How does poor high school performance affect military pursuits?

My high school grades have been pretty rocky so far. I’m wondering, does having bad high school grades affect my chances of joining the military, perhaps as an officer or in another position?

Your high school grades actually do not have a significant impact on your basic eligibility to enlist in the military. The primary requirements include being at least 17 years old, being a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, having a high school diploma (a GED may limit your options), passing the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), and meeting physical and medical requirements.

That said, if you're interested in becoming an officer, poor high school grades could potentially impact your opportunities. That’s because officers usually need a bachelor's degree, and your high school grades can affect your admission into certain colleges. Furthermore, if you're considering the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) programs to potentially become an officer, they sometimes consider high school grades in their selection process.

If you're interested in working your way up into a specialized role or a leadership position in the military, it can also be beneficial to have a strong educational background because higher education is often considered for these types of promotions.

So, although poor high school grades won't necessarily bar you from enlisting, investing in improving your academic performance could open up more opportunities within the military. You might consider seeking out support or resources to help improve your grades, such as tutoring, study groups, or additional coursework if needed.