I got to ask,,, Were you involved in the draft in 1949, '50', 51, '52? How about for WW2? or 1962, Viet Nam? The Draft was abolished between Viet Nam and any subsequent actions so we are discussing a strictly "Volunteer" Armed Forces.
Ayn Rand,imho, is a good fiction writer that has unfortunately garnered audiences in our Senate and House of Representatives (ie, Paul Ryan) and I has really done a lot for our Republic.
Keep writing, though as you might have a calling.