Scrutiny of George W. Bush’s military records continues, evidently in search of proof that he was AWOL for some weeks or months when his National Guard service was interrupted.

Was John F. Kerry AWOL from a continuing obligation after he returned from Vietnam? His status changed from active duty, but I believe that a designation to a lesser status in the Naval Reserve carried some obligations. Even if no drills or active duty training for short periods were required of him (a possibility, though the U.S. government still probably considered him subject to recall if needed), he retained his commission and subjected himself to inquiry, if not disciplinary action, because he went to Paris in 1970 and met with North Vietnamese officials. After return, at a press conference in 1971, he urged President Nixon to adopt proposals set forth by a Viet Cong delegate at that meeting for ending the war.

Robert I. Boland Jr.,

Oquossoc

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