The Military relies on highly trained and educated people. They must trust them with top-secret information, guns, and other high-tech equipment.
Most branches of the Military require at least a high school diploma for enlistment. However, GED holders can join with some limits. In most cases, the armed forces will only accept GED holders with 15 college credits or higher.
Online High School
Online high school is an excellent option for students who need to leave the public school system. Students can enroll in these programs all year round and take classes during the summer.
Another benefit of online high school is fewer distractions. Students can learn without worrying about social distractions, bullying, or peer pressure.
Can you join the military without a high school diploma? Most military branches require a high school diploma or equivalent for enlistment. However, the Army allows some recruits to bypass this requirement if they have a GED certificate and score at least 31 on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). However, it is essential to note that a GED is less rigorous than a high school diploma. Specific standards such as a clean record and physical requirements must still be met.
National Guard Youth Challenge Program
The National Guard runs this program in each state, and it is free for high school dropouts ages 16 to 18. It provides a 22-week residential program with a 12-month post-residential phase. It helps teens improve their self-discipline, leadership, and life skills while earning a high school diploma or GED equivalency.
The NG Youth Challenge Program (NGYCP) is a military-style program that teaches cadets discipline, responsibility, and hard work. It is not a boot camp, but it does require cadets to have their hair shaved, live on the base, and engage in military-style physical activities like marching in formation and obstacle courses.
The cadets who graduate from the program are more likely than their control group counterparts to have earned a high school diploma or GED, be in college and working, and have higher earnings. In addition, 80% of them are placed in school, a job, or the Military within one year of graduation.
GED Testing
Getting a GED is an excellent option for those who missed high school for various reasons. The GED is a set of tests that assess high school-level academic skills. It covers the subjects of Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies and can be taken at over 3,200 official locations, such as adult education centers, public schools, and community colleges. It is also offered in Spanish, French, and large print and Braille.
However, it’s important to note that even with a GED certificate, you won’t be accepted into the Military immediately. You’ll need to pass the Armed Services Qualification Test (ASQT) and meet physical requirements, among other things. But with dedication, preparation, and a commitment to serving the country, it’s possible to achieve your goals of joining the Military. And if you’re accepted, you’ll find that your GED can open up more opportunities for advancement in the future.
College Credits
There are several benefits to earning college credit before earning your high school diploma. These include lower tuition costs, a higher chance of qualifying for scholarships, and a better chance of graduating on time.
Many four-year universities offer concurrent enrollment programs, allowing high school students to take college courses that count for their high school and college credit. These types of courses are also available at two-year community colleges. Some vocational schools have life experience credit programs that award college credits based on professional credentials and other nonacademic accomplishments, including military service and boot camps.
The American Council on Education (ACE) assesses nonacademic programs for college credit equivalency, and individual schools may recognize the ACE evaluation and apply these credits to a student’s record. Other ways to earn college credit outside of a classroom include passing CLEP exams, DANTES standardized subject tests, or submitting a portfolio of your work and experience.
