I served on various training days in addition to the drill weekends and annual training. I also retired after 20 years as an active guard and reserve. I collect my DFAS check monthly like the active duty retirees do and I retired at 40 years old. There are so many ways to serve. The point is - I like many others before me served as a national guard member and it damn sure was more than weekend and annual training just to go to school.