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submitted 1 year ago by L4s@lemmy.world to c/technology@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.

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[-] FlyingSquid@lemmy.world 29 points 1 year ago

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?

[-] SatanicNotMessianic@lemmy.ml 15 points 1 year ago

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.

[-] BrisaLuna@lemmy.world 11 points 1 year ago

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.

[-] foggy@lemmy.world -5 points 1 year ago

Yeah but we can pretty much make borderline sentient robots now. idk

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.

[-] FlyingSquid@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago

Sure, but it was just one example. Is basic arithmetic really not ever needed for regular soldiers?

[-] datelmd5sum@lemmy.world 3 points 1 year ago

why would you do math in your head if you had pen and paper?

[-] FlyingSquid@lemmy.world 7 points 1 year ago

Because you're in the middle of a war?

[-] Astroturfed@lemmy.world 1 points 1 year ago

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.

this post was submitted on 22 Aug 2023
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