Military Enlistment Seal

As graduates prepare for post-secondary options, many opt for military service as a meaningful pathway. Students who wish to enlist can use this opportunity to earn a graduation seal when he or she provides evidence of enlistment in a branch of the U.S armed forces or completes a Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) program while in high school.

For those students interested in a career pathway that includes serving in a branch of the armed forces, the Military Enlistment Seal is an option to satisfy this component of the Ohio graduation requirements. To earn Ohio's Military Enlistment Seal, students must complete one of the following:

  1. Show evidence of enlistment in a branch of the armed services

    • Evidence can be shown by providing to the school a signed copy of the Department of Defense Form (DD Form 4) enlistment contract. A military candidate receives the DD Form 4 after taking and achieving the necessary ASVAB and an oath of enlistment.

    • The ASVAB consists of 10 subtests, and how the graduate scores on different sections determines which branch he or she may join. Additionally, the ASVAB subtests determine which military jobs are best suited for the candidate.

    • The ASVAB covers four domains on the tests: Science/Technical, Math, Verbal, and Spatial. Candidates may attempt the ASVAB multiple times.

    • Students should begin processing enrollment in the summer prior to the senior year as each branch of service may vary in the time to complete enlistment.

  2. Participate in a JRTOC program

    • Students must participate at least two school years to satisfy the criteria when using the JROTC option. JROTC does not require a military commitment post-high school.

    • APS offers JRTOC at Buchtel (Air Force), Kenmore-Garfield (Army), Ellet (Navy), and East (Marines). Please work with your school counselor for information on taking JROTC courses and/or ASVAB testing information.

    • There are no forms or documentation needed from the student to complete this seal using the JROTC path. APS will automatically credit students who meet the criteria.