Enlisting Without a GED - Is It Possible?

Hey, I haven't been able to get my GED, it's a long story. Anyway, can I still join any of the military branches? Any info would be much appreciated.

Indeed, you can join several branches of the U.S. military without a high school diploma or GED, but there may be certain restrictions. You see, the military highly values education, and acquiring your GED or high school diploma might improve your chances of enlisting. However, each branch has different policies in place for these conditions.

1. The Army: Among all the branches, the Army has the most lenient standards. It may accept a limited number of individuals each year who neither have a high school diploma nor a GED. However, be aware that the Army holds those without diplomas to high standards in other areas, such as scoring higher on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB).

2. The Navy and the Air Force: These branches generally require a high school diploma or equivalency. However, individuals with compelling cases or skills can sometimes receive waivers.

3. The Marines: The Marines generally require a high school diploma, but in remarkable situations, they may allow some individuals to enlist without one.

4. The Coast Guard: This branch usually requires a high school diploma and is unlikely to make exceptions.

5. Space Force: As the newest branch of the U.S. military, Space Force's enlistment requirements align closely with those of the Air Force.

These are general guidelines which may change due to current recruitment goals. Therefore, it's highly advised to contact a recruiter for the most accurate and the most current information. Remember, even if policies allow for enlistment without a GED or high school diploma, having one can only improve your chances and offer you more opportunities down the line.