Military Enrollment Options for High School Dropouts

Hello, all! Unfortunately, I had to drop out of high school due to personal reasons. Now, I'm considering joining the military to serve my country and open up new career prospects for myself. Does anyone know if the military accepts high school dropouts?

Yes, the military in the United States typically will accept applicants who didn't graduate from high school, but there are some restrictions on this. The military academies and officer programs typically require a Bachelor's degree, so those options might not be available to you right now. However, for enlistment, each branch of the military has its own education requirements, and most accept the GED as an alternative to a high school diploma.

While a GED is accepted in lieu of a high school diploma, the military tends to favor recruits with a high school degree over those with a GED. This is due to limited space. If you've earned a GED instead of a high school diploma, the military generally requires you to score higher on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test as compared to those with a diploma.

It's also worth mentioning that each branch of the U.S. military has different specifics regarding education levels, age requirements, and additional tests required for enlistment. So, if you're considering it, it's crucial to do thorough research on each branch to ensure you meet their individual expectations. You might also consider reaching out directly to a military recruiter for the most accurate information.

Going to the military can indeed open up a lot of opportunities for you. Besides receiving training and experience in a variety of fields, the military can potentially pay for you to go back to school and complete your degree or learn a trade. This can help you in the long run, both during and after your service.