When you sign up, you are a commisioned officer regardless of active duty or reserve status. You are still subject to the provisions of the USMJ. I don't know how it was in the Navy, but in the Army during the 60's and 70's, most officers on active duty were reservest who had graduated from ROTC or OCS.
<< When you sign up, you are a commisioned officer regardless of active duty or reserve status. >>
Sure.
I remember.
But my point was that by accepting a Naval Reserve Commission Kerry was hoping to both dodge the draft and to dodge combat.
I contend his signup was but a attempted manipulation and gaming of the system -- and not the noble gesture he has since fraudulently painted it as having been.