Can homeschoolers enlist in the military?

Enlisting in the Military

Homeschoolers can join any of the five branches of the military to pursue a variety of careers.  In 2012 and 2014, Congress amended the National Defense Authorization Act, clearing the way for homeschoolers to enlist in the military like any graduate from a public or private school.

If your high schooler chooses to enter the military out of high school you will need:

• A high school diploma. It can be parent generated but should look ‘professional.’
• A high school transcript.
• Verification that the student has complied with the state law during high school (DOE Form 4140).

Other important and helpful information:

• At a minimum, the last academic year must be completed in a homeschool environment where the parent oversaw the student’s education. It is therefore recommended that the student not seek a distance learning diploma.
• It is recommended that the student not take the GED prior to enlisting as it may affect the entry tier level.
• The student will be required to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) and the Assessment of Individual Motivation (AIM).

To prepare:

• Plan a strong academic program.
• Participate in extracurricular activities including sports, church/community work, academic clubs, volunteer work
• Develop leadership and communication skills and good work ethics and habits

If you are a member of Home School Legal Defense Association, you can contact their legal department for additional counsel before enlisting in the military.

Applying to a Military Academy

Homeschoolers can also pursue higher education at a military academy.  Of course, they must meet the same standards as students from any public or private school setting.  Graduating from a military academy also means agreeing to serve in the military for a specified number of years upon graduation.

Some helpful information:

• Pursue a strong academic program.
• Score well on the SAT or ACT. A military academy may put a greater emphasis on standardized test scores rather than graded coursework.
• Be healthy and physically fit.
• Develop leadership skills in extracurricular activities, for example with JROTC, Civil Air Patrol, Naval Sea Cadet Corps, church or community work, clubs.
• Submit high school transcripts which include detailed descriptions of courses and course standards.
• Secure a congressional or presidential appointment in order to be admitted to the military academy; begin the process by contacting your US representative or senator.
• Research the particular military academy of interest for more detailed information and requirements.

Again, members of HSLDA can contact them with any questions.

CHOH