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Military Enlistment

Competency can be achieved by meeting the requirements to enlist in the military, which can be demonstrated by a contract with the military to enlist upon graduation.

General Requirements

Evidence of Enlistment: For students who wish to demonstrate competency through military enlistment, Ohio law requires students show evidence of enlistment in a branch of the armed forces to satisfy the enlistment criteria. All branches of service offer a Delayed Entry program, which allows current high school students to enlist and begin training after graduation. To show evidence of enlistment, a student will provide to the district or school a signed copy of the Department of Defense Form Enlistment/Reenlistment (DD Form 4) enlistment contract. After taking and achieving the required score on the ASVAB and completing the oath of enlistment into the Delayed Training Program, each recruit signs and is provided a copy of his or her Department Defense Form Enlistment/Reenlistment (DD Form 4) enlistment contract. This is the same for all branches of services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a student use JROTC participation to demonstrate military enlistment?
No, JROTC participation cannot be used to demonstrate military enlistment. To demonstrate competency through military enlistment, a student must provide proof of enlistment upon graduation. Students can, however, use JROTC participation to earn the Military Enlistment seal.

What are the requirements for enlistment? Are these requirements the same for each branch of the armed forces?
Each branch of service operates under the Department of Defense, which governs enlistment requirements for all branches, and internal regulations specific to each branch. The information below includes links to the specific enlistment requirements for each branch of the armed forces and relevant information for early enlistment for high school students.

What is the ASVAB test and how can students take it?
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a heavily researched and well-respected aptitude test developed by the Department of Defense. It measures a young adult’s strengths and potential for success in military training. There are two versions of the test:

The enlistment version of the ASVAB is given at a Military Entrance Processing Statement (MEPS) and is used for recruiting purposes only. To take the ASVAB at a Military Entrance Processing Station for enlistment purposes, an individual will need to speak with a recruiter and schedule a time to take the test. ASVAB testing at a Military Entrance Processing Station is a self-paced test on a computer, and it may be retaken after a one-month waiting period. Those who do not live near a Military Entrance Processing Station may take the test at a satellite location called a Military Entrance Test site.
The student testing program, also known as the ASVAB Career Exploration Program, is used for career exploration and given in high schools and community colleges, job corps centers and correctional facilities. The ASVAB Career Exploration Program is a complete career planning program. Students are given the opportunity to take the ASVAB at no cost and with no commitment to military service. The ASVAB Career Exploration Program also provides an interest assessment and planning tools to help young adults explore career field entry requirements and various career paths, both military and civilian.

High school students in grades 10, 11 and 12 and those enrolled at postsecondary institutions can participate in the ASVAB Career Exploration Program. Students in 11th grade and beyond receive valid scores for enlistment. The ASVAB may be given in paper and pencil or computer adaptive forms. ASVAB Career Exploration Program test results are sent to schools, so participants can explore career options with counselors. The scores report how the student performed on each subtest area and how their scores compare with others who took the test.

What does the ASVAB test include and how is it scored?
Students must take each of 10 subsets of the ASVAB test.

The scores on four of the subtests make up the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) score. This score determines which branches students may join. Each branch has its own required score for joining.
The scores on all 10 subtests determine the best jobs for which students are qualified.

The ASVAB subtests are designed to measure aptitudes in four domains: Verbal, Math, Science and Technical, and Spatial.

Can students take the ASVAB assessments multiple times?
Yes. Students may attempt the ASVAB multiple times.

Are ASVAB and AFQT practice tests available?
Yes. Students can prepare for the ASVAB by reviewing and completing sample questions.