Do you feel like you get enough time in equipment as a guardsmen?

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Jul 2015 19:48:12 -0400

I'm not sure how it is across the board for other guardsmen.

I do not operate on the outside and really count on my drill weekend to keep up my skills on the sticks. Over the last couple years tho it seems like there's always a million things to do on drill and its already all planned out. I feel like I have gotten really rusty. Has anyone else come across this problem? I've gotten to the point that I am almost ashamed to climb into the equipment to do any detail work. I go out to the practice ground when I can. It feels like the concentration is on looking good on paper. Don't get me wrong I know it's important to have your I's dotted and T's crossed. I just wanted to hear thoughts on the matter and if any one else feels like they are sacrificing their ability to keep their skills honed to make sure that they are meeting all the paperwork requirements?

Response by SSgt Terry P. made Jul 30 at 2015 8:15 PM

SSgt Terry P. — Thu, 30 Jul 2015 20:15:33 -0400

same situation for me before i retired --to answer your question-- seems that the guard is always short on the newer equipment

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 30 at 2015 9:46 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Jul 2015 21:46:31 -0400

It's always a fight. What many don't realize is that the Reserve components have to accomplish in 42 days what the Active component does all year. The biggest suck on time @ drill is online/administrative requirements. I can't speak for the other services, but one of the Army Values is Selfless Service. One of the things I shove into that category is sacrifice. If Soldiers sacrifice a little of their personal time to knock out these requirements (the internet at home is faster anyways), there is a lot more time available to conduct actual training.