Your unit must have been one of the few to do that.

I can tell you first hand that in the mid to late 90s that was not the case for all the units I contacted. I usually got the same lines of either we are not hiring for UPT or you had to live in the state or had to be enlisted first.
Not to mention the information on what units were doing what was done the hard way by an outsider, either visiting them face to face or cold calling. No real internet forums back then except for AOL. Even Kit Darby came out with a directory for the guard to try to capitalize on the hiring at guard/reserve units (or the lack thereof).

Plus age waivers were not being accepted back then.
Something about the RIF being in effect. I am sure you remember that.

Its all about timing and the window is fairly small. I used to think that was an excuse by guys that just didn't make it. Until it happened to me.