ASVAB Domination Podcast with Gamonal Tutors

In this episode of the ASVAB Domination Podcast, Michael Gamonal breaks down exactly what it will take to crush the ASVAB in 2026—no fluff, no outdated advice.

You’ll learn:

What actually matters on the ASVAB (and what doesn’t)

The biggest mistakes students make when studying

How to raise your AFQT and unlock better jobs, bonuses, and contracts

A simple, realistic study approach for busy, military-bound students

Whether you’re testing for the first time, retesting, or helping someone you care about prepare, this episode gives you a clear game plan to dominate.

Key Topics Covered:

AFQT vs line scores (and why AFQT comes first)

Why “studying everything” is a losing strategy

The core sections that move your score fastest

How recruiters actually look at ASVAB scores

Study habits that work even with a full schedule

Resources Mentioned:

📝 Free ASVAB Domination Checklisthttps://freechecklist.asvabdomination.com

📘 ASVAB Domination Workbook (Amazon)https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F9Z4GJGB

🌐 Courses & tutoringhttps://gamonaltutors.com

🎧 More episodesASVAB Domination Podcast (Spotify)

Call to Action:If this episode helped you, share it with someone who’s military-bound and leave a review—it helps more students find the show.

 

How to Dominate the ASVAB in 2026(1)

In this episode of the ASVAB Domination Podcast, Mickey sits down with former Marine Corporal David Soberal (USMC 2000–2005) to talk about what happens when your life plan completely falls apart—starting with an ASVAB score that cost him his reenlistment.

David shares how volunteering in school unexpectedly sent him to Japan, how 9/11 changed his tour overnight, and how a “just for fun” ASVAB retake years later quietly shut the door on his admin career. That closed door eventually led him to restaurant management, airport operations, LinkedIn “Standouts,” and—most importantly—meeting his wife.

If you’ve ever felt like a low ASVAB score or a failed plan is the end of the world, this episode is for you.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

Soberal Podcast - FinalHow a single “I need a volunteer” moment sent David to Japan instead of just pushing a broom

What it was like to be stationed in Japan when 9/11 happened and then get told, “Pack your bags, you’re going to Kuwait”

The reality of life in Kuwait: sandstorms, camel spiders, scorpions, gas masks, and Air Force-level amenities

How David’s admin job (pay, awards, travel claims) quietly kept Marines’ lives moving behind the scenes

The ASVAB twist: why a careless retake in a basement class lowered his score and later blocked his reenlistment

How repeated retakes kept dropping his score, and the emotional weight of choosing between going grunt or getting out

Why that “failure” set up the rest of his life: restaurant leadership, airport ops, Lyft, gig work, and meeting his wife

David’s message to current service members: your last ASVAB score counts—and your life isn’t over if a test doesn’t go your way

How David now uses LinkedIn Standouts to spotlight other professionals and give them a platform

Key takeaways for ASVAB students:

Your ASVAB score matters—but it does not define your worth or your future

Don’t treat prep like a joke if you’re going to rely on that score later (especially for reenlistment)

Even when the military says “no,” life can still be saying “yes” in a different direction

The story you tell yourself about your score is more powerful than the number itself

Connect with David:🔗 LinkedIn: Search “David Soberal” on LinkedIn (Marine Corps veteran & LinkedIn Standouts creator)

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More ASVAB help from Michael:🎧 ASVAB Domination Podcast playlist📘 ASVAB Domination Workbook & courses at Gamonaltutors.com📲 Daily tips on TikTok, IG, and YouTube: @gamonaltutors / @mickey.gamonal

In this episode, Mickey sits down with CPT Taylor Scroggins—company commander (Bravo 1108) and member of the Integrated Primary Prevention Workforce (IPPW). They talk ASVAB origin stories, choosing an MOS with intention, what ROTC and Advanced Camp really look like, and how being proactive (instead of reactive) can change everything—from range safety to career progression to unit readiness.

What you’ll hear in this episode

A range-day story that shows what “real leadership” looks like when safety standards matter

CPT Scroggins’ ASVAB experience: scoring a 61, not studying, and getting recruited straight out of JROTC

How she chose 31B (Military Police): “Show me the full list of jobs I qualify for”

MP training realities (yes—spray and taser) and what Guard-life as an MP actually felt like

ROTC explained: SMP (Simultaneous Membership Program), skipping early years, and the real cadence of classes + labs

Advanced Camp at Fort Knox: what happens, what people struggle with, and how ROTC programs can set cadets up to fail

Commissioning traditions (first salute) and why her grandfather was an unforgettable part of her story

Leadership fast-track: going straight to XO because of officer shortages—and doing the work even when it’s “unrated”

Being sent to an FSC (Forward Support Company) and still getting stuck as “acting XO”

Deployment to Germany supporting the mission training Ukrainians (CPT Scroggins in SPO / logistics support)

The career “binder” strategy: KD positions, broadening assignments, promotion points, and having a plan

A wild moment: getting offered a TAC job… and walking out as the new S4 instead

MDMP under pressure: solving a real statewide readiness problem with a tiny, brand-new staff

IPPW explained: using D-IoX survey data to identify risk/protective factors and intervene before issues escalate

Why intentionality keeps showing up in her story—from MOS selection to command

Key takeaways

Don’t let someone else pick your career for you—start with the full list, then decide.

The earlier you get intentional, the more leverage you have with opportunities later.

Great leaders keep standards (like safety) even when it’s inconvenient.

Prevention work matters: improving climate and connectedness can reduce risks before they become incidents.

Resources mentioned

ASVAB Domination Podcast

ROTC / SMP (Simultaneous Membership Program)

MDMP (Military Decision Making Process)

Operational Readiness (OR rate) concepts

D-IoX survey and IPPW (Integrated Primary Prevention Workforce)

Guest contact (as shared in the episode)CPT Taylor Scroggins (IPPW, Mississippi)Desk phone: (601) 313-6608

Connect / next stepIf you’re ASVAB-bound and want to pick the best job you qualify for (not just “whatever’s available”), follow the show and share this episode with a friend who’s considering enlisting or commissioning.

ASVABdomination.com

Gamonaltutors.com

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High-school teacher and master tutor Kristen Titus joins Mickey to break down how to study smart for the ASVAB (and why a clear plan beats raw talent). We cover practical timing strategies for every AFQT section, how structure and mentorship change trajectories, and Kristen’s proven approach that’s lifted students to scholarship-winning SAT scores. She also shares the mom perspective—what it felt like watching her son choose service and thrive.

What you’ll learn:

Why your study plan (goal score → aligned habits) matters more than “being good at tests.”

Timing targets that keep you moving:

General Science: 10 min / 16 Q (~30s per Q)

Arithmetic Reasoning: 36 min / 16 Q (~2+ min per Q; don’t get stuck)

Math Knowledge: 24 min / 16 Q (~1.5 min per Q)

Word Knowledge: 11 min / 16 Q (~45s per Q)

Paragraph Comp: 13 min / 11 Q (~1 min per Q)

How to flag, skip, and return (aka “feel the push”) so you maximize correct answers.

Simple review tools (e.g., Quizlet vocab sets and gamified practice) that actually stick.

Parallels between ASVAB and SAT prep—and the confidence & opportunities that follow.

Chapters:

0:00 Intro & why this conversation matters

2:00 Kristen’s background: teacher, test coordinator, tutor

7:15 Direction, structure, and the military path

12:40 Creating a personal ASVAB study plan

18:10 Timing strategies by section

24:30 Review tools & building your weekly rhythm

29:00 SAT insights, Desmos, and scholarship gains

36:00 Confidence, agency, and life trajectories

41:00 How to reach Kristen + Mickey’s bootcamp invite

Guest:

Kristen Titus — ASVAB/SAT Tutor & longtime educator

Contact: [email protected]

Mentioned/Tools:

Quizlet (for vocab decks & spaced review)

Desmos (calculator skills for SAT; mindset carries over to ASVAB timing/strategy)

Work with Mickey (ASVAB Domination):

6-Week AFQT Bootcamp — Money-Back Guarantee

Requirements to qualify: attend all sessions, complete homework/practice tests, post weekly scores & study notes.

Limited seats (first 15 students).

Enroll: PayPal → https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/KNYLT5A7JTN5N

DM @ ASVAB Domination for Mini Quiz Monday (free weekly live practice).

Connect:

Host: Mickey Gamonal | Gamonal Tutors — ASVAB Domination

Questions? Collab? Email: [email protected] (or DM on socials)

If you enjoyed this episode:Share it with a future soldier, recruiter, or parent—and drop a 5★ rating to help others find it.

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Guest: Sean Lundy – Army Officer, Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV), and mentorHost: Mickey Gamonal (@GamonalTutors)

🎧 Episode Summary:

In this thought-provoking Part 2 with Sean Lundy, we explore the powerful overlap between service in the Peace Corps and the U.S. military. Sean reflects on returning home after Peace Corps, navigating reverse culture shock, building community, and why service-minded individuals make great leaders — and even better founders.

From doing ACFT makeups on his birthday to building a venture firm that backs RPCV entrepreneurs, Sean brings depth, humor, and hard-earned insight. This episode dives into the “why” behind service, the power of mentorship, and why embracing your insignificance might be the key to lasting impact.

🧠 Topics We Cover:

🎂 Taking the ACFT on your birthday & the new standards

💍 Why service stories always resurface — even at weddings

💡 The shared hardship of Peace Corps & the military

🧳 Reverse culture shock and “aftershock” after service

🪖 The psychological resilience Peace Corps instills

🔍 The origin of RPCV Ventures — and what it supports

🧗 Why Peace Corps volunteers make scrappy founders

📞 Cold calls, unlikely mentors, and building connections

🧭 Finding purpose and living with intentionality

⚔️ How to lead — even if you’re not “in charge”

🔥 Quote Highlights:

“You don’t operate like you’ve got something to lose. That’s where real progress begins.”“We’re not special. That’s why we’re free to do anything.”“If you can succeed with nothing — no money, no language skills, no blueprint — you can build anything.”

📢 Mentioned Resources:

RPCV Ventures – Investing in founders who’ve served

Sean Lundy on LinkedIn – Reach out for mentorship

GamonalTutors.com – Crush the ASVAB with expert prep

💥 Action Steps:

🌐 Know a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer or veteran starting a business? Connect them to RPCV Ventures.

🤝 Need a mentor or guidance post-service? Find someone interesting, and just ask.

🎯 Want to turn service into purpose? Start living intentionally — today.

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🎧 Episode Summary:In Episode 42, host Mickey Gamonal welcomes Staff Sergeant Jon Cuevas, a Las Vegas-based Army National Guard recruiter with over 14 years of service and a background in nursing, active duty, and combat medicine. SSG Cuevas shares his journey from immigrant to homeowner and mentor, revealing how the National Guard became his Plan A—and why it should be yours too.

They dive deep into the truth about Guard benefits, ethical recruiting, and how programs like Military Parole in Place (PIP) are helping service members protect and elevate their families. Whether you're a future soldier or a parent with questions, this episode delivers the raw truth with heart, humor, and real-life insight.

🪖 What You’ll Learn:

Why choosing the Guard as your Plan A leads to long-term financial and educational success

How tuition waivers, textbook reimbursement, and the GI Bill kicker can cover college and beyond

The Military Parole in Place (PIP) program explained: How U.S. citizens and green card holders in the Guard can sponsor undocumented parents and spouses

How the Guard stacks up against Active Duty—and why SSG Cuevas switched

Why so many A+ students are struggling with the ASVAB, and how to prepare right

Cuevas’ ethical approach to recruiting and why he lets applicants walk away if the job isn’t right

💥 Quote Highlights:

"Uncle Sam's going to get every pint of blood out of you—you better get your benefits, too.""If you're hungry, I can feed you. If you're not hungry, I can't help you.""Most people think the Guard is Plan B. For me, it was Plan A—and it changed everything."

📲 Connect with SSG Cuevas:📸 Instagram: @ssg_cuevas📧 Email: [email protected]📞 Phone: +1 (702) 624-5372

🎓 Need Help with the ASVAB?Raise your score and take control of your future with free and premium resources at:👉 ASVABDomination.com

🔁 Share This EpisodeKnow someone on the fence about joining the Guard? Send them this episode. Real talk from a recruiter who walks the walk.

🎙️ ASVAB Domination Podcast – Episode: From Intel Officer to Cyber CEO

Guest: Dennis Kraft, Founder of Cyberkraft TrainingHost: Michael Gamonal (@[email protected])

🎧 Episode Summary:

In this special Memorial Day edition of the ASVAB Domination Podcast, host Michael Gamonal sits down with Dennis Kraft, U.S. Army veteran and founder of Cyberkraft Training—a leading provider of live, instructor-led IT and cybersecurity bootcamps funded by Army Credentialing Assistance (CA).

Together, they explore:

The difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day 🫡

How soldiers can translate military experience into cybersecurity careers

The importance of live instruction, resume support, and certification paths

Dennis' personal ASVAB story and journey through OCS to business ownership

Career roadmap advice for anyone seeking long-term success after service

💡 Key Takeaways:

Cyberkraft offers Security+, CISSP, CISM, Cloud+, and more—all free to service members through Army CA.

Live classes with hands-on labs and instructor support—not just a video playlist.

All courses come with a first-time pass guarantee and optional resume help.

Soldiers can qualify for up to $2,000/year in credentialing assistance.

📞 Call to Action:

Ready to start your cybersecurity journey?📲 Call or text Michael Gamonal directly at (209) 721-8933🌐 Or visit: https://cyberkrafttraining.com

Whether you're active duty, National Guard, Reserve, or a military spouse, Michael can help walk you through ArmyIgnitED and get you enrolled in the right program.

🔐 Top 3 Certs Dennis Recommends:

CompTIA Security+ – Foundation for all cyber roles

CompTIA CySA+ – Ideal for analyst positions

CISM or CISSP – For leadership & higher-paying roles

🧠 Favorite Quote:

“Cybersecurity is about protecting those who can’t protect themselves. Just like in the military, it’s about service.”

👨‍🏫 About the Guest:

Dennis Kraft is a former U.S. Army Intelligence Officer turned federal contractor and now CEO of Cyberkraft Training. He’s taught thousands of soldiers, veterans, and professionals how to transition into six-figure IT and cybersecurity careers.

📚 Want to Dominate the ASVAB?

Visit https://gamonaltutors.com to access expert-led ASVAB prep courses, free checklists, and personalized tutoring to boost your AFQT score.

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In this inspiring episode of the ASVAB Domination Podcast, Mickey sits down with 1LT Sean Lundy of the Minnesota National Guard. Both returned Peace Corps Volunteers, Mickey and Sean dive deep into their eerily parallel journeys—from global service to leading soldiers. They talk about studying for the ASVAB as older, more life-experienced recruits, navigating the National Guard, emotional intelligence in command, and what Peace Corps teaches you that basic training never could.

Topics covered:

Studying for the ASVAB with a growth mindset

Emotional intelligence as a leadership asset

The Peace Corps mindset vs. the military structure

Transitioning from idealism to service execution

Officer-Enlisted relationships built on trust and learning

The meaning of life (yes, Viktor Frankl gets a mention)

Links:

Connect with Sean Lundy: [email protected] | LinkedIn Profile

ASVAB prep courses: GamonalTutors.com

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Welcome to the Asvab Domination Podcast! In this inspiring episode, host Mickey Gamonal dives into the story of Lieutenant Rex Serrao, a driven officer with a deliberate path into the military. Discover how Lieutenant Serrao balanced a successful tech career in the Bay Area while serving in the National Guard, and how his journey to U.S. citizenship fueled his unique decision to join the military. Rex shares his insights on discipline, leadership, and self-improvement, detailing the mindset that helped him achieve a perfect 99 on the ASVAB. From navigating officer candidate school to applying the philosophy of extreme ownership in all facets of life, this episode is packed with valuable lessons. Whether you're preparing for the ASVAB, considering a military career, or seeking motivation, there's something here for everyone. Tune in for an enriching conversation packed with expert advice and riveting experiences.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

01:58 Meet Lieutenant Rex Serrao

03:27 Lieutenant Serrao's Journey to Citizenship

06:21 Discovering the National Guard

10:19 Experiences in Officer Candidate School (OCS)

15:30 The Value of State OCS 21:38 ASVAB Success Strategies

27:36 Effective Test-Taking Strategies 28:00 The Importance of Practice Tests

28:55 Detailed Approach to ASVAB Preparation

33:46 The Power of Consistency and Hard Work

38:58 Balancing Discipline and Fun

42:56 Extreme Ownership and Personal Responsibility

48:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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In this episode of the ASVAB Domination Podcast, host Mickey Gamonal sits down with Sam England, the founder of Llibra.io, to explore powerful strategies for excelling on the ASVAB. England, who scored a 70 on his high school ASVAB before becoming an infantry officer, shares his journey of overcoming standardized test challenges and helping others prepare effectively. This conversation dives into the value of quality practice tests, creating distraction-free environments, and using spaced repetition for vocabulary mastery. England explains the importance of understanding core math principles, building efficient study schedules, and developing effective study habits to enhance success not only on the ASVAB but in military life as a whole.

Explore how LLlibra.io's ad-free platform and high-quality questions can help you build your skills, along with a sneak peek at exciting new features. This episode is packed with insights to elevate your ASVAB prep strategy, emphasizing that mastering how to study is crucial for success!

00:00 - Welcome to the ASVAB Domination Podcast

01:42 - Introducing Sam England: From Infantry Commander to ASVAB Mentor

02:25 - Sam's ASVAB Journey and Military Experience

03:46 - Overcoming Standardized Test Challenges

05:03 - The Birth of LLlibra.io: A Clean, Ad-Free ASVAB Prep Platform

06:07 - The Importance of High-Quality ASVAB Practice Questions

09:13 - Understanding the ASVAB: Paper vs. CAT

11:25 - Effective Study Techniques for ASVAB Success

20:45 - Sam's Ranger School Experience: Embracing Failure and Growth

25:44 - Exploring LLlibra.io's Features and Study Plans

30:32 - Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Check out these links for more resources:

🌐 ASVABDOMINATION.COM

🌐 Gamonaltutors.com

🌐 Llibra.io

Hashtags:

#ASVABDomination #ASVABPrep #MilitarySuccess #TestPrep #StudyTips #Gamonaltutors #LlibraIO #VeteranSuccess #InfantryInsights