View Full Version : Viet Nam era SN# question
I know that some US (drafted) guys reenlisted. Did their SNs (prior to the change to SSNs) change from US to RA (Regular Army)? In fact, after the change to SSNs did the Military retain the US, RA, NG, and ER prefixes?
In 1974 it was straight SSN with no prefix.
In Basic you got the little white tag your name and SSN sewed into your belts & boots.
Noah Werka
01-24-2018, 06:17
I was drafted in '68. SN prefix was US. One week later enlisted for three years. SN prefix changed to RA. Changed to straight SSN in late '68 or early '69. Memory is gettind old.
Noah W
Badger52
01-24-2018, 06:53
Oct '69, must've been a transition period. Social, but with prefix.
I knew a couple draftees who re-up'd while they were in basic for a 3 or 4-yr to get something different but never saw them again after we graduated so don't know if they got a new prefix, sorry. At some point for some reason I had new dogtags issued during my career, maybe early 70's and there was no prefix. Have one of each in the drawer.
Anecdotal: That prefix was nice in BCT for evening chow, as in:
"RA's to the head of the chow line! Then you guys we had to come get - you NG's & AR's get to the back & gimme some pullups!"
BCT Jan 75 when we went through the chow line we always had to declare RA,NG,AR, however they did not discriminate against the NG AR guys like in Badgers day. :D
I think the change started Summer of 68? I started Mar 68 with US and when I graduated OCS, Mar 69, my DT had both, by the fall of 69 it was SSN only.
We have talked a little about DT's a couple yrs ago. :munchin
https://www.professionalsoldiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=50098
Thanks, guys! I remember that it was in '68 because we had to send in our DTs and have the SSN added so mine have both my original RA number and my SSN. (Guess which one I can rattle off quicker. ;)) I just don't remember whether the new guys had the prefix or not. The question came up while my son and I were watching a movie over his Christmas visit.
I think the change started Summer of 68? I started Mar 68 with US and when I graduated OCS, Mar 69, my DT had both, by the fall of 69 it was SSN only.
We have talked a little about DT's a couple yrs ago. :munchin
https://www.professionalsoldiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=50098
I'm locked out of that thread, JJ.
Pat
Badger52
01-24-2018, 10:28
Thanks, guys! I remember that it was in '68 because we had to send in our DTs and have the SSN added so mine have both my original RA number and my SSN. (Guess which one I can rattle off quicker. ;))
PatThat's interesting Pat. I wonder if shit filtered east->west so Ft Ord was a little slow on the uptake. Qual'd on the beach ranges with an M-14 (which I loved 'cause it was like my M-1) and hell, "grenade throw" was an 'event' on the PT test. And distinctly had RA in front of my SSN; just the one thing on the tag, which was still referred to as service number. It did make for a lifetime memory aid though for this youngster.
I'm locked out of that thread, JJ.
Pat
Pat
Try logging off and back.
The thread was rejuvenated today..
PedOncoDoc
01-24-2018, 11:36
Pat
Try logging off and back.
The thread was rejuvenated today..
That - or try deleting the "s" in the "https://....." if that is causing problems from the link.
That - or try deleting the "s" in the "https://....." if that is causing problems from the link.
That did it for the above link. I was able to get on JJ's rejuvenated thread with no problem, though. Interesting.
UWOA (RIP)
01-24-2018, 19:10
I know that some US (drafted) guys reenlisted. Did their SNs (prior to the change to SSNs) change from US to RA (Regular Army)? In fact, after the change to SSNs did the Military retain the US, RA, NG, and ER prefixes?
Drafted 1969 with the US prefix; was changed to RA when I enlisted for OCS. When we went to SSN in early 70's the prefix went away ....
Drafted 1969 with the US prefix; was changed to RA when I enlisted for OCS. When we went to SSN in early 70's the prefix went away ....
I've been surprised at how many SF guys were drafted first. Perhaps we need a thread asking the question of what caused the decision. I'd sure like to know. There was even an SMA who was drafted back then.
Pat
Mustang Man
01-24-2018, 21:48
I've been surprised at how many SF guys were drafted first. Perhaps we need a thread asking the question of what caused the decision. I'd sure like to know. There was even an SMA who was drafted back then.
Pat
From what I heard and understand, the stereotype of sullen and resentful Vietnam draftees was a bs stereotype. I'd love the idea of a draftee thread, definitely a fascinating group especially the ones that entered SF.