Nerd,

The President flew out to the carrier in an unadapted military aircraft (Viking anti-submarine/EW countermeasures aircraft).

Something you may, or may not be, aware of - ANYONE flying in such an aircraft would be required by regulations to wear the appropriate flying clothing - that is done solely for reasons of safety - nothing else.

Gareth,

A good song, totally butchered. During the Vietnam era America's armed forces were conscipt services, that has not been the case now for quite a few years.

Options opened to those about to conscripted at the time:
Regular forces - conscription lasted 2 years
U.S. Coast Guard - period was 4 years
National Guard - period as discussed throughout this thread appears to have been 6 years

Service in both National Guard and Coast Guard could have resulted in limited periods of service in Vietnam.

As the President did serve in the National Guard, during the term of his service he would be subject to military discipline - how and where he spent his time would be subject to the approval of his senior officers, it would not have been left entirely up to him. As none of them appeared to have had any complaints at that time, for them to come out of the wood-work now to snipe at the man, seems somewhat petty and only serves to condemn themselves when it should be remembered that they were the ones in command - a duty they seem to have been extremely lax/incompetent/negligent in exercising.

The extent of the Presidents flying skills apart. The fact still remains that GWB was cleared to fly super-sonic, all-weather interceptor, fighter aircraft - and for that he certainly has my respect, knowing what I know about the subject. Not even the man's most vociferous detractors, can seriously believe that U.S. Air Force would entrust the responsibility of flying such an aircraft, fully fuelled and fully armed, to someone who was, in their opinion adjudged to be incompetent/incapable/irresponsible.