Cutting Guard is not in Tennessee or Nation's Interest
By: U.S. Congressman Lincoln Davis

n the past week we have learned the Pentagon is considering reducing the strength of Army and Air National Guard units in an effort to "rebalance the mix" of brigades to deal effectively with an overseas operational mission and homeland defense.

The plan, which would cut about 4,000 positions in the Tennessee National Guard, would greatly reduce our state's ability to react to crises. As the largest Tennessee Guard unit, the East Tennessee based 278th Regimental Combat Team could see a considerable cut in its forces.

The Tennessee National Guard has been at the forefront of the war in Iraq and largest domestic operation in our nation's history.

Late last year roughly 3,200 Guard members assigned to the 278th came home after a year in Iraq in support of the Administration's goal of rebuilding a nation. Hundreds remain in Iraq and Afghanistan, and another 200-300 more will be deployed overseas in the near future.

After Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast and New Orleans last summer, displacing hundreds of thousands of people, Governor Bredesen rightfully activated 1,300 Guard members to assist with the abundant problems.

There is no doubt we will continue to absorb the shock of natural disasters. The Guard's specialized training and ability to act quickly are stark examples of their importance in aiding in domestic crises. With the heavy rotation of Guard units in Iraq, the growing threat of a nuclear Iran, and continued terrorist threats, they will be in constant demand.

If the Pentagon is planning to modernize the military, doing it at the expense of the National Guard would be ill advised and detrimental not only to Tennessee but to America. As the National Governors Association noted in a letter to Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld: "We need more guard troops at this time, not less."

In the coming days and weeks the Tennessee congressional delegation along with Governor Bredesen will be discussing ways to combat these possible cuts. In the meantime, I have written a letter to Secretary Rumsfeld expressing my objection to these proposed cuts.

Lincoln Davis represents the Fourth Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.