Curious about the National Guard thing

[Horse with no Name]

So...most people that join the Guard do it because they need a little extra money, want to do their part serving their country, etc. Most have full time jobs and lives, etc. that they are willing to put on hold for short periods of time. These are the same people who didn't sign up to be military 24-7 for whatever reason--nor do they make the same rate of pay as active duty military.
The people that join the military do so because they are looking for a full -time job/career. They willingly sign up to devote the greater part of their time to serve. They don't have outside jobs. They get more benefits than guardsman.
So now, not only are our Guardsman asked to do their normal routine duties and be on hand for state emergencies--they are overused and abused in Iraq...so now when they finally get to come home and spend some time with their families...we are going to ship them to the Mexican border.
I don't know about you--but this is the ultimate in unfair. This isn't what these guys signed up for. They are losing their full-time jobs back home and when George Bush is finally done using them, they will have nothing left.
This just ain't right...:(

[TimeToGo]

1. ?

"nor do they make the same rate of pay as active duty military."

??

[Recursion]

3. Actually, when you're deployed...

... you're making a lot more than active duty people in the same situation, because you get BAH and often comrats, both tax-free. When you're drilling you make as much money as you would in about a week of active-duty work for the same grade you're at. Plus you often can wheedle per diem which is (or was, in 2003) $68 every day you are under orders.

I doubt the guys doing border patrol will get hazard pay, but they might get tropical pay (assuming ARNG has that) if the mean ambient temperature is above something (90 F I think?)

[Horse with no Name]

4. When they are serving in Iraq

They get combat pay.
When they are in the States, they receive much less than that. Much less than a Marine or a soldier.
I can't remember the amount, but a boy that hung around my daughter for awhile was in the Guard.
His pay was paltry...which is why he was "excited" that when he went to Afghanistan, he would make as much as a "real" soldier.

[lonestarnot]

2. you haven't said half of it! about just ain't right!