Mr. Bush signed up in May 1968 for a six-year commitment, justifying the $1 million investment in training him as a pilot.

"People ask me, 'Is Senator Roth, at his age, ready to make another six-year commitment?' "

During the 1960s, Carew served a six-year commitment in the United States Marine Corps Reserves as a combat engineer.

Conversely, the Mets aren't eager to assume a six-year commitment to someone as mercurial as Sheffield.

And he continued his erratic relationship with the National Guard, where he had 18 months left of his six-year commitment.

Another question is precisely how Mr. Bush obtained an honorable discharge from the Guard on Oct. 1, 1973, eight months before his six-year commitment ended.

"As I looked at what was needed, it's a five- to six-year commitment," said Schultz, who became executive director in 1995.

In May 1995, Robinson will complete his six-year commitment to the selective reserve.

Downside: Discipline may come as a shock; pay is low ($856.80 a month for basic training), and a two- to six-year commitment is required.

Specialist Bahr said he had planned to leave active duty to become a firefighter after his six-year commitment.