Well, the Navy was pretty screwed up back then. I had only 1 month left on my 6 year obligation when I was transfered to the inactive reserve, as a LTJG, in June 1974. In about 1976 they promoted me to LT, and I tried to refuse the appointment because I would have had to to take a physical, and I was too busy putting the FCS Mk 113 Mod 10 on the Los Angeles. They told me that I still had six years to do from when I transfered to the inactive reserve, so I took the physical and the promotion. The same thing must have happened to Kerry.
Not everything about his service is a big deal, or questionable.
I agree. I was an emnlisted grunt so I don't know but didn't Navy Gentleman :}, incur an additional 6 year obligation at time of war?