I was at boot camp eleven days after grade 12 graduation, 1961. Was due to get out of service 28 June '64 the day before my 21st birthday.
Pres Johnson did a reduction in forces, RIF. Every service man who's discharge date was before July 1 was discharged 90 days early, hence my April Fools Day discharge date. I was assigned a rate in which there were not enough personnel, referred to as a Closed Rate. The day after discharge I went to a recruiter, wanted to join the Navy, as an Airframes Mechanic, "no can do, you are in a closed rate"! Couldn't see joining any of the other services!
So that was that. I truly wanted to stay in service. Sorry for rambling on.
TPBM had a better experience in the service.