A Boston Globe review of previously released military documents concluded that President George W. Bush failed to meet written commitments made upon joining the Texas Air National Guard in 1968 and again upon transferring out in 1973. Specialists consulted by the paper said his spotty drill attendance could have warranted disciplinary action or a call to active duty, yet neither penalty was imposed. Records even certified his service as satisfactory despite a commanding officer's note that Bush had been absent for a full year.
Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe accused Bush of dishonesty regarding his military record, arguing the scrutiny was especially warranted given that the president's allies had attacked rival John Kerry's decorated Vietnam combat service. A group called Texans for Truth simultaneously aired a television ad featuring a former Guard lieutenant colonel who said he never saw Bush at the unit in 1972.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this AFP wire report, first published in September 2004, in its own words.