Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 5/15/2008

Question
My boyfriend wants to join the Marines, but does not have a GED at this point, is it possible for him to enlist without having a GED? Is there a way they would have him work on it while he is in the Corps? Would he just have to get it before he can join?

Answer
Dear Winona --

Only in very rare circumstances may a candidate enlist in the Marines with neither a high school diploma nor a GED.  Your boyfriend might be able to get a waiver if he performs extremely well on his Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test, is extraordinarily fit, and has demonstrated leadership skills.

Because he would need a waiver to enter due to his lack of GED, he would not be as high a quality candidate, and would have to forgo certain military occupational specialities he might prefer.

A better bet for him would be to either get his GED or to take 24 hours of college levels course, and pass them with at least a C.  This college level performance would prove that the lack of a high school diploma is just an oversight.

I wish him the best of luck and hope he finds a way to serve, if that is what he desires.