Is this a further proof that the fruitless nation-building of Iraq has ‘broken’ U.S. active forces? National Guard Units ‘Not Ready’ For Sudden CrisisBy Cliff Montgomery – Mar. 3rd, 2008An updated Congressional Research Service (CRS) fact sheet on National Guard personnel and deployment released on Jan. 17th began with a very interesting summary:
- “The National Guard plays a major role in the defense and security of the United States under the federal component of its mission. Although the military reserve component’s responsibilities and duties have increased since 2001, a March 2007 report by the congressionally chartered independent Commission on the National Guard and Reserves has found that many Army and Air National Guard units stationed in the United States are rated ‘not ready.’“That rating is based primarily on current military equipment shortages and concerns for long-term operational reserve capacity. According to the report, these domestic equipment shortfall and reserve capacity issues are attributed, in part, to the large deployment of National Guard personnel (currently more than 28,000) and equipment deployed in what the Bush Administration terms the Global War On Terrorism (GWOT) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF).“In May 2006, more than 6,000 National Guard personnel were authorized to be sent to the southern border region of the United States to temporarily assist in interdicting illegal aliens. As of January 8, 2008, 2,736 National Guard forces were deployed for this border security operation (Operation Jump Start).“
Bush Administration officials have long made a point of denying a frightening view held by many independent experts–that the fruitless nation-building of Iraq has “broken” U.S. active forces.But an America saddled with several National Guard units “not ready” to counter a sudden threat comes as close to broken as anything we’re likely to see in this lifetime.Like what you’re reading so far? Then why not order a full year (52 issues) of thee-newsletter for only $15? A major article covering an story not being told in the Corporate Press will be delivered to your email every Monday morning for a full year, for less than 30 cents an issue. Order Now!
