Well, the Bud Factor article generated a little more interest than I would have expected, and the responses all followed a common theme: I was wrong. Here is more evidence from Frank, a Navy veteran.
OK. So here’s my “Bud Factor” story.
That fateful day back in 1977, I was pretty hung over (or perhaps still under the influence) the morning I took the Navy’s Officer Qualifying Test at NAS Glenview.
Did the Bud Factor work? Well, not only was I accepted into OCS Newport (as an 1805 no less) but, up until that time, I had received the second highest score ever on that test given within the Midwest Recruiting Area!
And all remembered about that test was one multiple choice question: “What rank do you aspire to become in the Navy?” At the time it struck me as an odd question to ask. Anyway, I think the choices were sometime like “A. Admiral, B. Captain, C. Commander, D. Lieutenant”. I chose “B. Captain” figuring that would be pretty good; though being from the Midwest farm country and knowing nothing about the Navy I was thinking of ‘Captain’ — like in the Army! When I finally made Navy LT, I figured I had reached my goal and that any promotion after that was pure gravy!
So I guess there’s something to be said for low expectations.
Thanks, Frank!
2 Comments
Frank (and the rest of the crowd) will find this hard to believe but in 1974 I took the OQQ at Glenview as I considered the officer corps.
I had just graduated from Northwestern, and wanted to stay in the SecGru. I was told that because of my degree (BS in Speech) that I would have to go into the PAO biz in the Navy.
I was a CT Chief in the reserves and decided to stay there, but I was told by the administrator that I had scored the Highest score in the history of Glenview.
Next time I’m in Chi we need to go visit the Mensa meeting together.
Oh, yes, I’m the guy who had to other 2 Bud Factor stories – CTRCS Lamberton