Hello everyone, unfortunately, I had to drop out of high school due to some personal issues. But, I'm considering joining the military now. Does anyone have any experience with this, or knows if it's even still a viable path for me? Any advice would be appreciated.
Joining the military is indeed a path you can consider, but it's important to know that each branch of the military has its own educational requirements. For the majority, a high school diploma is the standard. However, the military does sometimes make exceptions for those who hold a GED (General Educational Development) certificate.
The GED is equivalent to a high school diploma and is recognized as such by many employers and educational institutions. It should be noted that branches such as the Army, Navy, and Marines may limit the number of enrollees who hold a GED and give preference to those with a high school diploma. Therefore, earning your GED may be a good first step to making yourself competitive for enlistment.
Other branches, like the Air Force, are more stringent and typically require a high school diploma. Again, there are exceptions but they're quite rare.
Furthermore, armed forces recruiters often look at candidates' ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) scores. This is a multiple-aptitude test that helps predict future academic and occupational success in the military. So, preparing for and doing well on the ASVAB can be another positive step on your path to enlistment.
This is quite general advice and it would be beneficial to reach out directly to a recruiter for the branch you're interested in. They will have the most accurate, up-to-date information and can advise you on the best steps to take given your specific situation. Good luck!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.