One weekend a month, two weeks a year
Encyclopedia
"One weekend a month, two weeks a year" is a former recruiting slogan used by the U.S. Army National Guard
. It indicated the amount of time an individual would need to spend actively in the Guard to be a Guardsman with benefits. It was dropped during the Iraq War after it became clear that Guardsmen were now serving considerably more time in service.
The slogan has also been used to contrast the commitment that a National Guard member would give during those times when his country was not at war. Other forces have used this slogan as something against which they can contrast their own dedication,
showing that, as members of the special forces, they are not mere "weekend warriors".
the National Guard was called up to defend their country, and this was repeated in the Korean War
even when American soil was not directly threatened. At this time, joining the reserves could clearly be seen as a route to service overseas. However, at the time of the Vietnam War
, President Johnson
made it clear that the National Guard's role was to defend the country and not to be involved in overseas adventures. At the time this meant that those who joined the force could be fairly sure of not seeing action in the war.
These forces are expected to act as a second line of defense, primarily motivated by the fact that they are defending their own homes and families.
The commitment to Iraq has meant that many National Guards feel the terms in which they understood their recruitment have been breached. The slogan has now become known in a changed form, "One weekend a month my ass",
as a comment on the perceived mistreatment of the National Guard reservists. The phrase was coined in the 1993 Mystery Science Theater episode The Beginning of the End.
In the meantime, the role of the National Guard which, in the Vietnam War, largely revolved around home defense and policing,
has changed so that in Iraq "about 20 percent of the U.S. military deaths in that conflict"
have been carried by reserve and Guard units.
It has been claimed in the U.S. media that the change in expectations on the National Guard is a deliberate change in policy by military planners in response to the Vietnam War.
The need to use the National Guard is designed to reduce the possibility of "half-hearted" wars in future. Actual legal changes were made by the US Congress and in the 1980s which moved final decision from their commanders in chief, the state governors, to the federal government. These new laws were successfully defended against challenges from state governors in the U.S. Supreme Court.
Reserve.
Army National Guard
Established under Title 10 and Title 32 of the U.S. Code, the Army National Guard is part of the National Guard and is divided up into subordinate units stationed in each of the 50 states, three territories and the District of Columbia operating under their respective governors...
. It indicated the amount of time an individual would need to spend actively in the Guard to be a Guardsman with benefits. It was dropped during the Iraq War after it became clear that Guardsmen were now serving considerably more time in service.
Usage of the slogan
The slogan "one weekend a month, two weeks a year" has been most commonly seen by Americans in recruiting ads for the National Guard. Although the slogan is no longer directly used in advertising, the slogan is still used to describe the duties of at least some military posts.The slogan has also been used to contrast the commitment that a National Guard member would give during those times when his country was not at war. Other forces have used this slogan as something against which they can contrast their own dedication,
showing that, as members of the special forces, they are not mere "weekend warriors".
Understanding among the enlisted
Understanding the meaning of the slogan to those enlisted in the National Guard requires understanding the historical context in which it was given. During World War IIWorld War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
the National Guard was called up to defend their country, and this was repeated in the Korean War
Korean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
even when American soil was not directly threatened. At this time, joining the reserves could clearly be seen as a route to service overseas. However, at the time of the Vietnam War
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
, President Johnson
Lyndon B. Johnson
Lyndon Baines Johnson , often referred to as LBJ, was the 36th President of the United States after his service as the 37th Vice President of the United States...
made it clear that the National Guard's role was to defend the country and not to be involved in overseas adventures. At the time this meant that those who joined the force could be fairly sure of not seeing action in the war.
These forces are expected to act as a second line of defense, primarily motivated by the fact that they are defending their own homes and families.
The commitment to Iraq has meant that many National Guards feel the terms in which they understood their recruitment have been breached. The slogan has now become known in a changed form, "One weekend a month my ass",
as a comment on the perceived mistreatment of the National Guard reservists. The phrase was coined in the 1993 Mystery Science Theater episode The Beginning of the End.
Real service requirements contrasted to expectations
During some periods of the 2003 war in Iraq, the National guard represented 41% of the personnel deployed. The majority are supposed to serve for six months or a year. However, some specialists in the reserve forces have been required to serve for up to two years.In the meantime, the role of the National Guard which, in the Vietnam War, largely revolved around home defense and policing,
has changed so that in Iraq "about 20 percent of the U.S. military deaths in that conflict"
have been carried by reserve and Guard units.
It has been claimed in the U.S. media that the change in expectations on the National Guard is a deliberate change in policy by military planners in response to the Vietnam War.
The need to use the National Guard is designed to reduce the possibility of "half-hearted" wars in future. Actual legal changes were made by the US Congress and in the 1980s which moved final decision from their commanders in chief, the state governors, to the federal government. These new laws were successfully defended against challenges from state governors in the U.S. Supreme Court.
Other Usages
"One weekend a month, two weeks a year" was also formerly used as a descriptor in television advertisements for the Australian ArmyAustralian Army
The Australian Army is Australia's military land force. It is part of the Australian Defence Force along with the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force. While the Chief of Defence commands the Australian Defence Force , the Army is commanded by the Chief of Army...
Reserve.