Dreaming of serving your country but haven't completed high school? You might wonder if it's still possible to join the military. The good news is, there are paths into the armed forces even without a high school diploma or GED (General Education Development). This blog will walk you through your options, giving you valuable insights and practical advice.
The GED Requirement in the Military
Joining the military generally requires a high school diploma or GED. However, some branches have more flexible entry requirements. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for anyone looking to serve without a traditional educational background.
The military categorizes recruits into three tiers based on education:
Tier 1 includes high school diploma holders.
Tier 2 comprises those with a GED.
Tier 3 encompasses those without either credential.
Recruitment policies favor Tier 1 candidates, making it harder for Tier 2 and Tier 3 applicants. Yet, exceptions exist, offering a chance for those without a GED.
What Branches of the Military Can You Join Without a GED?
Army Opportunities
The Army no longer provides various pathways for individuals without a GED. Until 2013, the Army offered the Army GED Plus Program for Army or Army National Guard recruits. They could enter the service and then work toward acquiring their GED, but the program was discontinued and today, recruits must have either a GED or a high school diploma.
The Army briefly allowed those without a high school diploma or GED to enlist in 2022, but the program was suspended.
The good news is that local communities offer a wide range of programs to help people interested in attaining a GED, so there is hope for anyone who wants to join the U.S. Army to earn their GED.
Navy Pathways
In 2024, the U.S. Navy announced that it was opening its ranks to recruits without a high school diploma and without a GED. The Navy typically requires a high school diploma. However, exceptional candidates without a GED may still be considered. High ASVAB scores and demonstrated skills can make up for educational shortcomings.
Recruits must score a 50 or higher on the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) that all prospects must take. The move was made to boost recruitment as the Navy, like other services, suffers from a recruiting crisis.
The last time the Navy removed high school diploma and GED requirements was in 2000. The Navy insists that they are not lowering standards, but simply widening the pool of applicants. All sailors must still qualify for their respective ratings and in order to do that they must score high enough on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB).
The Navy predicts that removing the GED and high school diploma requirements will open career service paths for 500 to 2,000 recruits. In addition, the Navy has educational programs in place that allow sailors to earn their GED once they are in the service.
The Navy also adjusted its applicant pool age and applicants can now be between the ages of 17 to 41. To sweeten the pot, the Navy also raised their enlistment bonuses to $50,000 and $75,000 for those entering nuclear programs.
The change in policy might have worked. In 2024, the Navy met its recruiting goals for the first time in three years.
What branches of the military can you join without a GED? So far, it’s the U.S. Navy.
Air Force Enlistment
The U.S. Air Force accepts candidates with a high school diploma or a GED only. According to the Air Force, “To join the Air Force as an enlisted Airman, you must be between the ages of 17 and have not reached your 42nd birthday, a current U.S. citizen and have obtained either a high school diploma or GED.
“Additionally, you must pass the Armed Services Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) and a physical. The ASVAB covers four critical areas: arithmetic reasoning, mathematics, word knowledge and paragraph comprehension.”
Unfortunately, if you do not have a GED or a high school diploma, you cannot consider the Air Force as an enlistment option since they require applicants have a GED or high school diploma.
What branches of the military can you join without a GED? Not the Air Force.
Marine Corps Options
The Marine Corps is stringent about educational requirements, typically requiring a high school diploma. To enlist as a Marine, you must obtain your high school diploma and be a legal U.S. resident between 17 and 28.
Applicants with a GED or other non-traditional diplomas can enlist, but will need to be further reviewed by a Marine Corps recruiter. Additionally, these applicants must meet the same enlistment standards that all applicants do, including being 17 years-old and meeting other physical, mental, and moral requirements.
Unfortunately, the Marines expect all candidates to have either a high school diploma or a GED. Those without either of those credentials cannot enlist.
What branches of the military can you join without a GED? The Marine Corps is not an option without a GED or a high school diploma.
What Branches of the Military Can You Join Without a GED? Coast Guard?
The Coast Guard primarily requires a high school diploma, but may consider GED holders under specific conditions. A recruiter can provide more details on a case-by-case basis. Candidates without a GED or high school diploma cannot enlist.
According to the Coast Guard, applicants must be between the ages of 17 and 41, be U.S. citizens, and score at least a 32 on the AFQT of the ASVAB.
Space Force
According to the U.S. Space Force, recruits must be between the ages of 17 and 42 to enlist. While a high school diploma is preferred, an equivalent such as the GED may also be accepted. All recruits must take the ASVAB to determine placement within the Space Force.
What branches of the military can you join without a GED? Sadly, you cannot enlist in the Space Force without a high school diploma or GED.
National Guard and Reserve Opportunities
The National Guard has two branches, the Air National Guard and the Army National Guard. In both cases, those branches follow the recruiting guidelines of the Air Force and the Army.
To join the National Guard, candidates must be between the ages of 17 and 35, be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and be at least a junior in high school, or have a high school diploma or a GED certificate.
If you think that’s a window of opportunity for those who don’t have a GED or high school diploma, think again. While you can enlist in the National Guard while still in high school, the expectation is that you complete a GED or high school diploma upon serving.
There are National Guard GED programs, like state-run youth academies, that help recruits earn their GEDs, but those vary based on the U.S. territory and state. Check with recruiters for more information.
The other reserve components, Navy Reserve, Army Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Coast Guard Reserve all follow their active-duty component educational requirements.
Conclusion
What branches of the military can you join without a GED? The answer is simple. The U.S. Navy.
Joining the military without a GED is challenging but not impossible. However, it is important to note that at the moment, the only branch of service that will allow you to enlist without a GED or high school diploma is the Navy.
If you're determined to overcome educational barriers and pursue a military career, start by exploring these opportunities. Ultimately, you can enlist in the Navy, but consider earning your GED or high school diploma before joining the ranks. Acquiring those educational credentials can open many doors for you, especially in the military. But if you can’t do that right now, then the Navy is your sure shot because it will enable you to pursue enlistment as long as you qualify.