When given a choice between spending time in prison or joining the Army , he chose the latter and enlisted on May 31 , 1961 .
Before Hendrix was 19 years old , law enforcement authorities had twice caught him riding in stolen cars .
When given a choice between spending time in prison or joining the Army , Hendrix chose the latter and enlisted on May 31 , 1961 .
Before Hendrix was 19 years old , law enforcement authorities had twice caught him riding in stolen cars .