I not only registered for Selective Service, I was also one of the chosen few who received a letter beginning "Greetings...).

The one year, nine months, three days, nine hours, and twenty-two minutes I spent averting the Commie menace were easily the worst in my life. Life was rigidly controlled. As a friend put it, "Everything not mandatory is prohibited." What is ironic is that my duties back then were not at all challenging. I could carry them out today, as a matter of fact (I wound up my service typing letters for the Commanding General, 1st Cav Division, Korea (no strikeovers, no erasures! and taking orders for coffee for participants in those numerous high level meetings).

But at least I got R&R in Japan, and got to climb Fuji in the winter, along with two Japanese lads I met along the way. It was a great trip, although we neglected to exchange gear lists.

I also witnessed numerous examples of frivolous waste up close and personal, and I think that in the long run has made me a more informed and responsible citizen...