It was the certainty of being drafted that drove me to take the oath on February 7, 1967 in the USNR. I spent 2 years on active duty overseas.
Today, nearly a half century later, I am so proud of my 7 years service. But for “the draft” egging me on, I’m certain that this 18 year old would not have joined up voluntarily.
The real truth is, I accepted an Army ROTC scholarship in 1972. My commitment after graduation was 4 years, but I hung around for eight, long enough to meet my future bride, whom I met when she was hired in my section at Fort Bliss.