Sup everyone, I'm just looking into all of my future options right now. Let's say, hypothetically, that someone was a college dropout. Would they be able to join the military? Does the military only recruit grads or high school students?
Absolutely, a college dropout can join the military. The U.S. military accepts individuals with a variety of educational backgrounds, as long as they can meet certain other enlistment qualifications. Typically, the minimum requirement for enlistment in the military is a high school degree or GED.
However, certain programs or higher-ranking positions that require specific technical skills or levels of education might prefer college graduates or students in certain fields. For example, the Officer Candidate School (OCS), where individuals with at least a bachelor's degree can train to become military officers, is a clear instance where having a college degree matters.
Importantly, remember that joining the military is a significant commitment. It shouldn't necessarily be seen as simply a 'plan B' if college didn't work out. It requires considerable dedication and impacts multiple aspects of your life. That being said, many people find it to be a fulfilling career and a way to serve their country.
Moreover, for those who still want to pursue higher education, the military offers several programs to help service members afford college, so that could be a path to consider if you're interested in both the military and completing your education.
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