0900, 5 April 1965, armed services induction center Newark, N. J. About 40 of us were ushered into a small auditorium to be sworn into the United States military. Following the brief ceremony, a Marine major in dress uniform appeared on stage. In a soft tone he called out a dozen names and instructed them to come forward. After they were in line he said, “Welcome, gentlemen, to the United States Marine Corps.” They, as well as most of us sitting, were stunned. One recruit removed a paper from his pocket and argued to the major that he was drafted into the army. The officer calmly stated that his draft notice informed he was inducted into the selective service of the United States, not specifically the army. At this time the Marine Corps needed twelve men and they were selected to serve. I can still visualize the guy walking off stage waving his draft notice at the major who displayed a broad smile.
I turned to the guy next to me and said was the navy coming out and picking guys? Doesn't seem fair to do this after we were sworn in. He advised that guys who joined a specific service were not subject to this procedure. I enjoyed my hitch in the United States Air Force.