ETS during the Vietnam War era?

if a draftee volunteered to exctend their tourin vietnam for 6 months

they were then discharged immediantly upon return to the States

instead of having to complete the full two years

I have been researching and trying to find the details of ETS during the Vietnam War for years. I have been unable to find any article which refers to it. I can only give you the details of my own personal experience which doesn’t say much.

I was drafted on May 3, 1967. Just for accuracy only, this was the real draft not the lottery draft. I was sent to the Republic of South Vietnam on December 18, 1967.

After servicing one year in Vietnam, I had orders to report to Fort Leavenworth, Ks. A few days later I received the following new orders.

NEW ORDERS EFFECTIVE 01 DECEMBER 1968:

“Any drafted (serial# starting with US) soldier after servicing in Vietnam for one year with less than five (5) months left to service would automatically be given credit for time serviced and be given an Honorable Discharge from the United States Army”.

My DD214 does read “Honorable”. The total time of service reads, one (1) year, seven (7) months, thirteen (13) days.

I hope the above info helps. I would also like to share a short story with you, not even my wife knows (smile).

After hating the army and going through hell for almost two years. I was looking forward to going to Fort Leavenworth for a few months. I was a sergeant therefore I would not have to take too much bull. This is also a very historical fort with a lot of history. It is oldest fort west of Washington DC, and it is the Dept. of Defenses only maximum security prison. I will always wonder what would have been my assignment. I was a Special Forces Intelligence NCO with a Top Secret Clearance in Vietnam. It could have been interesting duty and/or a great experience.

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I wish you and your family a beautiful day. Peace, from Los Angeles

With the Vietnam war winding down, and soldiers coming home (from that war), there was no need for a huge army (or military). I got a 3 month early out in the fall of 1972. And I had buddies that got a 6 month early out.

I was in the 82nd, I think that's why I didn't get the 6 month early out. But that's just a guess.

I was (very) tired of the army, and was happy to head home. Who says Christmas doesn't come early??