Clarification/Follow-up by denberg on 10/02/04 4:07 pm:
I need some follow up here...
Remember you're speaking to an Englishman, I don't know the basics, so you're going to have to "spoonfeed" me.
Are you saying that you could apply to be in the guard INSTEAD of the regular army? Is that what you're saying? I just thought you HAD to go in the "regular" army and had no choice in the matter. I thought "the guard" was just part-timers who had retired from the regular army.
Please explain it in the most elementary terms - I admit I don't even know what ROTC stands for.
Also, I sort of assumed that you had to apply for the "regular" army first and that only if you were turned down for that, or had already served in it, could you go in "the guard."
Basics please!
Clarification/Follow-up by powderpuff on 10/02/04 5:31 pm:
Hello denberg,
I don't know a lot about the draft since there no longer is a draft but, from what I understand, it worked like this: some people got drafted (if their number came up), others enlisted, some people 'dodged' the draft by claiming fake medical problems, religious or conscientious objections, or even fled the country for Canada; and still others got lucky and neither enlisted or were drafted.
Those who enlisted had a choice of joining any branch of the armed forces including the National Guard.
Hope that helps,
powderpuff
Clarification/Follow-up by bobill on 10/02/04 10:44 pm:
To CeeBee
Marriage was an exemption in those years. It was also an exemption during WW2 until 1944 and the need became greater. Four-F is also an exemption and it is interesting to note that almost 30% of WW2 draftees were four-F (medical/psychological).
Had the war gone on longer (WW2) the four-effs would have been drafted also.
By 1945, the US was running out of candidates to fight.
Clarification/Follow-up by bobill on 10/02/04 11:15 pm:
To CeeBee and all:
CeeBee is correct. I am wrong. Married men WERE drafted as of 1965. Thank you CeeBee for the correction.
Clarification/Follow-up by LTgolf on 10/03/04 6:30 am:
denberg
Just to clarify my position, I am a Bush supporter even though I say he was a fortunate Son, he did serve, and there were those that didnt.
I would not disreguard any of the answers or clarifications for they are all correct in part or in full.
As labman said, it is a very complex issue.
Leon
Clarification/Follow-up by Saladin on 10/04/04 5:30 pm:
Den,
You are showing your naivete because you can't see how it could have happened.
First thing to know is that the USA is unlike the UK.
In the US, having friends in high places can gain personal favours.
As far as anyone knows at this time, it was no GW who asked for ANG instead of draft and probable active service in Nam. The current wisdom is that Big George pulled the strings and Bingo! Little George was saved from the draft.
The next big question is where GW was when he should have reported for duty. There are three or four months that remain unaccounted for, and during which no one say the man taken off active pilot duty for failure to comply with regulations, etc.
You ,may have come across the phrase, "Only in America!" They do not say that for nothing.
Saladin - from Ilkla moo'ar baht 'at!
