U.S. Navy - Training level lowered again

The US Navy had already lowered the test score requirements for new sailors to the lowest level permitted by law and is now repealing a 2000 regulation that required a high school diploma to join the Navy.

Requirement profile

Recruits without a General Education Diploma (roughly equivalent to a vocational baccalaureate in Germany) or high school diploma (Abitur) can now apply and be accepted into the armed forces without formal educational qualifications, provided they achieve a score of at least 50 per cent in the Armed Services Qualification Test. This test is roughly equivalent to the recruitment test at a Bundeswehr career centre.

Overview of the school system in the USA. Graphic: USA-Info

Claim

The Navy has missed its recruitment target for 2023 by 6,000 people and is struggling to close the gap. This year, it aims to recruit 40,600 people aged 17 to 41 who fulfil the Navy's physical, mental and moral requirements.

Reality

However, due to a lack of fitness and ability to actually pass tests, as well as previous run-ins with the law, the majority of the US population is not fit to serve in the armed forces. And few have an interest in serving, so all careers fall short of their targets. The only exception is the U.S. Marine Corps, which has always been able to achieve its goals.

Willing to take risks

In January, the head of personnel for the navy explained that thousands of potential recruits without educational qualifications could represent an untapped resource, even if this meant a higher risk of failure during training. His argument in favour of this was that the capacities of the boot camps (basic training) were not being fully utilised. So he was prepared to take a risk.

However, this is no time to be complacent. The German navy is also short of personnel, which is why the inspector of the navy has prioritised the issues of personnel recruitment and retention. And for years now, it has been enough to have attended school for nine years (fulfilment of compulsory full-time schooling) for a career as a crew member in Germany. There is no mention of a school-leaving certificate.

Source: THE MARITIME EXECUTIVE