* High school diploma or GED: This is the most common route. It generally leads to more opportunities and career choices within the Army.
* High school diploma or GED equivalent with specific qualifications: You might be able to join with fewer completed high school credits *if* you meet other qualifications, such as having a specific skill or high ASVAB score. This is less common.
* No high school diploma or GED: It's extremely difficult, if not impossible, to join without a high school diploma or GED. The Army strongly emphasizes education and typically requires some form of high school completion.
In short, while technically not *required* in every single exceptional circumstance, a high school diploma or GED is practically a necessity for joining the Army. It significantly improves your chances of being accepted.