Feeling pretty down right now. High school just isn't going well for me. If I were to fail, what impact would that have on my potential enlistment in the military? Are there additional steps I'd need to take to be considered? Any advice would be helpful.
I'm sorry to hear that you're having a difficult time in high school. When it comes to enlistment in the military, having a high school diploma is usually a prerequisite. That's because the Armed Forces want to be sure recruits have the basic educational foundation necessary for their training and advancement.
The U.S. military does allow waivers for those with a GED, but it does limit opportunities. If you don't graduate from high school or earn a High School Equivalency Diploma, it can limit your ability to advance in the military. In the past, the Army, for instance, has limited the number of GED recipients they accept each year to about 10% of their total recruits.
If you're seriously considering a career in the military, you might want to explore programs such as the National Guard Youth Challenge Program or the Job Corps which are designed to help people earn a high school diploma or its equivalent. These programs can also give you insights and training related to military life.
Finally, failing high school doesn't necessarily mean your possibilities for a career in the military are closed. The military considers the "whole person" concept, which involves an evaluation of all traits of an individual. Examples of such traits are dependability, character, motivation, bearing, adaptability, integrity, potential to successfully complete training in their MOS (Military Occupational Specialties), etc.
Enlistment is based on qualifications - such as age, citizenship, physical fitness, and aptitude scores - to narrow down eligible individuals. Consider reaching out to a recruiting office to discuss your current situation and possible future steps. They can assist you and guide you through the process.
Remember, struggling in high school is not an end-all. While the situation may seem tough right now, there are always resources and paths available to recover academically and continue towards a successful path.
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