Number One

Many have spent a part of their youth in the service of their country, but few have ever decoded the serial numbers impressed on their dog tags. And so, I write to elucidate: #1 signifies a volunteer; #2 is National Guard; #3 and #4 are draftees; and 6-digit numbers are given to the regulars.

Many years ago I returned to base a mere ten days late on a 90-day terminal leave. The first sergeant was livid and said, "It’s guys like you who make army life unbearable." But then, as he busied himself preparing a summary court martial, he noted that my serial number was 11140294.

"Damn, you’re one of us!" he yelled. "Just get the hell out of this office p.d.q." And so, it sometimes pays to be #1.