Exclusion from Military Opportunities?

So I came across this term, 'high school students shut out of military'. Any idea what it means? Is there a scenario where students might be denied opportunities in the military, and how can I avoid that if I'm interested in serving?

It seems like you're asking about situations in which students may be ineligible for military service. Indeed, there can be several circumstances where high school students might be "shut out" or ineligible for military service. Here are a few common reasons:

1. Medical or physical limitations: Each branch of the military has specific medical and physical fitness standards that candidates must meet, like vision criteria or body mass index (BMI) limits. Students with certain diseases or conditions, or who cannot meet physical fitness thresholds, might find themselves ineligible.

2. Legal issues: Criminal histories or pending legal issues could disqualify a candidate from military service. This can include felony convictions or active warrants.

3. Education levels: Most branches of the military require at least a high school diploma for enlisted service members. Some roles within the military, particularly those that are officer roles, require a bachelor's degree.

4. Age limits: Each military branch has a minimum and maximum age for enlistment.

5. Citizenship/Immigration Status: U.S. citizenship or legal, permanent residency status is usually required, although there are some exceptions for non-citizens to serve.

6. Drug use: Testing positive for drug use during the recruitment process can result in disqualification.

In terms of how to avoid these "shut out" situations, my advice would be:

1. Stay healthy and active: Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help ensure you meet physical fitness and health standards.

2. Stay out of legal trouble: This goes without saying, but avoiding illegal activities can prevent legal issues from disqualifying you.

3. Value your education: Meet the educational requirements of your desired branch of the military. For most, at minimum this means getting your high school diploma.

4. Adhere to drug policies: Avoid illicit drug use.

5. Start early: Start the process while you're still in high school. This can help in identifying any potential issues early on and allows time to address them.

Finally, if you have specific concerns regarding your eligibility, you might want to discuss these directly with a local recruiter who can guide you through the specific requirements for your desired branch of the military. Remember, even if some doors in the military are closed due to eligibility issues, there may be other roles you can fill or other paths you can take to serve.