Can I Enlist in the Marine Corps with a GED?
The U.S. Navy is making a significant change by allowing enlistment without a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED). This move, marking the second in about a year, highlights the military's struggle to meet enlistment goals.
Importance of the Decision
Following a similar move in December 2022 to accept recruits scoring very low on the Armed Services Qualification Test (ASQT), the Navy is now taking steps to open its doors to a broader range of candidates. This includes individuals who have not completed high school or obtained a GED. The Navy's new plan allows recruits with an ASQT score of 50 or above to join, marking a significant shift in the recruitment process.
Historical Context and Implementation
This decision comes at a time when the military faces significant enlistment challenges. The pandemic forced the military to close down recruiting stations and access to events where they traditionally reached potential recruits. Even after reopening, the military struggled to compete with higher-paying businesses that offered benefits such as college funding.
For the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023, the Navy, Army, and Air Force failed to meet their recruitment goals. In contrast, the Marine Corps and the Space Force met theirs. This trend has continued, with the Navy falling short of its goal of 37,700 enlistments, bringing in just 31,834.
Implications and Implementation
The Navy has set a new goal for this year, aiming to bring in 40,600 sailors. With a total size of 337,800 for 2024, the service is now open to anyone with an ASQT score of 50 or above. Vice Admiral Rick Cheeseman, the Navy’s chief of personnel, has sent orders to recruiters to reach out to approximately 2,442 candidates who were previously turned away.
Comparison with Other Military Services
While the Navy is adjusting its recruitment criteria, other military branches are more cautious. The Navy is the only service to enlist category four candidates, those who scored 30 or less on the ASQT. The expansion of this category is driven by the recognition that certain jobs, such as cooking or boatswain mate, do not require high scores as long as the job standards are met.
The Army takes lower-scoring candidates into their Future Soldier Prep Course, which offers additional training to improve scores. The Navy’s Future Sailor Prep Course is more flexible, requiring no increase in score for enlistment. The Air Force, on the other hand, only considers candidates without a diploma if they score a 65 or higher on the ASQT, making it a rare case indeed.
Challenges and Considerations
Military leaders like Vice Admiral Cheeseman recognize that lower-performing recruits might face challenges, such as failing boot camp or presenting more disciplinary issues. While these concerns are valid, the Navy believes that their boot camp capacity can accommodate these recruits without significant risk.
Statistically, 11.4% of previous low-scoring recruits who joined last year did not complete boot camp compared to 6.5% of high-scoring recruits. Despite these risks, the Navy remains committed to expanding its pool of potential sailors by embracing alternative candidates with the belief that they can still contribute effectively.
In conclusion, while the decision to enlist in the Marine Corps with a GED is a rare exception, it reflects a strategic shift by the military to meet its recruitment goals. This move could pave the way for a more inclusive approach to military enlistment, ultimately benefiting the military’s ability to recruit and retain a diverse and qualified workforce.