L4sBotAug 22, 2023

Pentagon Set to Allow Calculator Use on Military Entrance Exam as Recruiting Slumps

https://lemmy.world/post/3609339

Pentagon Set to Allow Calculator Use on Military Entrance Exam as Recruiting Slumps - Lemmy.world

Pentagon Set to Allow Calculator Use on Military Entrance Exam as Recruiting Slumps::The change would put the ASVAB on par with how test-taking has evolved in the past decade, with calculators being widely used in math classes and on college entrance exams such as the ACT and SAT.

Show threadFlying Squid
I don’t know about this. I would think there would be a lot of military applications, such as judging ranges, where being able to do arithmetic in your head would be pretty vital at times. Maybe I’m wrong?
Aug 22, 2023 at 8:42amWeb
Show threadBrisaLunaAug 22, 2023

I agree, although I think their main concern at this time is to recruit bodies for following orders than math their way into their careers.

No military strength if no military numbers.

Show threadEdgelord_Of_TomorrowAug 22, 2023

If you’re doing the kind of ranging that requires arithmetic you’ve probably specialised and received training in it.

Regular man with gun ranges by sight.

Show threadFlying SquidAug 22, 2023
Sure, but it was just one example. Is basic arithmetic really not ever needed for regular soldiers?
Show threadSatanicNotMessianicAug 22, 2023
It’s really a test of aptitude rather than knowledge per se. It’s highly correlated with IQ. It’s used to help decide the kinds of roles a person may be qualified for on the basis of ability, rather than knowledge. They will train a person in whatever specific skills are needed.
Show threaddatelmd5sumAug 22, 2023
why would you do math in your head if you had pen and paper?
Show threadFlying SquidAug 22, 2023
Because you’re in the middle of a war?
Show threadAstroturfedAug 22, 2023
Pen and paper readily available in a warzone isn’t common I believe… Just guessing, never been in an active warzone. Have tried to keep track of stuff doing multi days backpacking hiking trips. Finding a pen and paper in a hurry would suck.
Show threadjoxese3341Aug 22, 2023
90% of military so much as touch a weapon for 1% of their time in. The only skill you need really is ability to wait in line for a long ass time.