He let his flight certification lapse.
But try this...
Their service is actually very similiar. Except George W. Bush served longer.
Kerry joined the Navy Reserves in 1966, spent two full years on active duty aboard the USS Gridley, a ship that patrolled Vietnamese waters. He volunteered for Swift Boat duty at a time when it wasn't all that dangerous. It's mission changed shortly after he was transferred and it did become very dangerous. All that is debateable and I'll leave it those who know what they're talking about to argue about his Swift Boat tour and his medals. But the fact is that Kerry got 5 medals in four months and never needed more than a Band-Aid. After 2 years and four months he was sent back to the United States. He spent a few months as a driver for Navy brass in New York, then he requested a transfer to inactive status so he could run for political office. It was granted. By 1970 there is no evidence that Kerry ever wore the uniform of the United State Navy again. He spent 1970 and 1971 as the official spokeman for the Vietnam Veterans Agasint the War. All during that time, there are numerous pictures and videos of him with long hair, attending anti-war events all over the country. If he was still fulfilling any Navy Reserve obligations, there is no record of it. All that is from his own website.
George W. Bush joined the Texas Air National Guard in 1968. He spent the first two years on full time active duty status learning to be a pilot. Again, I'll leave the debate about how dangerous it is to learn to fly versus serving on ship during a ground war up to those who know what they're talking about. Bush, too, requested a transfer. In early 1972 he requested a transfer to the Alabama Guard so that he could work on a political campaign. His request was denied. He went anyway. In July of 1972 he failed to take a required physical and was grounded as a pilot. There is no record of his reporting for duty during the entire summer 1972. In September of 1972 he requested a transfer to a different unit in Alabama and that request was granted, but there is no clear evidence that he actually ever reported there.
Between November of 1972 and May 1973, Bush earned enough points to keep his standing.
http://www.freerepublic.com/forum/a39ea05224b3e.htm "On October 1, 1973, First Lieutenant George W. Bush received an early honorable discharge so that he could attend Harvard Business School. He was credited with five years, four months and five days of service toward his six-year service obligation. "
Both men signed up for 6 year committments. Neither served a full 6 years. Kerry was out of the Navy Reserves after less than 4 years. Bush was in the National Guard for about 5 1/2 years.
Nobody knows why Kerry did not receive his honorable discharge until 1978.
