The principle aspect of this line of attack is that the Dims show no understanding of how the Guard system works. Missing meetings is NOT AWOL! It is certainly NOT desertion either. Unlike the regular military, in which simply not showing up for duty CAN be considered one of these crimes, the Guard and Reserves work under a totally different structure - because they are PART TIME. Because they are made up of people who have civilian jobs, schooling and other demands on their time. Because they are PART TIME, they make considerations in the form of points per drill. A certain number of points in a given year means that year is a "good year" in terms of retirement.
As a member of the Maryland National Guard I missed meetings at least once a month due to business trips or tests. I was NEVER considered a deserter or AWOL - and neither was the President.