What aspect of a candidate's abilities does the ASVAB primarily examine?

The ASVAB, or Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, is designed to assess a candidate's technical skills and vocational aptitudes, which are critical for success in various military roles. It covers a range of cognitive areas including mathematics, word knowledge, paragraph comprehension, and technical skills related to electronics, mechanical comprehension, and assembling objects. By evaluating a candidate's aptitude in these specific areas, the ASVAB helps determine their suitability for specific military occupational specialties, aligning their strengths with the needs of the armed forces. Therefore, the focus on technical skills and vocational aptitudes is what makes this answer the most fitting choice.