After graduation from the ROTC program I will have a choice to either stay in the National Gaurd or Go Active. What are some reasons to stay?

I was mobilized for my "builder years" (1998-2007 with a 1.5 year gap in '99-'00) and my civilian career was destroyed. Because I did not have mobilization time after 28 JAN 2008 none of that time comes off of age 60 for retired pay. Hit mandatory retirement with 36 years total and 18.5 Active at end of 2014. I was only 54, so all I get for my 36 years service until 2020 is continued PX and Commissary privileges, the nearest of which is 3 hrs. away. Lost the house and almost lost my family. On the way back now. Don't know what I would have done if I wasn't 100% total and permanent disabled VA and disabled with social security. Thank you Donald Rumsfeld and President Bush.

CH (COL) (Join to see) - Colonel, while I feel for the loss of your house and the damage to your family, I cannot help but think you're not as destitute as you may think. 54 is young. I'M 54. In '96 I was passed over for promotion at the 10 year mark of my career, so I get NO financial bennies. You say you "only have continued PX and Commissary". You have much more. Besides Space A privileges and VA benefits, you have what every other veteran has: membership in a brotherhood of veterans that share a common bond. Network with people both active and retired. Get active with the VFW or American Legion. Start your own business, keeping in mind your limitations with your 100% disability. Get some additional education. Cancel the pity party. In a few years you'll join the "check of the month" club and continue to get a "thank you" note for your years of service for the rest of your life. The best revenge on a system you feel screwed you over is to be successful in the next evolution of your life.

VA benefits yes. That has nothing to do with my retirement. Space A, not so much there kimosabe...CONUS only until retired pay and dependents not eligible at all until then. Other vets have saved our butts several times. Tried the online ed thing but the TBI/Extreme Anxiety rule that out. Considering other ed options. In your leap to ascribe a pity party you miss big time. Just rediscovering my new capacities and limits. However, the implementing instructions for the Defense Authorization Act of 2008 have cost me and my family $60k/yr for 8 years for a grand total of $480k. That's not chump change. Have been a commander of a VFW Post and am also active in Am. Legion. And, oh yes, when the retired pay kicks in it WILL be really good.

I agree it's tough sir. Recently during a BN Change of Command we all introduced ourselves and described our background. All but four of us worked for the ARNG. Two worked for the government in some capacity, and one owned his own business. I on the other hand, got badgered regularly about missing so much work. I'm now doing the very thing you suggested, looking for an AGR or government job.

I agree with you. My goal is to reach captain in 15-20 years.

Colonel Henry - my feelings as well, although I only spent just over three active (drafted, then OCS),. I left active at the insistence of my new bride during the height of Viet Nam and immediately joined a reserve unit that was not my branch. No Armor in Illinois, closest unit in Detroit....not a commute I wanted to make. Anyway, the old Infantry Major and I ran the S2 shop. We had a great deal of fun during field exercises, at the expense of the artillery guys. The senior officers in that Brigade did have active duty experience and were fairly sharp in comparison to the rest.