29 July 2010, 9:42 am
Although National Guardsmen experienced some of the most obscene treatment of POWs from the Japanese at the beginning of WWII [Bataan Death March, et al], they were disparaged and despised by active servicemen during the years of the draft. They were labelled 'weekend warriors' and 'draft dodgers' during the Vietnam War when their rosters were bulging and it was nigh impossible to enlist to avoid the draft. Creating an all-volunteer army and ending conscription was represented as a means of providing a professional military establishment without disrupting the lives of most of the citizenry. Instead, a cheaper option has been used, providing the warm bodies without the professionalism and the associated costs. Swelling suicide rate stings Missouri National Guard http://www.kansascity.com/2010/07/23/2103479/swelling-suicide-rate-stings-missouri.html#ixzz0v5WrOdDQ Most vet suicides among Guard, Reserve troops http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23132421/ Some studies can establish no clear association between suicide and National Guard or Reserves membership, but it's a strong coincidence. If the career professional military can't handle a presidential war would we be better served returning to conscriptions and leaving the National Guard to handle local disasters, or activated only in time of Constitutionally declared wars by the US Congress? Belladona: You could ask a question on Y/A? or attempt to figure out how to use a search engine. Thanks for the question.... Read More »
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