I was of conscription age during the Vietnam War. At the time, I was enrolled at NYU, a hotbed of political activism, radicalism, and antiwar protest. Everyone was terrified at the prospect of serving in a war that seemed to be a machine for taking boys, training them as soldiers, and returning them in body bags. The war and military defined the day and was first and foremost in everyone’s mind. A gruesome, disturbing poster hung on my dormitory room wall – the iconic color photograph of the My Lai massacre. At the top of the poster, the the question was posed: Q. And babies? At the bottom, the answer: A. And babies.
Many would say that it was a time of unparalleled cowardice. Perhaps it was. Certainly such an unpopular war gave the best ammunition in defense of draft avoidance and draft evasion. By the war’s end, few defended it. Sadly, even returning soldiers were shown disrespect. I recall the glee when it was heard that the on-campus military organization, ROTC, was removed and their office destroyed.
I had received a college deferment – common at the time for full-time students. However, in 1971, college deferments were terminated, and I was informed that I was now eligible for the draft. A lottery system had been instituted – numbers were assigned at random and then chosen for induction. The days of the year were represented by the numbers from 1 to 366. Numbers were then called in order – the higher the number, the more unlikely one was to be called. I, however, received number 37 – a virtual guarantee that I would be called. I was.
I recall the week before my Monday appointment for a pre-induction physical. I was on pins and needles, and through some miracle of divine intervention, on Friday, one business day before the appointment, I received a letter notifying me that the appointment was cancelled – the military draft had been ended, in lieu of a new all-volunteer system.
Given that history with Vietnam, the concept of volunteering for the military was inconceivable to me and my peers. Here, at the Times Square Armed Forces Recruitment center, we marveled at the audacity of such a presence, the choice of location, those willing to consider such an option, and the courage to enter its doors. I still am perplexed at who would choose to enter the center while at Times Square. Apparently, quite a few – historically, it has been the most active recruiting station in the United States. But it’s another time, and for many, the military is one of many career options, offering a paid education, employment, and benefits.
The U.S. Armed Forces Recruiting Station has been a fixture in Times Square since 1946. In 1950, it was replaced with a new structure. In 1998, it was upgraded for a look that was more apropos for the neon glitz of Times Square. The four branches of the military are represented, each with their own desk. The 520-square-foot building is situated in the traffic island bounded by 42nd Street, Broadway, and 7th Avenue, the busiest intersection in the United States.
There are many opportunities in New York City. If you want to enlist in the Armed Forces, for your convenience, you can join right amidst the theater district and neon extravaganza of Times Square. Just remember, do it while you’re sober and after careful consideration, because You Can’t Quit 🙂
Actually you could quit..Our batallion commander made it known that if we didn’t respect ourselves enough to accept anything less than an honorable discharge from the Marines he did not want us under his command..He would grant anyone of us who asked a “General Discharge under Dishonorable Conditions”..Of the thousands of Marines under his command not one of us ever asked to be let go–Sober or Drunk–Honor doesn’t fade away from your heart..Even us common infantry men stuck with it after careful consideration..
Jaime – Thanks much for this inside information. Few of us know the real truth behind the scenes with something like military engagement. I have heard that a Dishonorable Discharge is something that may come back to haunt you for life.
Brian
However these days you cannot quit, in fact the government sends you back, often against your will, 3 or 4 times more than what your original commitment was. That’s why so many soldiers are committing suicide…in fact more are taking their own lives than are killed in combat. When will these wars end?
In 2008 that station in Times Sq was slightly injured by a mysterious bomber on a bicycle. He was never caught, no one has any idea who he is. He knew no one would be there nor get hurt at 3:45 am…but it was the ultimate anarchist protest against the war machine.
Leslie,
I think many fall for a romanticized idea of war and combat. I knew two young boys obsessed with violent video games who aspired to enlist in the military. I am not sure how that went for him, but I guess he found that war was not what he expected.
My number was 77 so I was ‘gone’ in the first wave. Similarly to you, as my final year in college came to an end, the miraculous happened and the draft was abolished. I consider that event a milestone both personally and politically. I remember seriously considering going to Canada. Glad I didn’t have to do that!
Michael – You were not alone. Everyone I knew was contemplating Canada. All the options were grim prospects.