"...can't pass the test (too stupid)..." That's the education system more than the kid.
"...Kids today don’t fish, hunt or camp, don’t have BB guns..." Neither did the draftees and volunteers of W.W. II or the SEA War Games.
Like High Plaines Doug and blackhawknj say, a lot of the W.W. II guys weren't fit or literate either.
"...eligible for "elite" force assignment..." Way different requirements than regular troopies.
"...he said:..." The Iron Duke said that about his line infantry, not officers. His officers bought their commissions, usually had no military training of any kind and were usually, but not always, second or third sons that would not inherit anything or the sons of the then new middle class looking for social advancement.
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