Complaint Review: National Guard

Do not get me wrong I served on active duty and was happy to join the Guard. I stayed for the long haul in anticipation of getting retirement benefits. After hearing that you get 50% of base pay, you just have to wait until age 60. That did not sound fair. But then it was explained that active duty guys get their 50% base pay as soon as they retire. Some at age 39. So if I put in my 20 years and had to wait 20 years or so it would be equal. Do not believe it. The retirement pay is next to nothing. The Guard has this complicated formula that no one can figure out then when you turn 60 you get a big thanks but very little money.

So beware not only do the recruiters not seem to know this your Guard friends probably will not know it either. Until its too late. But think of the good side, you do not have to practice day in and day out during peace time. You just have to look for a job. Then when the shooting starts they will pull you up for active duty. Good luck.

Maxwell
Ocean Shores, Washington
U.S.A.