Arnie: Dad's influence and AWOL

[procopia]

Seems to be a common thread among prominent Republicans.

"Austrian law would cause only a very brief delay in Arnold's bodybuilding career when he had to go into the army at age 18 for a one-year tour of duty. On 1 October 1965, thanks to his father's influence, Arnold became a tank driver in the Austrian army, a post usually reserved for older, more experienced soldiers. Before the month was out, Arnold traveled to Stuttgart, Germany to compete in the Junior Mr. Europe contest. To do so, he had to go AWOL, but after winning the competition he was able to return to Graz and Thal as a hero and his punishment was mild."

http://www.germanhollywood.com/arnoldS_2.html