Today's Article
Is this a further proof
that the fruitless
nation-building of
Iraq has 'broken'
U.S. active forces?
that the fruitless
nation-building of
Iraq has 'broken'
U.S. active forces?
The American Spark
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National Guard Units 'Not Ready' For Sudden Crisis
By Cliff Montgomery - Mar. 3rd, 2008
An updated Congressional Research Service (CRS) fact sheet on National Guard personnel and deployment
released on Jan. 17th began with a very interesting summary:
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 the The American Spark e-
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!
By Cliff Montgomery - Mar. 3rd, 2008
An 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 the The American Spark e-
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!