I learned yesterday that when the local NG unit left Iraq they were ordered to leave ALL equipment, including small arms, there. They would be resupplied in the States.

It was literally months before they were even reissued rifles. They still don't have the artillery they need as a field arty unit.

I heard on the radio this morning that the Guard and Reserves are losing their NCOs and experienced personnel -- they're not re-upping, and some are getting close to "having their 20" in.

And our local unit is getting ready to another deployment within a year or so. This will be their third.