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| Tomb of the Unknowns, Arlington National Cemetery. Photo by Department of Defense |
Showing posts with label Military. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Military. Show all posts
Monday, May 30, 2016
Memorial Day 2016
Saturday, June 14, 2014
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Tattoo
Once, most of the people I knew with tattoos were military, or ex-military, mostly Navy or ex-Navy. Later, a number of people sporting tattoos included people who got drunk in or near Savannah one weekend. That's because you had to go to Savannah, Richmond Hill, or Hinesville (Ft. Stewart) to get a tattoo. Unless you were in Reidsville, but Georgia State Prison wasn't normally a place you left after just one weekend.
But, in recent years, tattoos are sprouting up all over the place. And now, the Army is reacting to that. The oldest branch of the U.S. military is looking to ban some tattoos from being visible:
Under the new policy, new recruits will not be allowed to have tattoos that show below the elbows and knees or above the neckline, (Sergeant Major of the Army Raymond) Chandler told troops. Current soldiers may be grandfathered in, but all soldiers will still be barred from having any tattoos that are racist, sexist or extremist.I'm still not a fan of tattoos, but I kinda have a problem with the new Army policy. It goes against history. At least, Georgia History.
Once the rules are implemented, soldiers will sit down with their unit leaders and “self identify” each tattoo. Soldiers will be required to pay for the removal of any tattoo that violates the policy, Chandler said.
Let me tell you a story. Back in the early 1940s, the governor of Georgia -- I heard it was Ellis Arnall, but it could have been Eugene Talmadge -- was meeting with a bunch of soldiers before they headed off to war, either in the Europe or Pacific campaigns in World War II. One of the soldiers spoke up and asked him why 18 years old was old enough to go fight in a war, but not old enough to vote for the people that send him off to war. The governor told him, "You're right. We'll do something about that."
By the end of 1943, Georgia had become the first state to allow 18 year olds to vote. In 1955, Kentucky did the same. The rest of the U.S. joined in 1971 with the passage of the 26th Amendment.
Here's another story. In the 1970s and 80s, when states were starting to raise the drinking age to 21, Georgia put in an exception for active duty military. That exception no longer exists -- the state does allow parents to give alcohol to minors in their own home, but that's the only exception (O.C.G.A. § 3-3-23) -- but, as you can see, where I come from, we have a history of allowing things specially for or because of the military.
This new Army policy is counter to that, and I don't like it. And I don't want the Navy, Marine, or Air Force to follow suit.
Of course, in my time in the military, a lot of soldiers had tattoos, but none were tramp stamps. Well, not many.
What's your take on this?
Monday, May 27, 2013
Memorial Day 2013
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| Tomb of the Unknowns, Arlington National Cemetery. Photo by Department of Defense |
Monday, May 28, 2012
Memorial Day 2012
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| Tomb of the Unknowns, Arlington National Cemetery. Photo by Department of Defense |
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Stuffing the stockings
IMAO reader WyoScotch recently brought to my attention a project going on in the Lexington, NC area. The full story hehind it is here, but here's a summary:
The 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit was recently deployed off the African coast for a longer-than-normal period of time. Because of the expense, there's no money in the unit's budget for some of the usual Christmas activities, so their families have started a project to ensure they get something at Christmastime. And, because of the logistics, they've got to make this happen by next Monday, the 14th.
It seems a worthwhile project to me, so I'm going to help. If you think it's something you want to help with, you can find more details on how to help on their Facebook page.
Here's more about it, with a "how-to" and suggestions:
The 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit was recently deployed off the African coast for a longer-than-normal period of time. Because of the expense, there's no money in the unit's budget for some of the usual Christmas activities, so their families have started a project to ensure they get something at Christmastime. And, because of the logistics, they've got to make this happen by next Monday, the 14th.
It seems a worthwhile project to me, so I'm going to help. If you think it's something you want to help with, you can find more details on how to help on their Facebook page.
Here's more about it, with a "how-to" and suggestions:
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Veterans Day, 2010
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| Soldiers of the 353rd Infantry near a church at Stenay, Meuse in France, wait for the end of hostilities. This photo was taken at 10:58 a.m., on November 11, 1918, two minutes before the armistice ending World War I went into effect (source: Dept. of Veterans Affairs) |
On Veterans Day, we come together to pay tribute to the men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces. Americans across this land commemorate the patriots who have risked their lives to preserve the liberty of our Nation, the families who support them, and the heroes no longer with us. It is not our weapons or our technology that make us the most advanced military in the world; it is the unparalleled spirit, skill, and devotion of our troops. As we honor our veterans with ceremonies on this day, let our actions strengthen the bond between a Nation and her warriors.
In an unbroken line of valor stretching across more than two centuries, our veterans have charged into harm's way, sometimes making the ultimate sacrifice, to protect the freedoms that have blessed America. Whether Active Duty, Reserve, or National Guard, they are our Nation's finest citizens, and they have shown the heights to which Americans can rise when asked and inspired to do so. Our courageous troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the globe have earned their place alongside previous generations of great Americans, serving selflessly, tour after tour, in conflicts spanning nearly a decade.
Long after leaving the uniform behind, many veterans continue to serve our country as public servants and mentors, parents and community leaders. They have added proud chapters to the story of America, not only on the battlefield, but also in communities from coast to coast. They have built and shaped our Nation, and it is our solemn promise to support our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen as they return to their homes and families.
America's sons and daughters have not watched over her shores or her citizens for public recognition, fanfare, or parades. They have preserved our way of life with unwavering patriotism and quiet courage, and ours is a debt of honor to care for them and their families. These obligations do not end after their time of service, and we must fulfill our sacred trust to care for our veterans after they retire their uniforms.
As a grateful Nation, we are humbled by the sacrifices rendered by our service members and their families out of the deepest sense of service and love of country. On Veterans Day,let us remember our solemn obligations to our veterans, and recommit to upholding the enduring principles that our country lives for, and that our fellow citizens have fought and died for.
With respect for and in recognition of the contributions our service men and women have made to the cause of peace and freedom around the world, the Congress has provided (5 U.S.C. 6103(a)) that November 11 of each year shall be set aside as a legal public holiday to honor our Nation's veterans.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2010, as Veterans Day. I encourage all Americans to recognize the valor and sacrifice of our veterans through appropriate public ceremonies and private prayers. I call upon Federal, State, and local officials to display the flag of the United States and to participate in patriotic activities in their communities. I call on all Americans, including civic and fraternal organizations, places of worship, schools, and communities to support this day with commemorative expressions and programs.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.
BARACK OBAMA
Friday, August 6, 2010
Dear Japan, We Apologize...
Frank J noted that Japan still wants an apology for that whole Hiroshima and Nagasaki thing. Like those things happened in a vacuum.
How's that, Japan? Feel better now?
I’m pretty sure we didn’t do it by accident. If we did do it by accident, I’d be okay with an apology.I think I'll give a shot at apologizing to Japan:
“Hey, Japan we’re all like sorry for hitting you with an atomic bomb. It was meant for Mongolia, but we totally got our wires crossed and got you guys instead. Sorry dudes. Here’s a coupon for free cheesy sticks with your next order of pizza.”
Also, I’m pretty sure it wasn’t the State Department who dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. At least, I don’t think it was. Do we give them atomic weapons? Because if we do, I should probably reevaluate how I’m always pointing and laughing at them.
It would be kinda funny, though, if we went to Hiroshima and apologized for bombing Nagasaki.
Hey, Japan. So, you want an apology for that whole atom bombing thing, huh? Well, I'd like to apologize for us dropping two atom bombs on you. We only had three, you see. We used one up when we a-bombed New Mexico. So, we only had two left use use on you.
I'm sorry we didn't use all three. And I'm sorry it took so long to build more bombs. I wish we could have built the bombs we gave to the Navy for Operation Crossroads earlier and used them to bomb the crap out of more of your cities.
Next time we have a war with you, I pledge to do everything I can to make sure we use a helluva lot more than two nuclear bombs on you.
How's that, Japan? Feel better now?
Monday, June 14, 2010
Flag Day ... and then some
Our country's flag has flown proudly since Revolutionary War. During this country's expansion across the continent, the flag flew. As the nation was torn apart by a civil war less than 90 years after its founding, the flag flew. During this country's defense of liberty in the two world wars, the flag flew. When man broke free of the earth and landed on the moon, the flag flew. When the rebuilding began after Islamic terrorists attacked this nation, the flag flew. When the people of Iraq were released from over 20 years of Saddam Hussein's oppression, the flag flew. And, despite those without our own country that seek to bring this country down, the flag still flies.
Traditionally, the president issues a proclamation observing Flag Day, although the current occupant of the White House hasn't seen fit to do that this year; the last Flag Day proclamation on the White House's Website is from 2008.
Despite the lack of recognition by the White House, we're encouraging you to show proper respect and allegiance to the flag of the United States, in accordance with the proper rules of etiquette.
The flag represents this great nation. Fly it proudly.
Oh, yes, one other thing. Two years before the flag was adopted, the Continental Army, forerunner of today's United States Army, was formed. That means today is the 235th birthday of the Army. If you see a soldier today, thank him. If you know a former soldier, thank him. I know he'd appreciate it.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Memorial Day 2010
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| Tomb of the Unknowns, Arlington National Cemetery. Photo by Department of Defense |
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
2000 words about two presidents
From LA Times Top of the Ticket...
Compare and contrast the crowds' reactions to these two men:
Noting to add. Pictures say it all.
Compare and contrast the crowds' reactions to these two men:
Noting to add. Pictures say it all.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Four words from Uncle Jimbo
Uncle Jimbo at Blackfive was speechless when he heard Biden and Gibbs claiming Iraq is a win for Obama.
Okay, speechless isn't the right word. He lays it out well, before delivering his four words for Obama & Co.
[Direct YouTube link]
[Link to Blackfive]
I'm sure he'd appreciate your comments.
Okay, speechless isn't the right word. He lays it out well, before delivering his four words for Obama & Co.
[Direct YouTube link]
[Link to Blackfive]
I'm sure he'd appreciate your comments.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Learning the language
When I served in Korea in 1993, I had my first extended contact with soldiers from other armies.
The U.S. Army forces in the Republic of Korea are augmented by the KATUSA program. KATUSA actually stands for Korean Augmentation to the United States Army.*
Naturally, the U.S. soldiers called the KATUSA soldiers simply "KATUSAs."
It was interesting to watch how the KATUSAs would break in new KATUSAs. They'd scream, yell, get physical to some degree -- and it was pretty intense. Much, much worse than Basic Training was when I went through. And much, much worse than what I hear about how Basic Training is today.
We'd watch the KATUSAs break in the new guys ... from a distance ... quietly, trying not to be seen. But, the KATUSAs were only like that to each other, and only -- so it seemed -- for a short period of time.
When a KATUSA served directly alongside the U.S soldiers, they were as fascinated by us as we were by them. We figured it was because our soldiers had an easier time of things. Not just by the way we were towards each other, but because our equipment was a lot newer and better.
One of the most interesting things was overcoming the language barrier.
Most American soldiers don't speak Korean. Oh, sure, everyone who serves there learns a few Korean phrases -- and some learn the language. But fall the KATUSAs know English. At least to a large degree.
However, everyday English is not as commonly known. Lots of slang isn't known. And, when they pick up slang, they may not always understand all the subtleties. And, that can lead to unintentional humor.
I remember once, I was speaking with a chaplain at Camp Hovey, and his assistant, a KATUSA, came into the room.
The topic of the chaplain HMMWV came up. And the chaplain asked about an issue with the vehicle. When an inspection uncovers a fault, and it's a critical fault, causing the vehicle to be classified as inoperable, it was commonly, though unofficially, called a "deadline" fault.
The chaplain was telling his KATUSA assistant to record the problem on the 2404, making sure he understood it was a deadline fault.
"Deadline" was unfamiliar to the KATUSA, who had picked up many other slang terms. He asked about that word.
The chaplain tried to explain, "It causes it to not be operational. You can't use it. It's a major problem, and we can't drive the HMMWV until it's fixed."
The KATUSAs face lit up. "Ah. Fucked up."
The chaplain paused for a moment, then nodded. "Yes. We call it 'deadlined."
The chaplain managed to teach a new, proper slang word to the KATUSA. And I got to practice not laughing out loud.
The U.S. Army forces in the Republic of Korea are augmented by the KATUSA program. KATUSA actually stands for Korean Augmentation to the United States Army.*
Naturally, the U.S. soldiers called the KATUSA soldiers simply "KATUSAs."
It was interesting to watch how the KATUSAs would break in new KATUSAs. They'd scream, yell, get physical to some degree -- and it was pretty intense. Much, much worse than Basic Training was when I went through. And much, much worse than what I hear about how Basic Training is today.
We'd watch the KATUSAs break in the new guys ... from a distance ... quietly, trying not to be seen. But, the KATUSAs were only like that to each other, and only -- so it seemed -- for a short period of time.
When a KATUSA served directly alongside the U.S soldiers, they were as fascinated by us as we were by them. We figured it was because our soldiers had an easier time of things. Not just by the way we were towards each other, but because our equipment was a lot newer and better.
One of the most interesting things was overcoming the language barrier.
Most American soldiers don't speak Korean. Oh, sure, everyone who serves there learns a few Korean phrases -- and some learn the language. But fall the KATUSAs know English. At least to a large degree.
However, everyday English is not as commonly known. Lots of slang isn't known. And, when they pick up slang, they may not always understand all the subtleties. And, that can lead to unintentional humor.
I remember once, I was speaking with a chaplain at Camp Hovey, and his assistant, a KATUSA, came into the room.
The topic of the chaplain HMMWV came up. And the chaplain asked about an issue with the vehicle. When an inspection uncovers a fault, and it's a critical fault, causing the vehicle to be classified as inoperable, it was commonly, though unofficially, called a "deadline" fault.
The chaplain was telling his KATUSA assistant to record the problem on the 2404, making sure he understood it was a deadline fault.
"Deadline" was unfamiliar to the KATUSA, who had picked up many other slang terms. He asked about that word.
The chaplain tried to explain, "It causes it to not be operational. You can't use it. It's a major problem, and we can't drive the HMMWV until it's fixed."
The KATUSAs face lit up. "Ah. Fucked up."
The chaplain paused for a moment, then nodded. "Yes. We call it 'deadlined."
The chaplain managed to teach a new, proper slang word to the KATUSA. And I got to practice not laughing out loud.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Remember
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| Tomb of the Unknowns, Arlington National Cemetery. Photo by Department of Defense |
Soldiers -- as well as those who served in the Air Force, Navy, or Marines -- think of those back home.
Most come back home. But not all do.
Over the years, many who wore our country's uniform gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Some of you know some of those that gave their lives for this country, for you and me.
Some of you don't know any one who lost his life in service to our country. Those are unknown to you.
But they were known to someone.
Today, honor those that gave their lives in service of our country. They deserve to be remembered.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Veteran's Day 2008
Today is Veteran's Day.
It began as Armistice Day, noting the the end of the first world war, November 11, 1918.
In the 1950s, it was expanded to become a day to honor all U. S. veterans.
This country has been honored by the service of many, many men and women over the years, serving in the uniforms of our country.
We should honor them, remembering all those that served, especially those that gave their lives in that service.
As a veteran, I'm honored to have worn my country's uniform.
As a citizen, I want to honor those that are wearing that uniform today.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Obama likes war
Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL), the Democrats' presidential nominee, says he thought about joining the military, but didn't.
Why not?
Because we weren't at war:
Hold on there a second.
He wanted to join the military? But didn't because we weren't at war?
So, he wanted to go to war?
Is that what he's saying?
Somebody explain to me why someone, if interested in joining the military, would decide against it because we weren't at war.
He wanted to kill people? He wanted to go to battle?
Maybe, just maybe, he didn't join the military because he didn't want to join the military. Maybe, just maybe, he's a liar.
Why not?
Because we weren't at war:
"I graduated in 1979. The Vietnam War had come to an end. We weren't engaged in an active military conflict at that point. And so, it's not an option that I ever decided to pursue," he said.
Hold on there a second.
He wanted to join the military? But didn't because we weren't at war?
So, he wanted to go to war?
Is that what he's saying?
Somebody explain to me why someone, if interested in joining the military, would decide against it because we weren't at war.
He wanted to kill people? He wanted to go to battle?
Maybe, just maybe, he didn't join the military because he didn't want to join the military. Maybe, just maybe, he's a liar.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Secrets
I can keep a secret.
I had secret clearance when I was in the Army. A job needed it, they ran the checks, and I was given it.
There's a higher clearance level. There are lower clearance levels. Secret was the one I had.
What brought this up?
Did you hear about what Jimmy Carter said? According to the BBC, Carter told Israel's worst-kept secret: they have nuclear weapons.
Everyone knew Israel already had nuclear weapons. But no one in authority, with actual knowledge, ever said so.
As a soldier with a secret clearance, I was privy to some information that should remain ... well ... secret. Many others had a higher level of clearance and were privy to more sensitive information. And, what I had access to in no way compares to what the President of the United States has ... or what a former President had.
However, things I was told to keep secret, I've kept secret. And things I witnessed or otherwise became aware, that I wasn't told to keep secret, I've kept secret if I thought it was best.
In other words, I know when to keep my mouth shut.
Jimmy Carter doesn't.
Or maybe, just maybe, he does. Maybe he just tells more than he should when it meets his agenda.
Typical liberal Democrat.
I had secret clearance when I was in the Army. A job needed it, they ran the checks, and I was given it.
There's a higher clearance level. There are lower clearance levels. Secret was the one I had.
What brought this up?
Did you hear about what Jimmy Carter said? According to the BBC, Carter told Israel's worst-kept secret: they have nuclear weapons.
Mr Carter gave the figure for the Israeli nuclear arsenal in response to a question on US policy on a possible nuclear-armed Iran, arguing that any country newly armed with atomic weapons faced overwhelming odds.
"The US has more than 12,000 nuclear weapons; the Soviet Union (sic) has about the same; Great Britain and France have several hundred, and Israel has 150 or more," he said.
Everyone knew Israel already had nuclear weapons. But no one in authority, with actual knowledge, ever said so.
The US, a key ally of Israel, has in general followed the country's policy of "nuclear ambiguity", neither confirming or denying the existence of its assumed arsenal.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert included Israel among a list of nuclear states in comments in December 2006, a week after US Defence Secretary Robert Gates used a similar form of words during a Senate hearing.
Former Israeli military intelligence chief Aharon Zeevi-Farkash told Reuters news agency he considered Mr Carter's comments "irresponsible".
As a soldier with a secret clearance, I was privy to some information that should remain ... well ... secret. Many others had a higher level of clearance and were privy to more sensitive information. And, what I had access to in no way compares to what the President of the United States has ... or what a former President had.
However, things I was told to keep secret, I've kept secret. And things I witnessed or otherwise became aware, that I wasn't told to keep secret, I've kept secret if I thought it was best.
In other words, I know when to keep my mouth shut.
Jimmy Carter doesn't.
Or maybe, just maybe, he does. Maybe he just tells more than he should when it meets his agenda.
Typical liberal Democrat.
Remember
During the time I wore my country's uniform, I was mostly in a situation where I was at home. That is, I got up in the morning and went to work.
Only, instead of driving to a factory or an office, I went to an Army post.
We'd occasionally deploy on a training exercise, but those really didn't last all that long. Most of the time, I was, in effect, stationed at home.
Most soldiers aren't so fortunate.
But, during the brief time away from home, we thought of those back home.
When set up in a Georgia swamp or woods, we thought of family back home.
When on the DMZ in Korea, we thought of family back home.
When in the California desert, training for future desert deployments, we thought of those back home.
When in the Sahara, on the border with Libya, we thought of those back home.
When in the Arabian Desert, on the border with Saddam's Iraq, we thought of those back home.
Because that's what soldiers do. That's what those wearing Army, Navy, Marines, or Air Force uniforms do: they think of those back home.
Today is Memorial Day.
It is not the day to think of those who are defending our country. Rather, it's a day to remember a special group of those that defended our country -- those that, while defending our country, gave their lives for you, me, and everyone here in this great land of ours.
I know that they were thinking of you.
The least you can do is think of them.
Only, instead of driving to a factory or an office, I went to an Army post.
We'd occasionally deploy on a training exercise, but those really didn't last all that long. Most of the time, I was, in effect, stationed at home.
Most soldiers aren't so fortunate.
But, during the brief time away from home, we thought of those back home.
When set up in a Georgia swamp or woods, we thought of family back home.
When on the DMZ in Korea, we thought of family back home.
When in the California desert, training for future desert deployments, we thought of those back home.
When in the Sahara, on the border with Libya, we thought of those back home.
When in the Arabian Desert, on the border with Saddam's Iraq, we thought of those back home.
Because that's what soldiers do. That's what those wearing Army, Navy, Marines, or Air Force uniforms do: they think of those back home.
Today is Memorial Day.
It is not the day to think of those who are defending our country. Rather, it's a day to remember a special group of those that defended our country -- those that, while defending our country, gave their lives for you, me, and everyone here in this great land of ours.
I know that they were thinking of you.
The least you can do is think of them.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Remember
During the time I wore my country's uniform, I was mostly in a situation where I was at home. That is, I got up in the morning and went to work.
Only, instead of driving to a factory or an office, I went to an Army post.
We'd occasionally deploy on a training exercise, but those really didn't last all that long. Most of the time, I was, in effect, stationed at home.
Most soldiers aren't so fortunate.
But, during the brief time away from home, we thought of those back home.
When set up in a Georgia swamp or woods, we thought of family back home.
When on the DMZ in Korea, we thought of family back home.
When in the California desert, training for future desert deployments, we thought of those back home.
When in the Sahara, on the border with Libya, we thought of those back home.
When in the Arabian Desert, on the border with Saddam's Iraq, we thought of those back home.
Because that's what soldiers do. Marines, airmen, and seamen, too. They think of those back home.
Today is Memorial Day.
It is not the day to think of those who are defending our country. Rather, it's a day to remember a special group of those that defended our country -- those that while defending our country, gave their lives for you, me, and everyone here in this great land of ours.
I know that they were thinking of you.
The least you can do is think of them.
Only, instead of driving to a factory or an office, I went to an Army post.
We'd occasionally deploy on a training exercise, but those really didn't last all that long. Most of the time, I was, in effect, stationed at home.
Most soldiers aren't so fortunate.
But, during the brief time away from home, we thought of those back home.
When set up in a Georgia swamp or woods, we thought of family back home.
When on the DMZ in Korea, we thought of family back home.
When in the California desert, training for future desert deployments, we thought of those back home.
When in the Sahara, on the border with Libya, we thought of those back home.
When in the Arabian Desert, on the border with Saddam's Iraq, we thought of those back home.
Because that's what soldiers do. Marines, airmen, and seamen, too. They think of those back home.
Today is Memorial Day.
It is not the day to think of those who are defending our country. Rather, it's a day to remember a special group of those that defended our country -- those that while defending our country, gave their lives for you, me, and everyone here in this great land of ours.
I know that they were thinking of you.
The least you can do is think of them.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Nuthin' But A Number
There are a few things I missed in life that many others have experienced ... and think nothing of.
Selective Service, for instance.
Back when I was approaching 18, the U.S. still had a draft. Actually, they stopped drafting around 1973, but kept registration for the draft as a requirement.
In 1975, President Ford signed Proclamation 4360, which "(terminated) the ... procedures for registration under the Military Selective Service Act."
Which means that I didn't have to register for the draft when I turned 18 the next year.
Then, when Jimmy Carter was stinking up the White House, Selective Service registration was reinstated. Proclamation 4771 made registration cumpulsory for "Male citizens of the United States and other males residing in the United States ... who were born on or after January 1, 1960, and who have attained their eighteenth birthday."
Since I was born before January 1, 1960, I didn't have to register.
So, I didn't.
I was one of the "bubble babies." Born between March 29, 1957, and December 31, 1959, I was exempt from Selective Service registration.
Now, years later, I did join the Army. I mean, they was hiring, right?
So, one day, a bunch of young soldiers (and me) were sitting around, talking about Selective Service. It came up because one of the fellows in the company had received a draft notice. From France. Or somewhere like that.
Seems he was born there to U.S. parents. And they wrote his name down. And, when he turned 18 (or whatever the age for compulsary service in that country was), sent him a letter saying "come serve with us."
They got it all worked out, eventually. I think.
But, it was the impetus for discussion of the Selective Service. And telling of the Urban Legend (but it's true!) about the fake kid who got a notice because of an ice cream parlor's mailing list.
I had no stories of my own to tell. Other than the fact that I had never registered for Selective Service.
In fact, I was the only person in the company who hadn't registered. All those younger than me had. And all those older than me (senior enlisted) had. I was the only one in the "bubble."
I was the only one in that unit that, had we not enlisted, and had the government suddenly reinstated the draft ... and drafted everybody in the country ... of the ones in that unit, would not have had to show up.
Still, for a bit, some of the young soldiers thought that I had dodged the draft or something.
Selective Service, for instance.
Back when I was approaching 18, the U.S. still had a draft. Actually, they stopped drafting around 1973, but kept registration for the draft as a requirement.
In 1975, President Ford signed Proclamation 4360, which "(terminated) the ... procedures for registration under the Military Selective Service Act."
Which means that I didn't have to register for the draft when I turned 18 the next year.
Then, when Jimmy Carter was stinking up the White House, Selective Service registration was reinstated. Proclamation 4771 made registration cumpulsory for "Male citizens of the United States and other males residing in the United States ... who were born on or after January 1, 1960, and who have attained their eighteenth birthday."
Since I was born before January 1, 1960, I didn't have to register.
So, I didn't.
I was one of the "bubble babies." Born between March 29, 1957, and December 31, 1959, I was exempt from Selective Service registration.
Now, years later, I did join the Army. I mean, they was hiring, right?
So, one day, a bunch of young soldiers (and me) were sitting around, talking about Selective Service. It came up because one of the fellows in the company had received a draft notice. From France. Or somewhere like that.
Seems he was born there to U.S. parents. And they wrote his name down. And, when he turned 18 (or whatever the age for compulsary service in that country was), sent him a letter saying "come serve with us."
They got it all worked out, eventually. I think.
But, it was the impetus for discussion of the Selective Service. And telling of the Urban Legend (but it's true!) about the fake kid who got a notice because of an ice cream parlor's mailing list.
I had no stories of my own to tell. Other than the fact that I had never registered for Selective Service.
In fact, I was the only person in the company who hadn't registered. All those younger than me had. And all those older than me (senior enlisted) had. I was the only one in the "bubble."
I was the only one in that unit that, had we not enlisted, and had the government suddenly reinstated the draft ... and drafted everybody in the country ... of the ones in that unit, would not have had to show up.
Still, for a bit, some of the young soldiers thought that I had dodged the draft or something.
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