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Old 01-23-2018, 22:46   #1
PSM
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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?
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Old 01-24-2018, 04:03   #2
Pete
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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.
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Old 01-24-2018, 06:17   #3
Noah Werka
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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.

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Old 01-24-2018, 06:53   #4
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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!"
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Old 01-24-2018, 07:59   #5
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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.
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Old 01-24-2018, 09:35   #6
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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.

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Old 01-24-2018, 19:10   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PSM View Post
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 ....
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Old 01-24-2018, 19:21   #8
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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
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Old 01-24-2018, 20:02   #9
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'69 RA SS#
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Old 01-24-2018, 21:48   #10
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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.
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