Replies

Fair enough, from an informed viewpoint. But one major point the author was making, was that those aging aircraft were death traps and that Bush hardly chose an easy way out. You have to have some cojones to apply for and fly a fighter aircraft. It also appears he was interested in the "Palace Alert" operation. Although, it could be argued, he knew things were winding down so wasn't sincere. I doubt it.

You do have a point about the other issues. Unfortunately, Kerry has made the central point of his campaign about "military" issues.

Thank you and your brothers for your service. Quite a family you have there.

Another vital factor not discussed enough is the TIMING of the war as it wound down. By the time Bush was applying for the ANG, the war was over the hump. By the time he was a qualified pilot, it was really winding down, and the military was GLUTTED with highly qualified pilots. The military was encouraging pilots in Bush's position to "early out" all the time.

"those aging aircraft were death traps"

That they were! Most everything the National Guard had was hand-me-downs. Many of our aircraft had mishaps due to age and the relative lack of proper maintenance. I helped to fight an onboard fire once myself on an ANG aircraft. Looking back, fear never entered my mind. Panic was close, but being prior active duty before joining the Guard, and having well trained veterans among us, saved the day. The guys with no prior service were nearly useless.

Still, the condition of National Guard equipment was not an issue during this period. National Guard recruiters had no qualms in telling potential members they wouldn't have to worry about Viet Nam. That's the way it was. It would have been better if National Guard slots had been reserved for active duty veterans only.

That whole war stunk. Not the men that served their country. The government running the war was the source of the stink.