With hundreds of Iowans called to active duty, the reality of today’s military means both men and women reserves leaving for the theatre of operations. The Guard’s Colonel Robert King says there is no provision for excusing a husband or wife if the spouse is also called up. King says there are several cases where both husband and wife are members of the guard, and from his past experience as a commander he knows the commanding officer sits down with them and helps make out a family care plan. The commander personally asks members questions including “where do the children go if both are mobilized?” Advice on legal matters may come from a JAG, a military advisor similar to the subject of a popular TV show. Judge Advocate Generals are the lawyers at the military headquarters. King says there’s a fulltime JAG on the staff who serves as legal counselor for HQ but also helps soldiers. That JAG can help advise soldiers on a will, power of attorney and other legal matters they should take care of before leaving their home, family and job for active military duty.