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.
“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.)