On Dec. 2, 1959 I was drafted into the Army. I was 23 years old and had been expecting this. On Dec. 3, I arrived at Fort Jackson, S.C., and was assigned to C Company, 8th Battalion, 2nd Training Regiment.

There, we were introduced to our platoon sergeant, a sergeant first class with a chest full of ribbons topped by a combat infantryman badge. I remember his name to this day, but won't mention it.

In high school, we had a physical education teacher who was a Marine Corps veteran of World War II. Near the end of each gym class he would form us up in squads and give us close-order drills, so I became familiar with commands and execution of these drills. I prefer to stay in the background and keep my mouth shut unless directly addressed, but for some reason our platoon sergeant picked me as one of the four squad leaders. He said squad leaders didn't have to stand guard duty or do kitchen police, so that convinced me.

Basic training was one of the most enjoyable times of my life. At the end of our training I had three choices: Officer Candidate School, Dog Handling School in Alabama or Military Police School at Fort Gordon, Ga. I chose Fort Gordon as I didn't plan on staying in the service.

After Fort Gordon, I was sent to Fort Lewis, Wash. I was extended after the Cuban missile crisis and got out of the service in March 1962.

After going through being drafted, I am convinced that the draft should be re-instated for both men and women. It would help the unemployment problem, the drug problem and would teach discipline and common sense to the younger generation.

Mr. C. Harvey
Member A.L. Post 154
Montrose, PA