Education Levels Of New Recruit To Armed Forces

[Gromit]

// the minimum entry requirement for new recruits [in the armed forces] is "entry level 2", which is the equivalent to the standard expected of a seven- or eight-year-old in literacy and numeracy. //

I found that rather shocking. Do you?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-23346693

[ToraToraTora]

why is it shocking, most of the population is of a similar standard, how else to you explain the sucess of facetube, titter and the soaps. Have you seen the Jeremy Kyle show?

[Sharingan]

No most of the population isn't of a similar standard, and yes it's shocking that people with the educaitonal ability of a small child are enlisted in the army.

[Octavius]

Not really. Its encouraging that they will recruit people who may be academically challenged but could be trained in a craft or skills for life such as engineering and provide access to qualifications such as C&Gs, NVQs etc, Employers on the outside world are not really offering that to many people - let alone those with low academia.

http://www.army.mod.uk/training_education/24345.aspx

[Sqad]

Well, it depends upon their function in the army.

The main function of a sqaddie is to do what he is told.....not easy in modern times....and that takes little in terms of literacy and numeracy.

Seems fine to me.

[Gromit]

Oops. Education levels of New recruits...

[LoftyLottie]

Hmmmm, it doesn't surprise me at all to be honest. Shocking yes, surprising no and to me very wrong. Lambs to the slaughter springs to mind which follows on from Sqad's post 'to do what they are told'.

[B00]

Agree with sqad.

What should be looked into is why these young people only have that level of literacy and numeracy skills in the first place, not slate the one "industry" that's willing to take them on.

[LoftyLottie]

Perhaps they cannot reach a higher level though BOO. Many can't for various reasons.

[ChillDoubt]

I agree with ToraToraTora.
I'm often amazed at the lack of general knowledge of nurses who bang on about how they've "got a degree" yet have very basic literacy skills.
A colleague I spoke to recently thought that Chile was near China and the Falklands were near Gibraltar, but then I expect nothing less from people whose main interests are TOWIE, Real Housewives Of Orange County, tanning salons and Hello! magazine.

[vulcan42]

This, in my opinion is more worrying, examples of questions asked of police recruits.
http://www.policespecials.com/forum/index.php?/topic/16737-the-police-initial-recruitment-test-pirt/

[B00]

Still don't see why they're slating the probably only "industry" (cant think of another term) who'll take them on.

Who else will offer them an opportunity?

[LoftyLottie]

Just it in my opinion, they can't get other jobs so join up.

[LoftyLottie]

Ridiculous statement Tora - Most of the population is not like this, I can assure you. I use Facebook and watch Corrie though so perhaps you think I am thick and uneducated which is not true.

[Sharingan]

I actually agree with Chilldoubt, I think the levels of literacy, numeracy and general knowledge amongst people who have degrees ( teachers, nurses etc) is often really quite low, but that's still not a reason to allow barely literate people into the army. I don't think it does either the recruits any favours , their comrades (in particularly) or the public perception of the army in general.

[Rosetta]

its always been the case as far as I am aware so not surprised

[ChillDoubt]

To be fair though LL, I don't believe you fit the demographic for recruit, to which TTT is obviously referring.

[mushroom25]

without wishing to demean - somebody who has the ability to concentrate on only one thing at a time, or who might be of the entry level quality the army have said is their minimum, is absolutely perfect as a lookout on the railway.

the safety of their group depends on their timely warning of "there's a train coming", which is safer if they're not likely to be distracted.

[237SJ]

If they don`t need the literacy or numeracy skills in the army then I don`t see the problem. At least they`ve got a job and a chance of gaining other skills.

[naomi24]

No, I don't find it shocking. Education doesn’t automatically equate to physical fitness, dedication, the ability to accept discipline, or to innate common sense - all of which, I imagine, are basic requirements.

[B00]

Hoe else would these people get a job though sharingham never mind a career which is entirely possibly once they're in there?