One of the ROTC cadre at my college got caught in the 70's RIF's as a Major. Never did understand that, either. He went to work for the university and kept in contact with us. Probably was too nice a guy.
The mysteries of the Army promotion system only got weirder due to state politics when I went NG . Besides work and family demands, the politics played a part in my decision to get out.
Just to get back on topic, if I had it to do over again, I should have gone to an 8" artillery unit in the NG rather than the 105 unit I chose. At least in the 8" unit, they could have used my experience in a nuclear capable artillery unit during active duty. The 8" units in OK converted to MLRS in the late 80's and went to the big sandbox for Desert Storm. That would have sent my wife straight up!!!!