In an effort to address ongoing recruitment challenges, the U.S. Navy is adjusting its enlistment requirements, now allowing individuals without a high school diploma or a GED to join its ranks. This move is a response to the Navy’s struggle to meet its recruiting targets and aims to widen the pool of potential enlistees.
Vice Adm. Rick Cheeseman, the Navy’s chief of personnel, commented on the change, noting that every year, thousands of eager individuals without educational credentials are turned away from Navy recruitment centers. He highlighted that over 2,400 such individuals were rejected last year, with around 500 of them potentially qualifying under the new criteria.
For the first time since the year 2000, the Navy will permit recruits without an education credential to enlist, provided they score 50 or above out of 99 on the qualification test. This decision marks a significant shift in the Navy’s recruitment strategy and is the second time the Navy has lowered certain standards to boost enlistment numbers.
The Navy’s goal for new enlistments was not met last year, with only 31,834 recruits joining against a target of 37,700. This year, the target is even higher, with the Navy aiming to recruit 40,600 individuals and achieve a total strength of 337,800.
While this approach to recruitment is not common across other military branches, due to concerns about lower-performing recruits facing greater challenges during boot camp and service, the Navy believes this move is necessary. Cheeseman acknowledged the risk but also noted the unused capacity at boot camp as a factor in taking this risk.
The Navy spokesperson stated that this policy change would expand the potential applicant pool, benefitting those who might have been impacted by non-traditional schooling or other personal circumstances. They emphasized that the Navy’s standards have not been lowered, as future sailors will still qualify for specific roles based on their scores on subtests of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), not just the overall Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) composite score. Additionally, these recruits will have access to academic skills training programs and test preparation courses to help them earn a GED while serving.
This policy adjustment is expected to result in an additional 500-2,000 enlistments per year, marking a significant effort by the Navy to boost its ranks amid ongoing recruitment challenges.