Kerry didn't join the National Guard to avoid combat.

On Tue, 07 Sep 2004 08:40:24 -0600, Jack wrote:

Random drug testing of the entire force and mandatory drug testing in
conjunction with flight physicals, at both CONUS and overseas bases,
was implemented in April, 1972. Not as command prerogative, but by
Air Force directive following DoD guidance. George W. Bush was
filling a flying slot until failing to appear for his annual flight
physical in August, 1972. And yes, I have done the research, thank
you...I was also there at the time.

Jack, U.S. Air Force, Retired

Then, Jack, you also know that random drug testing was not done in
conjunction with a flight physical. That wouldn't have been effective
at all, since the flight physical was a scheduled event (at the
discretion of the individual during the 90 day window before his
birthday), and therefore easy to beat by abstaining from drugs for a
week beforehand. (The discrimination of the drug test in those days
was nowhere near what it is today.)

Let's also note that the physical in '72 was more than four years
after George W. Bush entered USAF pilot training, was at a time when
his unit mission had changed from operational to qualification
training and in which he was not going to be transitioned to the F-101
or upgraded to IP in the Deuce since he did not have sufficient
retainability.

You'll also recall that officers in non-flying billets got a physical
every three years rather than an annual flight physical and if you
weren't on flying status you could let your physical lapse and an
aeronautical order (routine) would be issued to remove you from
status.

I've done the research as well as being in the business. In April of
'72 I was at Luke checking out in the F-4C and in August of '72 I was
at Korat flying into NVN daily. Where were you at that time? (Since
you brought it up.)



Ed Rasimus
Fighter Pilot (USAF-Ret)
"When Thunder Rolled"
"Phantom Flights, Bangkok Nights"
Both from Smithsonian Books
***www.thunderchief.org