 While still in high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve (USMCR) on September 18, 1963 and was assigned to the 48th Rifle Company, USMCR, Binghamton.In September 1964, he completed recruit training with the 1st Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina.In October, he completed individual combat training with the 1st Infantry Training Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; and advanced infantry combat training in December with the 2nd Infantry Training Battalion, at the same installation.