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The National Guard does sometimes get treated differently than the active component.  It is particularly noticeable during mobilization and demobilization, but a little more subtle overseas.  While preparing for or returning from a deployment the National Guard is restricted to post, prohibited from wearing civilian clothes or getting into a privately owned vehicle, prohibited from alcohol use regardless of the training schedule, directed to wear a different uniform than the active duty soldiers (a soft cap instead of a beret), and so on.  Even their vehicles are sometimes marked differently.  Active duty soldiers working with the deploying reserve unit are allowed to do all these things, but are ordered to hide it from the reservists they're supporting.  Overseas, National Guard units are more likely to be given non-standard missions unrelated to their specialty while active duty units are more likely to be the ones controlling the battle space and doing a job that matches their tables of organization - not always, but generally.

Post-deployment medical care is a bit thornier of a subject.  Soldiers and service providers are torn between getting soldiers back to their homes and families versus keeping them at a military post to continue receiving treatment.  The VA does prioritize OIF/OEF veterans, and Tricare continues to be available for six months after being released from active duty (longer if you want to pay the monthly premium), so it's not like soldiers are left with no options.  There are additional programs out there depending on the particular situation.

I do not agree with Shamus1970 about not joining the reserves - there are great benefits to doing so, both economic and otherwise, and the issues mentioned above don't change that.

posted 3 years ago
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