Can You Join the Military With a GED? We will answer this question in this blog post so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not to enlist in the United States Armed Forces!
Enlisting in the military can be a difficult process. Although the military frequently requires a high school diploma, if you have a GED, you can still join the armed forces. GED holders can join the military if they meet certain requirements. Whatever branch you want to join, you must still meet the age, citizenship, height, and weight, and legal requirements to join the military.
How can you join the military with a GED?
To join the military with a GED, you definitely need to undergo basic training for recruits who only hold GED certificates. Due to the huge number of military candidates with GED certificates, there aren’t many available positions. If it’s the case, your optimal choice in order to join the military is to complete 15 college credits.
Although GED holders are still able to enlist in the military, they need to meet all other qualifications of the specific branch they are looking to serve in.
Each branch of the military has tiers for recruits and classifies all of its recruits into one of three categories:
Tier 1: Candidates who hold a high school or college diplomas are generally classified as tier 1.
Tier 2: GED holders without diplomas and high school dropouts are categorized as tier 2 recruits.
Tier 3: No GED or High school diploma. This tier more or less is considered as not existing anymore.
For more detail, the three tiers for recruits to the army are as follow:
Tier 3 Recruit
There are considered almost no Tier 3 recruits. It is rare for Tier 3 recruits to join the military. If you are planning to serve in the military and you do not have a GED, it is highly recommended that you should study and pass your GED exam first.
You can get help with obtaining your GED with practice tests online. It can help you have a good preparation so that you can earn your degree more easily and so you can have a better chance of entering into the armed forces.
Tier 2 Recruit
If you already have a GED and consider joining the military to get into the military, you have to know that each branch sets its own limits and standards. For instance, while only less than 1% of the annual recruits for the air force are Tier 2 recruits, roughly 5% of the USMC (U.S. Marine Corps) are Tier 2.
One of the biggest ways to help you get into such a small percentage of Tier 2 recruits, is to get a good score on your ASVAB test.
Tier 1 Recruit
It doesn’t matter if you have a GED or not once you have either a high school diploma or 15 college credits. If that’s the case, you are considered to be a Tier 1 recruit, and Tier 1 recruits get first to pick for any open positions.
If you have a GED and want to become a Tier 1 recruit, you need to earn 15 college credits. These credits do not have to be earned at a large university or state-run school, but credits from vocational, community, or business colleges are possible. Before you apply to colleges to get 15 credits (which can be completed in one semester of school), remember to double-check with your recruiter to make sure that you are applying to a school that is recognized in programs that will count towards your 15 credits.
ASVAB Test
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is the key for a Tier 2 recruit to make the dream of the military come true. Tier 1 recruits only have to score 31% or higher on the ASVAB, while Tier 2 recruits have to score 50% or higher.
The ASVAB also provides grounds for what you are qualified to do in each branch. If your ASVAB score is good enough in certain areas and shows knowledge or talent in those areas, you can be recruited for a specific job, which pretty much guarantees your recruitment.
Fortunately, we have a system of comprehensive ASVAB practice tests to assist you. These practice tests can help you identify your ASVAB strengths and weaknesses and predict whether or not you will pass. It can help you design a personalized study plan to focus on the areas where you need to improve, including specific chapters and pages to study that will directly improve your score.
Remember to take our free ASVAB practice test 2023, which is one of the best platforms for practicing and is ideal for people who want to improve their chances of joining the military.
I hope you were successful in your search. In addition to this one, we have a complete ASVAB study guide and a number of informative blog articles. Examine it out!
Marvin Shaw is a homeschooling high school teacher and an ASVAB tutor. He's one of the creators of our ASVAB question collection. With his broad knowledge and a big love for the U.S. military, he's mentored hundreds of students to successfully enter the military.
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