Posted on 06/13/2011 2:57:33 PM PDT by SWAMPSNIPER
As the grandfather of a recent Fort Benning graduate now at Fort Gordon for advanced training this really sticks in my craw.
“Don’t be silly....NHS students have EARNED ACADEMIC HONORS....they are NOT being recognized for anything non-academic, nor anything in the future.”
Don’t be silly yourself. Academic honors as earned by NHS members are most certainly used for future progress. They’re one of the things considered for college entrance, and for internships for future jobs. So is military service.
“That is interesting and certainly a change from when I was in high school. There was two Sailors going through boot camp between junior and senior year and then finishing up high school. I did not know about the program or I would have done that too.”
I was essentially clueless about military service while I was in high school, except for a couple of adult friends who were Marines during WWII & Vietnam. Then, mostly after graduation, talking to a HS friend about his dad, who was a USAF Warrant Officer. Then I walked by the Recruiting Office in my home town, on my way to my favorite bookstore with, literally, my last dollar in my pocket after getting layed off my first job.
$326.10 a month, three hots and a cot, the sign said. I went in, took the tests, and signed up for the Delayed Entree program in the USAF. Reported for Basic October 24th, 1973...
And the rest is, as they say, history. ;)
OS
“That is interesting and certainly a change from when I was in high school. There was two Sailors going through boot camp between junior and senior year and then finishing up high school. I did not know about the program or I would have done that too.”
I was essentially clueless about military service while I was in high school, except for a couple of adult friends who were Marines during WWII & Vietnam. Then, mostly after graduation, talking to a HS friend about his dad, who was a USAF Warrant Officer. Then I walked by the Recruiting Office in my home town, on my way to my favorite bookstore with, literally, my last dollar in my pocket after getting layed off my first job.
$326.10 a month, three hots and a cot, the sign said. I went in, took the tests, and signed up for the Delayed Entree program in the USAF. Reported for Basic October 24th, 1973...
And the rest is, as they say, history. ;)
OS
My youngest boy is going into the Navy. DADT is a non-issue with him.
Sure they are, but they are ACADEMIC honors.
The military has nothing to do with high school academics.
By your example, All-State athletes should wear special sashes, as most will use that honor for progress in college.
Advanced classes usually prepare one for further progress, give 'em a sash.
Hell, the HS diploma itself is often used for progress in life, give 'em ALL sashes.
Anybody without a sash will be flogged at the lectern.
Okay, they made you wait for your three hots, but how long did the starvation period last?
“I didnt waste my time going to mine. They mailed my diploma to me.”
That’s what I did for college.
I doubt very much if it is/was the only HS to do so. Standing O for those entering the military at my sons graduation last month.
“Okay, they made you wait for your three hots, but how long did the starvation period last?”
bit over a month. September 18th to October 24th. I believe my stepdad was ok with starving me, but mom wouldn’t play.
As an adult, with teens of my own, now, I’m afraid my sympathies have shifted to favor my stepdad’s attitude, too. ;)
He wasn’t the best husband my mom ever had, but not the worst, either, and he was a great deal more like a dad than could have been.
“Sure they are, but they are ACADEMIC honors.
The military has nothing to do with high school academics.”
More than you’d imagine, FRiend. I was selected for follow-on training after basic based on academic performance. Not that I was pleased about it, mind you, but it was probably considerably more accurate a placement than I was willing to admit at the time.
This was the AFQT, Air Force QualifIication Test, prior to the ASVAB being put in place. Max possible score was, IIRC 98, in four areas. Admin, Electrical, Mechanical, and General. I scored 60 Admin, 97 each Electrical & Mechanical, and 98 General. By way of yardstick, 50 Admin and you could become a Security Policeman, and I was selected for Aircraft Maintanence, Jets 1 & 2 Engine, (AFSC U43131C) which required a 50 electrical or mechanical. I’d enlisted with a guaranteed career field of Electrical, and asked for missile maintenance. Orderly Room clerks, finance clerks, etc., needed a 70 or better Admin.
Mind you, I didn’t have the math to be an electronics tech, and didn’t actually know it at the time. I was PO’d rather seriously. Actually cussed the Master Sergeant & Major at the assignments section while I was still IN basic training, when they told me I’d be going to Shepard AFB for my tech school.
Personally, as a retired Master Sergeant, I’m surprised they didn’t burn me to the ground right then and there... ;)
And I did eventually realize my math deficits, and work to repair them. Had a nice 12 years in SATCOM, last half of my career. Sure wish I could find those two and apologize to them, now.
Funny thing, though, as an aircraft mechanic, I was the first AIC who was assigned as a crew chief on the F-111D with rank and skill level waivers at Cannon. Crew chiefs were supposed to be 7-level staff sergeants. And in some ways, being a crew chief was the best job I ever had in my 24 years. When the aircraft lifted off the ground, you knew you’d accomplished something, and when it landed again, safely, you knew it all over again.
And even in the Army, and Marine Corps, the troops are more and more required to be academically successful. Can’t have dummies even in the lower ranks, as the job is more technical and specialized every year.
OS
MSgt, USAF(Ret.)
Did you even get why I asked how long the starvation period lasted?
“Did you even get why I asked how long the starvation period lasted?”
Apparently not. Why?
OS
Not your only spelling error, but one to have fun with, after your reference to "three hots".
“You said you entered the “Delayed Entree Program”.
Not your only spelling error, but one to have fun with, after your reference to “three hots”.”
OH!!!! ;) Seriously on target, fire for effect...
Oh, nevermind, That one went right through the 10 ring...
;)
Well played, sir! ;)
OS <-—— STILL learning not to trust spellcheck... ;)
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