All it takes is one person abusing the system, and it makes everyone look bad by association.
I don't think av8r4aa intended to impugn the service of any hard-working American serviceman. However, anybody who has been associated with airline pilots who also serve in the Guard or Reserve has probably at least heard of some sort of questionable use of orders to avoid a less than desirable airline schedule. For example, rumors abound at FedEx of newhires that voluntarily activate for a year immediately after "Newhire training" in order to avoid first year pay.
Now, regardless of whether the rumor is true or false, it hurts the image of the Reservist/Guardsman. Every conscientious serviceman should himself be offended if it's actually happening, and should be equally as desirous of ending such abuse, if indeed it exists. Perhaps there was a better way of beginning this discussion, but it IS worth discussing. It's in the best interest of ALL of us to preserve our nation, AND preserve the positive image of the serviceman. In my opinion, anyone abusing the system is attacking both.
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