I write to echo Tim Hussey’s column about the need to continue our state’s positive gains in education to support our students’ entry into the workforce (“Maine Voices: Proficiency-based learning readies students for higher education, better jobs,” May 19).

While Mr. Hussey writes persuasively as a business CEO about the need to develop a competent workforce for the private sector, I want to offer my views on the same topic from the vantage point of a retired admiral concerned about national security.

More than ever, the military needs high school graduates with the ability to reason, problem-solve and collaborate to meet the workforce needs of the 21st century.

Our jobs are more technical and demanding than may be commonly understood, and I value the move toward higher standards and higher expectations for our students.

Unfortunately, though, more than seven out of 10 young Mainers do not even qualify for service.

High school graduation is a key requirement, and the increasing graduation rate will help with that; but we also need that degree to mean something so that graduates can pass the military’s entrance exam (nearly one out of five in Maine who try to join the Army cannot).

Employers in both the private and public sectors need our education system to continue to improve outcomes for our students, and I agree with Mr. Hussey that we are on the right track.

We want our children to have choices when they leave high school, whether it is to move to higher education or a good job or military service, and it is our obligation to make sure we do all we can to prepare them for a future that we all will share.

J.D. Williams

retired vice admiral, U.S. Navy

Westport Island