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sKerry clearly was avoiding the Army, no matter what he says. He thought the Swift Boats would be "fun" so volunteered for them and when they ended up in close combat, he said, "Oh, sh.." He thought he would be safer in the Naval Reserves, but found himself in real combat in 'nam getting shot at by mistakes he brought on himself.

Interesting. I found myself out of college in December 1966, and rather than worry about when, I volunteered for the draft. I also wanted to avoid dying, but I figured my 20/400 vision would keep me out of close combat. Not a good Idea. When I reported for my physical, they said my vision was fine and not to worry because they'd give me two pairs of glasses.

Then, first days in Basic Training were devoted to aptitude tests. They were multiple choice, something I can ace in my sleep. The tests were graded and we lined up to get preliminary MOS assignments. All the guys ahead of me came out with infantry assignments, except one, who had a Master's degreein History. MPs.

I got in to my interview and the guy hands me a two inch thick book and says pick something, anything. I had aced the multiple choice tests.

I thought about my first love, photography, but decided that might involve some risk, so I asked for Intelligence. I had visions of examining aerial photographs in some safe headquarters. Bad idea.

I went through Basic thinking I had it made. Then I was assigned to crypto equipment repair. That was even better. I figured no one would ever risk that stuff being lost in combat. Bad thought. About six months the Pueblo was captured.

So I aced school, hoping to become an instructor, or at least get to Germany or D.C. But Of course I was assigned to Nam. Quy Nhon. Rumor had it that this was at least adjacent to the boonies. But it was not to be.

I get to Vietnam, three days before TET, as it turned out. TET in a replacement company was rather weird. I could tell that something unusual was up, because guys like me, fresh out of electronics school, were told to man M-50s and such, but it was pretty quiet where I was. I didn't really know it was a big deal until I read about in Time Magazine.

Instead of Quy Nhon I stayed at Cam Ranh, where the major risks were being run over by Korean trucks, dying in tragic water skiing accidents, and fragging oneself from Boston Whalers. (Actually, my unit did take some casualties several years later, in 1972.)

What's my point? Simply that planning to be safe or be in the thick of things didn't always work out. Things happen, and in war you are not in control of anything other than yourself. You do not get to decide whether an assignment is safe. And if you find yourself in combat, you do not get to decide whether you survive or not. All you can do is do your best and do it honorably. Or not.

Thank You for your service to our country.

Welcome Home Brother

"Things happen, and in war you are not in control of anything other than yourself. You do not get to decide whether an assignment is safe. And if you find yourself in combat, you do not get to decide whether you survive or not. All you can do is do your best and do it honorably. Or not."

Powerful words/thoughts; thanks for sharing.

And if you find yourself in combat, you do not get to decide whether you survive or not

But you can influence the probablities somewhat. The best defense is of course a good offense. Shoot first if you can. Use as much and as heavy firepower as you can get your hands on.