Army Accepts More Dropouts

THE DAILY FED

Army Accepts More Dropouts

The Army said yesterday it is accepting more recruits who have not finished high school in an attempt to meet its growing need for enlistees as the applicant pool is shrinking, The Los Angeles Times reported today.

An Army official said the Army is having trouble competing with opportunities for young people in higher education and the business world. It is lowering its goal of having at least 95 percent high school graduates to 90 percent and increasing its enlistment bonus from $8,000 to $12,000. The Army will also offer more recruits two-year obligations instead of the traditional four-year requirement.

The Navy and the Marines are retaining their goal of 95 percent high school graduates and the Air Force is keeping its 99 percent goal.