By Emily Rooney

With the national unemployment rate at 8.1 %, the recession is helping the four branches of the US military exceed their recruitment figures. But with so many educated, qualified people out of work, the military can afford to be more selective in its recruitment efforts. In other words, high school dropouts may face more competition when pursuing what many consider a fallback career. However, the US Army offers some high school dropouts a chance to get their diplomas in order to serve their country. But these recruits must jump through more hoops than someone who completed high school.

Studio Guests: David O’Neil, Education Service Specialist; Sergeant First Class (SFC) Gregory Grayson, Army Recruiting Station Commander; Richard Murnane, Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Produced by: Sanjay Salomon