A lot of people inquire, “Can you join the military with a GED? Yes, it is possible to join the US military with a General Education Development (GED) certificate.
However, you must have an available slot in basic training for GED holders. If there are no available slots, you will need to complete 15 semester hours of college-level courses (at the 100-level or above) before you can enlist with a high school equivalency.
If you’re looking to earn your GED and join the military, consider trying online learning with Prepsaret’s GED Test Prep.
Eligibility Requirements For Joining the Military
Although the Service branches have comparable eligibility requirements, they may reserve the right to select recruits based on the specific needs or vacancies of the current mission. The general requirements provided here apply to the U.S. Military as a whole.
Age Requirements
To be eligible for military and service academies, applicants must be at least 17 years old with parental consent or 18 years old without parental consent. Applicants must satisfy these age requirements by July 1 of the year they plan to enter.
Educational Requirements
Success in any branch of the military relies heavily on having a solid educational background. A high school diploma is highly preferred.
While candidates with a GED certificate can still enlist, some branches may restrict their opportunities. Without a high school diploma or a recognized equivalent, it is challenging to be viewed as a serious candidate.
Security and Background Checks
For safety and security reasons, and to maintain the Military’s high standards, all applicants to the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) are required to undergo a background check.
Typically, applicants with felony convictions or multiple offenses on their record are ineligible to join the Military. However, each branch has its own policy and may, in some cases, issue moral conduct or felony waivers.
For example, Individuals with felony convictions or multiple offenses are generally ineligible to join the Army, though waivers may be granted on a case-by-case basis.
Read more: Marine Corps Eligibility Criteria
Physical Requirements
Physical requirements differ significantly among each Service branch. Generally, candidates should be in good physical shape, have a suitable weight, and be able to pass a standard physical screening before joining.
Citizenship Requirements
U.S. citizens and Legal Permanent Residents (those holding a valid alien registration form, I-551, or green card from U.S. Immigration and Citizenship Services) are eligible. For more details on citizenship and naturalization, please visit the USCIS website.
Non-citizens with appropriate documentation may also enlist, though opportunities might be limited.
For enlistment purposes, the United States encompasses Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau.
Military Officer Career Options
Combat Arms
- Air Defense
- Armor
- Field Artillery
- Infantry
- Military Police Corps
- Special Forces
Combat Support
- Chemical Corps
- Corps of Engineers
- Military Intelligence Corps
- Signal Corps
- Transportation
Combat Service Support
- Acquisition
- Finance Corps
- Ordnance Corps
- Quartermaster Corps
Medical and Health
- Army Medical Specialist Corps
- Army Nurse Corps
- Dental Corps
- Medical Corps
- Medical Service Corps
- Veterinary Corps
Specialized and Support
- Adjutant General
- Aviation
- Foreign Area Officer
- Information Operations Career Fields
- Institutional Support Career Fields
- Warrant Officer
Special Duty Assignments are tasks that are not connected to a particular career field and do not follow the usual career advancement paths.
These assignments can provide Army service members with opportunities to acquire new experiences, learn valuable skills, and often receive additional compensation through SDA pay.
To qualify for a Special Duty Assignment, service members must meet standard minimum qualifications, submit an application with their command’s endorsement.
Lastly, service members must undergo a review by the rating and special duty assignment officers as well as the command or program manager, and be selected for the assignment.
What does the GED Involve?
The GED, or General Education Development Test, offers an alternative to the traditional high school diploma. It consists of four separate tests, which can be scheduled either on the same day or on different days.
Each test generally takes at least an hour to complete and covers one of the following key subject areas:
- Science
- Social Studies
- Reasoning Through Language Arts
- Mathematical Reasoning
The GED includes multiple-choice, long-form, and essay questions. To pass, you need to score at least 145 out of 200 on each test. Scores ranging from 165 to 174, or 175 to 200, indicate college readiness and may even earn you college credit.
Requirements for the GED vary by state, with most requiring test-takers to be at least 18 years old. However, some states allow 16- and 17-year-olds to take the exam with parental or legal guardian consent.
GED Testing
The GED test provides adults who did not complete high school with the opportunity to earn a high school credential. This credential can facilitate college admission (and may even result in college credits) and pave the way for rewarding careers.
The Army Continuing Education System offers GED testing at no cost to service members. After obtaining their GED, individuals can enlist in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, or Air Force. It is important to note that a thorough background check will be conducted.
Military personnel can take the GED exam at no cost at authorized DANTES (Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support) testing centers overseas.
Additionally, 47 states offer free GED testing at DANTES testing centers located in Army Education Centers in major U.S. Army installations. For more information about these programs, please contact your local U.S. Army Education Center.
If an Army Education Center does not offer GED testing, you can take the GED or HiSET exams at authorized testing centers across all 50 states.
Read more: how to get a GED.
How to Prepare for the GED Test
You are not required to take a GED class or receive instruction from a local prep center before taking the test. However, it is highly recommended to prepare adequately for the Alaska GED exam using online GED classes.
Well-structured online GED prep notes and practice questions, such as those from Prepsaret, can significantly increase your chances of passing the GED exam and achieving your goal of joining the military.
There is a variety of online GED prep materials available to help you build valuable skills, including courses related to the GED exam.
Prepsaret also offers practice tests for all the GED subjects:
- GED Math Practice Test
- GED Reasoning Through Language Arts Practice Test
- GED Social Studies Practice Test
- GED Science Practice Test
Overview of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
Along with obtaining a GED, you must take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) and achieve a score of 31 or higher to qualify as an enlisted soldier.
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a computerized test designed to determine which Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) in the U.S. armed forces best match your skills and abilities.
The ASVAB tests knowledge in the following areas: word knowledge, paragraph comprehension, arithmetic reasoning, numerical operations, mathematics knowledge, general science, assembling objects, mechanical comprehension, auto and shop information, and electronics information.
The ASVAB assesses the mentioned subject areas to predict your performance in specific military roles. Annually, over a million high school and post-secondary students take the ASVAB to pursue a career in the military.
The test evaluates ten different areas but is not an IQ test. Instead, it helps the Army identify the tasks you are likely to excel in.
The U.S. Armed Forces maintain high standards for enlistment, and recruiters screen applicants to ensure they meet these criteria. Before taking the ASVAB, recruiters will inquire about your health, education, arrest record, marital status, and drug use.
Answer all questions honestly and openly. If recruiters determine you may qualify, you will be allowed to take the test battery, which typically includes a physical examination.
ASVAB Requirements Criteria
To be admitted to an ASVAB testing site, you must bring proper identification and arrive on time. Late arrivals will not be permitted and will need to reschedule their test. While recruiters may provide transportation to and from the testing site, they are not allowed inside the testing facility.
The ASVAB test questions are controlled materials, and you are prohibited from giving or receiving any information about the test questions. Failure to comply with these rules will result in severe consequences and penalties.
What is the Duration of the ASVAB?
According to data, the average time required for applicants to complete the entire computer-based ASVAB is approximately 1.5 hours.
While the test comes with time limits for each subtest, the majority of test-takers are able to complete the questions before the allotted time expires.
The computer interface displays the remaining time and the number of items left to be answered, providing test-takers with a clear indication of their progress.
What Constitutes a Good ASVAB Score?
To be eligible for the Army, you must achieve a minimum score of 31 points on the ASVAB. Your test scores will be detailed on your ASVAB Student Results Sheet, which will also include additional information to help you interpret your scores.
Guide to Passing the ASVAB Exam
The ASVAB evaluates your abilities rather than your specific knowledge or memorized information, so studying individual topics or memorizing lists and dates won’t be very effective.
To excel on the ASVAB, it’s crucial to prepare for the types of questions you’ll encounter and understand the kind of information referenced.
- Develop a Study Plan: Start early by creating a study plan. Review the various question types and focus on areas where you struggle the most. Establish a study schedule to dedicate more time to challenging topics.
- ASVAB Practice Tests: Taking practice tests is one of the best ways to prepare. They help you familiarize yourself with the question formats and improve your ability to handle different types of questions.
- ASVAB Study Guides: These guides are often created by research experts over many years and offer valuable information that might be hard to find on your own. They present tips and details in an organized manner, making them a worthwhile investment.
Where Can I Take the ASVAB Test?
ASVAB testing is typically administered at Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS), which are staffed by both military and civilian personnel.
There are 65 MEPS locations throughout the U.S. If you are not near one, you can take the ASVAB at a satellite location, known as a MET site (Military Entrance Test).
These MET sites are generally found in National Guard Armories, Federal government buildings, or National Reserve Centers.
At MEPS, the ASVAB is taken on a computer (CAT-ASVAB), while at most MET sites, it is administered in a paper-and-pencil format.
The computer-based CAT-ASVAB is an adaptive test, meaning it adjusts to the test taker’s ability and knowledge level, potentially making it shorter than the paper-and-pencil version.
How Many Times Am I Allowed to Take the ASVAB?
If you fail the ASVAB, you must wait a full month before retaking the test. If you do not pass on the second attempt, you will again need to wait a full calendar month before retesting.
If you fail after the second attempt, you will have to wait at least six months before you can take the ASVAB again. Your test scores are valid for enlistment for up to two years.
What is the Tier Classification System?
The Department of Defense employs a three-tiered classification system for potential recruits based on their educational background:
- Tier 1: Recruits with a high school diploma.
- Tier 2: Recruits with a GED.
- Tier 3: Recruits without a high school diploma or GED.
Tier 2 recruits can advance to Tier 1 by completing at least 15 hours of college credit.
However, some military recruiters suggest that Tier 2 applicants first take the ASVAB test before pursuing college courses to increase their chances of moving to Tier 1.
This classification system is designed to prioritize recruits with higher educational qualifications, as they are considered more likely to fulfill their initial military obligations.
Consequently, the Department of Defense mandates that at least 90% of all recruits must come from Tier 1.
Each military branch has its own standards regarding the proportion of Tier 2 recruits they accept annually, and Tier 3 recruits are generally admitted only under specific circumstances or with special exceptions.
FAQs
Is it Harder to get into the Military with a GED?
Yes, it can be harder to join the military with a GED compared to a high school diploma. Many branches prefer recruits with a diploma, viewing it as a better indicator of academic ability and commitment.
A GED may limit opportunities, especially in competitive roles or during high recruitment periods. However, meeting other qualifications, such as physical fitness and passing entrance exams, can help improve chances.
Some branches may offer additional support or incentives for GED holders, but overall, a high school diploma is generally preferred.
What Military Branch can I Join with a GED?
With a GED, you can join several branches of the military, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Each branch has specific enlistment requirements and may offer varying opportunities.
Generally, you need to meet age, physical, and background standards, and may need to achieve a minimum score on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test.
The Army and Navy are often more flexible with educational requirements, while the Air Force and Marine Corps might have stricter standards. It’s important to contact a recruiter for detailed information and guidance on the enlistment process.
Can Dropouts Join the Military?
Yes, dropouts can join the military, but requirements vary by branch and country. In the U.S., military branches generally require a high school diploma or GED. Some may accept dropouts with a GED, though it might affect their eligibility or career options.
Additional factors like age, physical fitness, and background checks also play a role. Dropouts often need to demonstrate maturity, commitment, and meet specific standards.
Overall, while dropouts can enlist, obtaining a GED and ensuring readiness can improve their chances of success and access to desired roles within the military.
Can I Join the Air Force with GED?
Yes, you can join the Air Force with a GED. However, it is more competitive compared to joining with a high school diploma. You must meet additional requirements, such as scoring well on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test.
The Air Force also has specific age, physical, and background criteria that you need to fulfill. Additionally, having some college education or relevant work experience can improve your chances.
It’s advisable to consult with a recruiter for the most current eligibility requirements and to understand how a GED might impact your application.
How Can I Study for the GED Test With Prepsaret?
Prepsaret is an online platform that provides comprehensive GED preparation resources to help you succeed on the exam.
Prepsaret offers GED Test Prep resources that cover all 4 subject areas tested on the GED exam. The study resources include:
- Hundreds of practice questions with detailed explanations
- Customized study plans based on your strengths and weaknesses
- Simulated practice tests that mimic the actual GED exam
The exam prep resources are self-paced, so you can learn at your own speed and revisit materials as needed. Prepsaret’s expert instructors guide you through the content to ensure you fully understand the concepts.