Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Talley held blogger round table today

Today I had the pleasure of participating in a blogger round table with LIEUTENANT GENERAL JEFFREY W. TALLEY

While many topics regarding the Army Reserves were covered, there was a great point Tally made about putting these Reservists back to work.

Reservists are an asset to any company for many reasons. One is that they are usually a lot more mature than their peers. They are ready to work and they show up for their "civilian duties" as much as they show up ready for their military duties.

They are usually more physically fit and highly trained. They bring their skills and professional attitudes to work with them.

Another point Talley raised is that they usually get a year's notice about deployments, so that gives employers plenty of time to find someone to take their place while they are gone, removing any thoughts that they will just get orders to go and leave them scrambling to replace them.

A reporter from Politico asked

What are the challenges the Reserve face?

Sequestration is not something they have to worry about.
Force reductions in active component;the Army Reserves are in pretty good shape.
206,000 only to be reduced by 1,000.
Technical skills are in the Reserves so that they will always be needed.

These two subjects have worried employers and Reservist alike, so this was welcomed news.

We talked about how active duty service members can transition well into the Army Reserves and they welcome them.

Reserves want mid career and NCO, experienced soldiers to join.
Transaction sites focus on recruiting and retention. Get in touch with Army Reserve Councilors.

We talked about the subject that is my area. Combat PTSD, suicides and families. What impressed me most about Tally was that he gave his opinion, told me what was going on but had no problem admitting there were things he did not know. This was unique for a man in his position. I sent him an email about what I hear on this end of deployments and the lives of our veterans.

To the Moms out there that have been contacting me about their sons/daughters, there is hope. He is not reluctant when it comes to asking questions and wanted to be filled in. He has a great attitude on top of everything else and it was easy to hear how much he really does care in his voice.

I've been involved in a lot of conference calls, usually left feeling as if I just wasted my time, hanging up more depressed than when I dialed. I am happy to report this was not one of the usual, more of the same.