Homeschoolers and Joining the Military
Note: I am not a lawyer. The information here may or may not be current or applicable to your individual situation. Military service is a serious commitment and should be undertaken only after careful consideration and your own research with reliable sources. Hopefully some of the information here can point you in the right direction, but do not rely on any information on this site as accurate or up to date without researching it and confirming it yourself.
Homeschoolers entering the United States military must do so under the tier system of education credentials implemented in 1987 by the DoD. The tiers are as follows:
Tier 1 - Regular high school graduates, adult diploma holders, and non-graduates with at least 15 hours of college credit.
Tier 2 - Alternative credential holders, including those with a General Education Development (GED) certificate of high school equivalency.
Tier 3 - Those with no education credentials.
Recruits must also take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), a battery of tests used by DoD to determine enlistment eligibility and qualifications for military occupations. It consists of 10 tests, four of which comprise the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT): Arithmetic Reasoning, Mathematics Knowledge, Word Knowledge, and Paragraph Comprehension.
Prior to 2007, homeschoolers typically fell in Tier 2 unless they held at least 15 hours of college credit, in which case they were considered Tier 1. In 2007, the Department of Defense modified its enlistment policy so that homeschoolers with an AFQT score of 50 or above will be classified as Tier 1. Homeschool students who score below 50 will be classified as Tier 2. Studies are ongoing that affect the classification of homeschoolers by the different services, however, so current information should always be researched before speaking with a recruiter.
The Easy Truth about Homeschool Transcripts
Transcripts are an important part of the enlistment process. Since homeschoolers are no longer required to take the GED to be eligible for Tier 2 classification, transcripts have become a way to show the high school work completed. You can create quality transcripts yourself and this wonderful book by Lee Binz can help. The Easy Truth about Homeschool Transcripts will guide you through the process of creating high school transcripts using the same method that earned Lee used for her sons.
Lee is a regular homeschool mom who two years ago struck gold. She discovered how to convert four years of independent homeschooling into transcripts that earned both of her sons full-tuition scholarships at their first choice university. For more information, visit Lee's website.
Military Academies
Homeschoolers have been admitted to all of the US military academies. Admission guidelines are strict and potential candidates should plan ahead to meet the standards set forth by each academy. Congressional recommendations are required for all but the Coast Guard Academy and physical fitness is a must. For more information about admission to each of the military academies, visit their websites below.
Helpful Websites
Ace the ASVAB - "If you're serious about joining the military, then get serious about the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). The ASVAB is a timed multi-aptitude test, which is given at over 14,000 schools and Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS) nationwide and is developed and maintained by the Department of Defense. Start now by taking our practice ASVAB tests. These tests will give you an idea of how you'll score, and identify areas that need improvement. Then use our suggested resources and ASVAB study guides to learn how to prepare for the ASVAB test."
ASVAB Test Tips - Test taking tips for the ASVAB
ASVAB Tips & Strategies: General Study Tips - Includes study tips for the ASVAB in particular and a link to Kaplan general study tips
Homeschool Graduates Entering the Military - Valerie Moon's graphic depicting routes of enlistment and commissioning for homeschoolers entering the military
Military Recruiting Expectations for Homeschooled Graduates - Extensive research regarding enlistment compiled by Valerie Moon in April, 2010
Beyond homeschooling: joining the military - "This article tells about some differences between the two largest career paths in the military services, becoming an officer or enlisting. It also looks at how home education affects those choices."
