Chapter 14, Induction Day

I left my parents at the curb in front of the large brick building that housed the US Army Induction Center. When I turned and walked away from them, I knew I was leaving everything I had ever known and loved behind, at least for the near future. I was so scared.




I went inside and followed the recruiting signs to the 3rd floor of the Federal Building. I was met there by one of the recruiters I had met earlier that summer. I had enlisted in August and had been assigned to the Inactive Army Reserve for 3 months. He greeted me and then escorted me to a room filled with other “boys” in civilian clothes along with some Army personnel.



It turned out that there were 16 new recruits being processed into the Army that day, mostly draftees. I looked around to see if I recognized any of them. Other than the recruiter, there was no one there that I knew. I found a seat to one side, sat down and tried to relax, breathing slow and deep.


Once everyone had arrived, we commenced with the process of signing our lives away to Uncle Sam. This is just an old expression but the sad fact is, some of these boys did forfeit their lives for their country before their enlistment was up.



I remember there was a ream of forms we all had to complete and sign. Some things we had to “swear to”, concerning our character, medical background and criminal record. I recall a form having to do with homosexual behavior. I really wasn’t expecting this. My mouth suddenly went dry. I tried to swallow and almost choked. I slowly read over the form with its very personal questions again. There was nothing else I could do. After all I wasn't sure that I was homosexual, was I? I carefully checked the “appropriate” boxes and signed the form. When I was done my stomach was in a knot. I tried not to feel or look scared or to show any emotion. I covertly lowered my head to one side and looked around to see if anyone was watching me. Would anyone see the fear on my face? Could anyone tell that I felt that I had not told the truth when I filled out that form? Again, that nagging thought returned, “What have I done?” Although I did my best not to show it, from this point on I was really terrified.



Some of the guys complained later about many of the things they were asked about and declarations they had been asked to make. They felt insulted by some of the questions. One guy murmured, “Do they think we are a bunch of fags?” I didn’t have anything to say. I was in my usual “stealth” mode, watching but not getting involved, hoping to avoid any undue attention or trouble.



We had to endure being “inspected” physically to see if we were healthy enough to be admitted into military service. I had had a physical three months earlier. What they thought would have changed during that short time I am not sure. I know I felt totally embarrassed and humiliated by the process.



At some point we were sent down in small groups to a nearby diner for the worst meal I think I ever had. It consisted of extremely overcooked boiled hot dogs and mixed vegetables. I thought to myself that someone must be making some money off the government for this meal. At least it was a relief for me to get away from that ordeal for a few minutes.



When we were done eating, we were escorted back to complete the processing and to have the swearing in ceremony. I don’t remember the words that we actually said during the swearing in, but it all seemed very final. We were officially in the Army. As we lined up to be sworn in, I did happen to notice that I was the smallest guy in the group. That was nothing new for me.



Soon we were told that we would be leaving the induction center. The Army had made arrangements for us to fly out of the local airport to Fort Bragg in North Carolina. We were flying out on a commercial airliner that very afternoon. We were then handed our orders and we were told how we should behave on the way down. We were warned not to buy any alcoholic drinks on the airplanes and to conduct ourselves with the dignity of soldiers in the U.S. Army. We were to be traveling unsupervised. At this point, the NCO giving the instructions looked out over the group of raw recruits and then looked directly at me. He then said, “Private Walker, you’re going to be in charge of these men on the way to Fort Bragg. You are responsible to see that they do what we’ve instructed. No one is to show up drunk or to wander off. It is your responsibility to see that these instructions are followed. Do you understand Private?” I heard a couple of stifled snickers come from somewhere in the room.



With a sinking feeling with the accompanying nausea, I responded by saying, “Err… yes sir.”



“What did you say Private Walker?”



“Yes Sir.”



“Don’t call me Sir, Private Walker. I work for a living. I’m a sergeant not an officer. You don’t call sergeants Sir.”



So much for my avoiding trouble, things were not getting off to a good start.