Thread: Old combat vet!

I was browsing around on-line and saw Army Forums listed, so decided to stop in to say hi to everybody and join in the conversation. I'm currently a member of many other civilian forums, but none related to the military.

I looked over your 'rules of the road' but found nothing about a description requirement for an old vet who is no longer on active duty, just for those on active duty, those anticipating joining up. and family members, so I guess I have an open door policy here (to a limited extent, anyway) So, in this light, let me give an introduction based on the most important aspect of my military service.

I took my military Oath on December 28th, 1966 after enlisting. After basic and AIT, I spent 6 months in Fort Richardson, Alaska, but when snow started to fall, and the temps dropped, I figured it was time to leave. I did not like the look of those white bunny boots they gave me , so I volunteered for combat duty in Vietnam. I'd rather duck bullets than do winter maneuvers in -40F weather.

On December 20th, 1967, I landed in Bien Hoa air base in Saigon for redeployment to the 4th/23rd Mechanized Infantry (Tomahawks) of the 25th Infantry Division in CuChi. We later moved to TayNinh. I was in Vietnam during the entire 1968 TET offensive, and left on December 20th, 1968.

However, I have reviewed many of the topics in this forum, and I really don't think that my experiences over there would be appropo for newbies entering into military service, or for the family members of soldiers on active duty, so I'll skip them. But, there seems to be a lot of general threads that I could be helpful in, so I'll stick around. Who knows, maybe some of you younger people could use the help of an old codger, particularly in computer related matters. After I left the military, I became a Computer System Test Engineer.

With this brief introduction, I would like to say that it is nice to meet all of you.

Always great to see a veteran join us! Thank you for your service!

Welcome Tet Vet. We welcome anyone who can provide insightful advice on the Army culture.

By the way, I am Signal and your computer expertise is valuable.

Originally Posted by Ihavecoolhats

Always great to see a veteran join us! Thank you for your service!

When I hear that comment coming from a civilian, it is about as hollow as a 4" PVC sewer pipe, given that they are destroying my country through their complacency, but when I hear it coming from a fellow vet, it is, indeed, an honor, and i pass the sentiment right back to you, my friend!

Welcome to the forums! Glad to have you here. You'll find all ranks of people here with a wide variety of MOS'.

Originally Posted by CWO Sharkey

Welcome Tet Vet. We welcome anyone who can provide insightful advice on the Army culture.

By the way, I am Signal and your computer expertise is valuable.

I am not familiar with MPU or CPU systems manufactured for MIL systems, but all digital processors work the exact same way so general theory could be helpful. Just ask, CWO. However, be advised that, seeing that I'm retired now, I can talk your eyes off!

Welcome to the forums Tet Vet! It's always nice to have a veteran hanging around. I'm a civilian as we speak so I hope it doesn't offend you but thank you for your service.

Welcome to the site & another "thanks for your service", lol.

I've always thought that it was important for those who are planning to enter the Army or those new to the Army to learn the history involved - especially experiences that we old farts had to live & fight through. Feel free to tell them.

Welcome! Another Signal guy here.

Originally Posted by 68 Tet Vet

I am not familiar with MPU or CPU systems manufactured for MIL systems, but all digital processors work the exact same way so general theory could be helpful. Just ask, CWO. However, be advised that, seeing that I'm retired now, I can talk your eyes off!

Dont worry. I started out in the last days of punch cards, IBM 3090s mainframes and cartridges. I hate proprietary but it serves a purpose at times lol.