Do You Have to Have a GED to Join the Military?
The United States military has specific requirements for enlisting, and one of the most common questions applicants ask is whether they need a General Educational Development (GED) certificate to join. In this article, we’ll provide a direct answer to this question and outline the requirements for enlisting in the military.
Do You Need a GED to Join the Military?
The short answer is: no, you don’t necessarily need a GED to join the military. However, having a GED or a high school diploma (HSD) can increase your chances of being accepted into the military. The military has different requirements for enlistment, and GED holders can still join, but they may have to meet additional requirements or take additional tests.
Military Enlistment Requirements
To enlist in the military, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Be between the ages of 17 and 35 (with some exceptions for older or younger candidates)
- Pass a physical fitness test
- Pass a background check
- Meet specific height and weight requirements
- Meet minimum score requirements on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test
GED Requirements for Military Enlistment
While you don’t need a GED to join the military, having one can make it easier to enlist. Here are the GED requirements for military enlistment:
- Minimum scores: You must score a minimum of 1450 out of 2000 on the GED test, with no score lower than 145 on any individual subject.
- Subject requirements: You must pass all four GED subjects: mathematics, science, social studies, and language arts.
- Age requirements: You must be at least 17 years old to take the GED test, and 18 years old to enlist in the military.
Military Branches’ GED Requirements
Each military branch has its own GED requirements, but they all generally follow the same guidelines. Here’s a breakdown of the GED requirements for each branch:
| Military Branch | GED Requirements |
|---|---|
| Army | Same as above (minimum scores, subject requirements, age requirements) |
| Navy | Same as above |
| Air Force | Same as above, with additional requirements for certain jobs (e.g., aviation or intelligence) |
| Marines | Same as above, with additional requirements for certain jobs (e.g., infantry or artillery) |
| Coast Guard | Same as above, with additional requirements for certain jobs (e.g., aviation or maritime law enforcement) |
Benefits of Having a GED for Military Enlistment
Having a GED can provide several benefits for military enlistment:
- Increased acceptance: Having a GED can increase your chances of being accepted into the military, especially for certain jobs or branches.
- Better job opportunities: GED holders may have access to more job opportunities in the military, including officer positions or specialized roles.
- Higher pay: GED holders may be eligible for higher pay rates or bonuses, depending on their job and branch.
- Better education and training: GED holders may have access to additional education and training opportunities in the military, which can lead to better career prospects and higher pay.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while you don’t need a GED to join the military, having one can increase your chances of being accepted and provide benefits such as better job opportunities and higher pay. Make sure to check the specific GED requirements for your desired military branch and job, and consider taking the test if you’re interested in enlisting.
