Quitting?
The only way out of Basic in 1966 USAF was to act queer or eat 5 LB of sugar so it would appear you were diabetic.
But that was the USAF. Many of those kicked out found a US Army draft notice for them when they got home.
You would be surprised how many draftees who had played football, rode the rough and tough Rodeo circuit afterward, suddenly came down with all sorts of “ailments” to get their 4-F papers. Once back home, they suddenly were well again.
You wouldn't be referring to Plugs by any chance,would you? (played football in college,not drafted due to "childhood asthma")