Conference repair::reserve_forces

    Wow, that's a toughie! Alot depends on the state that you are 
    resident in. One thing that Len Lorentzen can testify to, the
    Reserves all play by the same rules as the Regulars and its
    the same wherever you go. But, just because you are a n E7 in
    the California guard doesn't mean that the NH guard will take
    you in as an E7. In the Reserves, you are transferring between
    commands as opposed to transferring between organizations. That
    may look like a minor nit, but its really telling you how each
    and every 'state guard' can make their own rules. You are more
    closely subjected to state politics in the guard. Now, the MA
    guard (for one) will offer you reduced tuition at state colleges.
    Of course, this mainly to attract HS grads. Their are some finite
    differences in the manner that retirement points are granted. Pay
    for extra duty in the guard is subject to the whim of the state
    legislature. One example is the MANG MPs and others that were used
    to support the visit of the Pope to Boston. I understand that those
    folks waited 6 months to get paid for it.
    
    I better shut up now and let someone in favor of the other viewpoint
    speak.
    
    Bob Mc

    Even though I've served on active duty in two branches of the US
    military, been a member of the Texas and California National Guard,
    and am now joining a USAR unit, I'm no expert on benefits.
    
    However, my experience is that the overall, documented bennies are the
    same among the various components when it comes to retirement, medical,
    and normal pay.  BUT, as Bob points out, the NG are all state
    organizations and (even though they are all subject to the regs laid
    down by the National Guard Bureau) implementation of regs, policies,
    and procedures can vary significantly.  
    
    An example is the problem that I had (which Bob alluded to) in 
    transferring from the California NG to New Hampshire.  Even though I
    am a SFC E7 and was on the verge of becoming 1SG E8 in Cal, NHNG
    would only accept me as SSG E6.  Soooo, I contacted the USAR and
    was accepted in my current grade.
    
    I don't know what your particular situation is and my intent is 
    certainly not to turn you off from the NG (I had a h---uva good
    time there).  Just pointing out a problem that I had.  I'd
    suggest that you shop around with all appropriate units and get
    the deal that's best for you.  Things like MOS, training opportunities,
    location of the unit, reputation of the outfit, etc, are just as
    important as benefits.  Either way you go will be right for you.
    Just make your choice, give it your best shot, and have a ball!
    
    Len
               

    From this side of the lake, do the National Guard ever operate outside
    America's border or is it a strictly "internal" organization? Where
    does the NG fit into the overall scheme?
    
    Dave

    Len, your comments really helped.  I think I have to go off and
    do some thinking about this since the liklihood of moving around
    a few times is high.
    
    Thanks!
    
    Rick
    
    

    Bob, thanks very much.  You gave me some insight on a few areas
    I just didn't know about at all.  The Reserves sound like the way
    to go to improve the probability of not having to do 'catch up'
    because the only slot open is one grade below whatever someone is
    before the transfer.  The liklihood of moving is a big consideration
    in the decision.  Appreciate you taking the time to comment.
    
    Thanks,
    Rick
    

    Re .3:
    
    The National Guard (both Army and Air Force components) actively
    participate in overseas training, including training in Central
    America. That flap BTW was largely an election year ploy cooked
    up by Dukakis. The Supreme Court, I believe, overturned the challenge
    by Dukakis and several other state governors.
    
    When I was at Sola AB outside Stavenger, Norway in 1986, the New
    Jersey ANG was deployed right along side us. In fact, we ate in
    their chow hall.
    
    Mark
    RMC USNR 

    I have also met Air National Guard crews or seen their planes, KC135's
    and (K)C130's mostly, in Puerto Rico, Canada, and the Azores, as well 
    as around the Med. 

    The "Guard Belongs!".  At least the Air Guard does.  We are definitely 
    a part of the 'Total Force'.  As a KC-135 crewdog based out of Pease AFB 
    (New Hampshire Air Guard), I've participated in many overseas deployments,
    cross-countries and operational support missions in Europe or the Pacific.
    
    JAN 89 I took a two-week cross country to Hawaii, Guam and Misawa AB
    in support of a regular tactical F16 Fighter Unit based in Misawa. 
    (somebody had to do it!) Personally been to Mildenhall and other UK 
    RAF bases several times--unit goes more often.  Also been to several 
    bases in Germany, Middle East, etc.  This year, our unit deploys to 
    Europe a couple of times.  Our unit also periodically supports the 
    Southern Command (Panama) for routine/rotational swap-out of Guard A7s 
    there.  In fact, I flew such a planned mission DEC 22, 89.  NHANG KC-135s 
    pull SAC alert alongside the regular boys at Pease and other bases.  
    Tonight, I go up and refuel a C141 bound Europe.  Etc., Etc....so on 
    and so forth.   
    
    As you can see, the Air Guard (and AF Reserve) is an integral component
    of the  USAF 'regulars'.  Just pick up a copy of the "Air Force Times".  
    All those old rumors about 'weekend flying clubs' and flying around the
    flag pole are just not true.  Much to my own personal amazement as a 
    part-timer, I'm flying as many of the same kinds of missions I flew when 
    I was on extended active duty.  Whew!!  Just think of the deal Uncle
    Sam is getting.  I only get paid when I show for drills, Flight Training
    Periods and Active Duty!   
    
    Rodger Burkley
    MAJ/NHANG
                          

    as to where the GUARD belongs...
    
    I believe the ARMY NATIONAL GUARD  makes up @60 % of the COMBAT
    troops of the US ARMY and 100% of the HEAVY LIFT HELICOPTER
    assets. If these numbers are inncorrect I'll be back.
    
    One other difference between the GUARD and RESERVES is that
    the RESERVES only get "s*****d" by the DA, the GUARD gets it from
    the DA, NGB, and their STATE.
    
    RANDY SCHWARTZ, "currently" in the 50th ARMORED DIVISION,
    New Jersey Army National Guard.