Nearly one-fourth of the students who try to join the U.S. Army fail its entrance exam, painting a grim picture of an education system that produces graduates who can't answer basic math, science and reading questions, according to a new study released Tuesday.
The report by the Education Trust bolsters a growing worry among military and education leaders that the pool of young people qualified for military service will grow too small.
"Too many of our high school students are not graduating ready to begin college or a career - and many are not eligible to serve in our armed forces," Education Secretary Arne Duncan told the Associated Press. "I am deeply troubled by the national security burden created by America's underperforming education system."
The effect of the low eligibility rate might not be noticeable now - the Department of Defense says it is meeting its recruitment goals - but that could change as the economy improves, said retired Navy Rear Adm. Jamie Barnett.
"If you can't get the people that you need, there's a potential for a decline in your readiness," said Adm. Barnett, who is part of the group Mission: Readiness, a coalition of retired military leaders working to bring awareness to the high ineligibility rates.
The report by the Education Trust found that 23 percent of recent high school graduates don't get the minimum score needed on the enlistment test to join any branch of the military. Questions are often basic, such as: "If 2 plus x equals 4, what is the value of x?"
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4 comments:
this on top of the fact the army is the only branch you don't need a high school diploma to join. this test has got to be really pathetic! but then how much education do you need to be cannon fodder for all those in power?
kind of like where our other government agencies are already at, don't think, just follow orders! this society is really looking up!
And we can't seem to convince these young people NOT TO JOIN!
What is wrong with this country?
I agree with 9:30 - they are merely cannon fodder.
Do you know that you can buy study material for Police Exams and Military Entrance Exam. In my experience, the test that the Police Departments give you are easy. From my understandings, the MOS test is almost simular to the Police exams. It's a dang shame that some people cannot pass those kind of test.
1:12....the difference being that if you fail the military test, you still can be a cop....and get a gun 24-7....THAT'S the real shame...
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