Thanks for the info folks. Catspaw, I know you've talked about this extensively in the past on MC...but my memory is failing as fast as my ability to break the 4 minute mile (besides I KNOW you a lot better now, so your tale has added aspects)....so I appreciate the 're-hashing'.

It's interesting to me how I MIGHT have reacted to the situation, had I grown up as a Yank in New Jersey. I might not have discovered Pete Seeger, or gotten political. I DID like guns when I was a kid (well Daisy air-rifles anyway) and who knows, might have enlisted.

If I HAD become political, perhaps I'd have taken Catspaw's route (but I doubt it...too chicken), or perhaps my Dad (who was well-connected with medical people) could have gotten me some fake 'condition'. But there would have been another option....PERHAPS....

Since I was a pretty good musician from about age 18, could I have used that to avoid shooting? (and being shot at) My guess is that "Folk" music wouldn't have carried much weight....but how 'bout "Country" music? I've read of many soldiers who spent their whole tour as 'entertainment people'. Could you actually ASK for that kind of service?

Cheers

Rick