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.

  • Flying Squid@lemmy.world
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    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
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      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
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      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
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        1 year ago

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

    • Edgelord_Of_Tomorrow@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      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.

      • Flying Squid@lemmy.world
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        1 year ago

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

      • Astroturfed@lemmy.world
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        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.