Does anyone know if any military branches accept a GED?

Due to some personal circumstances, I'll be getting my GED instead of a traditional high school diploma. I'm worried that might affect my chances of enlisting. Do any branches of the military accept candidates who only have a GED?

Yes, all branches of the U.S. military do accept the GED, but it's important to note that individuals with a high school diploma are given preference over those with a GED. The military branches, including Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force, all have different policies regarding the number of enlistees with GEDs they accept each year.

The Army, for example, classifies applicants into three tiers according to their level of education. Tier 1 candidates are those who possess a high school diploma, and they make up the majority of recruits. Tier 2 candidates include those with a GED, and Tier 3 candidates include those who dropped out of high school. The Army typically accepts a limited number of Tier 2 recruits each year.

Moreover, possessing a GED will not preclude you from serving, but it may limit some opportunities within the military. For example, certain professions or specialties require higher education credentials. So, while having a GED does not directly prevent you from enlisting, it may affect your potential career path within the military service.

To enhance your chances of enlistment, you might want to consider gaining some additional college credits, which the military often values highly. Even a small number of community college credits can tip the scales in your favor.

Lastly, remember the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) test. Scoring high on this multiple-aptitude test can help bolster your application and could potentially open up more opportunities within the military, regardless of your educational background.