So, I am looking for some additional/new good talking points.
Much has been made of the fact that Kerry volunteered, although I know upon graduation Kerry first requested a deferment which was declined. I volunteered (ROTC) for the Army. I remember when I arrived in country, everyone said whatever you do, don't go to the (First) Cav. Soooo, when I got the 1st Cav, they said whatever you do, don't go to the 1/9th. So when I got to the First of the Ninth. . .
Anyway volunteering for the Navy would seem to have been safer than volunteering for the Army. I know Kerry first spent sometime offshore on a guided missile frigate in the Gulf of Tonkin. I remember reading somewhere that Kerry's first job was supervisoring deck crews stripping paint (or some other boring, unpleasant jobs) and that to avoid this he volunteered for swift boats which up until the time he volunteered had not been used in combat, but rather to deliver smail and supplies so it seemed like a good option, but that right after he volunteered, much to Kerry's surprise as he thought he was going to be the officer in charge of a small (pleasure) yacht, their mission changed putting them into heavy combat. Is this correct? Anyone know where to find more info on this?
Also, I understand just after Kerry chased and shot a wounded enemy solider in the back, he then went to the PX and bought a camera to go back and recreate and film it for later use in his political campaigns. I am not familiar with Navy/Marine uniforms, but again I remember reading that the uniform in this homemade movie was that of a Marine officer uniform that he was not authorized to wear. Is this correct? (Impersonating an officer is a serious offense although I suppose this will not matter to the general voting public (but perhaps it will to some Veterans.)
The issue of Kerry wearing a Marine Uniform is a new one to me, but I've heard it now a few times in the last few days. However, I watch very little TV, and last night I saw footage of Kerry in green fatigues, a combat helmet, and perhaps an M-16 (?). I'm sure of the green fatigues and helmet. It struck me as really odd because that is not a naval uniform. Perhaps it had been in Vietnam, but I sure don't remember it having been.
It certainly would have been a Marine uniform, however.
The only shows I watched last night were O'Reilly (11 PM) and Brit Hume (12 AM)....odds are that was where I saw the footage, unless I channel-surfed at a commercial.