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jatx · 03-06-2008, 17:09

I own my own business and am a member of the Guard, so I can identify with the previous poster's comments. If I allowed myself to to dwell on the financial consequences of this decision, I would lose my mind. Every time a school date or projected deployment date gets moved, that is another time I have to shut down or restart my business. It is not simply a matter of opportunity cost, it is the reality that there will be times when you are not on active duty but unable to earn a living because of military committments. Nevertheless, I came into this with my eyes wide open and wouldn't do anything differently.

The key is to remain asset light and financially flexible. Instead of purchasing a home a few years ago, I continued to rent so that I can turn off monthly housing expenses while on active duty. I maintain a bigger cash buffer than I used to (12 months instead of 4-6), so that I can fund a restart without hitting the wall. I paid my car off before enlisting and will drive it into the ground. I am single, so I know it's easier for me and really feel for the married guys with families.

What is needed, if we are to remain committed to the current force structure, is a reassessment of how we take care of our ARNG and USAR soldiers.

How are their healthcare needs met? I have personally incurred healthcare costs associated with line of duty injuries that would have broken the back of most families. My story pales in comparison to many others I've encountered who have either gone untreated or were damaged financially.

How are their emotional and psychological needs met? Particularly important with NG SF units, where we and our families are scattered to the four winds.

How enforceable are the employment protections afforded them? No HR professional that I know sees the current laws as something to be taken seriously. If a veteran is being treated well by his employers, it is a sign of good will, not legal compliance.

How accessible are the income replacements currently offered? The current plan requires that you be mobilized for 18 consecutive months before the payments kick in.

Just some food for thought.

03-06-2008, 17:09	#6
jatx Area Commander Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 1,355	I own my own business and am a member of the Guard, so I can identify with the previous poster's comments. If I allowed myself to to dwell on the financial consequences of this decision, I would lose my mind. Every time a school date or projected deployment date gets moved, that is another time I have to shut down or restart my business. It is not simply a matter of opportunity cost, it is the reality that there will be times when you are not on active duty but unable to earn a living because of military committments. Nevertheless, I came into this with my eyes wide open and wouldn't do anything differently. The key is to remain asset light and financially flexible. Instead of purchasing a home a few years ago, I continued to rent so that I can turn off monthly housing expenses while on active duty. I maintain a bigger cash buffer than I used to (12 months instead of 4-6), so that I can fund a restart without hitting the wall. I paid my car off before enlisting and will drive it into the ground. I am single, so I know it's easier for me and really feel for the married guys with families. What is needed, if we are to remain committed to the current force structure, is a reassessment of how we take care of our ARNG and USAR soldiers. How are their healthcare needs met? I have personally incurred healthcare costs associated with line of duty injuries that would have broken the back of most families. My story pales in comparison to many others I've encountered who have either gone untreated or were damaged financially. How are their emotional and psychological needs met? Particularly important with NG SF units, where we and our families are scattered to the four winds. How enforceable are the employment protections afforded them? No HR professional that I know sees the current laws as something to be taken seriously. If a veteran is being treated well by his employers, it is a sign of good will, not legal compliance. How accessible are the income replacements currently offered? The current plan requires that you be mobilized for 18 consecutive months before the payments kick in. Just some food for thought. __________________ "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave whither Thou goest." - Ecclesiastes 9:10 "If simple folk are free from care and fear, simple they will be, and we must be secret to keep them so." - JRRT
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