In 36 years he never bothered to read his enlistment contract.
"I was a nuclear, biological, chemical senior NCO (non-commissioned officer)," he said.
Now why would the Army need to mobilize a retired reservist with this unique skill set? After all, there are no WMDs in Iraq.
SO9
This one theater strategy for our military preparedness, is NOT working. As much as I want to give Bush kudos for Iraq and in many ways do, we are having to hold our troops over too long, and are prevented from escalating this situation when circumstances necessitate it.
I fear for what kind of an object lesson this is sending to our enemies. All they have to do is mire us down in Iraq or some similar place, and we're tapped out.
You don't recall a 57 year old man, unless you're grasping at straws.
We need to beef up our forces to a two theater stance. We need to reduce our dependence on the national guard reserves.
We need to supply these people in the best possible way, and yes that means armour plating supports vehicles if we're going to participate in these types of engagements.
Our convoys should have accompanying mechanized protection.
Why don't we send drones in advance of convoys to see the coast is clear. Send one to view and several to attack the enemy in advance of our passing.
Today we took one of our classic cars (64 Chevy Impala) to a car show and there I met a young Airman 2nd class dressed in his fatigues. He couldn't have been more than 20. We got talking and he said he is scheduled to go to Iraq in March 2005. I thanked him for serving his country and told him how much his country prayed for him each and every day,
Well ... if called ... this Gout ridden 40 lbs overweight high blood pressure 53 year old Vietnam Vet would go. BUT not for that POS Phan Boi (Vietnamese for traitor) F'n kerry.
I don't think so. When I got my DD-214 I still had six years to serve in the Inactive Reserve. I didn't get my discharge until those six years were up. They could have called me any time during those six years.
By the way, was this guy being paid to be in the reserve or was he just another double-dipper, with his mouth firmly planted on the teat of the government with a civilian job?
Every soldier who carries the blue DD Form 2 knows this is always a possibility. I have written two letters to W asking to be recalled, still waiting.....