Candidates would still need to score a 50 or higher on the Armed Forces Qualification Test, a standard GED holders do not have to meet. (Navy photo by MCS 1st Class Chris Williamson) The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
By: FEDweek StaffThe Navy will now allow people without high school diplomas or GEDs to enlist. Both the Associated Press and Navy Times reported that the service has relaxed the education requirement in light of recent enlisted recruiting goal shortfalls.
The Navy Times story included a statement published on the social media site X by Vice Adm. Rick Cheeseman, the service’s personnel chief, announcing the change.
“I updated the … recruiting policy to allow candidates with AFQT [Armed Forces Qualification Test] scores of 50 or higher who do not have a HS diploma or GED to enlist – opening another pathway toward enlistment,” Cheeseman stated. “This expands the Navy’s pool of applicants and attracts talent from across the nation.”
Both media accounts noted that the service would still require new recruits to score accordingly on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) in order to qualify for certain ratings.
The reports also cited another related official statement:
“This policy update benefits the Navy by expanding the potential applicant pool of highly qualified and motivated future sailors who may have been impacted by COVID-19 trends of non-traditional schooling, early exit from high school to support their family, or a variety of other individual circumstances.”
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