I have my (deceased) great grandfather’s military discharge paperwork. On it, it says “Honorably discharged for C of G. To enlist in the Regular Army, WD cir 310, 1945.”
Why did he have to be discharged and re-enlist? And what does C of G mean? Thank you in advance.
Would you mind posting a picture of the document(s) so I can get my bearings? Make sure to blur out your great grandfather's name in accordance with r/AskHistorians' privacy rules.
Was your great grandfather a member of the Army of the United States? Beginning May 14, 1940, all voluntary enlistments in the active service of the United States Army were made in a component known as the Army of the United States. Enlistment in the Regular Army was thus de facto suspended until 1945. On December 13, 1941, members of the United States Army inducted under the Selective Training and Service Act of 1940 were retroactively and from that date on, considered members of the Army of the United States.
These men were only enlisted as such for the duration of a conflict or emergency plus six months, and then discharged. The men could then go on with their lives, or choose to enlist in the Regular Army again.