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WASHINGTON – In response to reports Indiana National Guard troops may not currently have all the equipment they need for a possible early redeployment, Rep. Brad Ellsworth today questioned top National Guard officials during a Readiness Subcommittee hearing investigating the readiness levels of National Guard troops. Ellsworth requested the hearing in a February letter to House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton (D-MO).
“I have no doubts that when called upon to serve our country either at home or abroad, the Indiana National Guard and units from across the country will answer the call with heroism,” said Ellsworth. “My number one priority is ensuring the federal government lives up to its promises by providing the equipment, weapons, and training these soldiers need to complete their missions safely.”
In testimony before the Commission on the National Guard in January 2007, Lieutenant General Steven Blum said, “88 percent of the forces that are back here in the United States are very poorly equipped today in the Army National Guard.” Articles published late February about the possible early redeployment of National Guard troops from four states, including Indiana, conveyed similar findings with military officials indicating troops were currently short of some equipment needed for deployment. And the Commission on National Guard and Reserves issued a report on March 1, 2007 stating: “In particular, the equipment readiness of the Army National Guard is unacceptable and has reduced the capability of the United States to respond to current and additional major contingencies, foreign and domestic.”
“National Guard units across the nation are playing a vital role in the security of our country; not only serving valiantly in Iraq and Afghanistan, but also responding to national crisis and natural disaster at home,” said Ellsworth. “However, their ability to respond to tomorrow’s crisis depends on the steps we take today. This Congress cannot afford to leave these shortfalls unaddressed.”
Ellsworth is a member of the House Armed Services Committee which oversees the Department of Defense.
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