Here's an interesting detail from USA Today about the TYPES of National Guards that are here in the US versus the ones deployed in Iraq:
The problem for Louisiana and Mississippi isn't how many troops are in Iraq, but rather the kind of soldiers who are there, said Dave McGinnis, a military analyst who specializes in National Guard personnel issues.Apparently the most effective sort of Guard units for this situation are EXACTLY the Guard units that have been sent to Iraq. So the sheer shortfall in numbers tells only half the story. Kudos of course to the brave men and women doing a dangerous and difficult job. I'm unclear as to the various types of training the Guard goes through or what sort of troops are on the ground in LA. But to make a blunt comparison, you don't want cops to fight fires, you want firemen. Anyone know more or can link to info on this issue?
"It's combat brigades, which are the types of units you need in these situations," he said. Combat brigades — large, self-sustaining units of about 3,000 troops — have the vehicles, communications equipment and structure to cope best with a natural disaster. In Louisiana, communications and mobility are especially critical because most of New Orleans is without water, power and telephone service.
