I've been thinking about joining the military but I don't have my GED. I've heard that having a certain amount of college credits might be an alternative to a GED for enlistment purposes. Does anyone know how many college credits are needed to join the military without a GED? Any insights or experiences would be much appreciated!
The college credit requirement for military enlistment varies depending on the branch of the military.
For example, the Army and the Navy generally require a minimum of 15 semester or 22 quarter hours to qualify for enlistment without a high school diploma or GED. The Marine Corps also requires 15 college credits to exception any non-high school diploma applicants.
The Air Force, however, is typically more selective and requires a minimum of 45 semester hours to bypass the high school diploma requirement, and it's pretty similar for the Coast Guard too.
The important factor to remember is that these credits must come from an accredited institution. You should also note that these requirements are subject to change and can vary based on the specific needs and policies of each branch.
As you plan your next steps, it may be beneficial to reach out directly to a recruiter from the branch you're interested in. A recruiter would have the most current information and can provide more specific guidance based on your individual circumstances. Keep in mind that military service comes with a lot of responsibilities and challenges, so it's essential to thoroughly assess this path before making a commitment.
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