Proposed Apache cuts worry former Guard leader

[unhappycamper]

http://hamptonroads.com/2014/03/proposed-apache-cuts-worry-former-guard-leader



This photo released by the U.S Army National Guard shows an AH-64D Apache Longbow with the South Carolina Army National Guard releasing flares during a test over Camp Tajo, Iraq, October 8, 2011.

Proposed Apache cuts worry former Guard leader
By Susanne M. Schafer
The Associated Press
© March 16, 2014

COLUMBIA, S.C.

A Pentagon budget plan to take Army National Guard Apache attack helicopters from America's citizen-soldiers doesn't sit well with the South Carolina general who commanded an Apache battalion and flew the fearsome choppers for 1,500 hours during his 37-year career.

"It could be problematic for the U.S. Army as a whole. You are losing upward of 20 years of experience that we, the nation, need," said Maj. Gen. Les Eisner, who retired from his post as the state's No. 2 military commander on March 5.

The South Carolina AH-64's have deployed to Bosnia, Kuwait, and twice to Iraq. The 60-year-old former general said the unit has proven itself in battle, and has done it as a far cheaper alternative than full-time units in the active duty Army.

The move would strip about 200 choppers from National Guard units in eight states: South and North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Utah, Idaho, Arizona and Texas. Eisner said the decision also would affect logistic hubs for the aircraft in California, Connecticut, Missouri and Mississippi.