Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/DEP and High School Drop out

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Expert: - 3/15/2010


Question
My daughter joined the Army Reserves when she was 17 through the DEP.  She was a junior in high school this year and has since quit high school since turning 18 a month ago.  She also moved to another state without informing her high school or reserve unit of the change and will not return our calls.  I've been told through a friend that she is not enrolled in a new high school or GED program.  She is scheduled to go to basic in June 2010.  I'm concerned that she is going to be discharged from the military.  Will she be allowed to stay in the military and go to basic if she doesn't enroll in a high school or GED program?  What are the time restraints if she DOES have to enroll in a program?  Thank you.

Answer
She will be discharged for not completing HS.  GED is not good enough.  She must complete HS on time for her ship date of be dischasrged. The only exception is if she has to go to summer school to graduate.

She can re apply after she gets her GED if she wishes, but right now, no one is really taking GEDs unless they have college credits.

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

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John L

Expertise

I am a National Guard recruiter , been doing it for seven years and am a subject matter expert on qualifications for National Guard and I keep up to date on Regular Army regs and programs. I was in the Navy for 4 years and have 13 years in the Guard. I will not sugar coat my answers to you. They are usually short and to the point. If you need more in depth, ask me. Because each situation is different, alot of times you need to actually talk to a recruiter and let them evaluate your situation in person, by looking at your documents, issues etc. If I suggest this, it would be in your best interest to do so. Finally...thank you for your interest in serving this great nation of ours. Very few people can actually make the cut to serve let alone choose to do so. So thank you for wanting to and hopefully you will get a chance. Whatever branch you choose, thank you and good luck.

Experience

13 years Guard experince, combat missions and homeland missions. 7 years recruiting. I have been a platoon sergeant and squad leader. Mentor to new recruiters and recruits.

Education/Credentials
Recruiters course and advanced courses in recruiting

Awards and Honors
Top recruiter in district for FY 2008. Nominated for recruiter of the year for 2010.

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