after getting in trouble for stealing cars twice, hendrix had to choose between going to prison for two years or joining the u.s. army. hendrix chose the army and on may 31, 1961 was sent to fort campbell, kentucky. while in the army, his officers said that he was often caught sleeping on duty and needed to be watched at all times. he could not use a gun well and an officer said that "his mind apparently cannot function [cannot work properly] while performing duties and thinking about his guitar". however, his time in the army was important for hendrix, because it was there that he met another soldier and bass guitar player called billy cox. they would later play together in a small group called the king kasuals.