You guys had all the fun work. I was in the U.S. Air Force (SAC) from 1977 through 1982. All we did was keep a close eye on the Soviets.


>Hi Bob,
>As a fellow veteran (and volunteer) of the U.S. Navy (84-90 - including Desert Shield/Storm) it wasn't my intent to denegrate the armed forces or those who serve in them - past, present or future. However it was my experience while serving that most (and I mean almost all) of those with whom I served would have chosen not to enlist had they had better opportunities in the civilian world (If there had been decent, good wage jobs). The smartest folk get scholarships/grants to college or are hired to those skilled jobs which are available. What's left for the rest? And it's no secret that criminal courts offer military enlistment as an alternative to jail time.
>
>So please accept my apologies if I offended you (or any other fellow veterans). I was only agreeing with the previous post. Knowing how many people don't stay past a first enlistment, and knowing how expensive it is to train recruits, I've often wondered why the armed forces don't perform some sort of 'military service aptitude test' on applicants and select only those who would make good career servicemen.
>
>Warmest regards,
>Paul M.