Should a minimum ASVAB score be required to be an NCO?
I think it is very necessary.
As a young 19 year old PFC, I had a real tough time listening to an NCO who could not spell simple words, do simple math, or understand simple logic. I always had to second guess myself following this NCO's orders, wondering if this leader even thought the scenario through he/she was sending us to? Would we be reprimanded by another NCO? Just be wasting our time? End up looking stupid ourselves? Taking this NCO's training seriously was even tougher, because in the various minds of the lower enlisted soldiers, this NCO was an idiot. In addition to just losing confidence in our NCO, we also lost our confidence in the promotion system.
Now I am not saying we need to be geniuses, or anything ... but I think being proficient at high school level English and math would be beneficial. Keep current ASVAB scores for MOS's as they are, but make a pre-req for a certain score before going to a promotion board (Which will be the same across all MOS's, but naturally in certain MOS's, the fact you qualified for the MOS in general would mean you already meet that pre-req). Those who do not meet the score, take FAST class until they make it, or they never get to lead soldiers.
What do you think?
NCOs
I think leaders must come together and agree upon what is considered "Everyday" use of Math and English, then change the ASVAB or create another test for this. Once the test is created, make sure all leaders must pass it. If you don't initially pass the test, it is no big deal. What's the RCP nowadays for a non promotable SPC? 8-10 years I think I recall. If you cant pass this test, Thanks for your 8-10 years of service.
Is this system perfect? No. There are leaders out there who are amazing and can lead soldiers but cant do 2 step algebra. Agreed, it happens. Usually though, it doesn't.
Mental fitness is as important as BRM and PT in my book. Just as leaders go to the range to become more proficient at BRM, and conduct PT daily be mission ready, leaders should also continually be working on mental fitness. Do it on your own, or if your below standard go to FAST CLASS.
Mental fitness does NOT mean a college education. Is College good? Absolutely. But it is not always feasible in certain units. If your command does not give you time for your courses, you will end up being panelized and paying out of pocket. I watched this happen to many people, so I never took a college course while in the Army. My money meant tou much to me, and I knew as much as my Commander promised ample time to complete your courses, your other leadership wont respect that promise. Pursuing college courses was too risky for me when I was in.
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