[greasepaint]

What is not speculation is:
Kerry's poltical opinion thru 1969 becomes incompatible
with Navy service.
Kerry requested separation from active duty in
late '69 / early '70, was released from active on 3-1-70.
Kerry's (reserve) obligation ended in 1972,
but he hangs around till 1978 ??

[Mike Fieschko]

Kerry's (reserve) obligation ended in 1972 but he hangs around till 1978 ??

And your point is ...?

As an officer, unless he is discharged, he has an open-ended obligation to his branch.

This was post-Viet Nam draw down.

He didn't get promoted, his skills didn't match anything the Navy was likely to need (shallow water inshore fast tactical [S.W.I.F.T.] boats), and the Navy didn't want to spend money on retraining him.

SOP.

If there was a military court convened, show me the records.