re: Former Active Duty Military Disdain for NG or Reservists

I would say March 2003. The National Guard went from a strategic, to a now, operational reserve. Second wave into Iraq, in Mar 2004, consisted of three “enhanced” NG brigades. The 30th, 39th and 81st BCT’s were going into augment 1st ID and 7th CAV.

After their deployments, each enhanced Brigade became a “Modular” BDE, able to plug into an active component Division with ease. Now they had the same equipment (MTOE), same para/LIN (personnel slots), and mission tasks (METL) as their active component brethren. National Guard units were required to do the same missions as the AC.

I came into the NG from the active component in 2001. Prior to that I was with 3/2ID on JBLM. Coming into the Guard initially was a total shock. It was the “dirty Guard” stereotype. Things moved at a snails pace but they could and did get the job done. Post 9/11 changed the Guard forever.

I’ve got two trips to Iraq under my belt. But my proudest moment as a Guardsman was spending a month in New Orleans East in Sep/Oct 05 as a rifle company commander helping out post Katrina. I was responsible from Crowder-Hayne to Chef Menteur, from Lakefront Airport and down south to the river. My FOB was located directly at the intersection of Crowder Hayne and the Levy, across from the elementary school.

We were there because the LAARNG was in Iraq. Fortunately they fast tracked their relief in place to get them home.