Army National Guard answers the call
- Share via
Re “Guard Faces Phase-Out of Combat Role,” May 8
Your article came as surprising news to the leadership of both the Army and the Army National Guard. The apparent background interviews with soldiers do not reflect the spirit of cooperation and teamwork shared between the Guard, the Army and the American public.
For the record:
12:00 a.m. May 21, 2006 For The Record
Los Angeles Times Sunday May 21, 2006 Home Edition Current Part M Page 4 Editorial Pages Desk 1 inches; 42 words Type of Material: Correction
Iraq forces: A May 10 letter on the National Guard and Reserve in Iraq said 500,000 members of the Guard have answered the call to serve in Iraq. That figure, and other references to the Guard, also should have included the reserves.
The Guard has been the “go-to force” for both state and federal officials, fighting fires, providing airport security and responding to natural disasters. From Hurricane Katrina to Kosovo, from Afghanistan to Iraq, the Guard continues to demonstrate superb abilities both at home and abroad. Guard units performed magnificently in Iraq, helping rebuild its damaged infrastructure and repairing tattered civic institutions. In fact, a brigade from the Minnesota Guard is deploying shortly to Iraq.
The Guard is a key part of the Army’s operational force, and this vital role will continue in the future.
PAUL BOYCE
U.S. Army
Washington
*
Your article is interesting and thorough. One critical fact is missing.
The all-volunteer armed forces were created with the idea that they would be augmented in time of war by a draft. We are now fighting the first sustained conflict with our all-volunteer force, and we have not had a draft. The reason is clear: The 500,000 members of the Guard have answered the call. They have fought with distinction against our enemies around the world. Because of them, our nation has been saved from a draft.
It is not political correctness that keeps most active military officers from criticizing the Guard. Its performance has won sincere respect.
DENNIS M. MCCARTHY
Executive Director
Reserve Officers Assn.
Washington
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
