NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES / NEWSROOM

Equipping Process Affects Homeland Security Capabilities, Guard Vice Chief Testifies

By Sue Cathcart

(March 7, 2002) -- The current system of modernizing the Guard and Reserve primarily by passing older equipment from active Army units to the reserve components could hinder the National Guard's ability to respond to state emergencies, a top National Guard official said Tuesday.

Maj. Gen. Raymond Rees, vice chief of the National Guard Bureau told members of the House Armed Services military procurement subcommittee that having modernized equipment can significantly impact a Guard unit's ability to assist state and local first responders during domestic emergencies. Because the Guard receives most of its modernized equipment through "tiered resourcing," Rees said, "not every unit is filled out with the proper equipment" to meet its wartime requirements.

Rees gave the committee a list of priority equipment shortfalls that he said would have a direct bearing on the ability of units to respond to state and local emergencies. The list included utility helicopters, generators, vehicles and night vision equipment, but not other needed items such as personal protection gear. Rees also mentioned the need to identify and establish equipment requirements for homeland security missions.

The purpose of the hearing was to gather information about requirements to respond to weapons of mass destruction events and other types of terrorist attacks. James Gilmore, the former governor of Virginia who chaired the Gilmore Commission, a panel that examined homeland security threats and response capabilities over a three-year period also testified during the hearing.

When asked about the role of the Guard in homeland security, Gilmore said that decision would have to be made by the Congress and the executive branch over time. It would have to consider the dual role the Guard plays as the governor's primary force during civil disturbances and natural disasters and supplementing active duty troops.

"I do believe there is a role for increased Guard activity in these areas," Gilmore said. "But it will have to be carefully planned, thought through and funded. And it may mean that because they play this additional role they can't play another role." He added that he believed the "first role" would remain responding to natural disasters within the states.

Other witnesses included firefighters, law enforcement officials and representatives from the Defense Department and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

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