If so, did you get to choose which branch of service you served in? How did the selective service system work back then?

I was never drafted but I did enlist for three years in 1961. I actually enlisted in 1960 but didn't start basic training until February of '61.

I got to choose either my MOS or my duty station. Since I figured I was too talented to be made a grunt I chose my duty station, Germany.

I started basic training as a 111, basic infantry soldier, became a telegrapher, a teletypists, a high speed mose code intercepter and cryptographer and finally a battalion radio chief.

I loved every minute of my time in the service, well, not every minute but by far most of them.

If drafted, you served where the services needed you, but only for a two year term. For the most part, The Navy, Air Force, and Marines were able to fill their needs through enlistment, so most of the draftees went to the Army.
If you decided to enlist, which you could do even after recieving your draft notice, you served three years but could choose either your MOS or one duty station. Of course if you enlisted you also were enlisted for a particulair branch of the military.
I enlisted in the Army in 1971, and started basic training in January of 1972. My choice was prompted by the draft. I chose a MOS, 91-S, and became a preventive medicine specialist. It was a great learning experience, but not ultimately the career path I chose for my life.

Odder, jest outta High Skewl a long time ago: I guess I ain't got much choice, economically, but ta recruit, as long as I ain't gotta git involved in THAT war? It's kinda wrong 'n immoral...



Recruiter: Yer worried about Viet Nam? Don't WORRY, Odder, this is the NEW MILITARY! We heavily consider where NEW recruits say their consciences tell them where they're allowed to go...



NEXT, Odder's first military orders is cut: Phang Wrong, Viet Nam...



:(



www.aw,well,let-saigon's-be-saigon's,i-guess...con

I enlisted in mid 1968, fresh out of high school, freshly turned 17 ....(14 days earlier) .... was sent to Viet Nam just 3 months after turning 18, turned 19, 20 & 21 there.

The day I took my first oath, they seperated the enlistees from the draftees, yet we all took the oath together in one big room.
When we were done, the Marine gang walked out in front of the draftees & began calling names. Those selected for the Marines rather than the Army all acted like they had no foreknowledge. Always kinda felt sorry for those guys.