Why do national guard soldiers quit going to drill before deployments? Why do the units now make deployments seem optional?

2017-02-22T23:13:04-05:00

Looking for opinions and reasons for both.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2017 11:18 PM

2017-02-22T23:18:40-05:00

I don't believe that's a widespread issue! And I certainly hope not. I've seen more guys get out of the Guard because they didn't get a chance to deploy than I've even heard of trying to get out of deployments. Shortly before the Army Guard unit I deployed with left a female got pregnant. That's the closest to dodging a deployment I've seen.

Response by MSG Steve Wiersgalla made Feb 22 at 2017 11:53 PM

2017-02-22T23:53:21-05:00

I guess I did not know this was a problem. There has always been a couple pansy asses that tried to avoid deployments but that is not the norm. The new koom bye yah generation are not becoming the traditional honor bound soldiers of days gone by. We no longer enforce the consequences that come with the choices these soldier make.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2017 9:10 AM

2017-02-23T09:10:40-05:00

I can't say that I've ever seen this problem. The first time I deployed was right after my first contract was due to expire. They told me that I was going with them either way so I might as well make a choice about reenlisting or extending.

My second deployment I volunteered for as soon as I walked into the door to the unit. It was a flight company with a small maintenance detachment. They were trying to fill it with volunteers before they started voluntelling people.

My next one is with a new detachment. It's a small number of people and the commander hand picked all of the flyers.

I have seen one or two people here and there manage to wiggle out before and it does seem easier in the Guard than on AD. It definitely wasn't on the magnitude that you're suggesting though.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Feb 23 at 2017 2:55 PM

2017-02-23T14:55:16-05:00

Well I don't know about the National Guard, but regarding deployments, it's not that it's optional, but typically there are so many slots or spaces to fill. Once you've got your unit all stabilized, your RBE will typically be doing general upkeep/hangar deck cleanup until the deployed Marines return. Some of them might also get fapped out to different units to keep them occupied.

So I wouldn't say deployments are optional... but I know not everyone gets to go.

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Feb 25 at 2017 11:31 AM

2017-02-25T11:31:04-05:00

I am not sure this is a widespread issue. There will always be people who will do the bare minimum and when asked to go beyond that, they will push back. This includes deployments. There may be many reasons why someone does not want to deploy: fear, civilian job pressures, family situation could be some. I think there are many more people who would want to deploy vs. not. In terms of a deployment being optional, it makes sense to have Soldiers who want to deploy than to take a potential problem child. Deployments requirements have scaled back in terms of numbers and types of units. So if a Soldier wants to volunteer and fill a slot, I am sure the command would want that person. This would become an issue though if the Soldier is the only one with a required skill set. Than the deployment should not be optional.

Response by 1SG David Spalding made Feb 25 at 2017 1:58 PM

2017-02-25T13:58:39-05:00

I've seen it a time or two, but don't think it's widespread. I never really understood why someone would enlist in the military and then work to get out of a deployment when they had no real issues. I volunteered for all of mine, starting as E5/SGT. I didn't want to be a senior NCO without a combat patch, sets a bad example. My last reserve unit was a training unit and about 1/3 of them (E7 and CPT and above) had never deployed. They got a lot less respect from the units we trained than those who had a patch on their right sleeve.
Hell, I tried to get another combat deployment after I had five vertebra in my neck fused (compliments of my last trip to Douchebagistan). I had two commanders who knew of my surgery, but still wanted me as their 1SG. Uncle Sugar said no and medically retired me (against my wishes).

Response by PFC Aaron Cox made Feb 26 at 2017 1:42 AM

2017-02-26T01:42:01-05:00

I watched a Pansy Ass Cry like a little girl who lost her lollipop because he was getting deployed to Iraq. His reasoning was that he did not know that as a National Guard Member that he would be deployed to a war zone. i asked him if he thought he was joining the boy scouts and not the military. Then I told him I would gladly take his place if he was not man enough to do it himself. I was on a cane at the time. I seriously think some of these clowns join as a Status Symbol and do not have the brain power to realize that they are more then Weekend Warriors.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2017 4:02 AM

2017-02-26T04:02:51-05:00

This is absolutely not a widespread problem. Are there incidents? Sure there are but all three components have Soldiers who will do anything to dodge a deployment.

Response by SSgt Michael Cox made Feb 26 at 2017 11:33 AM

2017-02-26T11:33:03-05:00

Sister-in law purposely got pregnant 3 times to get out of deployments.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2017 2:29 PM

2017-07-20T14:29:28-04:00

I joined back in 01' being both active and guard this issue is not just on the guard folks. A lot of this happens in all components of the military. My biggest issue being guard is not having the opportunity to be deployed. I've been apart of 4 different units since 09' and have deployed once. Most the folks getting out now especially our first term soldiers is because they never got to do a tour. The older generation more like they are tired of all the political b.s... Just my thoughts though.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2017 2:31 PM

2017-07-20T14:31:32-04:00

Umm. I never did that on any of my multiple combat deployments. Nor did any of my friends. I did see a few people that were non-deployable for multiple reasons (usually medical related), but your question implies all National Guard Soldiers do this which is untrue. At least in my guard units I have been in.

Response by Cpl Earl Rogers made Jul 20 at 2017 3:48 PM

2017-07-20T15:48:52-04:00

My opinion the reason they would stop going to drill is hoping that it would tie them up legally to avoid the deployment

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2017 5:27 PM

2017-07-20T17:27:25-04:00

Being in the guard for quite a while. I've heard everything from I did not sign up for this or I just joined for college money. Everyone has there reasons but most of the Soldiers I talked to ended up going on deployment anyway. Granted a number of them got out soon as they could upon returning.

Response by Sgt Mike Quinn made Jul 20 at 2017 5:37 PM

2017-07-20T17:37:22-04:00

There is always that one guy. But for the most part most guardsmen jump at the chance to deploy.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2017 6:02 PM

2017-07-20T18:02:43-04:00

In my Guard Assault Helicopter Battalion I would say that 70% of us have multiple combat deployments and more flight time than most of our active duty counterparts.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2017 7:01 PM

2017-07-20T19:01:03-04:00

IMO , it's more of a problem during non- deployment times . I've seen trouble makers who are AWOL drill after drill become kick ass soldiers once deployed .

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2017 7:36 PM

2017-07-20T19:36:23-04:00

I have only deployed twice and can count well enough to qualify out of the USMC. That being said I know of ten people total that dodged and only six that flunked SRP at Hood. It's cool to put on a uniform and uncool when you get called to fulfill your oath. One guy went awol over nine times and popped up on the IST radar in Tennessee. The CDR gave up since he was trying to transfer to a different state. Upon our return he was back and in our rear Det. WTF?! He's gone now.

Response by MSG Dale Lee made Jul 20 at 2017 8:19 PM

2017-07-20T20:19:12-04:00

I've never been NG but served with a few that had been. Our replacement unit in Iraq was a NG unit. I think like any other component of the services, you always have a few that are just there for fun and games or the idea of being something they thought they could pretend at. War you can't pretend, hide, cheat, or flirt your way through. You maybe can continue being a pretend soldier and not have bullets coming at you, but when your in the desert as a team with extreme heat, someone trying to kill you and no place to shower for a month, or watch tv, some people realize yo man I didn't sign up to die. Good! They're on active duty too, but they identified themselves so process them out and charge them for what they cost the military training them.

Response by SFC Mark Pfeiffer made Jul 20 at 2017 8:41 PM

2017-07-20T20:41:31-04:00

I know a Major (Lt. when it happened) who constantly pounded on his chest, declaring he couldn't wait to go to war... When the war drums were approaching he finaggled himself a sweet NON-deployable position, then began traveling all over CONUS for an even sweeter NON-DEPLOYABLE ASSIGNMENT.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2017 8:41 PM

2017-07-20T20:41:35-04:00

I've never known this to be a wide spread issue in the guard, especially in combat units. No more of a problem in the guard as it is in the active Amy

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2017 11:54 PM

2017-07-20T23:54:12-04:00

I think a lot of it has to do with how the unit is. I am prior activery and in the reserves now and my unit is completely dysfunctional and cannot operate a single mission without someone royally fucking up, and it also depends on the leadership. I have been to two annual training events with this unit and we have had roll overs, soldiers getting drunk, losing their weapons and the list goes on.

Response by SGT Sean Moore made Jul 21 at 2017 12:31 AM

2017-07-21T00:31:44-04:00

Spent 7 years regular Army before 9/11... about 10 years National Guard after 9/11 in a combat arms unit. 278th ACR. We were comprised of Tankers, Scouts & Infantry. Deployed twice to Iraq. OIF3 in 04-05 & again in 2010. Only a small handful dodged the deployments for various reasons, but overall the the vast majority saddled up and did as well, if not better than regular Army troops.

Response by SGT Jim Ramge, MBA made Jul 21 at 2017 8:10 AM

2017-07-21T08:10:39-04:00

I was active from '90-'00 and volunteered for everything... Just the opposite, couldn't seem to get to go anywhere! Then medically retired and a war kicks off. Often wondered if things would have been different 12 months later! I miss it and wanted my 20+...

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2017 11:14 AM

2017-07-21T11:14:51-04:00

That is not the norm in the reserves. You will always find some who dont want to deploy and who enlisted for other reasons but in my experience the biggest reason I lose good soldiers is they leave to find a deployment.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2017 11:55 AM

2017-07-21T11:55:56-04:00

I seen this more commonly in the active duty side more than I have in the reserves. A good majority of TPU and National Guards soldiers would love to make the good money on deployment and get some active duty time. But honestly I seen more active personal try and dodge the deployment bullet.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2017 12:48 PM

2017-07-21T12:48:46-04:00

I seen it with a few of the super studs that did not want any thing to do with it one did a interstate transferred to another state some went to ocs and others jumped to other units .

Response by SPC Christopher Wilson made Jul 21 at 2017 3:31 PM

2017-07-21T15:31:40-04:00

I was stationed with 4 1 deployed 09 to 2010. Deployed summer of 2011 then we got brought back Nov 2011 from iraq.
Armored. Ft Bliss is such the hell hole that we got excited for deployments. Make our money plus hazard pat and combat pay all tax free. We don't have to pay full price for movies in the theater we go to get the Hodgy copy for 2 bucks. 1ce a week is steak and lobster on a large fob. If you are single or can keep ur wife on a short leash you come back with a big stack of cash in the bank. Through ADO you get free uniforms and items up to 100 bucks est. Bragging rights for deployment.

Last deployment when I was in they tried to ask for volunteers they had 90 percent volunteer when they needed maybe 25 percent of the Brigade. They retained my whole distro platoon and all but 3 guys in my company. I got out a yr later.

Good times though

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2017 3:34 PM

2017-07-21T15:34:53-04:00

I think it's not so much of a widespread issue. Mainly that you get some pos soldiers who joined just for college or something, can't pass PT test anyway and are kind of worthless for the most part. The difference between have good or decent soldiers and the couple of bad eggs are everywhere

Response by CSM Thomas McGarry made Jul 21 at 2017 3:36 PM

2017-07-21T15:36:40-04:00

Gee maybe the guard is different from the reserves but when I deployed twice out of the reserves there were some issues but not as many as some might believe. Anyone not ready to deploy from colonel on down should be given the boot and loose benefits.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2017 3:41 PM

2017-07-21T15:41:46-04:00

Never really saw this happen but im sure it does wouldnt say widespread tho hell i got out because i kept being refused for deployments because of my mos

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2017 3:47 PM

2017-07-21T15:47:21-04:00

i didn't know that we had had an option to deploy or not.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2017 3:56 PM

2017-07-21T15:56:25-04:00

I'll put it this way. In my unit, I have cultivated the idea that deployments are a privilege. I have endeavored to build the unit's strength to the point where we have options for who we should bring when the time comes, so we aren't stuck with a subpar performing Soldier when it matters.
This has led to some interesting social dynamics, as E-4s clamor for additional training to make themselves more valuable (a good problem to have) and get promoted. Oddly, this has left me at times with a deficit of good Soldiers, as we develop them, they get promoted, and are assigned to my sister companies that are... shall we say, less diligent about developing their Soldiers.

On the flip side, there are times that you just have to cut bait on a non-hacker. I have certainly had my share of reclamation projects, and not all of them work out.
Sometimes your unit gets stronger with attrition among people who don't want to be there.
What I refuse to do is continue to pay people to show up and do nothing or the minimum and have no intention of getting better and deploying.
Have a nice life, pal.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2017 6:15 PM

2017-07-21T18:15:04-04:00

The answer to that is simple, activate their pansey asses anyway and send the MPs to pick them up if they go AWOL! Then make an example out of them. That kinda stuff will stop real quick when the word gets around!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2017 7:31 PM

2017-07-21T19:31:30-04:00

I remember back during DS/DS, with 3/73 AR 82nd ABN DIV, we had an E5, I don't remember his name, but he tried a lot of ways to hurt himself so he didn't have to go. He finally took a hammer to his hand. When we returned back to Bragg, he was demoted and sitting on CQ. Don't know what happened to him after that.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2017 8:03 PM

2017-07-21T20:03:34-04:00

I was part of an infantry guard battalion. In the six years I was in we deployed one company, then the whole battalion in 06, I went that time and then I ETS in 10. My unit deployed again about 6 months later. So in 6 years they deployed 3 times. That's not too bad for the guard.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2017 9:08 PM

2017-07-21T21:08:34-04:00

Lol mean while in the reserves.. we are begging for deployment

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2017 1:07 AM

2017-07-22T01:07:26-04:00

Many soldiers are in the National Guard to collect a paycheck thinking they will never deploy, "My civilian job is more important than a deployment" thinking they have a waiver for going overseas. Nope, no go at thos station.
Others will say that if I get pregnant they won't have to go, most would be the ones that dont do much work around the drill anyways. So letting stay back isn't much of a loss. Although they should be chaptered out for malingering or something close to that.
I've heard all the excuses. However, self employed soldiers have it rougher than all the rest. I trully feel their pain. These men/ women really don't get compensated for their loss.
Well here a few reasons.

Response by CPL Richard Redus made Jul 22 at 2017 2:15 AM

2017-07-22T02:15:05-04:00

The Texas ANG unit (Artillery) I served under was full of prior service Army and a bunch of Marines ; however, there are always those few "Weekend Warriors" that don't belong there. I was but a lowly Corporal and working on the battery Commander's computer while he was in Austin one drill weekend. County Sheriff Deputies started dragging in drill no-showers into the office. I guess nobody noticed the rank on my collar, so I rolled with it. I started handing out ass chewings and made all of them stay after drill to mop up the building. My platoon Sergeant busted me but did not punish me. He just said that some people are not as patriotic as the play to be and lack a true warrior's heart.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2017 2:24 AM

2017-07-22T02:24:49-04:00

Some people have families that have special needs. Sometimes they cannot stand being away from their children.
Totally valid reason for wanting to stay home.

Response by SrA Dean Updegraff made Jul 22 at 2017 3:30 AM

2017-07-22T03:30:55-04:00

I served in the OKANG before I went Air Force. 1975 I think it was we were put on 24 hour alert. Scuttle butt was we were in line to go to Israel. My bags were packed and ready to go. I was an E3 at the time.
I cannot understand how a man in good health and volunteered to serve would not be ready to go to combat. Maybe I am different but I still do not understand.
For all of you that did serve in combat I say, THANK YOU

Response by Cpl Greg Rock made Jul 22 at 2017 8:17 AM

2017-07-22T08:17:22-04:00

I was in the Corps when Saddam invaded Kuwait. Once it became clear we were ramping up to go war, a handful of guys in many units (including my own) suddenly started having various personal crises...psychological, conscientious, and one or two involving sexual orientation. A few, including a guy in my unit, just up and bailed.

It happens. Some guys just don't think things through when enlisting, I guess.

Back in the day, I could see how it could have been an issue for Guard and Reserve units. Join the military, earn the right to claim military stud status and cultivate lots of cool stories about shooting and blowing stuff up. And when I joined the Marines in the '80s, the Reserve and Guard components in the other services were showering guys with tuition reimbursement and other bennies. During the Cold War, I think most young guys considered a major combat deployment to be a highly remote possibility.

In the 70s and 80s, most Guardsman took their drill and training commitments about as seriously as the average company on Civil War reenactors.

What puzzles me is that for at least the past 12-14 years, every echelon/component has been deploying like crazy. It's hard to find someone who doesn't at least know someone who has deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan. Combat theater rotations have been more a matter of certainty than risk for anyone joining up. And many Reserve and Guard units are some of the most seasoned and battle-hardened we have. At one point early in OIF, a Marine Reserve grunt unit based in Ohio had the dubious distinction of having taken more casualties (at least in terms of percentage of overall strength) and more casualties in a single day's operation (a couple amtracs full of their guys got blown to hell in an IED attack) than any unit in the entire armed forces.

Why anyone would join and expect to *not* go for some reason bewilders me. I bet it has something to do with a fool meeting a recruiter under serious pressure to "make mission" and needs some warm bodies quickly.

Response by Cpl Greg Rock made Jul 22 at 2017 8:27 AM

2017-07-22T08:27:26-04:00

If anything, I would think if there was a problem with guys wanting to dodge a deployment, it'd be due to burnout or other personal issues from being deployed so much.

Having also been an Army brat, I know it can be tough dealing with the rigors of military life, including separations due to deployments and lengthy special assignments. But for active duty guys, that's the life they sign on for.

It often gets extra tricky when you have a guy with a family, a mortgage, and a civilian job/career that is supposed to support it all trying to hold everything together while getting deployed over and over.

Response by Maj Marty Hogan made Jul 22 at 2017 8:59 AM

2017-07-22T08:59:12-04:00

Been in the Guard and Reserve for over 30 years and have never seen this happen- these men and women are the most dedicated people I have ever worked with. Not saying it hasn't happened and we deploy all the time- while they have other jobs. We do many short tours that don't count towards dwell time and these are people that have careers and lives and go several times a year. SGT Private RallyPoint Member have never seen an optional deployment as we get so many volunteers before they have to select it is never an issue. Not sure where your info has been gathered from.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2017 9:57 AM

2017-07-22T09:57:12-04:00

Hell, it's been just the opposite in my company. All our usual AWOL's have been showing up to drill since finding out about our upcoming deployment.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2017 11:56 AM

2017-07-22T11:56:04-04:00

I once knew a Soldier that had his wife shoot him in the leg to avoid a deployment. He had other issues and just plain out didn't want to go back to Iraq.

Response by SPC Robert House Jr. made Jul 22 at 2017 1:05 PM

2017-07-22T13:05:53-04:00

The number one reason i have heard is I joined for the school benefits... Did not join to go to war... The old conscientious objector routine...

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2017 2:43 PM

2017-07-22T14:43:14-04:00

They don't in new jersey, this is no question about if your in your going, if people don't go throw them in jail bunch of pussies

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2017 3:00 PM

2017-07-22T15:00:41-04:00

I would say the opposite. People at my unit jump at opportunities to deploy. The fight for the slots. There maybe the few who "only came for college", but no more than the active duty "sh** bird". We all have the filthy 5%. Most get out because they haven't done enough.

Response by SPC Thomas Bourland made Jul 22 at 2017 3:07 PM

2017-07-22T15:07:28-04:00

There are always those that fall into the subjects category due to more excuses than one can shake a stick at. I know of a few that pulled this I also know of an officer in the army reserve that skipped out on numerous deployments for a lack of a child care plan while making efforts to chapter out female soldiers that did not have one in place. Just my opinion but if you enlist you take what comes your way even if your chain of command has more than its fair share of self serving idiots.

Response by SCPO John-florida Killin made Jul 22 at 2017 4:11 PM

2017-07-22T16:11:58-04:00

During Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, there was a lot of this in the Naval Reserve. I remember the word going out that those who left would not be allowed back in. That was total BS. Not only did some of these senior enlisted come back, but they came back with a resentment for those who actually deployed. Of course they all had good stories about the untimely hardships that caused most to take their hiatus. It was the same for the officers. I recall a certain lieutenant, the guy was a medically retired cop, who showed up in our command after arranging orders thinking he was going to be assigned to a commodore staff. When they found out he was not qualified, he ended up leaving the Bahrain hotel for a cot and a tent in Al Jubail where he could breathe some of the burning oil field air pollution while he got his quals signed off. He lasted about a week and spent most of that time running back and forth to the hospital for a tennis elbow problem. When he finally left to go home, our CO assured everyone the guys career was pretty much over. Imagine my surprise when I ran into him at the San Diego ResCen and saw he was a LCdr and CO of some cheesey master at arms unit...wearing his SW Asia and Liberation of Kuwait Service Medals. LOL THAT WAS A HOOT.

Response by SPC Nathan Acreman made Jul 23 at 2017 12:59 AM

2017-07-23T00:59:24-04:00

In 2004-2005 I was in Afghanistan in comfy Bahgram. In 10 years of Active duty service it was my only deployment. While I was in Afghanistan I remember two female national guardsmen, who was attached to my unit complaining about how this deployment was not what they had signed up for. I asked them, did you sign up before or after 9/11/2001? After was their reply. I told them both, then this is exactly what you signed up for. If you have a TV then you knew a war was going on. You had to of guessed you might get deployed. Suck it up, and drive on.

I don't think this is a real issue, but maybe some people need a reminder as to who's needs you are really at.

Response by MSG Paul DePrimo made Jul 23 at 2017 11:16 AM

2017-07-23T11:16:11-04:00

I think this is a BS question! This is NOT just a Guard problem so don't treat it like one!

Response by MSgt Samuel Thornton made Jul 23 at 2017 11:46 AM

2017-07-23T11:46:48-04:00

During desert shield and desert storm, my Dad and little brother were in Riyad Saudi Arabia with the Guard unit (the same unit I was in before I decided to go active duty Air Force). They were watching scud missles over head while I was watching it on CNN in my permanent party dorm room at my . It bothered me that here that my little brother had to leave college and my dad had to leave work to go, when here I am getting paid 24/7 to wear the uniform. I had been there for about 2 years when they got deployed. Long story short, I talked to my dad about it, and he basically chewed on me and told me that I have nothing to feel guilty about, because I was where I was supposed to be, when I was supposed to be, doing what I was supposed to be doing. That made it easier for me to reconcile with the situation.
However, I was told by several friends of mine that were still in that unit that there were several (including my brother) who were crying about "I didn't sign up for that. I signed up for the paycheck, or the tuition assistance for college, etc." Here's what I have to say about it. You sign on the dotted line and took an oath to "Support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, both foreign and domestic." What did you expect. That tuition assistance and that paycheck and any other benefits come with a price. That price is that you're ready when called upon to go into harms way. If you want handouts, the military is not the place for you. We like the first responders are constantly training to do a job that we hope we don't have to. However, when the call goes out, you obligated yourself to answer the call by signing on the dotted line. So, unless you are willing to pay the price with everything up to and including your life as so many have done before us, don't sign on the dotted line. The same saying about Freedom, applies to the tuition assistance, the paycheck and all other benefits that come with it, are not free.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2017 12:48 PM

2017-07-23T12:48:09-04:00

I have seen it and it is a shame.
Though the reasons for the Soldiers electing to stop coming to drill vary widely, I imagine one main underlying reason is that there are no harsh repercussions resulting from going AWOL.
Nobody is hauling them off to jail to teach them a lesson the way it used to be 20 plus years ago. They just receive general discharges which can hurt them a little bit depending on the type of civilian job they apply for, but in most cases when they're just applying for dead end jobs a discharge doesn't hurt at all.
The Guard doesn't make deployments optional. The problem is Soldiers aren't going to deploy under leadership that doesn't treat them right.
We don't have enough school seats to get everyone MOSQ in a timely manner often resulting in a Soldier coming in prior service and working in the unit for a long time before they see a school. Often times they get tired of waiting.
There are extremely toxic chains of command who see their Soldiers as a number on a Unit Strength Report instead of as people and those same chains micromanage those Soldiers to the point where Senior NCO's have no more authority than a PV2.
This is precisely why Soldier across all ranks leave their Guard Units prior to deployments because they either feel like they haven't received the proper training, aren't going to be taken care of by their leadership resulting in fear of bodily harm or possibly death or just plain aren't given their due respect as leaders.
I have heard these reasons more than the "I don't want to leave my family" or "I didn't sign up for war"

Response by PV2 Alonzo Symalla made Jul 23 at 2017 3:36 PM

2017-07-23T15:36:09-04:00

I know of a former Major in the reserve who is an orthopedic surgeon who got a medical discharge for a bad knee when he received orders to active duty for Iraq. Army was good enough to pay for his schooling,but he avoided losing that big doctors pay check. he is presently on a 13 day hike in the mountains of New Mexico

Response by MSG Carl Clark made Jul 23 at 2017 6:59 PM

2017-07-23T18:59:48-04:00

It's not wide spread. The question might have been derived based on anecdotal and not statistical evidence. The question is posed as if it is a fact that we than have to ponder then answer. Answering it then some how supports it as a fact.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2017 10:32 PM

2017-07-23T22:32:22-04:00

Most of the units I have deployed with have only deployed in small groils up to platoons, so we always asked for volunteers. So if you didn't want to go no problem, we always had plenty of volunteers.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Jul 24 at 2017 7:09 AM

2017-07-24T07:09:44-04:00

I had this question asked when I hit Germany after Desert Storm regarding several very high profile cases of National Guard/Reservist not wanting to deploy. I asked if 3rd ID, I was there TDY with the 82nd Engineers out of Bamburg, had any soldiers that refused or went AWOL to avoid deploying. Of course the answer was yes. So my response has to be what is the difference? I didn't see it as a widespread problem during Desert Storm when the Army was very reluctant to commit it's National Guard Combat elements and I haven't seen it be that big of an issue now.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2017 7:10 AM

2017-07-24T07:10:59-04:00

I personally have not seen this in the guard. Most Soldiers want to deploy.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2017 10:19 AM

2017-07-24T10:19:31-04:00

The reason people get out of the guard is just because they have had enough... some of the leadership have never seen combat and want to instruct on combat missions.... it's a moral buster.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2017 10:49 AM

2017-07-24T10:49:08-04:00

I have seen very few get out of a deployment. They did have a college first program where I seen quite a few get out on one deployment in 2011.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2017 11:56 AM

2017-07-24T11:56:55-04:00

Why do active duty members think it really matters that they joined the military just for the college benefits. Try going to the grocery store and try using that ideology with the person at the checkout counter. "I just came for the food." Suck it up, butter cup, it's time to pay up.

Response by LTC Andy Nelson made Jul 24 at 2017 12:05 PM

2017-07-24T12:05:46-04:00

I don't know why I did not see that happen in my units

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2017 4:09 PM

2017-07-24T16:09:50-04:00

I heard of that as a problem in the 90s when guard and reserve troops had not been used to actually deploying. Doesn't make sense to me today when everyone knows they routinely get rotated.

Response by PO3 G S made Jul 24 at 2017 9:35 PM

2017-07-24T21:35:33-04:00

I joined the ARNG in Durant, Ok after I served four years in the USN. My last year was with a River Squadron in Vietnam. I was wounded from a B-40 rocket attack. Back in the 60's many joined the ARNG to keep from going to Vietnam. I did regular service before going reserve. Times are different now. Many ARNG units have deployed to war in the Mideast, it wasn't like that in the 60's my time. Some were activated for federal service back then but not as often as now days. It's the way it is. If your in a reserve unit now days being activated is part of it. If u were active military before joining a reserve unit, or joined a reserve unit and was later activated, and are still in then being activated again is part of it. If u quit drilling thinking u will be activated, then u need to pay the price. I had no desire to join a reserve unit to keep out of vietnam. I didn't volunteer for Vietnam. I was sent there after serving my first three years aboard ship. I now suffer from PTSD and receive VA compensation. I don't regret my Vietnam service one bit. My father and grandfather were both combat vets. I'm proud to be also. I'm to old now to serve but would in a heart beat if it was possible. Times are different now. But being in the military today is really not that much different than when I served. If u don't want to go to war then don't join. It's all volunteer now. It wasn't during my time.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2017 2:12 AM

2017-07-25T02:12:43-04:00

I've seen this quite frequently actually. Usually it's the guys that talk tough or females who are only there for school money and the guys. They never thought they'd really have to go but when their number is called, they either disappear after they get all the new gear and take their selfies in it, or a month or 2 before shipping they are pregnant.

Response by CPT Telford Simpson made Jul 25 at 2017 3:25 AM

2017-07-25T03:25:47-04:00

I suppose that many think that if the President, who is commander in chief of the miltary had 5 deferments, why should they have to deploy.

Response by SSG Ralph Watkins made Aug 17 at 2019 11:45 AM

2019-08-17T11:45:36-04:00

Whenever we have gone to war, there have been both Guard, Reserve, & Active Duty people who have weaseled out or even deserted. There was a famous case of a Marine in Hawaii during Desert Storm who was walking up the ramp of a C-141 & suddenly said he was a conscientious objector, a pacifist, & a communist. Suddenly he had all kinds of leftist & weirdo support. When my Guard unit got called up for Iraq, we had people who did get out of deployment. There is a huge difference from 1 weekend a month to actual deployment. Mental issues are easy to contain in the guard but once we started training to go, they came unraveled. The medical review board found with more in depth physicals that guys were not any condition to go anywhere. We actually lost two guys to heart issues. We had one guy who downright weaseled his way out of deployment. The turd stayed at his home station, did extra drill time, got promoted, & a nice assignment. When one of our people got killed in Iraq & the lil turd was his pallbearer, the E-5 who escorted our comrade's body home went off on the turd at the church. Our division commander found out what happened. Busted the turd back down in rank. Had the turd take off his rank right there in front of everybody & to leave the services immediately. He was shamed in front of a packed church. Made sure he got sent to a lousy home unit & the rest of us contacted people in that unit to harass the crap out of him for as long he stayed in. That is a retribution one does not see on active duty. The Guard & Reserve all live in the same community. If you screw up, your civilian life will feel the impact too. You may even lose your civilian job b/c of screw ups in the Guard.

Response by SPC Randall PeQueen made Aug 17 at 2019 2:10 PM

2019-08-17T14:10:23-04:00

I signed off on my own Dentac sheet when we PORed for deployment because I was a class-4 dental case and considered undeployable at the time. I didn't want be left behind, not even for a few weeks.
Maybe the reserve is different but none of us wanted to stay back.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2019 6:05 PM

2019-08-17T18:05:49-04:00

I find this headlong question retarded & wrongly informed. The NG doesn't make it sound optional & soldiers don't quit going to drill before a deployment. While there are a few who will awol but there are those who do the same on active & in the reserves. Any nco or officer who continues this idea that the NG are a bunch of morons who put the uniform on as a joke is stupid. The NG does a lot more than both active & reserve combined. As those 2 don't have state missions on top of federal missions. So plz be informed of who does what. I've seen active units that had less discipline & worse capabilities & were trash in the field.

Response by SPC John Decker made Aug 17 at 2019 7:23 PM

2019-08-17T19:23:36-04:00

Constitutionally, Guard units are not supposed to be deployed overseas.

Response by MSgt Neil Greenfield made May 20 at 2020 7:18 PM

2020-05-20T19:18:28-04:00

Technically speaking, they’re AWOL. I believe National Guard commanders have the authority to use their local sheriffs department to compel them to report to duty. At least that’s what I was told when I was in the DC, NC, and OH ANG. Never saw it happen.