Hi folks, just a quick question here. I heard some rumors that you have to have a high school diploma to even consider joining the military. Can someone confirm or deny this? Would appreciate it.
The U.S. Military does typically require a high school diploma as a minimum for enlistment. This is because they have found through research that recruits who have a high school diploma are more likely to complete their first enlistment period successfully. However, each branch does make some exceptions for those with a GED.
That said, if you only have a GED, your path to enlistment might be more challenging. Some branches, like the Air Force, accept very few recruits with a GED. Others, like the Army, set a limit on the number of recruits they will accept each year with a GED. Additionally, if you have a GED rather than a high school diploma, you may also be required to score higher on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) to qualify for enlistment.
In short, a high school diploma is highly encouraged and can smooth the path to enlistment, but a GED can work in some circumstances. It's good to check the exact requirements with a local recruiter for the branch you're interested in.
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