From a 2005 Heritage Foundation study about troop demographics ("Who Bears the Burden?"):
If one single statistic could settle this issue, it is this: 98 percent of all enlisted recruits who enter the military have an education level of high school graduate or higher, compared to the national averĀage of 75 percent.[5] In an education context, rather than attracting underprivileged young Americans, the military seems to be attracting above-average Americans. What remains to explore is whether this pattern of military enlistment is (1) consistent across ZIP codes, (2) consistent across all branches of service, and/or (3) consistent proportionally across all levels of education.
Kerry's remarks got play in part because there's a lingering stereotype that most enlisted men join the military because they have no other options. I'm not so confident that a high school education, generated by the current teachers' union establishment, actually qualifies you to do much except learn more. But having one is essential credentialing, and 98% of troops have one.
Comments
Agree with your comments on HS education, but judging from what I'm hearing from those with supposedly "advanced" degrees from supposedly "elite" schools, methinks that these advanced degrees simply further postponed the learning process. A tour in the Marines (assuming that the Marines would lower their moral standards) would perhaps benefit these so-called pundits.
Posted by: Da Coyote | November 1, 2006 10:51 AM