Ron McCready
Lieutenant
U.S. Army Reserves
1968 - 1976
In August 1966, I enrolled in Army ROTC at the University of Michigan as a Freshman elective. Since my Dad was a WWII vet (North Africa, Corsica, France, Okinawa), I always assumed I would serve. By the time I was to start my Junior year in August 1968, I had to make a firm Army ROTC commitment – in or out. With Vietnam and the draft in full swing, I figured I would be better off with at least a little say in what was to come. I signed up and took the oath – 6 years with at least 2 years of active duty. The Summer of 1969 between my Junior and Senior years was Basic Training at Fort Riley, KS. (I had so much “fun”, that I refused to set foot [or even fly over] Kansas for over 50 years.) At graduation in May 1970, I received my Commission as a Quartermaster Officer (only after being discharged and re-enlisted on the spot and having my 6 years start over at 0). The QM posting was a pleasant shock. The majority of my 100-man class got a combat branch. An even bigger shock was approval to delay active duty for 18 months to complete Grad School. By the way, my draft number was called in April 1970 – weeks before I was to graduate. My August 1968 bet was win #1, QM was #2, and the delay was #3. So far so good.
In September 1971, I reported for active duty at Fort Lee, VA. I was TDY for training on my way to the 90th Replacement Company, 1st Cav, Vietnam. (I think I remember the “90th” right.) I was a Colonial American History major in school, so Tidewater Virginia was a great place for me to not think about the 1st Cav. Win #4. First up was QM Officer Basic with field-time at Camp A.P. Hill – another 100-man class. Then came MOS time – still another 100-man class. (Always 100 and men only.) My MOS was to be a Supply Management Officer (SMO) with a focus on computerized systems. Automated Army supply systems were still novel at the time, but I had taken 2 whole elective computer (“math”) classes in school – so I was “qualified”. Win #5
By February 1972, I was supposed to be off to the 1st Cav in Vietnam. But a few weeks before, President Nixon ordered the 1st Cav HOME! What to do? The Personnel Sergeant-Major said “Follow the Flag.” Win #6. Next came a real loss, but the Red Cross helped me through. I needed an emergency leave to get home in time to spend a few days with my Mom before she passed, and then to be with my Dad and sister for the funeral. This was no surprise except for the timing. All praise for the Red Cross.
On to the 90th at Fort Hood, TX. But, the 1st Cav didn’t know what an “SMO” was (a 3 Stooges wannabe?).
The Sergeant-Major at the 13th Support Brigade did! (I grew to love senior NCOs.) He had not seen a real SMO for over 2 years and knew just where I belonged. He got me in trade, cheap. I was off to the 153rd Stock Control Detachment, Special Troops (yes, the official Battalion name – I even saved a sign), 13th Support Brigade, 3rd Corps. Win #7. The unit TO&E called for 6 SMO’s. I was it. If it weren’t for the 153rd’s NCO’s, I would have been burnt toast. Win #8. Together, we were charged with overseeing all supplies (except ammo) ordered and going to all of the 3rd Corps: 1st Cav (“Take that”!!), 2nd Armored, an independent experimental Regiment, and the 13th SB itself. (The 1st Armored was in Germany, so it was safe from us.) Over the next 18 months, we worked to figure out the system, win the game, and tick off almost every supply officer on post. Win # 9.
During the Summer of 1972, I was sent TDY to Fort Ben Harrison, IN for a course in Advanced Systems Analysis. Finally a class of only 20 and with Officers, NCOs, and contract civilians – male & female. Beyond the fact that I was now going to be more dangerous back at Ft Hood (Win #10), little did I know that this was a ticket to a later surprise career opportunity. Win #11 – for later.
I finished my active duty at Ft Hood in September 1973 and was in the Reserves until my final discharge in May 1976. There wasn’t (and still isn’t) much demand for historical archivists in 1973 – something I spent a lot of money and time learning. But see Win # 11 above, there was (and still is) a great demand for IT folks. The Army paid me to become one. A Navy vet hired me at St. Joe's; and between healthcare and manufacturing jobs, I had a good 30-year career – love that #11.
Much better still, I met my future wife while in the service. SUPER WIN # 12!! She was in Ann Arbor, so I had to chase (stalk?) her from VA to TX to IN and back to MI. I’ve always felt that her Mom actually pushed her in my direction. She is a Rosie who married an Army Lieutenant in WWII. By 1974, their marriage was already in year 30. Cathy and I are now working on year 51. The U.S. Army for the win.
