Homeschool graduates can and do enlist in all branches of the U.S. military. In fact, in the Army they are eligible for the same enlistment bonuses as public school graduates.
When enlisting, homeschooled students should plan to verify that they have met the homeschool requirements of their state of legal residence, provide homeschool transcripts and a homeschool diploma, and take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). Homeschooled students do not need a GED to enlist in the service.
Note: The information on this page is not legal advice and has not been interpreted by an attorney. 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.
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 homeschool students with an Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) score of 50 or above would be classified as Tier 1; homeschool students who scored below 50 were classified as Tier 2. As of 2014, the minimum AFQT score requirement was eliminated, and homeschooled students are now considered Tier 1.
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.
Just like their public schooled peers, homeschooled recruits must also take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). The ASVAB is 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.
Military Academies
Homeschoolers have been admitted to all of the U.S. 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
ASVAB Career Exploration Program - The ASVAB CEP provides a unique opportunity to motivate young people to explore and understand all their options and empower them to choose and plan for the career path of their choice, all at no cost.
March2Success Free Test Prep - March2Success provides an online study program to help students prepare for standardized tests, improve school work and review materials. The resource also provides tools for educators and parents to track and encourage their students. March2Success provides course material all the way up to the high school level and is also an excellent tool to help students study for standardized tests such as the SAT, ACT, FSAs and ASVAB-CEP. March2Success is provided as a public service by the Department of the Army and US Army Recruiting Command.
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 FAQs - Frequently asked ASVAB questions and answers from Military.com
Please note that the following resources contain helpful information but are dated. It is important to verify any information with current regulations and requirements.
Homeschool Graduates Entering the Military (2010) - Valerie Moon's graphic depicting routes of enlistment and commissioning for homeschoolers entering the military
Military Recruiting Expectations for Homeschooled Graduates (April 2010) - Excerpts from recruiting manuals
Military Terms Glossary: A-M and N-Z - Also from Valerie Moon, this is a two-part list that will be helpful to anyone not familiar with the acronyms and terms commonly used in the services.
Beyond homeschooling: joining the military (May 2010) - "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."
