The Contrasting Paths of Al Gore and George W. Bush in the Vietnam War Era

Strategic Insights -

In the 1960s, two prominent figures, Al Gore and George W. Bush, navigated their way through the draft and military service in the Vietnam War era. While both men were making decisions about their future, they approached the issue with distinct attitudes and paths. Gore, a serious and ambitious young man, chose to enlist in the Army, knowing it would lead to service in Vietnam, whereas Bush, a carefree and happy-go-lucky fellow, opted for a pilot position in the Texas Air National Guard, which significantly reduced his risk of being sent to Vietnam.

Key Takeaways:

  • Al Gore and George W. Bush made contrasting decisions regarding their military service during the Vietnam War era.
  • Gore, a Harvard graduate, enlisted in the Army, aware it would lead to service in Vietnam, whereas Bush, a Yale graduate, joined the Texas Air National Guard, which significantly reduced his risk of being sent to Vietnam.
  • Bush's path to the Guard was facilitated by his prominent family connections and special treatment, which critics argue was obtained through nepotism.
  • Bush stated that during his National Guard service, he inquired about being admitted to the Palace Alert program, but ultimately was not sent to Vietnam due to the obsolescence of his assigned aircraft.
  • Bush's decision to join the Guard was influenced by the fact that it counted as military service and provided the opportunity to learn a skill, such as flying fighter aircraft.
  • Many of Bush's classmates at Yale, like himself, were more concerned with avoiding the draft than actively supporting the war effort.
  • The death of George W. Carpenter, a Yale classmate and acquaintance of Bush, significantly impacted the perception of the war among his peers and highlighted the risks faced by those who were drafted.
  • The majority of Ivy League students at the time found ways to avoid the draft, and joining the Guard was seen as a common route to avoid the war.

Statistics:

  • 100,000 people were on waiting lists to get into the National Guard during the Vietnam War era (The New York Times, 1999)
  • Only a fraction of Ivy League students actively supported the war or chose to serve in Vietnam (John T. Sartore, Yale friend of Bush's)
  • The Texas Air National Guard was predominantly composed of sons of prominent politicians and wealthy businessmen (The Washington Post, 2004)
  • There was no firm proof of nepotism being used to secure Bush's position in the Guard (The New York Times, 1999)
  • Bush was promoted to second lieutenant in the Air National Guard without going through the normal officer candidate school and hoops (The Washington Post, 2004)

Sources:

  • The New York Times, October 1999
  • The Washington Post, November 2004
  • John T. Sartore, Yale friend of Bush's
  • Roland W. Betts, Yale fraternity brother of Bush's