Moving On - Children of the Children of God

Ever since I have left the Family I knew I had suffered from a severe "educational deficiency". As we all know, education in general was kept to a minimum in the early days of the family, and only in recent times has become mandatory to provide children with a basic high school education. While a child I was provided with education. It was minimal but nevertheless something. Still, my greatest source of input came from "worldly books". I'll never forget the endless corrections exhorting me to "put away carnal knowledge". Bergs personal opinion (although it changed several times) was, "if its not the bible, then I don't want to hear about it. Letters like "the word the word the word" reiterated his skewed mentality.

Recently I had decided to join the military. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that my CLE (Christian Light Education) highschool diploma was practically worthless since it wasn't accredited. I already knew that the numerous CVC certificates I aquired were about as useful as toilet paper, but I never imagined that I would be rejected from the Army for the inability to provide a documented, certified record of my education. When it gets to the point that the Army rejects your educational records, you realise that it couldn't get lower than that. Lets not talk about joining a high level company, lets not even talk about a mid-sized corporation, lets talk ARMY. The "company" with the highest demand for manpower, and I couldn't get in. I mean, gee...I can't even be cannon fodder with my current education.

Undeterred I took my ASVAB and scored an 82, the Army still wouldn't accept me due to "regulations", but the Navy didn't seem to care less and are giving me a waiver. I guess being able to speak 3 languages provides minor compensation for my lack of formal education.

I can only hope that this experience will make my parents provide my younger siblings with an proper education, and prepare them for whatever they may choose to do with their lives.

Reader's comments on this article
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from Regi
Saturday, April 30, 2005 - 08:44
(Agree/Disagree?)

Doesn't the army accept the GED?
(reply to this comment)

From Shackled
Thursday, May 05, 2005, 19:08
(Agree/Disagree?)

Last month they stopped accepting GED diplomas. But it'll definitely open up again in the future. (reply to this comment)
from xhrisl
Friday, April 29, 2005 - 23:34
(Agree/Disagree?)
All your comments have forced me to speak out on the subject. Having faced the very predicaments of which you speak, namely the fact that even the Army (an organization so devoid of man power at the present, as to represent a strategic crisis) won’t accept exSGA’s as cannon fodder---speaks volumes about TF’s glorious educational programs.
Unfortunately, there are still those people within TF (are you listening Mom?) who still believe that the educational materials available within TF are the greatest thing since sliced bread.
My best wishes to those of you who have tried to pursue better opportunities via enlistment. It is a dangerous and difficult path to tread in the hope of a future betterment. I can say however that it worked for myself and paid for college.
(reply to this comment)
from Shackled
Friday, April 29, 2005 - 16:02
(Agree/Disagree?)

I took the Asvab couple weeks ago and got a 88 but still couldn't get in. Pretty much same predicament as you.
(reply to this comment)
from exister
Friday, April 29, 2005 - 14:34
(Agree/Disagree?)

Be sure to avail yourself of the many opportunities that the Navy will provide you to correct your educational defficiencies, including those on ship college classes. First step is to get your Good Enough Diploma, it's one of the easiest tests ever written (which explains why the Army doesn't recognize it either).

Congratulations on joining the Navy!
(reply to this comment)
from Bella
Friday, April 29, 2005 - 14:20
(Agree/Disagree?)

I left in Feb. '95 and was given a fake diploma from "Houston Correspondence High School" stating I had honors in English and Geography. WTF? I never tried to use it because I couldn't legitimize it. I feel your pain.
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