N
The Global Insight

When did the military require a high school diploma?

Author

John Johnson

Updated on March 28, 2026

High school diplomas were part of the VOLAR (Volunteer Army) requirement that started in 1972 and was implemented not long after that.

What military branch does not require a high school diploma?

The United States Marine Corps, or USMC, is one of the branches of the U.S. armed forces. Different branches of the military have different enlistment requirements, but it is possible to enlist in the Marines without a high school diploma.

What online high school diploma is accepted by the military?

Depending on other exam scores and eligibility, students can use an online high school diploma like Penn Foster’s to enlist in the military as a Tier 1 recruit.

Can you join the Army without a diploma?

U.S. Army. In addition to being a United States citizen or permanent resident alien, you must have a high school diploma or GED to join the Army as an enlisted member. You must also meet height, weight and overall physical health standards. The minimum score you can get on the ASVAB test is a 31.

Can you join Marines without high school diploma?

Marine Corps minimum GED scores The USMC (United States Marine Corps) recognizes GED diplomas as basic qualifications for enlisting. The U.S. Marine Corps allows just up to five percent of applicants to serve without holding a high school diploma.

Can you go to the army without a high school diploma?

Not necessarily! The Army National Guard will pay you to get your GED when you enlist. If you don’t have either a high school diploma or alternate education credentials (GED, National Guard Youth Challenge, Correspondence Diploma, etc) we can help. You can enlist under the “Army National Guard GED Plus Program”.

Is Penn Foster High School diploma real?

Penn Foster High School is accredited by Cognia. Penn Foster is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). The DEAC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Is getting a high school diploma online legit?

For online high schools that do meet or exceed accreditation requirements, diplomas awarded by those schools are 100% legitimate and may be used the same way as any other traditional high school diploma.

What GPA do you need to join the army?

The minimum high school GPA allowed is 2.5. You must score no lower than a 920 on your SAT and at least 19 on your ACT.

Can I get my GED in the Army?

Yes! All branches of the military will accept applicants with GEDs. Earning a GED is an important step to joining the military if you don’t have a high school diploma.

Can you join the military without a high school diploma?

Earn College Credits. One way to enlist without a diploma is to earn at least 15 college credits. The military will note your college credits as equivalent to a high school diploma.

Do you have to have a GED to join the military?

But if you don’t have a high school diploma, the requirements to enlist are more stringent. While it’s still possible to enlist with a GED, your chances are not as strong as people with traditional high school diplomas, and you’re encouraged to bolster your education with some college credits.

What kind of Education do you need to be in the military?

Updated January 14, 2019. Each branch of the U.S. military has slightly different education requirements for enlisted personnel. The minimum requirement is a GED (general equivalency diploma), and a certain number of college credits.

Is there a high school completion program in the Army?

The Army’s High School Completion Program (HSCP) is an off-duty program that provides soldiers and adult family members the opportunity to earn a high school diploma or equivalency certificate. Tuition Assistance (TA) is authorized for soldiers up to 100 percent of the cost of the courses leading…