Tension between National Guard and Active Duty Army?

I spent 29 years on active duty, and I think that we often had unrealistic expectations of National Guard Soldiers. National Guard soldiers are often 10 to 15 years older then their active duty counter parts, and often not in as good a physical condition. Their physical condition was a function of age, and physical training - which isn't part of most civilian occupations. But the aspect that was often over looked, is that when you had a National Guard unit deploying with you, there were always a bonus effect. You had professional electricians, plumbers, carpenters, mechanics, lawyers, doctors, nurses... all of those National Guardsmen had years of experience from their civilian jobs - and that always was a wonderful bonus... and helped us solve real world problems. The National Guardsmen that I worked with were good men, dedicated and brave soldiers - but they were different from active duty soldiers, and in some ways better.

I believe that there is a time and a place for some good natured ribbing and joking between branches, services and components.  With that being said, I have served with members of the National Guard in both Afghanistan and in Iraq and to me and my Soldiers, the only difference was the patch on the shoulder.  It's a non-issue in my book.

Like many of my counterparts here in this thread, I have served in the AD and am now a reservist.  There is some good old fashioned ribing, but there are those out there who think of the Reserve and National Guard as substandard.  What COL Roach says in this speaks volumes, but another aspect is this,  We "part time" Soldiers are able to complete missions in combat with training only 2 days a month and 2 weeks in a year and are able to keep up and sometimes out perform our AC counterparts.  There are thos out there that see this, however I do not believe we will ver totally get out of the "Nasty Guard or Reserve" mentality.  Only those that served side by side with them will have a new respect for us.  I amproud to be a reservist.  We are able to juggle the Military, our civilian job, family school etc.  AC is able to concentrate on thier full time Military occupation.  Be proud of who you are, AC, Reservist or National Guardsman because in the end we all are on the same team fighting the same fight!