The mass media does not care to understand reserve drill status, because the reserve drill structure can not be summed up in a ten second sound bite.
For example, try explaining two multiple drills without pay for points and total points for membership.
HUH?
ROTFL... and lets not forget people like my wife who was ctive Duty Navy, IRR, Naval Reserve, Active Duty Army, and Army Reserve...
Imagine trying to keep her records straight if she were running for office?
my girlfriend is in the minnesota national gaurd in the band, she hasnt had a free weekend in months, and many weekday nights most without pay. its the nature of the job, she can justify it because she does get the retirement points and loves her job and position. I, on the other hand, was released from active duty but I am still part of inactive reserves, i am still in the navy, try explaining that to most people its not even worth the hassle.