THE US Military Thread (merged)

Aaron · Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 5:19 am Post subject: THE US Military Thread (merged)

I'm a single dad of a 16 year old boy in Texas.
So, I'm picking him up yesterday, and he tells me he took a test.
I was not aware of a test being given yesterday, so I ask about it.

He tells me that all Juniors & Seniors were required to take a standardized test during the first half of the day, administered by 4 military guys. (One Navy & 3 Air Force).
When I asked him why they were doing this, he said he didn't know.

I don't recall being notified about these tests by the school.
A little research has revealed that this has typically been a "voluntary" test for upper classmen.
So what's the scoop?
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Deleterius · Tar Sands Joined: Jul 23, 2004 Posts: 27 Location: Europe

Will you let him being drafted if it is the case in the near future ? (hypothesis)
And what would you think and feel if he choses to be enlisted ?
(hypothesis)
What is the idea in Pentagon's mind to get a 'touch' with teens??

Heineken · Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 6:49 am Post subject: Re: Military High school Testing

Outrageous.

Jack · Dark Lord Joined: Aug 11, 2004 Posts: 5065

I did some Google searching, and it may be that your son took the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) test developed by the Pentagon.
Going to groups, I came across this:

Aaron · Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 8:35 am Post subject: Re: Military High school Testing

I have known about this test, but was surprised by the "required" nature of the exam.
Apparently it was the entire 11th & 12th grades.
Anybody else going through this?

I mean if I was planning on a draft, I would want these assessments myself, to gauge the potential draftees ability.
It's about 1 1/2 years out for us, since he won't be 18 till then, but I found the experience chilling to say the least.
What if this is going on all around the country... quietly gathering in the potentials.

I don't mind telling you folks that I feel a chill wind on my neck.
Twisted Evil

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Aaron · Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 8:37 am Post subject: Re: Military High school Testing

emersonbiggins · Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 9:08 am Post subject: Re: Military High school Testing

I remember taking it in high school about 7 or 8 years ago. As far as I can remember, we were compelled, if not required, to take it. I can attest to this because almost no one would choose to sit through a 3 hour test, and I remember taking it with my entire class. Mad

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Ayoob · Expert Joined: Jul 15, 2004 Posts: 1048

It's not required, but they present it as such. Had you been informed that the test was scheduled, you could have opted your son out. If your son had known the nature of the test he could have declined to participate.

pip · Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 10:59 am Post subject: Re: Military High school Testing

I took it 13 or so years ago so it's nothing new. I did well on it and got several calls from military recruiters through my senior year. I don’t see how it's that big of a deal. However, if you think it’s a conspiracy then you better do well so you can be eligible for officer training in the upcoming draft.
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DomusAlbion · Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 1:09 pm Post subject: Re: Military High school Testing

Our youngest son just took the ASVAB 2 weeks ago but it was on a strictly voluntary basis.
He scored in the mid 90th percentile and now the recruiters are all over him, which is fine with him because that's what he wants to do. But college first, then he can go in as a second lieutenant.
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zed · Tar Sands Joined: May 19, 2004 Posts: 98

I was in high school in the mid 90s (can it be that long ago?) and the ASVAB was presented as an optional test, and was clearly identified as being for the military. It's pretty ridiculous they would do it any other way - but unfortunately is not surprising.

rogerhb · Posted: Wed Nov 09, 2005 10:58 am Post subject: Re: Military High school Testing

Shannymara · Master Joined: Oct 04, 2004 Posts: 5395 Location: Oklahoma

The ASVAB is evil. I will be home schooling my son (not only for this reason - there are so many). It's true that is isn't actually required, though.

Check out their freaky, disgusting web site:
http://www.asvabprogram.com/

Look how *happy* everyone is! Very Happy

Windmills · Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2005 8:27 pm Post subject: Re: Military High school Testing

I took the test about 17 years ago and aced it. The worst repercussions were the persistent calls from recruiters from every service branch. The calls kept coming for years.
I wouldn't worry about the test. As was stated, it's nothing new. What might be new is how the information could be used.

If you get wind of a draft, I'd say have him sign up for the Chair Force. It has pretty much the lowest proportion of servicemen that see combat compared to the other branches. My brothers, my father, and my brother-in-law are/were all in the Air Force and always remained rather far behind the front lines. There are hordes of people supporting just one pilot. Most of the pilots are officers. There are always tons of kids clamoring for those glamorous positions, so it'd be hard to get in harm's way even if you tried in the Air Force.

MonteQuest · Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2005 8:43 pm Post subject: Re: Military High school Testing