rrpearso, that last comment, by far, was one of the most pleasant to read. It is quite right as well. Granted, your E-4 pay was much much lower than an active duty E-4s, but that is the Reserves, and National Guard Drill Pay system. I believe it should be increased considerably, but that is neither here nor there.
Most everyone here loves their military careers. We wouldn't trade it for the world. Sure, there are hard times. Do we believe our soldiers need to experience those hard times? To a degree, yes. For the most part, no. How can you know what you are capable of accomplishing in a tough situation, if you never experience one? Its a tough balancing act, to ensure they are prepared for that call, and hoping they never get it.

As long as the balancing act is being attempted to be made its good. Its when the I own you attitude kicks in that problems start.

The "I own you" concept isn't really an attitude. Its a fact. You, for all intensive purposes, get sunburned as a military member, you have willingly damaged government property. Its not that we are trying to be jerks, but we do, in fact, own our soldiers.

Sorry to get off topic but is it true that as a military member you are not allowed to participate in very high risk activities on your civilian time so to speak like base jumping or racing motorcycles etc. And if you do and get seriously injured you can be given an OTH.

Well, BASE jumping is illegal in 39 countries and all 50 states. So yes, it would get you in trouble, but not neccessarily discharged. Racing motorcycles on a track, with all the proper gear is not a crime, on the streets is a different story. If you do all the right things, follow the rules, you can participate in high risk activities. If you don't obey the rules, or directives for safety, you will get in trouble.

there are certian places you can base jump in the US during certian times of the year where they close off a bridge or what ever and let people do it for a weekend, there is also angle falls in venisula (that is clearly the wrong spelling)