Jay A. Adams, SSgt USMC, 1960-1970


When I joined the Marine Corps I wanted to go into tanks or amtracks.  
As most know when you get to boot camp you are given a battery of tests, 
and one of them was the Morse code test.  Well I had had Novice Amateur 
Radio license, and in those days it was Morse code only.  As might be 
expected I must have aced that test.  About two thirds of the way into 
boot camp after we came back from the rifle range I was told to report 
to Battalion Headquarters, and as boot this scared the hell out of me.  
When I got the headquarters I was to go up to the 3rd deck and go to room 
such and such.  I knocked on the hatch and was told to enter.  Sitting 
there was this mean looking MGySgt in greens all I saw was red stripes 
from his shoulder to his wrist.  I was wondering what I had done.  Then he 
said "You did well on the code test and we have this radio school down the 
road (Imperial Beach) we think you should attend."  Then shaking like mad 
I replied but I wanted to go into tanks or amtracks.  He jumped up as said 
"Did your mother drop you on your head?  Tanks are a dirty job.  Besides the 
Marine Corps needs you in this field.  Don't you agree."  I repled, "Yes Sir!"  
After boot camp I had orders for Imperial Beach, and the rest of my ten year 
career in the Marine Corps was in the SIGINT field.
 

Jay A. Adams, SSgt USMC
1960 - 1970