On 29 May 1951, at the age of 18, Paul was called up for his compulsory military service. During basic training, it seemed that Paul lacked the necessary military qualities, his instructors and senior officers criticising learning problems and unwillingness to improve as major shortcomings. At the end of July 1951, after completing his basic training, he was assigned to the IInd Battalion as a medical assistant.

When Paul applied to join the second contingent to fight in the Korean War, he indicated that he wanted to join the armed forces as a driver (“chauffeur”). He eventually went to Korea to assist medical personnel in an infirmary close to the frontline. On 4 February 1953, he signed up for a second term in Korea, which proved to be short-lived. On 29 June 1953, the Minister of Defence himself released Paul from his military obligations.