Hey guys, I've been seriously considering joining the military after high school, but I'm a bit confused about the educational qualifications for enlistment. Is it necessary to have a high school diploma to join the military? Or would a GED suffice? Thanks for the advice!
Joining the military is indeed a significant commitment and it's good that you're researching to make sure you meet the requirements. To address your question, yes, typically a high school diploma is the standard credential that's expected when enlisting in the military. In simple terms, completing high school will give you a wider array of options within the military and higher chances of being accepted.
However, if circumstances prevent you from obtaining a high school diploma, alternatives such as the General Educational Development (GED) certificate can offer a route to enlistment. The military does accept recruits with a GED, but it's important to note that the number of individuals enlisted each year with this qualification is limited. According to the current policy, all branches of the military accept less than 10% of enlistees with GED certificates annually, as compared to recruits with a regular high school diploma.
Additionally, obtaining a GED instead of a diploma will likely necessitate earning additional college credits before you're eligible to enlist. For instance, the Marines Corps requires 15 college credits (a semester's worth) in addition to a GED.
Ultimately, your chances of being accepted are highest with a high school diploma, but a GED combined with some college credits can open up the door to enlistment. To get a clearer picture, consider reaching out to a local recruitment officer or visiting the official military website for the most accurate information.
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