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Letter: Keep Guard, reserve distinct

I have read retired Army Col. James T. Currie’s proposal for merging the National Guard and reserves [“Merge reserves into Guard to save money, resources,” Back Talk, June 4] and must respectfully and vigorously disagree, based on more than 30 years of dealing directly with both.

I recognize tha my comments are not politically correct, reserves are federal; Guard thinking is inbred state. Reserves (particularly individual mobilization augmentees) not only work directly with the active-duty side, but have progressed to the point that we can’t be distinguished from them. Guardsmen, while clearly integrated in combat, maintain — for the most part — separation when stateside.

I have experienced, at the major command level, Guard indifference to the “Total Force” concept; refusal to participate at mandatory seminars — with no ability of a senior officer from another state nor the senior Guard “MA” to take action, as only the state “chain” can discipline; and line promotion and active Guard and reserve “maneuvers” intended to maximize the number of promotions and retirement benefits, which appears contrary to Defense Department desires to retain experienced personnel past normal retirement.

Finally, the Guard is subject to more varied responsibilities at the state level, inconsistent with the reserve federal charter. Therefore, would duties be segregated? Absent permanent federalization of the Guard (or complete eradication of the reserves), I suggest any “merger savings” would be more than offset by the problems.

Brig. Gen. M.W. McCarthy (ret.)

Phoenix