[Terabitten]

No Offense, but the National Guard are a bunch of civilians just following orders.

No offense, but you're an idiot. Don't you DARE insult the memory of my fourteen proud and brave friends, members of the Georgia National Guard, who gave their lives for YOU in Iraq by calling them "a bunch of civilians." I served in the infantry on both active duty and the Guard, and let me tell you the honest, unvarnished truth: If I want to pass an IG inspection, I'd go with an active duty unit. If I want to pass combat, I'd go with a National Guard unit.

[zipper]

The truth is, in a time of civil unrest, National Guard members are more likely to follow the Constitution than a group of careerist regulars, who are so submerged in their own isolated military culture, they have less compassion for civilians.

National Guard members have a much better perspective than regulars, by their very nature.

[DTogo]

Many Guard/Reserve units have had at least one tour of active duty, combat or otherwise, in support of past and recent actions in Iraq or Afghanistan.

To call them "just a bunch of civilians following orders" is a disgrace and clear demonstration of absolute ignorance of what it means to put on a uniform and be the front line of defense of the country and Constitution - or to be their family and friends who love and support them.

[Arrowhead1952]

If I want to pass an IG inspection, I'd go with an active duty unit. If I want to pass combat, I'd go with a National Guard unit.

No kidding.

[2CAVTrooper]

“If I want to pass an IG inspection, I’d go with an active duty unit. If I want to pass combat, I’d go with a National Guard unit.”

I myself have been on both sides of the active/NG fence, and the only unit I’d ever want to go to war with is 2nd ACR.