Minimum educational requirements for the U.S. military?

Hey there. I've been thinking a fair bit about joining the U.S. military after high school. Does anyone know if they require you to have a high school diploma at a minimum, or would a GED suffice?

Many branches of the U.S. military do require a high school diploma as their minimum education requirement, but a GED can suffice in some cases.

For instance, in the Army, a high school diploma is highly valued, but candidates with a GED are also accepted. However, the number of persons they enlist each year with a GED is limited, so applicants with high school diplomas typically have an advantage.

The Navy and Air Force, on the other hand, have more stringent regulations. Both tend to require a high school diploma although in some instances they may accept GED holders, particularly if they have earned some college credits.

The Marine Corps attitude mirrors the Army's; they encourage a high school diploma but will accept a GED under certain circumstances.

Lastly, the Coast Guard is the most restrictive, generally requiring a high school diploma and admitting very few GED holders each year.

Remember, it's always best to contact a recruiter directly to learn about the specific requirements and criteria for the branch you are considering. They can provide the most accurate and up-to-date information.