I first became interested in intelligence gathering during my enlistment in the U.S. Marine Corp. While a member of the Third Reconnaissance Battalion, Third Marine Division from 1963 until 1964 I participated in three classified missions. Being one of only a few enlisted men with a secret clearance I had access to information only a small number were privy to. While participating in various military ‘exercises’ throughout the far east Third Recon, as well as Navy Underwater Demolition Teams, were also involved in ‘other’ maneuvers, some of the recon marines weren’t even aware of how involved. I became enamored with the whole idea of secrecy, gathering information others didn’t want you to have. Near the end of my enlistment in 1965 I applied to and was accepted into Marine embassy school in Washington D.C., all I needed to do was sign-up for another six years, I was ready. Now, for better or worse, as life happens I was arrested by the San Clemente police less than two blocks from the rear gate at Camp Pendleton driving under the influence. By the time I’d paid the fine and gotten myself out of jail the embassy school dream had faded into oblivion. I guess they didn’t want drunk drivers representing the U.S. on embassy duty around the world. Go figure.