Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 3/18/2009

Question
I have recently learned that I will not be accepted into the Air Force with a GED. I was considering joining the service but am now slightly discouraged. Is there anything I can do or any program I can enroll in to be accepted into the Air Force with a GED?

Answer
Each of the services strictly limit the number of high school dropouts (which includes GED holders) who can enlist each year. This is because years of military enlistment statistics have shown that this category of enlistees fail to complete their entire first term of military service at about twice the rate of those with a high school diploma.

The Air Force is the most strict on this matter. The Air Force allows less than 1% of annual enlistments to be recruits without a high school diploma. The Marines have the next highest standards. No more than 5% of Marine recruits can be GED-holders. The Army and the Navy allows no more than 10% each year.

There are always many, many more GED-holders who want to enlist than there are available slots, so even to be considered a GED-holder must score much higher on the aptitude test (ASVAB) than a high school diploma recruit.

Sorry, but your chances of entering the AF with just a GED are slim.  If you really want to join the AF only, wait until 30 September and try again.  The military begins their new year on 1 October each year for paperwork purposes.  You may want to check out the other Services also.

Good luck,
Colonel H