Enlisting in the military with a GED – possible?

I've been considering completing my studies via a GED instead of traditional high school. Wondering - can you join any branch of the military with a GED? Not sure if they require a regular high school diploma. If anyone could clarify this, that would be really helpful!

Absolutely! Joining the military with a GED instead of a traditional high school diploma is possible, although it might be slightly more challenging. Each branch of the military sets its own policies regarding education credentials and they typically prefer candidates with high school diplomas. This is because statistically, those with high school diplomas tend to complete their service contracts at a higher rate.

For instance, the Air Force, which is known for having some of the strictest educational requirements, is more competitive and prefers high school graduates. However, they do accept a limited number of people with GEDs each year. The Army, on the other hand, allows more enlistees with GEDs but you may be competing with high school graduates for the same roles. Other branches like the Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard have similar policies.

The newest branch, the Space Force, would very likely follow suit with the other branches of the military, though official policies may still be in development as it was only established in 2019.

If you’re determined to enlist, consider enrolling in some college credits after obtaining your GED, as having college experience can increase your chances of being accepted.

It's good to keep in mind that this information is subject to change, and the stipulations can fluctuate based on the needs and goals of each branch. I recommend reaching out to a recruiter from the branch you're interested in for the most up-to-date information.