I'm not surprised. Many years ago the city fire department here was hiring. I had formerly been a policeman and wildfire fighter so I gave it a shot. Took the basic aptitude test at the university auditorium with a couple hundred others. Wow! I think I finished it first. When I handed it in, I leaned over to truck captain and said anyone who only knew how to tie his shoes couldn't fail that test. His answer: more than 40% fail to get 50% correct (yep, 50% wrong was still passing!). Really?! Needless to say, I passed. And I passed the physical test too (a bit more arduous) but had pneumonia the day of the 1.25 mile run (actually a fast walk would qualify). They allowed me a delay but I developed second thoughts. My service-connected disability is to my right hand. If someone's life depended on my grip, they might die. Or my life might depend on it. Instead I chose to get my PhD.
