The continued frustration by both AD and ARC which has developed into a polarizing fist fight can, is in my estimation, be attributed to the historic feud of funding and real estate control by myopic leadership on both sides. Poor leadership resounds. Down at the trench level, the hearts and minds are very similar between the two organizations. "Give me the shit I need to do the job, take care of my family and I'll fight for mom and apple pie". The cultural differences that have evolved as hindsight2020 points out is exactly on point and very eloquently stated. Those of us who have lived in both worlds really understand the accuracy of what "hindsight" says. The question remains, how do we carry with a collective notion of "One Team, One Fight". It won't happen if we continue to express our frustration by blaming it on the "other guy". It really comes down to the strength of the SECDEF and his/her ability to be mindful of the protective mission for the country and the obvious need at the state level (Governors and their needs to provide for they're states, in the case of the ARNG and ANG assets). Its a mess but I realized and conformed to the cultural side of the tenants "hindsight' ascribes after 10 yrs. of AD and moving into ARNG for the next 30 yrs. There is a very big distinction in the differences between the two. As an AD member you have and develop an attitude that the "Week End Warrior" is without capability...totally wrong and without merit. As an ARNG member you have the great foundation that was provided by AD but with a better resolve for how to be combat ready and more proficient in your duties without the interference of iniquitous bull-shit that you experienced on AD. The results for me on my last Title 10 deployment really showed me the difference. Our Guard aviation unit had an average aviator flight time of over 7,000 hours of experience, gained through the years of AD and similar civilian flying jobs and National Guard "Part Time" accumulation. Average total service time, 18-20 years credible service both Active and Guard. We were under the administrative command of AD folks with 20% of our experience. But we listened and followed directives until they became uncomprehensible and clearly counter to our mission/combat experience and that's when we developed a "make-me" attitude and a "lets get real and stop thinking about our personal annual "Report Cards" and get on with the mission. The feeling I got from the AD guys was that they're "life blood" was dependant upon what the boss thought of them or how he would/could determine they're fate with a pen. Certainly not their fault but a cultural anomaly. There was a complete lack of "thinking outside the box' or scared to even think about it....mindless follower's, yes sir, yes sir, three bags full!
My guys, were a pain in the ass, bringing up "Why are we doing it that way or why do we have do do it this way?" But we were of a collective mind, arguing like siblings but hadly ever taking it to the personal level. Just making educated, collective decissions and moving forward, getting the job done and having a great time and sense of mission accomplishment. Always knowing that we would get out of the shit-hole at some point, go back to some normalcy with our families and civilian or full-time Guard employment and be ready for the next time we had to go.
Now, as a retired guy, sitting on the sidelines and loving the BO discussions and very the important role it has keeping constructive, meaningful and hysterically funny contributions, I have nothing but the highest admiration of all of you who are Active, Reserve or Guard and appreciate all you do for all of us!