Gen. William S. Wallace, the commanding general of U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, recently said that the health and fitness of today's youth is a national security issue.
"Today only 28 percent of the 17 to 24-year-old population qualifies to wear a military uniform. The other 72 percent fail to meet minimum standards on education, character and health," Wallace told the Army News Service.
To combat this problem, the Army is trying to lend a helping hand to men and women eager to enlist by opening the Army Prepatory School (APS). Currently, Army applicants are required to have earned either their high school diploma or GED certificate in order to qualify to serve. The APS offers those who don't meet education requirements the opportunity to earn their GED, while giving them a taste of Army life.
"We will not lower our training standards so we're faced with helping to raise the health and education standards for our young people who want to serve," said Gen. Wallace."
"This is an attempt on the Army's part to get at the educational deficit that could be out there for young people who made a choice early in life to drop out of high school," Wallace said. "They now recognize the value of education and the Army is able to provide them that education."
In order to qualify for the program, applicants must score in the top half of the military's aptitude test, meet all of the Army's other standards, and be ineligible to return to high school. Admitted recruits are then taken to Fort Jackson, South Caroline, the Army's largest training center, where they enter a reception battalion, are processed, and begin schooling. They then have four weeks to earn their GED.
"They are Soldiers from the day they walk in and arrive at the reception station for in-processing," Col. Kevin Shwedo, Fort Jackson deputy commanding officer, told the Army News Service. "They will be embraced by the cadre at the Army Prep School where they will immediately begin testing in their classes. They will go through standard physical training, are subject to USMJ, will learn customs and traditions, but their focus will be to get their education."
Recruits begin their day with physical training, followed by eight hours of class, homework, and an hour of marching drills and military discipline.
"It's a tough, structured day. Some of them have sat on the couch for 18 years, but I haven't heard any howling yet," social studies instructor John Solis, one of 14 certified teachers on hand, told the Associated Press. "By and large, they are chomping at the bit; they are ready to go."
Recruits have two chances to earn their GED. However, if they fail to graduate, they will be dismissed.
"If they don't meet our physical standards or educational standards successfully, they go back to their hometown with no prejudices," said Wallace.
But he is not worried that the APS will see many dropouts.
"We're confident that we can capture their imagination and give them the quality of education. The drop out rate will be very small."
After graduating, recruits begin basic combat training and advanced individual training. In its first year, the APS expects to graduate almost 3,000 recruits. Depending on the success of this program, the Army is looking into launching similar schools in the other four basic training posts.
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