May of '69 enlisted so I could choose an MOS rather than be assigned one in the draft. Chose "Image Interpreter" (I've forgotten the MOS number). Arrived at Ft. Ord, CA for processing and Basic. One morning a very impressive looking SFC in Dress Greens with several rows of awards and decorations, CIB, Jump wings and wearing a Green Beret stood in front of the formation of recruits and called off several names (mine included) and said that our test scores were such that we would be allowed to take another series of tests to see if we were good enough to enter the training path for SFQ. I too had read the book and seen the movie and so I took the tests and scored well enough that I was offered the option of ending my enlistment contract and volunteering for parachute taining and the SFQ course. I did and I have never regretted the decision.
I take great pride in the fact that I served my country during the Vietnam war as a member of MACVSOG, CCN and later assignments on an ODA in the 5th SFG and at the USAIMA. I had the opportunity to serve with some of the finest men in the military in those days and made acquaintances that I maintain and treasure to this day.
ps A humorous note? I called home and told my parents of my decision to go into Special Foces and Mom said "that's wonderful dear, you have always had an interest in sports." She of course had confused Special Services with Special Forces.
