Bush 43 War Record

So, George Bush volunteered for Vietnam service but was turned down because other pilots that volunteered had more experience. This seems very believable. Odd that this was not reported. Of course, either way, in my mind the main problem with the idea that Bush "hid out in the National Guard" to keep from going to Vietnam is that over 6,000 Guardsmen died in Vietnam and serving in the Guard was hardly a guarantee that you would not be sent to Vietnam. Once in the National Guard, you could be sent anywhere. Or not sent. Either way, it would not be your decision.

http://littlegreenfootballs.com/article/34541_Rathergate-_Mapes_Knew_Bush_Volunteered_for_Vietnam