Can You Join The Military With A GED? All You Should Know

It is a competitive process to join the military. Potential recruits applying to any branch of service who do not have a high school diploma will be at a disadvantage. If you were not able to graduate from high school, obtaining a GED, also known as a General Equivalency Diploma, is an ideal solution, but it is not any easier than obtaining a traditional high school diploma.

If you want to join the military but need your GED, take our free GED practice tests to get ready for it. These practice tests can help you identify your GED strengths and weaknesses and predict whether or not you will pass. It not only shows your progress on GED topics, but it can also assist you in devising a custom study plan to work on areas that need improvement, with specific chapters and pages to study that will directly boost your score.

The GED tests cover the following topics:

• Reasoning through language arts (RLA)
• Mathematical reasoning
• Science
• Social studies

To pass the GED, the GED candidates must outperform 60% of high school seniors nationwide. You must study for the GED, and it is best to understand how to take the test because it consists of multiple-choice and short-form answers. The test also includes longer responses to questions in the form of a short essay.

Can You Join the Military With a GED?

Yes! With a GED, you can join the military. Although the military frequently requires a high school diploma, you can still join the armed forces after earning a GED.

To join the military, you must meet the age, citizenship, height, weight, and legal requirements regardless of which branch you wish to serve in.

Each branch of the military has recruit tiers and categorizes all recruits into one of three groups. Tier 1 recruits have a high school diploma or have completed 15 college credits (one semester). Tier 2 recruits have a high school diploma. Tier 3 recruits do not have a GED or a high school diploma.

Tier 3 Recruit

Tier 3 recruits are uncommon in the military. If you want to join the military and do not have a GED, it is strongly advised that you study for and pass your GED exam.

Online GED practice tests can assist you in obtaining your GED. They can assist you in feeling prepared to earn your degree so that you have a better chance of joining the armed forces.

Tier 2 Recruit

If you have a GED and want to join the military, you should be aware that each branch has its own set of requirements. For example, less than 1% of annual air force recruits are Tier 2, while roughly 5% of USMC recruits are Tier 2. One of the most important ways to get into that small fraction of Tier 2 recruits is to perform well on your ASVAB.

ASVAB Test

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is essential for a Tier 2 recruit to enter the military. Tier 1 recruits only need to have an ASVAB score of 31% or higher. Tier 2 recruits must have a 50% or higher. The ASVAB also establishes what you are qualified to do in each branch. If you score well in certain areas and demonstrate knowledge or skill in those areas, you can be recruited to fill a particular job, which almost guarantees your recruitment.

Read more >> How To Spot A Fake GED? Tips To Avoid Scamming

Tier 1 Recruit

It makes no difference whether you have a GED or not if you have a high school diploma or 15 college credits. You are a Tier 1 recruit, and Tier 1 recruits are given first priority for any open positions.

You must earn 15 college credits if you have a GED and want to be a Tier 1 recruit. These credits are not required to be earned at a large university or a state-run school; instead, they can be earned at vocational, community, or business colleges.

Before applying to colleges for 15 credits (which can be fulfilled in one semester of school), double-check with your recruiter to ensure you are applying to a college that is accepted in programs that will count towards your 15 credits.

Requirements to join the Air Force with a GED

The Air Force typically accepts less than 1% of its annual recruits from Tier 2. Recruits with a GED must have an ASVAB composite score of at least 50, which is 14 points higher than those with a high school diploma. ASVAB scores are also used to determine your Air Force Specialty Code, or AFSC, which is your particular career within the Air Force.

Requirements to join the Army with a GED

The Army typically allows up to 10% of annual recruits to come from Tier 2. Recruits with a GED must have an ASVAB composite score of a minimum of 50, which is 19 points higher than those with a high school diploma. ASVAB scores are also used to determine your Military Occupation Specialties or MOS, or highly specialized job while serving. The Army may also require Tier 2 recruits to participate in a 90-day delayed entry program prior to beginning basic training.

Requirements to join the Coast Guard with a GED

The Coast Guard usually accepts up to 5% of its annual recruits from Tier 2. Recruits with a GED must have an ASVAB composite score of a minimum of 50, which is 19 points higher than those with a high school diploma. Ratings, which are specific jobs within the Coast Guard, are also affected by ASVAB scores.

Requirements to join the Marines with a GED

The Marines typically accept up to 5% of their annual recruits from Tier 2. Recruits with a GED must have an ASVAB composite score of a minimum of 50, which is 18 points higher than those with a high school diploma. Your MOS with the Marines is also affected by your ASVAB score.

Requirements to join the Navy with a GED

The Navy generally allows between 5 and 10% of Tier 2 recruits per year. Recruits with a GED must have an ASVAB composite score of a minimum of 50, which is 19 points higher than those with a high school diploma. ASVAB scores also influence your Navy ratings, and they may prefer Tier 1 recruits for higher-ranking positions. In addition, Tier 2 recruits may be required to participate in a 90-day delayed entry program before completing basic training.