Intelligence as related to training?

Question

I went to basic training in the military with a friend from school. I always considered him a very intelligent person. He understood concepts in a school function, whether we were studying English (his best subject) Science, Political science.(had trouble with mathematics, but many do). he was a very existential thinker most everyone considered him a bright person.

When we got to basic I saw him do a complete turnaround. In the beginning his s***w ups were not that bad, everybody screws up at first. But towards the end he began to stand out as the "slow" one. I was baffled when he could not grasp simple concepts like; marching in step/rhythm, being able to properly make a bed, folding clothes to the standard, orienting himself to a map, and using a compass. I REALIZE THAT THE CONCEPT OF INTELLIGENCE IS RELATIVE, and some are strong in area's where others are weak. But this stuff was beyond simple, and my friend just could not grasp it. I can't help but to have lost alot of respect for my old friend.

WHY DO YOU THINK HE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THESE EXTREMELY SIMPLE TASKS?

Answer 1

Sounds like he really lacked spacial intelligence.  I have noticed that many people who are VERY intelligent lack this kind...almost more of an artsy type of intelligence.  Remember, a true "genius" is someone with ALL of these intelligence qualities, not just one who excels in just one or two.  :)

Answer 2

Were you given vaccinations during basic training? These have been shown to have a negative effect on some peoples ability the perform.