Army opens prep school for dropouts to fill ranks

BMT (RIP) · 08-27-2008, 13:46

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20080827/D92QJ8GO0.html

BMT

Slantwire · 08-27-2008, 14:09

There were a couple kids in my OSUT class who had been to some Army program to get their GEDs before basic. "GED Plus," or something like that, I want to say it was at Ft. Knox? Didn't sound too different from this.

Idea sounds fine as presented - if the kids are serious about drilling down and completing, and serious about serving the country and the Army afterward. Reality? Time will tell, I suppose.

CSB · 08-27-2008, 14:35

Sounds like an actual version of "Renaissance Man," a Penny Marshall movie starring Danny Devito. 1994.

Not a bad movie, good for the kids to watch, like "Remember the Titans" or "Brian's Song."

**Pete** · 08-27-2008, 15:02

A young lad I know took a couple of wrong turns and dropped out. Wanted to join up but didn't have a diploma or GED.

Had to take his GED classes at the local TEC school and work at the same time.

I don't see much different other than 1 month pay for a private and a few uniforms for those that drop out.

PS - He got in and will be in Iraq this winter.

Red Flag 1 · 08-27-2008, 16:08

Seems like a win-win.

RF 1

BryanK · 08-27-2008, 17:04

Quote:

Originally posted by CSB:
Sounds like an actual version of "Renaissance Man"

Life imitating art, even the location of this school is the same as the movie.

**Kyobanim** · 08-27-2008, 17:07

I think it's a great idea. I can see it working great for all concerned.

People make mistakes, especially when we're young. This is a good second chance.

SF_BHT · 08-27-2008, 17:21

Can not hurt.... Might give some direction and another chance for some people.

BMT (RIP) · 08-27-2008, 17:27

Anyone ever tried to train a CAT 3 or 4 soldier?

When the 3AD was formed and started training for deployment to Germany, all the trainee's were CAT 1 or 2 men. The 3AD was one great outfit when it went to Germany. The fourth year we started getting CAT 3 and 4 replacement's. Need I say more!

Our step-grandson is at Jackson ready to start Wednesday. They will be 2 step's ahead of most of the other trainee's when starting basic, 4 week's of DD and PT.

BMT

**Ambush Master** · 08-27-2008, 17:29

I say Good On-Em!!! They are at least making something of themselves!!! I liked the ending of the article:

"Gaddis said he knows his students might have quit high school, but believes that shouldn't be held against them. He added that the school is a move to reach those who have been left behind, not to attract those who are less qualified or lower than the Army's standards.

"These kids may have quit at some point, but the big thing is, a lot of people have quit on them," Gaddis said. "We are not going to allow them to quit." "

Take care.
Martin

60_Driver · 08-27-2008, 17:45

Quote:

"These kids may have quit at some point, but the big thing is, a lot of people have quit on them," Gaddis said. "We are not going to allow them to quit." "

Maybe I'm reading this wrong, but this just looks like more of the Army's "failure is not an option" social engineering. Don't meet the standard? Need a piece of paper? No prob, we can give you one right over here...

Why require A GED if the Army is just going to give them one? Fer chrissake, give 'em the ASVAB to see where their abilities lay and slot them accordingly, make a GED mandatory for reenlistment or something. It's a GED, not a MIT degree in nanorocketry.

This is just more "50 points in each event to pass basic".

**Pete** · 08-27-2008, 18:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by 60_Driver

Maybe I'm reading this wrong, but this just looks like more of the Army's "failure is not an option" social engineering. Don't meet the standard? Need a piece of paper? No prob, we can give you one right over here......

This is from the article - "Recruits must score in the top half of the Army's aptitude test to qualify for the prep school and get two tries at a General Educational Development certificate. If they still can't pass, the Army will release them from their contract, Sanderson said."

Red Flag 1 · 08-27-2008, 18:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by 60_Driver

Maybe I'm reading this wrong, but this just looks like more of the Army's "failure is not an option" social engineering. Don't meet the standard? Need a piece of paper? No prob, we can give you one right over here...

Why require A GED if the Army is just going to give them one? Fer chrissake, give 'em the ASVAB to see where their abilities lay and slot them accordingly, make a GED mandatory for reenlistment or something. It's a GED, not a MIT degree in nanorocketry.

This is just more "50 points in each event to pass basic".

Maybe I read it wrong, but I did not think the Army was giving the students anything. It would not be in the best intrest of either party to give an unearned diploma.

Not requiring a GED would lower standards. Why do that

My $.02.

RF 1

echoes · 08-27-2008, 18:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ambush Master

I say Good On-Em!!! They are at least making something of themselves!!! I liked the ending of the article:

"Gaddis said he knows his students might have quit high school, but believes that shouldn't be held against them. He added that the school is a move to reach those who have been left behind, not to attract those who are less qualified or lower than the Army's standards.

"These kids may have quit at some point, but the big thing is, a lot of people have quit on them," Gaddis said. "We are not going to allow them to quit." "

Take care.
Martin

AM,

If I may say so...Very well said Sir, IMVHO.

Holly

**Ambush Master** · 08-27-2008, 18:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by 60_Driver

Maybe I'm reading this wrong, but this just looks like more of the Army's "failure is not an option" social engineering. Don't meet the standard? Need a piece of paper? No prob, we can give you one right over here...

Why require A GED if the Army is just going to give them one? Fer chrissake, give 'em the ASVAB to see where their abilities lay and slot them accordingly, make a GED mandatory for reenlistment or something. It's a GED, not a MIT degree in nanorocketry.

This is just more "50 points in each event to pass basic".

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete

This is from the article - "Recruits must score in the top half of the Army's aptitude test to qualify for the prep school and get two tries at a General Educational Development certificate. If they still can't pass, the Army will release them from their contract, Sanderson said."

Pete!!!

My thoughts exactly!!!