Last Draftee

On the same day that President Carter authorized the Defense Department to review the less-than-honorable discharges of 432,000 Viet Nam War servicemen, John Baugh, 32, of Boise, Idaho, achieved the distinction of becoming the Army's last draftee. While a member of the Idaho National Guard in 1970, Baugh was told to cut his long hair. His answer was to wear a short wig to company drills. The military's retort was to order him to active duty. For the past seven years, Baugh has been fighting the Army. This month he lost his last battle in a U.S. circuit court.

"I don't know why the Army would even want me, unless it's to prove a point," said Baugh, who must serve the one month and 22 days remaining in his military obligation. Meanwhile, his old company now allows members to wear wigs. Concedes Major General James Brooks, commander of the Idaho National Guard: "The volunteer force isn't going to make it unless we bend a little."

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