Hey folks, I was wondering if any of you know if you can be recruited into the military without a high school diploma? Struggling a bit with school right now, and would like to know all of my options. Thanks!
Hello! Generally, the U.S. military does prefer recruits to have a high school diploma. However, there are exceptions and waivers may sometimes be granted. The military views a high school education as an indicator of a recruit's ability to complete training and job related tasks.
The armed forces does accept the GED as an equivalent to a high school diploma, but the number of applicants accepted with a GED is limited each year. A GED can make a candidate more competitive than not having a secondary degree at all.
Depending upon the branch of service, there may be other options, such as the Army National Guard's GED Plus program. This program allows individuals to join that component and earn their GED while going through basic training.
Remember, each specific situation is different and it's always best to speak directly with a recruiter for the most accurate information pertinent to your individual circumstances. Keep pushing through with your education, it definitely opens up more opportunities in the long run!
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