Understanding the ban of non-high school diplomas by the military

Hi guys, I heard some chatter about the military not accepting candidates with non-high school diplomas. Does this mean that a GED is not considered equivalent to a high school diploma in military terms? Could someone explain the exact criteria the military uses when considering high school education eligibility?

While all branches of the U.S. military value education and encourage people to earn their high school diploma before enlisting, each branch does have slightly different educational requirements.

Typically, the military considers a GED as equivalent to a high school diploma. However, the number of recruits with a GED that each branch is allowed to accept per year is limited so recruiters often prefer high school graduates. This is due to statistics showing higher dropout rates for GED holders during basic training compared with high school graduates.

Here's a breakdown of the different branches:

1. Army: Accepts GEDs and high school equivalency diplomas but prefers high school graduates.

2. Navy: Also accepts GEDs, but like the Army, they prefer high school graduates.

3. Marines: Generally requires a high school diploma but does accept some GED holders each year based on the total number of recruits.

4. Air Force: Requires a high school diploma but does accept a small number of GED holders each year.

5. Coast Guard: Requires a minimum of a high school diploma and does not generally accept GEDs.

6. National Guard: Accepts GED holders but prefers applicants with a high school diploma.

So, if you're considering the military with a GED or high school equivalency diploma, the best course of action would be to speak with a recruiter. They can guide you through the specific requirements and explain how your particular education profile fits with the needs and limits of their branch.