[kellynla]

If you had ever served in the armed services you would know that there is such a thing as a "chain of command" and these Soldiers were out of line. PERIOD!

Semper Fi,
Kelly

[fireforeffect]

1. What if the problem is the chain of command?

2. When the SECDEF asked for questions he should have been more prepared for zingers. NOTE: This is an AP story, do we actually know what was said?

As a current National Guard Soldier, I do object to the uninformed characterizing ARNG soldiers as weekend warriors and only there for the benefits. I and many of my fellow M-day soldiers spend at least 3 months a year on Army training. Not make work, but real training. I was there 20 years ago when there was a lot of busy work and simulated equipment. It ain't that way now.

Nothing like pulling a lanyard or seeing metal hit metal to liven up your day.

[Chieftain]

I think there was political motivation in this guardsman's question, just by the way it was worded. ("Digging through landfils...")

Many NG members are former active duty Army/Air Force/Navy/Marines who decided to join the guard to get a little extra money for now and a decent pension when they hit 60. They didn't like the terms of full time active duty, but due to the force restructure under Klintoon, the NG has turned into just another regular component. They were too far time invested to walk away and now they don't like the situation.

I think there are many good NG troops serving today, but the reality is there are those who have no qualms with asking embarassing questions to get their political jabs in.