Guard is America's Asset, The

National Guard, Aug 2005

"It's easy to be lulled into tranquility, particularly in Hawaii's paradise where the sun is a chameleon and the waves of the Pacific Ocean create a music all their own. Fifty years ago, that tranquility was shattered at Pearl Harbor.

"It could be shattered again.

"During this year's 113th NGAUS General Conference, conducted in Honolulu, nearly 3,000 attendees listened as civilian and military distinguished speakers warned that dramatic cuts in the Army and Air Guard would be illadvised.

"Giving emphasis to this year's Conference theme, The National Guard: America's Asset, Hawaii's Governor, John Waihee, relating his state's National Guard efforts in state and federal missions, told the packed conference hall: 'It is important that our national defense policymakers understand these supportive functions of the Guard, as well as its role withing the current Total Force Policy.

"'At a recent National Governor's Association meeting, we too, wrestled with the issue of the future of the Guard. We understand the need to realign our force structure due to limited budget resources, but we also believe that the National Guard, with continued proper training and equipment, can enhance our rapid deployment capability.'

"... Throughout the conference, speakers noted the unstable state of the world.

"... Sen. Daniel K. lnouye, D-Hawaii, reminded the conferees that defense cuts after every conflict had become a norm .. citing the reductions after the Treaty of Paris was signed in 1784 and the Army was reduced to 80 men only to have the British burn the White House and sack the Capitol in 1812.

"... 'So we ask the question: What will we do now? Today, as the Soviet Union implodes ... will we again so sharply cut our defense spending that our Army is reduced to a handful of units which, as their predecessors did in 1941, will march around dusty parade grounds unappreciated, ill-equipped and unprepared?'"

Did You Know?

The new online NGAUSTravel service offers discount hotels, airfares and cruises while providing revenue to association operations.