Hendrix’s military career was short-lived and was not exactly a voluntary enlistment. After being busted twice for riding in stolen cars in 1961, a judge offered the adolescent Jimi the ultimatum of serving two years in jail or joining the Army.
Unsurprisingly, Hendrix’s behavior was described as “rebellious” during his short stint in the Army. He was required constant supervision, fell asleep on duty and honed his guitar talents while the rest of the barracks was trying to sleep. An alleged ankle injury during a parachute jump landed Jimi an honorable discharge after only one year of service.
