What about the National Guard?

[truth2power]

Does anyone have any indication of what percentage of the LA NG is available (not in Iraq)? I would like to know.

I've been watching stream from KHOU Houston. It's been problematic finding something that works, being on dial-up and all. They were calling for any National Guard who might be available.

Just wondering how the lack of availablity is hindering emergency/rescue operations.

[truth2power]

1. Hmm. Anybody know? n/t

[KyndCulture]

2. Amy Goodman had this today.

"Earlier this month the Louisiana National Guard publicly complained that too much of its equipment was in Iraq. The local ABC news affiliate reported dozens of high water vehicles, Humvees, refuelers and generators are now abroad. Other states are facing shortfalls as well when facing fires, floods or other disasters. A few months before summer began, Montana's governor called for that state's National Guard to be brought home from Iraq because of possible wildfires. As is the case with Louisiana's Guard, Montana found that critical equipment was overseas in Iraq. This included the bulk of the Guard's helicopters which are critical in shuttling fire crews and equipment to blazes."


So it's not just the people that are lacking it's the equipment too.

[truth2power]

5. Yeah. I just found this:

LA National Guard Wants Equipment to Come Back From Iraq

Yunji de Nies

August 1, 2005, 9:07 PM CDT

JACKSON BARRACKS -- When members of the Louisiana National Guard left for Iraq in October, they took a lot equipment with them. Dozens of high water vehicles, humvees, refuelers and generators are now abroad, and in the event of a major natural disaster that, could be a problem.

"The National Guard needs that equipment back home to support the homeland security mission," said Lt. Colonel Pete Schneider with the LA National Guard.

going to get the link.


edit> link: http://abc26.trb.com/news/natguard08012005,0,4504131.story?coll=wgno-news-1

Note date: 08/01/05

[Cleita]

3. I think I read that there were 1,500 troops here and that they

are at the scene. I did hear though that rescue operations haven't been able to get into many parts because there is no place for them to set up the operations.

[radar]

4. Don't know - but a couple links...

If you want to do a little reading.
3rd Infantry Division has the 256th brigade of the LA guard.

Army National Guard Unit Locator
http://www.arng.army.mil/tools/unit.asp

Louisiana Army National Guard
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/army/arng-la.htm

Mississippi Army National Guard
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/army/arng-ms.htm

Where are the Legions? Global Deployments of US Forces
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/ops/global-deployments.htm

[truth2power]

6. thanks for that resource. n/t

[leftchick]

7. I read 3000 were deployed to Iraq a few months ago

I have no idea how many remain. Yep ameriKa is so much safer now.

:grr: