“‘Service’ in our military to invade, occupy , and oppress countries in order to extend U.S. Empire must not be glorified as a “heroic” and sacred effort,” Paul writes. “My five years in the Air Force during the 1960s did not qualify me as any sort of hero.”

Paul, who previously touted his military serve in his presidential campaign ads, writes that his thinking on his time in the military has changed.

“My primary thoughts now about that period of time are: “Why was I so complacent, and why did I so rarely seriously question the wisdom of the Vietnam War?” Paul writes. “The sad part is that the military personnel who march off to war are more victims and dupes than heroes.”

“This is especially true when a draft is in place,” Paul continues. “And remember that the threat of conscription always hangs over our heads as long as the people continue to allow wars of aggression. There still is a Selective Service System and draft registration for all 18- year-old males just in case the ‘cause of freedom’ requires more cannon fodder to fight the wars to maintain U.S. Empire.”