Originally Posted by theking

Pigshit. Prior to Iraq and Afghanistan...All branches of the military required a minimum of a Highschool Diploma (GED's were not acceptable) to qualify for enlistment. NCO's were required to have an Associate Degree or the equivalentcy. Many senior NCO's had a Bachelor/Master Degrees with some having a Doctorate Degree. All Officers had to have a minimum of a Bachelor Degree with Field Grade Officers having a minimum of a Master Degree and many Officers having a Doctorate Degree.

A spotless criminal record and a 100% perfect health record.

As in all armed conflicts/wars standards are reduced...to some extent...to keep the required number of warm bodies in the ranks.