Posted on Jul 14, 2015

Does the Guard and Reserve still hold the stigma that they are not as good as active duty?

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For many years, the guard and reserve have carried the stereotype that they are not "squared away" or up to the same standards as the active duty component. I've served in both and have seen first hand how the Reserve has increased its capability equal to the active duty and some would say Reservists bring added value with civilian experiences as well.
What do you think?

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Posted >1 y ago

I have served on both sides of the fence. On both of those sides, you have squared away people, and you have not so squared away people. And that complex of "I'm better than you" also exists on both sides of the fence. These very people should realize that when the bullets start flying, those bad guys slinging that lead towards us, don't rightly care about the difference between Reserve and Active Duty.

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CMSgt Mark Schubert

>1 y

Couldn't agree more - read my comment to SGM Steve Wettstein - I had an O6 come up to me after that speech and told me it was the best 15 min speech he ever heard and I should take up public speaking when I get out - well - uh, no - I don't think so - just doing my job. :-)

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COL Mikel J. Burroughs

Posted >1 y ago

CMSgt Mark Schubert If they do then it's a problem they need to get over real quick. There are great soldiers in all of the branches of service (Reserve, Active, and National Guard) and we all bleed "Green". That mentality has left the building a long time ago. I believe that there is something to be shared and learned by all when they are down range. The civilian skills brought to the combat zone coupled with the "high speed, low drag" of active duty counterparts was a great mix for my experience and me. Just my opinion, I'm sure there are war stories on both sides of the fence.

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CMSgt Mark Schubert

>1 y

Sir - again, thank you! This is my experience also - 10 yrs active, 21+ in the Reserves - the main thing is to let the AD know that if they DO have a stigma or preconceived view, before you open your mouth, watch and learn. If you open your mouth too soon, you will be subject to the "I was in Active Duty before [you were] weaned off [your] mother and ... get over it" comments along with an "I told you so" or two.. :-)

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MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca

>1 y

Right on target sir!

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MSgt David Haupt

>1 y

I agree Sir to a point. I don't bleed "Green" more of a "Blue" color. LOL. Honestly though I have been deployed with some Reserve and Guard units who brought more to the fight than Active and vise versa. If there was someway of bringing everything to a unity of efforts as in training then no one would have something to BITCH about. Get over we are the same Force.

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CMSgt James Nolan

>1 y

COL Mikel J. Burroughs You are correct sir, my opinion is that the Guard/Reserve stigma left-for the most part after the deployments began post 9-11. Now it is not-so-much. There will always be some who have it, those are the same folks who will not ask for help when their hair is on fire. I always reserve judgement until I see how folks "actually" perform, tends to work better.

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