Raleigh, N.C. — The number of National Guard members and equipment deployed overseas has some governors, including North Carolina's, concerned there is not enough support at home to deal with disasters if they strike.
"You don't have the equipment that you need to respond, and people are not as safe now as they were prior to Sep. 11 if they had to respond to a natural or manmade disaster," Gov. Mike Easley said.
Actually, Easley said, North Carolina is fortunate compared with states such as Kansas, which is reeling from a massive tornado that killed more than 10 people.
"We're now supplied with about half of what we need," Easley said, adding that is enough to tackle a hurricane's aftermath.
A pandemic could be a different story. Easley argues the federal government needs to work quicker to replace Guard equipment shipped into battle.
"We're never going to get it just right," said state Rep. Grier Martin, D-Wake, who sees the National Guard performing a balancing act between state and country missions.
As a major in the U.S. Army Reserve, however, he also sees a slippery slope in strategy.
"We can't view them as just another source for continuous manpower for an ongoing war," Martin said. "We need to recognize they're part-time soldiers, and they're needed back in their states."
"You can't send 5,000 troops from North Carolina overseas, bring them back home and send 5,000 more over and expect them to be ready to respond immediately to a disaster," Easley said.
The governor has lobbied Congress, hoping to put more control over the Guard into state hands.
North Carolina National Guard leaders tell WRAL that they are well prepared for local disasters and that there are more Guard members at home than at any time during the past five years.
Is the National Guard Stretched Too Thin?
- Reporter: Cullen Browder
- Photographer: Robert Meikle
- Web Editor: Kelly Gardner
6 Comments
-
- Exchange of gunfire at Kenly home kills man, injures deputy
Updated at 7:03 a.m. |
- N.C. State grad tapped as Obama's press secretary
Updated at 7:36 a.m. |
- Tornado victims clean up, apply for loans
Updated at 7:06 a.m. |
- 'Long stretch of cold' ahead
Updated at 1:17 a.m. |
- Santa arrives in Raleigh Christmas parade
Updated Nov. 22 7:20 p.m. |
- Exchange of gunfire at Kenly home kills man, injures deputy
- Most Viewed Slideshows
- 2008 Raleigh Christmas Parade
Posted Nov. 22 5:09 p.m. - Howliday Photo Gallery
Jan 8, 2008 - State upsets Carolina, 41-10
Posted Nov. 22 7:46 p.m.
- 2008 Raleigh Christmas Parade
-
10 questions with Hurricanes' Goalie Cam WardCam Ward answers your questions about winning the Stanley Cup, superstitions on game days and smack talk on the ice.
-
10 questions with RDU's airport directorRDU Airport Director John Brantley answers your questions about the fear of flying, airport parking and more.
-
10 questions with career advisor Alan LevinsonCareer Advisor Alan Levinson answers your questions about finding a job, writing a resume and perfecting the interview.
(10 votes) disabled vets' dogs find homes
(3 votes) dad charged after showing son's sex tape
(2 votes) 'long stretch of cold' ahead
(1 votes) n.c. workplace injuries at record low
-
Holiday BounceHelp the holiday decorations to the tree.
-
The week in photosA look at the top news, politics and sports stories of the week through the lenses of Associated Press photographers.
-
The week in entertainmentA look at the top entertainment stories of the week through the lenses of Associated Press photographers.
-
Hillside vs. Southern Durham, Nov. 21, 2008Hillside got a 20-yard touchdown pass from Corey Gattis to Jharrison Gillespie for the game's only score, and the Hornets downed Southern Durham,…
-
Middle Creek vs. Southeast RaleighSee the images from Southeast Raleigh’s 47-17 win over Middle Creek.



STORIES
VIDEOS
SLIDESHOWS



Welcome to GOLO, where WRAL.com visitors can comment on stories and create profile pages, blogs and photo galleries.
You must be a registered WRAL.com user to use these tools. Click here to register or log in.