What Kind of Education Is Needed to Go Into the Navy?
The United States Navy has become increasingly technological over the last century. Fewer sailors swab the decks; more often, they are at computer terminals, maintaining nuclear power supplies, or deciphering sonar readings. For this reason, the Navy works hard to recruit smart, motivated young sailors. Recruits need a minimum of a GED to enter the service, and GED entries have stricter requirements than those who have a high-school diploma.
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GED Requirements
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The Navy strongly prefers candidates to present a high school diploma or better. Only a limited number of candidates each year are allowed to enter with a GED. Special circumstances like homeschooling or a preference for early graduation will probably get you a waiver. Strong ASVAB scores (at least a 50 on the AFQT) and references from members of your community, like police officers and teachers, will also help. If you have a GED and want to enter the Navy, you should discuss your situation with a recruiter.
High School Diploma
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An American high school diploma is adequate education to enter the Navy as an enlisted sailor. Better grades and good scores on college-entrance exams as well as a high score on your ASVAB will enable you to qualify for the more technologically-challenging, and financially rewarding jobs in fields such as nuclear or information technology. If your diploma is not from an American school, you will need to discuss the situation with a recruiter.
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Some College
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Recruits coming into the military with some college education are often awarded a certain amount of rank, depending on how many credit hours they earned. In 2011, a new recruit with 24 non-remedial course hours of college is eligible to enter as an E-2; 48 course hours earns an E-3. Recruits are strongly encouraged to continue college and complete their coursework while in the Navy.
Officers
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Officer candidates must have a four-year college degree or better with proven strong academic performance at an accredited institution. If you don't have your college completed yet but want to go in as an officer, you might be eligible for an ROTC program; this would enable you to participate in officer training and earn your education at the same time, and the military will pay for it.
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References
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