Just because you have a GED doesn’t mean that all doors to joining the military are closed. It just changes which doors you can go through and how hard you have to knock.
In this guide we will break down the rules for GED holders, what each military branch requires, and how to improve your odds of getting the military career you want.
Key Takeaways
- You can join with a GED, but GED holders are Tier 2 with limited slots and higher ASVAB cutoffs.
- Earn 15 accredited college credits or boost your AFQT score to upgrade to Tier 1 and widen options.
- Prep: study ASVAB, meet physical standards, gather docs, and ask recruiters about GED slots and waivers.
Tier 1 vs. Tier 2 Military Enlistment: How Your Education Is Classified
The question all GED holders always ask is, “Can I join the military with a GED?” The simple answer is yes. But having just a GED limits your chances of getting accepted. That is because GED holders are classified as Tier 2 applicants, meaning that there are fewer available slots and higher Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) scores may be required.
Every potential recruit is classified using a two-tiered system corresponding to their educational qualifications:
- Tier 1: Applicants with at least a high school diploma or have completed 15 credits of college with a passing grade
- Tier 2: Applicants with a GED
Bottom Line: To increase your chances of getting accepted into the military, you can successfully earn 15 college credits and get a high score on the ASVAB AFQT.
Does an Online High School Diploma Count as Tier 1?
Graduating from a virtual or online high school does not automatically make you a Tier 2 applicant. If your school holds recognized regional or national accreditation, your credential counts as a standard diploma, qualifying you as a Tier 1 applicant.
Action Step: Before relying on an online diploma to enlist, verify that the school is accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education Database. Unaccredited programs are reclassified as Tier 2 or Tier 3.
Military Branch GED Requirements and ASVAB Score Thresholds
Understanding where your education puts you is only half the picture; the other half is hitting the test scores required to get in. Because the Department of Defense limits how many GED holders each branch can enlist every year (often capping them between 1% and 10% of total recruits), every service sets a significantly higher minimum ASVAB score for Tier 2 applicants than for standard high school graduates.
The table below breaks down the baseline scores you need to get your foot in the door. Keep in mind that hitting these minimums makes you eligible to apply, but it doesn’t guarantee a slot; especially in competitive branches where open GED openings fill up fast.
|
Military Branch |
GED (Tier 2) Accepted? |
Minimum ASVAB Score |
Minimum ASVAB Score with a GED |
Key Notes & Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Army |
Yes |
31 |
50 |
Requires higher scores for Tier 2 applicants. Future Soldier Prep Course allows high school diploma holders to enlist with lower initial scores (21+) under specific programs. |
|
Navy |
Yes |
31 |
50 |
Tier 2 GED enlistments are strictly capped and often require references or additional screening. |
|
Air Force |
Yes |
31 |
50 65 for Air National Guard and Reserves |
Historically, 1% or less of annual enlistments |
|
Marine Corps |
Yes |
31 |
50 |
Highly competitive for Tier 2 slots; recruits are capped annually based on DoD directives. |
|
Space Force |
Yes |
31 |
50 |
Follows Air Force testing standards and high score benchmarks. |
|
Coast Guard |
Yes |
32 |
47 |
Requires recruiter command approval for GED holders; slots are minimal. |
Note: In addition to meeting these requirements, you must meet all the age, citizenship, medical, moral, and legal requirements to join the military. That includes having your GED in hand before processing through the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) and shipping out to basic training.
How to Upgrade from Tier 2 to Tier 1 Status
There are ways to strengthen your application package if you have a Tier 2 GED. However, they do require effort on your part by going to college, mastering the ASVAB, or participating in a prep course.
Earn 15 College Credits to Become a Tier 1 Applicant
You can automatically move up to a Tier I applicant if you complete 15 college credits after getting your GED. The college classes must be from an accredited college or vocational school, and you must earn a C (2.0) or better in each 100-level (first-year student) course. If you got college credits awarded for an AP exam, that also counts towards the 15 credits.
Score Higher on the ASVAB to Beat GED Branch Quotas
If you are a Tier II GED applicant, your first hurdle is to get at least a 50 on the AFQT (47 for the Coast Guard). However, your military branch may have quotas on how many Tier 2 GED applicants they can accept in a year.
Your best bet is to score as high as possible on the ASVAB AFQT and corresponding line scores, which determine which military career you qualify for. Not only will it increase your chances of being accepted, but it will open up more job opportunities, especially in technical career fields.
Further Reading: To maximize your chances of getting a high AFQT score, read How to Get the ASVAB Score You Want.
Use the Army Future Soldier Prep Course for Low ASVAB Scores
The Army FSPC is a pre-basic training program that helps eligible recruits meet enlistment standards through a structured program designed to help those with sub-par ASVAB scores.
Note: Completing the FSPC does not change your GED to a Tier 1, but it does solve the academic barrier for low-scoring Army recruits. You still need a 50 on the AFQT to be minimally qualified.
Questions to Ask a Military Recruiter About GED Availability
If you have a GED, your recruiter will talk to you about the realities of enlisting in the military with a GED. That is because military branches limit the number of open slots for applicants that hold a Tier 2 GED.Here are a few questions you may want to ask your recruiter:
- Are there active GED slots available right now?
- What tier applicant will I be considered?
- Does having a GED affect my choice of jobs?
- What is the minimum ASVAB score required for a GED holder?
- Does the branch offer an academic waiver or prep course?
Before visiting your recruiter, you may want to read What Military Recruiters Wish Applicants Knew Before Enlisting.
60-Day Prep Timeline Before You Walk into the Recruiting Office
If you plan to join the military with a Tier 2 GED, it will require some extra preparation. Use this 60-day plan to prepare for your trip to the recruiter:
Days 60 to 45: Collect Your Education and Personal Records
- Original Documents: Collect official copies of your GED certificate, birth certificate, Social Security card, and state-issued driver’s license or ID.
- Medical & Legal: Assemble copies of your medical and prescription records, including documentation for any past surgeries, broken bones, or mental health visits. If you had any minor criminal or traffic violations, get certified court dispositions.
Days 44 to 20: Master the ASVAB
Take advantage of proven resources:
Research Line Scores for Desired Jobs: Check out the following articles on what line scores you need for your desired job.
Days 19 to 10: Meet Branch Physical Standards
- Check Height and Weight Standards: Ensure your body fat percentage and weight meet branch-specific entrance requirements.
- Practice the PFT/PRT: Passing physical assessments on day one prevents delays in processing.
Days 9 to 1: Schedule and Prepare for Your Recruiter Visit
- Act Like It’s a Job Interview: Present a clean appearance, get there early, and bring all the documents you collected.
- Bring Questions: Draft a direct list of questions regarding enlistment bonuses, ASVAB, and GED requirements.
Further Reading: What Military Recruiters Wish Applicants Knew Before Enlisting
Next Steps: How to Take Action on Your Military Application
You can join the military with a GED, but you’ll face more limitations than applicants with a traditional high school diploma. Earn 15 college credits, and you can automatically be bumped up to Tier 1, and you will be treated just like an applicant with a high school diploma.
If you are a Tier 2 applicant, achieving a strong ASVAB AFQT score, and understanding branch-specific enlistment requirements can significantly improve your chances of getting your application accepted.
Finally, the more prepared you are before meeting a recruiter, the better positioned you’ll be to secure the military career you want.
FAQ
Does the Future Soldier Prep Course Help?
Yes. The Army’s Future Soldier Prep Course (FSPC) helps eligible recruits meet enlistment standards through a structured program designed to improve subpar ASVAB scores. However, completing FSPC does not change your GED Tier 2 status.
Can I Get My GED While in the Delayed Entry Program (DEP)?
Yes. But you have to have your GED in hand in order to begin the MEPS process and ship off to basic training.
Can You Join the Military With a GED?
Yes. All military branches accept GED holders. However, applicants with a GED and less than 15 college credits are generally classified as Tier 2 applicants. This means they may face higher ASVAB requirements and more limited enlistment opportunities.
What ASVAB Score Do You Need With a GED?
Most military branches require Tier 2 GED applicants to score at least 50 on the AFQT. The Coast Guard requires a minimum AFQT score of 47.
Would 15 College Credits Help Me Enlist With a GED?
Yes. Completing 15 college credits from an accredited college or vocational school can move you from Tier 2 to Tier 1 status. Tier 1 applicants generally have more enlistment opportunities and fewer restrictions than Tier 2 applicants.
Is an Online Diploma Treated Like a GED?
No. As long as your online high school holds recognized regional or national accreditation (approved by the U.S. Department of Education or CHEA), your diploma is classified as Tier 1, not a GED. If the school is unaccredited, however, the military will reclassify your application as Tier 2 or Tier 3.
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