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That is true, Dave. I know some NG and reserve that have literally had 8 or 9 deployments since 2002. My sister's neighbor pulled the plug on the Reserve after he figured in half a dozen years, he was deployed twice as much as he was home. He was a critical MOS- helicopter mechanic. The p#sser was that he tried to go active, so at least he would have all the benefits, but he couldn't. HE WAS TOO OLD, but not too old to go to the sandbox 9 months of every year. We have shifted to 50% part time military to save money....
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Multiple deployments are nothing new. Maybe the Army and Marines were one year and home. The Navy could, and did, send people multiple times. I was sent three and they wanted me to do four, so I got out.
Unfortunately the NG is not just a sit home group that build years towards a retirement. I feel if you sign up, you need to understand just what it is you might be getting involved with. You can be in it up to 60 years old. To me that is long past when someone should be on active duty. Even as a rear element job. You should be home playing with your grangkids.
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I agree Jim. If you take the King's Schilling, you do the King's business. The problem is when you have National Guard (or even Reserves) activated and deployed more than they are off. I have run into a number of guys and gals that have had that situation.Sure, employers are supposed to give you your job back, but its also not fair to an employer to have an employee that is gone 9 months out of 12! Also, I understand reserve/NG deployments used to be 6 month, but now they are often 9 to 11 months...
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All my deployments were extended as well. You write home saying you will there Feb but don't get back until July. But, Christmas in July was a lot of fun.
