Entering the Air Force With a GED
A GED may be enough to qualify applicants for enlistment in the Air Force, but a GED alone is insufficient to pursue a career in the Air Force if other qualification requirements are not met.
The Air Force has general requirements for all individuals who apply to join their ranks, including academic requirements. The minimum accepted academic requirements are a high school diploma or equivalent, such as the GED. However, applicants must demonstrate that they meet all of the additional qualifications required during the initial screening process as well as for the position they apply for.
General Requirements
Age Requirements
The U.S. Air Force website indicates that applicants up to 39 years of age will be considered. The Air Force also does not take applicants who are under 17 years of age. Any applicant under the age of 18 must have signed parental consent to join the Air Force.
Citizenship or Residency
Airforce positions are available to individuals who are legal permanent residents of the United States or American citizens.
Legal Requirements
An applicant's criminal history will be reviewed. Felony convictions will disqualify applicants.
Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery
This test, also known as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery or ASVAB, is given to all individuals who are interested in joining the U.S. Military, including the Air Force. In order to qualify for certain positions applicants may need to receive a predetermined score on the ASVAB.
Medical Requirements
All individuals must be able to demonstrate they are in good health and fulfill the physical requirements to join the Air Force. Applicants are tested for their physical fitness and they must also meet mental health requirements.
Opportunities That Can Be Pursued With a GED and Military Training
Below is a list of some of the positions that can be pursued with a GED as long as the applicant fulfills all general and job-related requirements and completes the necessary military training for the position. Some requirements that you might need to fulfill include background checks, prior knowledge of the field, communication skills or keyboarding skills:
| Traffic Management | Weather Officer |
| Vehicle Management | Tactical Air Control Party Specialist |
| Water and Fuel Systems Maintenance | Tactical Aircraft Maintenance |
| Logistics Plans Specialist | Bomber/Special Integrated Communication/Navigation/Mission Systems |
| Personnel Specialist | Maintenance Management Production Specialist |
Opportunities That Involve Additional Training or a Degree
Some Air Force careers, like surgeons and judge advocate officers, require applicants to have a degree, graduate studies or relevant practical experience in the profession.
To become an officer in the Air Force it's necessary to have a bachelor's degree. Officers must also pass a background check and be able to demonstrate that they are a U.S. citizen.
Studying For GED Tests
Using online resources such as the ones linked to here can be an effective way of preparing for your GED exams.
GED stands for the General Educational Development tests. These exams are taken by individuals who did not earn a high school diploma and cover four main subject areas. The successful completion of these tests provides the same benefits as graduating high school. Read on to learn more.
