re: #39 Backwoods_Sleuth

What scares me, is how do I tell who is the real National Guard from the wannabes?

Wannabes will prominently display expensive commando style fighting knives, probably in upside down sheaths above their left breast pocket, the better for a fast draw when things get down and dirty. Wannabes and dreamers place great emphasis on this sort of thing. Regular soldiers do not use these knives, or keep them out of sight if they do. The wannabes will be fatter on the average, they will mostly have handguns in addition to their rifles. Their uniforms will show less wear and fading. Helmets, if any, will slide around on their heads. Their rucksacks will be lumpy and less heavily packed. Non standard headgear of every kind, Russian, Wehrmacht or Academy Sporting Goods, will be common. Rations and supplies are another clue: Many of the wannabes will not understand the importance of tabasco sauce, snacks, and toilet paper.