There are a lot of issues going on at once here. One is National Guard state orders pay less than active duty and soldiers get NO benefits. They're state employees, not in the Army, under those orders.

— Steve Beynon (@StevenBeynon) January 13, 2022

But Steve, this is a state mission what else can Texas do? - Well, there is a federal mission of about 2,430 Guardsmen. They're getting full pay and benefits and legal protections from civilian employers who may want to fire them or hold back promotions because of the deployment.

— Steve Beynon (@StevenBeynon) January 13, 2022

But what about other military missions? - Yes, soldiers need to be able to deploy on short notice. But the key here is this mission doesn't have a lot for soldiers to do. They're playing spades and drinking.

— Steve Beynon (@StevenBeynon) January 13, 2022

Even if the mission was great, and the goals weren't vague. Soldiers aren't getting paid. And when they do, it's a lot of physical check with random amounts of money.

— Steve Beynon (@StevenBeynon) January 13, 2022

.@davis_winkie did a great job highlight the consequences of this. https://t.co/hBtgXMaITM

— Steve Beynon (@StevenBeynon) January 13, 2022

I reported on yet another suicide attempt this week in Texas in this story. Senior Army leaders have pointed to financial burdens and family problems as being a key factor in suicides. https://t.co/5LVI8xAqPy

— Steve Beynon (@StevenBeynon) January 13, 2022

Bottom line: This issue is bigger than a soldier making less money on duty than while working their civilian job.

— Steve Beynon (@StevenBeynon) January 13, 2022