According to the Department of Defense, there are nearly 170,000 guard members and reservists who are mobilized around the world. While large and mid-size companies can hire temporary workers and shift workloads, many small businesses suffer when their owners or key staff are called to active duty. Experts estimate income can drop by as much as 50 to 75 percent for small business.
See "Keeping up on the home front: When reservists are away, many companies struggle", Judith Crown, Chicago Tribune, May 16, 2004