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:
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Soberal Podcast – FinalHow a single “I need a volunteer” moment sent David to Japan instead of just pushing a broom
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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”
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The reality of life in Kuwait: sandstorms, camel spiders, scorpions, gas masks, and Air Force-level amenities
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How David’s admin job (pay, awards, travel claims) quietly kept Marines’ lives moving behind the scenes
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The ASVAB twist: why a careless retake in a basement class lowered his score and later blocked his reenlistment
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How repeated retakes kept dropping his score, and the emotional weight of choosing between going grunt or getting out
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Why that “failure” set up the rest of his life: restaurant leadership, airport ops, Lyft, gig work, and meeting his wife
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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
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How David now uses LinkedIn Standouts to spotlight other professionals and give them a platform
Key takeaways for ASVAB students:
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Your ASVAB score matters—but it does not define your worth or your future
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Don’t treat prep like a joke if you’re going to rely on that score later (especially for reenlistment)
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Even when the military says “no,” life can still be saying “yes” in a different direction
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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)
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
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