Service Story #2

So, we've finally got another submission after Nate Fick was so generous with his time earlier. This Service Story comes from a gentleman that served in the Navy:

1. What was the nature of your service?

I was active duty enlisted USN from 1972 - 1990. Yes, 18 years, you
calculated it correctly. I was a Chief Cryptologic Technician (T),
with 6 years in grade, and after having had back surgery (L4/5
Laminectomy), while stationed in Adak, AK, and not being able to meet
the Navy's PFT req's with regard to body fat, I administratively
discharged, under Honorable conditions after 17 years, 11 months and
29 days. Pension? My wife of 9 years divorced me and as did the Navy,
and they both got everything. Ha. Just one and a half months later
they began giving early retirements (-2.5% for every year under 20),
but did I qualify? Negative. I loved the service, it was my life. I
was stationed everywhere the Naval Security Group could send me; Subic
Bay, Norfolk VA, Naples Italy, Winter Harbor ME (x2), Diego Garcia
BIOT, Guam and Adak AK. By my count I was TAD on some 19 submarines on
21 patrols, approximately 8 surface combatants including 1 x7 month
Med cruise, 1 airborne mission and numerous trips to other stations-
and that was just the first 9 years! The last half I worked again in
special projects, but in buildings without windows (not Microsoft) and
that's all I will or can say about that. From what I can recall and
what I was told, I was the first Navy Chief Petty Officer to be
discharged for being overweight - June 1990. Another milestone; Last
Summer I had been out of the service as long as I was in. I was
saddened. Among my assignments, my more noted positions I served as
were Direct Support LPO, CMO Chief, Operations Chief, Division Chief
and Training Chief.

2. Why did you decide to serve? What was the driving force behind
this decision?

Two years previous my brother got drafted. I wanted to make sure
that I had a choice when it was my turn. I actually was in the USNR-R
before I graduated. One of my best friends and I joined up at the same
time. I had to get my parent to sign for me because I was and would be
only 17 until November after the year I graduated high school. Me and
Clyde went to boot camp in Orlando FL in August that year after
graduation. He became a nuke mechanic on sewer pipes and I became a
navy "spook." Every male in my lineage had served in one of the Armed
Services, so I was not going to break the chain. At the time I may not
have had this conviction but I firmly do now and have for a very long
time; In order to keep our country free and so that others after me
may enjoy the freedom's the U.S.A. provides, it was my duty to help. I
had the opportunity to go to Israel while I was stationed in Naples,
IT. We were the first American warship to make a port call since they
"mistakenly" shot up the USS Liberty. I learned a lot about Israel
during the week we were "swinging on the hook" out in Haifa Harbor. I
admired their country's long standing tradition that young men and
women serve 2 years of active duty starting around the age of 17. **I
may not have it exactly right, but as memory serves, it's close** If
our country adopted such a policy AND included new immigrants into the
frey, I sincerely believe our country would be stronger and there
would be much more internal respect for our freedom's and a lot less
complaining about everything, and "what have you done for me lately"
attitudes.

3. How do you feel about your service now?
I would do it again and again and again and again. No Regrets.

4. Do you think there should be a military draft?

Yes! Granted we may be able to keep force staffing levels
acceptable as is, but if needed ...

5. Do you think there should be mandatory National Service of some
kind, whether military or civilian in nature?

YES YES YES YES! Did I mention that there should be mandatory
National Service of some kind, whether military or civilian in nature?
YES YES YES YES and YES, Please make it so.


So there you have it, another contributor. Let's hope this is the start of many more. I'll have some thoughts on this man's story tomorrow.