAB subtests. Each AFSC requires minimum scores in one or more MAGE composites.
The Air Force is the most selective branch for ASVAB scores. The minimum AFQT to enlist is 36, but in practice the Air Force frequently raises its effective cutoff to 50+ depending on recruiting conditions. High MAGE scores are essential for the jobs you want.
The MAGE Composites Explained
| Composite | Name | Formula |
|---|---|---|
| M | Mechanical | MC + AS (some roles add EI) |
| A | Administrative | VE + MK |
| G | General | VE + AR |
| E | Electronic | AR + MK + EI + GS |
Where VE (Verbal Expression) = WK + PC.
Cyber & Intelligence AFSCs (Highest Demand)
- 1B4X1 — Cyber Operations: General 64, Electronic 70
- 1N0X1 — All-Source Intelligence: General 72
- 1N1X1 — Geospatial Intelligence: General 64
- 1N2X1 — Signals Intelligence: Electronic 70
- 1N3X1 — Cryptologic Language Analyst: General 72, qualifying DLAB score
- 1N4X1A — Fusion Analyst: General 64, Electronic 60
- 17D — Cyberspace Operations Officer: General 64 (enlisted pathway)
Aviation & Space AFSCs
- 1A0X1 — In-Flight Refueling: Mechanical 44, General 44
- 1A2X1 — Aircraft Loadmaster: Mechanical 44, General 44
- 1C5X1 — Command and Control Battle Management: General 64
- 1C6X1 — Space Systems Operations: Electronic 60, General 55
- 2A3X3 — Tactical Aircraft Maintenance: Mechanical 47
- 2A6X2 — Aerospace Ground Equipment: Mechanical 47
Electronics & Communications AFSCs
- 2E1X1 — Satellite, Wideband, and Telemetry Systems: Electronic 70
- 2E2X1 — Network Infrastructure Systems: Electronic 60
- 3D0X1 — Knowledge Operations Management: Administrative 44, General 44
- 3D1X1 — Client Systems: Electronic 50
- 3D1X2 — Cyber Transport Systems: Electronic 60
- 3D1X3 — RF Transmission Systems: Electronic 54
Medical AFSCs
- 4N0X1 — Aerospace Medical Service: General 44, Mechanical 44
- 4A0X1 — Health Services Management: Administrative 44, General 44
- 4H0X1 — Cardiopulmonary Laboratory: General 55, Electronic 52
- 4B0X1 — Bioenvironmental Engineering: General 55
Maintenance AFSCs
- 2A5X1 — Aerospace Maintenance: Mechanical 47
- 2A7X1 — Aircraft Metals Technology: Mechanical 47
- 2F0X1 — Fuels: Mechanical 44
- 2W1X1 — Aircraft Armament Systems: Mechanical 47
- 2W2X1 — Nuclear Weapons: Electronic 55, Mechanical 60
Administrative & Support AFSCs
- 3F0X1 — Personnel: Administrative 44, General 44
- 3F1X1 — Education and Training: Administrative 44, General 44
- 8A100 — Career Advisor: General 55
- 6C0X1 — Contracting: Administrative 56, General 55
Special Operations AFSCs
- 1C2X1 — Combat Control: General 44, Electronic 33, Mechanical 47
- 1T2X1 — Pararescue (PJ): General 44, Mechanical 47
- 1Z4X1 — Special Reconnaissance: General 44, Mechanical 47
Which MAGE Score Should You Focus On?
The Electronic (E) composite opens the most high-demand AFSCs — cyber, signals, space, and electronics. It's calculated from AR + MK + EI + GS. If you're aiming for a tech-focused Air Force career, this is the composite to maximize.
The General (G) composite (VE + AR) is required for intelligence and administrative roles, and serves as a secondary gate for many technical jobs. A G score of 64+ qualifies you for most intelligence AFSCs.
Browse all Air Force AFSCs at our Air Force Job Explorer.