Can’t get official graduation date from self-paced, online high school. Will this stop my enlistment process until I graduate?

Kelsey Jones — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 01:15:32 -0400

Hello all, I’m 17 years old, and I attend, the self-paced, online High School Penn Foster. My recruiter said that I would need an official letter from Penn Foster stating my official graduation date, to get the enlistment process really going. However, I called Penn Foster, and they said the best they can give me is an official letter stating that I’m enrolled, and will complete the program within 3 years of that enrollment date. Will that work the same way? I’m on track to graduate in February of 2020, but 3 years after my enrollment date is August of 2021. Everybody gets 3 years to complete the program, and most graduate before that. Will this stop my enlistment process? Or is there someway I can still be enlisted, even if Penn Foster can’t give me an official graduation date? Im worried I’ll have to wait 6 months to continue my enlistment, and the job I wanted just got over 100 openings. Sorry this is all over the place, if anything is unclear, do ask.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2019 1:39 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 01:39:27 -0400

If the job you wanted is Cav Scout, I promise there will be no shortage of openings when you graduate high school next year. Six months is not really a delay, you still have to graduate high school to be in the Army. When you walk into the recruiter office with your diploma in hand asking for 19D, you'll probably even get an extra bonus to quick ship that month

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Aug 1 at 2019 5:33 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 05:33:39 -0400

Do not attempt to fool the recruiter with a false date for completion. I think you know the answer, self paced, get on it. You want that enlistments date then graduate ahead of time. Otherwise you will have to wait.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2019 7:17 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 07:17:41 -0400

Your recruiters 1SG can call and validate everything they need to know and put it in a verification memorandum. Tell your recruiter that’s the best bet since the school isn’t really helping you.

Response by SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM made Aug 1 at 2019 8:43 AM

SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 08:43:27 -0400

You will probably face many challenges.

Response by SrA Zachary Litgen made Aug 1 at 2019 3:09 PM

SrA Zachary Litgen — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 15:09:54 -0400

Six months for making a decision that effects the rest of your life is not a big deal. Sounds like someone getting married after being with a person for a month. Take time to make right decisions. Military has been around since way before our time and is not going anywhere. Focus on school and getting those good grades, because that will pay off and stick with you. The military can teach a monkey to do several jobs, but want a rounded soldier.

Response by SPC Clinton Johnson made Aug 2 at 2019 6:22 AM

SPC Clinton Johnson — Fri, 02 Aug 2019 06:22:29 -0400

Be patient and focused. I’d stay on track for graduation and do all the research I could in the meantime regarding the MOS or military job you can choose. You’ll have benefits some do not. Enjoy your time before service and get all you can from your education.