[Ben Hecks]

I may be wrong but, at the time, I think all individuals had an eight year service obligation. This could be met by a combination of active duty, active reserve and inactive reserve time. Kerry entered the Navy in 1966 so if I am correct, his obligation would have expired in 1974. When he testified before Congress in 1971, he would have, according to my calculations, still been subject to U.S. Navy authority with regard to his wearing of the uniform. It may be reasonable to think that an individual in a reserve component would also be expected to conduct themselves in a manner that would not bring discredit on the U.S. Navy which he most certainly did.

[donozark]

6 years at that time, I believe. At least for enlisted members. Officers??

[Hon]

"I may be wrong but, at the time, I think all individuals had an eight year service obligation."

This would be good to nail down. As you know the article claimed he only shaved 6 months off his obligation--which in itself is bad enough.

"When he testified before Congress in 1971, he would have, according to my calculations, still been subject to U.S. Navy authority with regard to his wearing of the uniform."

Well, he was out by then, since he got out in 1970. And I don't know what kind of uniform you would call this: