Does the military accept recruits with a non-traditional background?

Does anyone know if all branches of the military accept people without a traditional high school diploma? I'm doing an online high school program right now because of special circumstances and I'm worried this might limit my options for enlistment later on.

Yes, all branches of the U.S. military do accept recruits with a non-traditional education background such as online high school diplomas. However, it's important to note that the acceptance of non-traditional diplomas varies by branch and there are certain criteria that such recruits have to meet.

For instance, some branches may require applicants with online or GED diplomas to score higher on the Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) than applicants with traditional high school diplomas. This is because statistically, traditional high school graduates have had higher success rates in completion of military service.

In some cases, branches may classify recruits without a traditional high school diploma as "Tier 2" candidates, which can limit the number of those types of candidates the military will accept each year.

Generally speaking, though, possessing an online high school diploma definitely doesn't automatically disqualify you. It's also worth mentioning that many branches highly value other qualifications as well, such as college education and vocational training.

I would recommend reaching out to recruiters from the different branches to get more clarity on their specific practices, and so you could explain your special circumstances. Every recruit's situation is unique and the military often takes a holistic approach when considering potential servicemen and servicewomen.