There are three ways that the Army National Guard meets its recruiting needs:
- Transitioned soldiers.
- Ex-military who reenter the Guard.
- Fresh recruits.
Out of these three categories, transitioned soldiers are by far the most preferable, contributing greatly to the leadership and overall fitness of National Guard units. Without former soldiers, the National Guard suffers from a "brain drain" effect, as talent goes elsewhere.
The National Guard needs more recruits... in Iraq. Somehow, I don't think they're going to meet their quotas either.