Bush Flew Fighter Jets During Vietnam

Walt asked in amazement:
ANG pilots were direct commissioned? All of them?


Those getting commissions with out prior service could get a direct commission
without a formal training program.
When the Aviation Cadet Program was still in existence, a lot of ANG pilot and
nav trainees went through the program.
All it took to get a comission in the Guard during the mid 60's was 60 college
semester hours and meeting a comissioning panel, sometimes basic training was
not even required.
Basic training became a requirement about 1967. By then most states also put
their people through some kind of OCS program.
It helped if Dad was a Senator or ANG General, but it was OK if Dad was an E-7
Technician or Mom was a secretary at Group HQ. But it was not manditory, a
sharp troop with a good record and test taking capability had a good chance.

Rick Clark