Oklahoma's Governor Speaks Out
Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry spoke out last week on the increasing reliance on National Guard troops to fight the war in Iraq. His remarks came after it was announced that Oklahoma National Guard troops were part of a four state contingent that would be called up for a one year stint in Iraq.
From the Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise:
Gov. Brad Henry said Thursday he is concerned that the Defense Department is relying too much on National Guard troops for military operations such as the war in Iraq.Gov. Henry reiterated his "200%" support for the troops already serving as he expressed his concerns over Department of Defense policy. He noted it is a tremendous stress on the 3,500 Oklahoma families who rely on a family member in the guard. Said Henry "These are citizen soldiers. They have families. They have full-time jobs."[...]
he added he and other governors do have concerns that "the Defense Department is, in effect, reinstating the draft on the backs of National Guard Units throughout the country."
