New Roles for Citizen Warriors

Can They Do It All?

Citizen soldiers, like those in the National Guard, have seen their role change from "weekend warriors" -- protecting our homeland after natural disasters and civil unrest -- to supporting our nation's role in the "Operation Enduring Freedom" and other military actions. 

By definition, the National Guard is a reserve military force composed of militia members of each state and US territory. The majority of National Guard soldiers hold a civilian full-time job while serving as a National Guard member.

But, can they do it all?
The catastrophe of Kartina caught our nation flat-footed. Then-Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld recast the National Guard during the Iraq war from a reserve deployed only in times of crisis to an active, operational force. During that conflict, 80,000 members of the National Guard were deployed in Iraq (including those from Louisiana) - leaving scant few to assist with the aftermath of the hurricane's devastation.

The devastation of superstorm Sandy again begs the question: how do we provide crucial emergency services to our neighbors in time of crisis while so many of those in the National Guard are thousands of miles away?  

Army National Guard leaders want to maintain the proficiency that soldiers have gained during lengthy combat deployments over the past 11 years, but say a return to "weekend warriors" won't cut it.  Consequently, National Guardsmen/women have been deployed over and over to supplement the regular army.

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Over a year ago, Jim Wood (my wifes' brother) left his job in Michigan, turned over the chores and domestic responsibilities to his wife and four kids, and headed for Camp Shelby in Mississippi.

As a SFC Sergeant First Class in Michigan's National Guard, he was being deployed to Afghanistan.

The more than 200 members of the 126 Calvary Squadron returned home October 19 after completing a 14-month tour of duty in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Jim's troop, A-Troop, did not suffer any casualties, but others in their Squadron did.

This is the second time the 126 Calvary, A-Troop (known as the "Mavericks") has been deployed overseas in a combat support role. Their previous 12-month tour of duty was two years ago in Kuwait/Iraq, during that conflict.

Homecoming is sweet - especially when a father & husband civilian soldier gets out of danger and comes home safely. A toast to you all our service men/women on Vetran's Day and more important - thank you for all you do. Welcome Home!