John R. Cash enlisted in the USAF in 1950 and took basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, Tex and then Radio Intercept Operaton Training at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi in 1950-1951.

Upon graduation, he was assigned to the 12th Radio Squadron Mobile (USAFSS) at Landsberg Air Base. Germany as a Radio Intercept Operator (Morse Code) and served in that capacity until his enlistment was up in 1954.

According to Bill Harrell, a roommate of Cash, John learned to play the guitat from another buddy. (See link below}

http://www.6912th.org/cashpage.htm

Orville Rigdon, who taught John to play the guitar, died recenly.

Many members of the 12th RSM were later transferred to the 85th Radio Squadron Mobile (USAFSS) at Sembach Air Base, Germany.

I arrived at the 85th RSM in June 1954, having also trained at Keesler AFB as a Radio Intercept Operator (Morse Code).

http://www.chancefac.net/TLCB_/AirForce-2.htm

Cash was NOT a Language Specialist.

Cash and I, were both (293X0) Morse Code Radio Intercept Operators.

I arrived at Sembach Air Base in Germany shortly before Cash returned stateside.

To paraphrase one of cash's songs....

"They were there when it happened, so I guess they ought to know"

Gene
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