Hey folks, is it possible to enlist in the military and still get a high school diploma in West Virginia? How does one go about that? Any info would be greatly appreciated!
Yes, joining the military without a high school diploma is possible, and many branches of the military encourage continued education, including getting a high school diploma. However, each branch has different educational requirements. Generally, they prefer enlistees to have a high school diploma but some do accept a GED.
For those without a diploma, the Army, Navy, and Marines have programs which allow enlistment on the condition that you get your GED while in the military. There may be a wait, though, as priority is given to those with a high school diploma.
In terms of getting a high school diploma while serving, you should look into programs available within West Virginia, such as the Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy. This is a residential program for teens that operates like a military school and provides the opportunity to complete a GED or recover credits towards a high school diploma while also building life skills. If enlisted, you could also consider online or correspondence schools which can be completed from anywhere.
Additionally, the military offers a number of programs to help personnel complete their education while serving, including tuition assistance. Consult with your recruiter or a counselor within the military for more information about these programs.
Remember, joining the military is a major decision, and it's important to carefully consider all the options and what you want for your future. It might be worth prioritizing finishing your high school education first, but this is a decision only you can make.
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