After reading an narrative by journalists from the associated Press titled "Nearly 1 in 4 Fails forces Exam" I felt compelled to add my personal contact and thoughts on the subject. More than 30 years ago I had proudly taken the Asvab test and entered the United States Navy to serve my country as my father did before me. This was an honor for me and though there were ups and downs together with life threatening injuries, I am proud of my service.
Nine months ago our oldest son also wanted to step up and serve the country that he is highly proud of by enlisting into the United States Army. Since we are expats, this was a chore in itself to find the literal, offices and recruiters to speak to. Weeks after the attempt had begun and after calls to manifold bases and offices throughout the U.S. And parts of Europe, we were put in touch with the U.S. Army European command. Within a few weeks our son was taking the institution exams and development progress towards accomplishing his goal. Throughout this time frame, we had discussed occupation choices and the vast educational programs that the forces offered. Our son's decision: he just wanted to enter and serve his enlistment as an infantry soldier.
Asvab Study
Although somewhat against the idea of the infantry, this was the starting point that our son had chosen, feeling he could progress and move on to a specialized field once he had gained the experience. The recruiter felt he was ready from the scores on the institution tests so with his head held high and spirits even higher, he was boarding the plane to Germany to take the Asvab exam. This was both the hardest but yet the proudest that I had felt in 30 years. The next few days had proven to be hard because this was the first time our son had to navigate straight through airports by himself and he was traveling straight through Europe at the same time. Three days later he returned somewhat broken hearted because his scores were below the U.S. Army's limits. The recruiter recommended to continue to study, but at the same time said that they could have let him enter under a definite schedule but there were no openings.To this date this recruiter has not called or cannot be contacted.
Even though this had infuriated me I have since encouraged our son to continue to study and try again. Then on December 21st I read the narrative from the associated Press to find that it isn't just being prepared for this Asvab but the forces have elevated their expectations past the requirements for the majority of the high schools in the United States. This I find appalling and hard to perceive that from a country that boasts the largest volunteer forces in the world to single out who can serve their country and who is not smart adequate to serve. With all the finger pointing I do not believe that all of these educational institutions throughout the United States can be blamed. I am more inclined to blame an overly zealous forces bureaucrat that set the standards too high.
This government threatens to limit government aid and assistance if the young men do not sign up for the selective service, but is there a test score for this? I imagine not. I hope that in the hereafter the forces bureaucrats take into list that Sat's or college level exams do not stop bullets nor win conflicts, it is the soldier that learns from the forces how to be a soldier. Math scores and science scores did not make the United States what it is; it was the pride and measurement of the American soldier.
how you can help Not Smart sufficient to Serve
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