Do I need a GED or High School Diploma to join the Guard?
 |
|
“When I was first told about the GED Plus program, I thought, 'Cool, two weeks of school in Arkansas.’" PV2 Roberto Di Giovine recently completed GED Plus, and offered to share his experience and opinions with us. |
Not necessarily!
If you do not have a GED or a HS diploma, the Guard can help. The Army National Guard's GED Plus Program provides free training and testing services that will enable you to successfully obtain your GED.
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. You must have a minimum AFQT score of 31 and a certified transcript showing completion of the ninth grade. You must also meet the following criteria:
a. You must have withdrawn from high school for at least six months prior to your date of application for enlistment. No waivers are authorized.
b. You must be 18 years old or older, or not be eligible to return to your local high school to complete your diploma program.
c. You must score a minimum of 31 on the AFQT. If you score 50 or higher on the ASVAB you may be eligible for other incentives and/or bonuses.
d. Anyone testing positive on the Drug and Alcohol Test (DAT) screening will be immediately discharged from the program. DAT waivers are not authorized.
If you enlist under the GED Plus Program you will not be able to participate in the Split Training Option (STO), and may not be shipped for Initial Entry Training (IET) until you complete the GED Plus Program.
The GED Plus training program will take place at the Professional Education Center in Arkansas.
Anyone enlisting under the GED Plus Program who presents an accredited GED completion certificate or diploma prior to shipping will not be required to attend the ARNG GED Plus Training program.
Contact your local recruiter for more information.
