Army School Gets Dropouts Ready to Serve

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." (More US Army stories.)