Joining the Military After Completing Online High School

Hi guys! I'm in a rather unique situation. I'm doing online high school and I want to join the military after. Are there any special considerations for students from online schools when attempting to enlist? Any insight would be appreciated!

Hi there! It's wonderful to hear about your interest in joining the military! The military doesn't necessarily discriminate between traditional high schools and online high schools in their enlistment process, but they have strict requirements regarding the type of high school diploma a recruit must have.

Certain online high schools are recognized as "tier 1" schools by the military, which is the same tier as traditional public and private high schools. Graduates from these schools are treated the same as graduates from traditional high schools. However, not all online high schools fall under this category. Some, particularly those that are not regionally accredited, are considered "tier 2" or lower. These tiers make a significant difference in military recruitment quotas.

In practice, only 10% of each year's military recruits are allowed to come from tier 2 schools. Hence, it's essential that you check whether your online high school is recognized as a tier 1 school by the military. Your online school counselor or administration department could surely help with this information. Also, keep in mind that each branch of the military may have slightly different standards.

Additionally, like all potential recruits, those from online schools would still need to meet the physical, moral, and academic criteria of the military. These typically include passing the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT), meeting certain physical fitness standards, and passing a moral character evaluation.

In summary, as an online high school student looking to enlist after graduation, it's key for you to ensure that your school's credentials are recognized by the military. It's also important to prepare for all other enlistment requirements. Make sure to discuss your intentions with a military recruiter early on, they can provide excellent guidance on navigating this process based on your unique situation. Best of luck as you pursue this commendable path!