May 19, 2006 - According to Lieutenant General H Steven Blum, National Guard Bureau chief, the Guard can meet its overseas obligations, respond to domestic crises and still perform a new role at the country's border with Mexico.
The briefing followed President Bush's primetime border security speech Monday, where he said the country must first secure its borders with the help of some 6,000 National Guard personnel.
Today, Lieutenant General Blum explained that the Guard will operate under Title 32 duty - funded by the federal government, but, under command of border state governors. The border missions would likely be part of Guard annual training (AT).
According to a press briefing today on Fox News, the President indicated that he wants security enhanced with high-tech fencing around urban areas, new patrol roads, motion sensors and other technological advances, all of which could be achieved using the National Guard.
Other news reports indicated that President Bush has proposed to double the number of Border Patrol personnel by the end of 2008.
Homeland Security Secretary Chertoff stated that the goal in the enhanced border security program is not "arrest and remove" but to deter illegal immigration through regulation and tracking of those who cross the border. Secretary Chertoff also wants to alleviate the pressure on Border Patrol officials.
Apparently the National Guard's mission will include surveillance and reconnaissance, engineering support, transportation support, logistics support, vehicle dismantling, medical support, barrier and infrastructure construction, road building and linguistics support. President Bush reiterated in the press briefing that the Guard will probably not be involved in apprehensions and pro-active law enforcement measures.
The President's plan has become a little clearer that what was first unveiled during the President's primetime border security speech. President Bush must have listened to the criticism that hit the airwaves and blogosphere after the primetime conference and has since enhanced his plan.
One can only hope that the use of the National Guard as outlined above will help with the problems on the U.S. - Mexico border.
Bosun's suggestion: Please visit Big Dogs Weblog for a very interesting illegal smuggling story about a concerned citizen's report that allowed police to stop a truck sneaking 91 Illegals into the country..... El Sneako In The El Trucko Open Trackback
Technorati tags: NGAUS, National Guard, Border Contriol , President Bush, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, Smuggling, Homeland Security, Border Security, Title 32 Mission
2 comments:
Pulius,
I am not a kool-aide drinker on this. I am simply putting out what Lt Gen Blum said. Sounds to me that these NG are going to be in support roles. They can install hardware and electronics and provide some LP support. Deputized citizens and Minutemen should be part of the plan, too. That would be more successful.
You must have had to deploy security personnel in the past and support watch sections by catching on to the 24/7 and personnel manning problems. The president's plan is not the best. But, perhaps it is a start.
Thank you for your comments. Very well thought out and too the point.
Respectfully,
Bosun
Dear Bos'un,
Publius is a good person. Very polite and to the point. :)
I do not trust this, because after one or two years this is not going to be the case.
If they are going to send any kind of Military mission, do not tie guns behind their back!!!
I'm sick to death of this crap. Mexico has one heluva nerve. Come on, baby, sue this! (I'm pointing to something that isn't that nice. lol)
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