I think one of the big problems some people have is trying to compare the Army National Guard (NG) to the Air National Guard (ANG) and seeing the same thing. The ANG is a very important part of the USAF that does most of the Air Defense mission of the continetal United States on a day-in, day-out basis. This was true in the days of the Cold War (when Dubya flew) and is true today in the War on Terrorism.
Getting into your high-speed rocket sled of a jet, one that glides like a brick but flies like a missile (F-102/106 Delta series) and may even have nuclear weapons on board, on a daily basis is quite different than reporting to the armory Saturday morning for roll call and rifle cleaning. ANG pilots don't just do duty on weekends; they're at it round the clock, 24/7, 365 days a year. Not the same people obviously, but in each flying unit, the planes are always airborne or on standby. Always.
Yeah try telling a Marine Reservist he's not a "real" Marine because he's "hiding" in the Reserves. LMAO!!! He'd eat the spleen of the person who told him that for breakfast!