High school dropouts and the military

I'm wondering, hypothetically, if a high school dropout, maybe for family or personal reasons, later wanted to join the military, what would their options look like? Is it possible? Thanks in advance for any insight.

Yes, it's possible for a high school dropout to join the military, but the options can be limited when compared to individuals with a high school diploma or GED. The US military, on the whole, desires recruits who have completed high school. This is due to a few reasons, including the belief that those with a high school education are more likely to complete their term of enlistment and possess the necessary skills and discipline levels required for military service.

However, there are still pathways into the military for those without a high school diploma. Here are a few of them:

1. GED or Equivalent: One common course of action for high school dropouts wanting to join the military is to earn a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. This is seen as an equivalent to a high school diploma and can increase your chances of joining the service. However, it's worth noting that the number of GED holders recruited each year may be capped.

2. Military Preparatory Schools: Some branches of the military run preparatory schools that prepare potential recruits to take the GED exams. For instance, the Army's Job Corps program offers career training and GED preparation.

3. Alternative Credentials: Depending on the branch, alternative high school completion certificates or credits may be accepted. These can include credits earned through adult education programs. However, the acceptability of these credentials can vary by service branch and may be subject to additional criteria.

4. Tier 2 Recruitment: In some cases, individuals without a high school diploma may be enlisted as part of the military's "Tier 2" recruitment. But, this allocation is limited and can be more competitive.

Even with these potential routes, it's important to understand that each individual case may be unique and could be influenced by a variety of factors, including the specific needs of different branches at the time of enlistment. Aspiring recruits can benefit from speaking with a military recruiter to understand their best option.