Trying to enlist.

[joker006]

Morning Marines,
Have a question. I'm trying to enlist, but I don't have the college credits required. I'm about to try to enroll in a Community College, but I don't know how the whole financial aid system works. I want to finish the semester as fast as possible. I know I can do it ( I'm no idiot. Dropped highschool 'cause I had to take care of my child and work 2 jobs ).

Does anyone know how long it takes for me to get financial aid and get my classes started? I don't want the aid to kick in months down the road. I'm hopeing for this to happen in a few weeks ( 1 month at most ). If i'm not able to do that, then I might have to wait until the beggining of the fiscal to start so i can enlist with a GED ( prob a long list anyway... ).

Any info or advice is greatly appreciated!!

[Lisa 23]

You can't enlist with just a GED. You also need 15 college credits.


US Military Enlistment Standards
Education
For enlistment purposes, the military breaks education into three overall categories: Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3. The vast majority (over 90 percent) of all enlistments are from the Tier 1 category.

Tier I
Applicants in Tier I have a high school diploma, or at least 15 college credits. This means a high school diploma, not a GED. Depending on state law, completion of high school by home study may or may not be considered equivelant to a high school diploma.

Tier II
Tier II includes GEDs, home study (in some states), Certificate of Attendance, Alternative/Continuation High School, Correspondence School Diplomas, and Occupational Program Certificate (Vo/Tech). The services limit the number of Tier II candidates it will allow to enlist each year.
In the Air Force, the limit is less than one percent each year. In such cases, the applicant must score a minimum of 50 on the AFQT to qualify (Note: The "AFQT" is the overall ASVAB score).

The Army will allow up to 10 percent each year to be Tier II candidates, but they must score a minimum of 50 on the AFQT.

The Marines will only allow about 5 percent each year to be Tier II, and the Navy about 10 percent. Like the Army and Air Force, Tier II recruits must score a minimum of 50 on the AFQT to qualify.

The Coast Guard only accepts Tier 2 candidates if they have prior military service, and even then requires them to score higher on the AFQT (50 for prior Coast Guard Service, 65 for prior service in other branches).

Tier III
Individuals who are not attending high school and are neither high school graduates nor alternative credential holders. The services almost never accept a Tier 3 candidate for enlistment. If you fall into this category, your best bet is to get at least 15 college credits, so that you will be qualified as Tier I.


http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joini...leducation.htm

[Sgt Leprechaun]

WM is correct. You'll need BOTH the GED and the 15 credits to even try and enlist. October is likely the best time for that, since that's when the most slots are open and available. Also, if you have more than 2 dependants, you'll be automatically disqualified regardless of degrees or credits.

[BR34]

WM is correct. You'll need BOTH the GED and the 15 credits to even try and enlist. October is likely the best time for that, since that's when the most slots are open and available. Also, if you have more than 2 dependants, you'll be automatically disqualified regardless of degrees or credits.

What about more than 2 dependents and married? Also, what if he signed the children over to a family member (relinquishing custody) for the duration of boot camp?

I'm asking cause I was just speaking to someone from back home with a BA degree who wants to join, but she's got 3 kids and is unmarried.

[Sgt Leprechaun]

BR, my son in law is in the process of enlisting, and that came direct from the recruiter. "More than 2 dependants is an 'auto DQ' ". No waivers.

Not sure on the relinquishing custody, but I'd think it would have to be for more than just RT.

[Phantom Blooper]

http://www.abanet.org/family/militar...ent_enlist.pdf

[GyC]

Correction to above replies... An individual with 15 college credits, earned towards a degree, is considered a Tier I regardless of high school/grammar school education completed.. No GED required.. Not sure if that was implied above, and 2 dependents is the max for enlistment onto Active.. 3 dependents for Reserves, however that is a Region Waiver and will not likely be approved .. S/F

[Sgt Leprechaun]

Gunny, thanks for that correction.