I would like to spend a little time explain how I developed my passion for leaning. I use the work “passion” but “obsession” might be a better word choice. I have been reading, studying, and doing statistical analyses since I left high school. I have conducted in-depth studies in about 40 different disciplines. This started out with a stint in the Army, which provided money for college through the G.I. Bill. I used my college education as a springboard into further studies, eventually getting masters and doctoral degrees. I estimate that my private studies could have resulted in 4-5 more doctoral degrees. I have been obsessed with learning new things.
I had a slow start. After high school, my penchant for driving my 69 Dodge Charger recklessly at speeds exceeding the legal limit soon resulted in me losing my driver’s license for the second time. My best friend and drinking buddy had just joined the Army on the two year “pick your military specialization” or “pick your destination” plan. This was during the end of the Vietnam war in 1974 and the Army was trying to attract volunteers. He was headed to Germany for 19 months after 4 months of basic training and “Advanced Individual Training” (AIT). I decided that joining the Army might be a good option for me as well, and I enlisted under the same pick your job or pick your place program. He was assigned to the Military Occupation Specialty (MOS) 11B (Infantry) and I was assigned to the 11C (Infantry Mortars) MOS because I had a higher math score and aiming mortar systems requires some math skills.
After two months of basic training at Fort Jackson in South Carolina and two months of advanced individual training at Fort Polk (now Fort Johnson) in Louisiana, I was sent to Germany and stationed with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in Fulda. Fulda was about 5 kilometers from the iron curtain on the East-West German border and was militarily important because it was in the middle of the “Fulda Gap.” The prevailing military theory was that if Russia wanted to invade West Germany, one of the best places to do so was through the Fulda gap.