Can I Join the Military with a GED?

Join the Military With a GED Certificate! 

Each individual charts a unique course in their educational and career journey. For many, a military career serves as a compelling alternative to college or trade pursuits. While some individuals enlist in the military immediately after high school, others may consider this path later in life or without completing high school. The question often arises: Can one join the military with a GED? To enlist in the military, you need either a high school diploma or a general equivalency diploma (GED). The military has limited slots for GED holders, but your chances of joining improve if you have:

  • Earned college credits
  • Achieved higher scores on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)

Can you join the military with a GED?

Yes! Military recruitment welcomes applicants with either a high school diploma or a GED. However, the criteria for enlisting with a GED differ among branches and differ from those for individuals with a high school diploma. Typically, applicants holding a GED may need to achieve higher scores on entrance exams compared to those with a high school diploma. Nevertheless, most branches maintain consistent requirements for recruits, whether they hold a GED or a high school diploma, in areas such as age, physical fitness, and citizenship.

The Department of Defense’s Recruitment Tier System

The Department of Defense employs a three-tiered system to categorize potential recruits based on educational qualifications. The tiers are as follows:

  • Tier 1: Recruits with a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Tier 2: Recruits with a GED
  • Tier 3: Recruits without a high school diploma or GED

Tier 2 recruits have the opportunity to move to Tier 1 by earning a minimum of 15 hours of college credit. However, some military recruiters suggest that individuals either enlist as Tier 2 recruits or complete the ASVAB test before pursuing college courses to transition to Tier 1.

This tiered system enables the Department of Defense to prioritize applicants with higher credentials, perceived as more likely to fulfill their initial military obligation. Consequently, the Department of Defense mandates that at least 90% of all recruits should be from Tier 1. Each military branch sets its own requirements for the percentage of Tier 2 recruits they enlist annually. Generally, most branches do not admit Tier 3 recruits unless specific circumstances or special exceptions apply.

What is involved in the GED?

The GED, or General Education Development Test, serves as an alternative to earning a traditional high school diploma. Consisting of four distinct tests, the GED exam can be scheduled on the same day or different days. Each test typically spans at least an hour and focuses on one of the primary testing subject areas:

  1. Science
  2. Social studies
  3. Reasoning through language arts
  4. Mathematical reasoning

GED tests encompass various question formats, including multiple choice, long-form, and essay questions. Individuals pursuing a GED often seek the assistance of tutors, enroll in preparatory courses, and/or complete practice exams. To earn your GED, a passing score of 145 out of 200 is required on each of the four individual tests. Scores falling within the ranges of 165 to 174 or 175 to 200 indicate readiness for college courses and may even entitle you to college credit hours. GED requirements vary by state, with most states requiring candidates to be at least 18 years old to take the exam. However, certain states provide exceptions, such as allowing the exam for 16- and 17-year-olds with parental or legal guardian permission.

How to Get a GED Fast?

Are you on the lookout for the fastest way to acquire a GED? Ready to expedite your journey to achieving your GED goals, especially for meeting military educational requirements? Look no further than Takemygedtest.com. We offer the perfect solution tailored for you. Takemygedtest.com stands out as the premier website offering online GED test help. Our online GED test help service eliminates the need for extensive study or GED exam preparation by offering a convenient option—remote connection to your computer. This is where our expert GED test takers take the GED proctored test online on your behalf. This unquestionably stands out as one of the quickest paths to obtaining your GED.

Contact us today 

GED Requirements to Join:

  • Air Force:

The Air Force generally accepts less than one percent of annual recruits from Tier 2. To join the Air Force with a GED, recruits must achieve an ASVAB composite score of at least 50, which is 14 points higher than required with a high school diploma. ASVAB scores also influence your Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC), determining your specific job within the Air Force.

  • Army:

The Army typically permits up to 10 percent of annual recruits from Tier 2. To enlist in the Army with a GED, recruits must attain an ASVAB composite score of at least 50, which is 19 points higher than the requirement for those with a high school diploma. ASVAB scores also dictate your Military Occupation Specialties (MOS), specifying your specialized job while serving. The Army may also mandate Tier 2 recruits to participate in a 90-day delayed entry program before completing basic training.

  • Coast Guard:

The Coast Guard typically allows up to 5 percent of annual recruits from Tier 2. To join the Coast Guard with a GED, recruits must obtain an ASVAB composite score of at least 50, which is 19 points higher than required with a high school diploma. ASVAB scores also influence ratings, specifying jobs within the Coast Guard.

  • Marines:

The Marines typically permit up to 5 percent of annual recruits from Tier 2. To enlist in the Marines with a GED, recruits must secure an ASVAB composite score of at least 50, which is 18 points higher than with a high school diploma. ASVAB scores also impact your MOS with the Marines.

  • Navy:

The Navy usually allows between 5 to 10 percent of recruits from Tier 2 per year. To join the Navy with a GED, recruits must achieve an ASVAB composite score of at least 50, which is 19 points higher than with a high school diploma. ASVAB scores also influence your ratings with the Navy, and Tier 2 recruits may be required to participate in a 90-day delayed entry program before completing basic training. Additionally, the Navy may favor Tier 1 recruits for higher-ranking positions.

Takemygedtest.com offers you the fastest way to getting your GED certificate. Always get in touch with us for GED help