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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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Army School Gets Dropouts Ready to Serve

Military needs more eligible recruits to fill its ranks

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(Newser) – The US Army today opened its first prep school to prepare high school dropouts for military service, the AP reports. With wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and not enough eligible recruits, the Army wants unqualified prospects to earn their GEDs. "Only three out of every 10 people of military age" qualify, says one Army rep. "We are going to have to do something different."

Roughly 60 students will enter the monthlong program each week to study in converted classrooms at Fort Jackson, SC. Students also train physically and must pass the Army's aptitude test before starting a two- or four-year commitment. "These kids may have quit at some point," said the school's commander, but "we are not going to allow them to quit."

Army private Edurado Arceo studies for his GED in a new Army program at Fort Jackson, SC, Aug. 21, 2008.
Army private Edurado Arceo studies for his GED in a new Army program at Fort Jackson, SC, Aug. 21, 2008.   (AP Photo, file)
Capt. Brian Gaddis, the school's commander, talks about a new Army program at Fort Jackson, S.C., dedicated to helping high school dropouts earn their GEDs.
Capt. Brian Gaddis, the school's commander, talks about a new Army program at Fort Jackson, S.C., dedicated to helping high school dropouts earn their GEDs.   (AP Photo)
Army private Scott Clumpitt, right, works on getting his GED to become a full time soldier, Aug. 21, 2008, at Fort Jackson, S.C.
Army private Scott Clumpitt, right, works on getting his GED to become a full time soldier, Aug. 21, 2008, at Fort Jackson, S.C.   (AP Photo)
Army 1st Sgt. Dimetrius Nash, left, talks to his soldiers, Aug. 21, 2008, at Fort Jackson, S.C before they break to go to class.
Army 1st Sgt. Dimetrius Nash, left, talks to his soldiers, Aug. 21, 2008, at Fort Jackson, S.C before they break to go to class.   (AP Photo)
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