Military Bound

Meeting high school graduation requirements while navigating the military enlistment pipeline requires parallel planning, as enlistment contracts depend entirely on earning a high school diploma.

Summer Before Senior Year (June – August)

• Recruiter Outreach: Connect with recruiters across target branches (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Space Force) to compare career fields, enlistment bonuses, and active vs. reserve options.

• Schedule ASVAB testing; explore WY National Guard 100% tuition coverage for in-state schools.

• ASVAB Prep: Begin taking official ASVAB practice tests focusing on Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Arithmetic Reasoning, and Mathematics Knowledge (the four subtests that dictate your AFQT score).

• Physical Conditioning: Start a structured fitness routine aligned with your target branch's physical fitness test (push-ups, core endurance, and timed 1.5-mile or 2-mile runs).

Fall: September – November

• Graduation Credit Audit: Meet with your counselor to confirm you are on track to graduate on time. Enlisting with a high school diploma offers significantly more job options and higher priority than a GED.

• Document Gathering: Collect vital documents needed for enlistment: birth certificate, Social Security card, state ID/driver's license, passport (if applicable), and medical records for prior injuries or conditions.

• Take the ASVAB: Retake the ASVAB either via your school’s ASVAB Career Exploration Program (CEP) or directly through your recruiting station.

Winter: December – February

• MEPS Processing: Visit the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) for medical screening, physical examination, and background check verification.

• Job Selection & Contract: Review available Military Occupational Specialties (MOS/AFSC/Rating) based on your ASVAB line scores and sign your enlistment contract.

• Join the DEP: Swear into the Delayed Entry Program (DEP/DEP-equivalent) and lock in a Boot Camp ship date scheduled for after graduation.

Early Spring: March – April

• DEP Requirements: Attend mandatory weekly or monthly DEP meetings, physical training (PT) sessions, and mentoring events with your recruiting commander.

• Military Knowledge: Study military ranks, rates, chain of command, general orders, and core values prior to departure to make Boot Camp significantly easier.

• Maintain Academic Standing: Keep grades up; a drop in academic standing or failure to graduate will cancel your military contract.

Late Spring & Graduation: May – June

• Final Transcript Clearance: Ensure the counseling office releases an official, sealed final transcript showing your graduation date directly to your recruiter as soon as diplomas are conferred.

• Personal & Financial Logistics: Set up a direct deposit bank account for military pay, designate a power of attorney if needed, and clear all high school fines/fees.

• Graduate & Ship Out: Attend high school graduation and report to MEPS on your assigned ship date for Basic Training.