Quote Originally Posted by Livingston View Post
The US Army National Guard (sometimes known as State Guard) has the same commitment that the US Army Reserve has which is similar to the active duty commitment. Back (mumble, mumble) years ago, all three had a 6 year commitment which included basic training. The active commitment would be active duty for 2 years, 2 years Ready Reserve and 2 years inactive reserve. NG and ER would have their 4-6 months basic and advanced training then drills for 16 hrs/month and 2 weeks "summer camp". I don't know the current requirements but I'm sure they haven't changed THAT much. Once you sign up and are sworn in, your theirs for x years.
Oh, I'm all too familiar with the US Army National Guard. I served as an Avenger Crewmember with the NM boys myself. BUT, what "Warlock" is talking about here is the STATE Guard, which is some sort of civilian augmentation of the US Army National Guard. I'd never heard of such until his first mention several months back. It's all volunteer in the truest sense (no pay, you buy all your own uniforms etc.) They don't deploy as a military unit, they just man TN I guess when the Army guys are gone. That's how he's able to serve with them with all the serious ailments he's listed. I'm pretty certain being diabetic would immediately diqualify a soldier from being deployable, thus forcing a discharge from service. The State Guard is something altogether different. You can read about them here.