Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Join The Military

[Inor]

I beat the draft by enlisting in 1967.
The rules regarding Army Basic Combat Infantry Training (BCIT) had just been changed to where the Drill Sergeants were no longer allowed to physically strike recruits. Although it was still done. And they sure cursed a lot.
I wasn't about to let them order me to go to Vietnam, I beat them to it by requesting "overseas service in the Republic of Viet Nam". I still have my copy of the form.

Would I do it all over again? Absolutely.
Would I want my kids to do it? No.

FWIW - The Moving Wall, the travelling replica of the Vietnam Memorial, came to the city not far away this weekend. I went down today to pay my respects. 514 of my Brothers, fellow soldiers of the 1st Infantry Brigade, 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized), are on that wall.
They are not forgotten.

Perhaps that's why I'm in a sad mood.

You and I have gotten to know each other well enough over the years that I can honestly say that you are one of the folks (outside of my wife and kids) that I do love and look up to. But you sure were a dumb son of a bitch in your youth! Thank-you for being a dumb son of a bitch.