[mark502inf]

Every mobilization is "involuntary", whether it be units or individuals--they are ordered to go. Many are probably willing participants.

In Gulf War I, at Fort Drum, we received and trained Individual Ready Reservists who had been mobilized as potential replacements. Over 90% of those mobilized showed up on time and ready. Some came with military haircuts, in the uniforms they had from active duty, and raring to go. Others were in jeans, long hair, and beer-guts; but they showed up and there were very few disciplinary problems. Thankfully, there were few casualties and they were not needed. Although "involuntarily" recalled, they were cooperative and willing to do their part.

[SLB]

In Gulf War I, I participated in the mobilization of several thousand national guard soldiers at Ft Campbell. Health problems was largest area keeping them from being ready for mobilization. Dental care was non-existant for many. The dentists finally just started pulling teeth. If they had not, the mod rate would have been way lower.

After the mob of the guard, I returned to Ft Knox were I was witness to many IRR soldiers being readied for replacment duty. It seemed they were in better shape than the national guard, although I was a member of the guard at that time. I knew many of the NCO's and officers involved in the mob and they all agreed the IRR soldiers were in pretty decent shape.

[Max Combined]

"Every mobilization is "involuntary", whether it be units or individuals--they are ordered to go."

That's what I thought. I guess they are just using the headline to gin up hate of Bush.

[reformedliberal]

I have a friend who is a Major in the Army Reserve and an RN. She is just back from a 365 in Afghanistan and after a few months having to deal w/our local hospital peaceniks, decision by consensus (can take 6 months) and the media, she is, I think, sorta hoping she is recalled. Oh, and she is over 50 and could have retired several years ago, but she believes in what she does. Her assessment of her role in Afghanistan was that it was a humanitarian mission and about human rights.

She got a huge kick out of a couple of hippie docs sneering at military service and saying (but just *saying*) they would join Doctors Without Borders. She laughed and volunteered to pack their bags herself. DWB are targets in a war zone.