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It's no mystery.

Kerry was released from active duty in 1970 and went into inactive reserve status to fulfill his commitment (6 years) - during this time he retained his commission as an officer!!

In 1972 (the end of his original commitment) he enlisted in the "active" reserves.

All service commitments are for 6 years (even reenlistments). The amount of time actually spent on "active" status (regular or reserves) is not important.

While in inactive status, you can be recalled to active duty in time of national need, but this almost never happens - you are effectively "out of the service" and NOT subject to the UCMJ etc... for you normal daily actions. However, as a commsioned officer of the United States, some restictions ALWAYS apply, regardless of the status.

You might want to read Article 2 of the UCMJ. Any one who is a member of the Fleet Reserve is still subject to the UCMJ!

I served as a naval officer (1965-72). Although I had a regular commission, the reserve rules at the time, as I recall, required a total commitment of 6 years. Many reserve officers I served with did three years active and three years inactive.

My point about Kerry is that there is a gap of two years according to his bio. I assume since he went through OCS, he had a reserve commission, which obligated him for a total of 6 years. I don't understand the gap. If you believe that he was still in the Reserves from 1970-2, as I tend to believe as well, why does Kerry list his service as 1966-70 Active and 1972-78 Reserves? I think he is trying to cover the fact that he was still in the USNR while participating in his antiwar activities and negotiating with the enemy in Paris. Not to put too fine a point on it, Kerry has intentionally listed his service this way to deceive us.

Moreover, I am wondering why he served six years from 1972. I would like to know if he was in the active or inactive reserves during that time. I would also bet that he went to law school on the GI Bill.

I served as a naval officer (1965-72). Although I had a regular commission, the reserve rules at the time, as I recall, required a total commitment of 6 years. Many reserve officers I served with did three years active and three years inactive.

My point about Kerry is that there is a gap of two years according to his bio. I assume since he went through OCS, he had a reserve commission, which obligated him for a total of 6 years. I don't understand the gap. If you believe that he was still in the Reserves from 1970-2, as I tend to believe as well, why does Kerry list his service as 1966-70 Active and 1972-78 Reserves? I think he is trying to cover the fact that he was still in the USNR while participating in his antiwar activities and negotiating with the enemy in Paris. Not to put too fine a point on it, Kerry has intentionally listed his service this way to deceive us.

Moreover, I am wondering why he served six years from 1972. I would like to know if he was in the active or inactive reserves during that time. I would also bet that he went to law school on the GI Bill.