Connecticut National Guard falling short of recruiting goals

[Khephra]

HARTFORD, Conn. -- Facing more frequent and dangerous deployments, the Connecticut National Guard is having trouble recruiting and retaining guardsmen, with nearly a quarter of authorized positions going unfilled.

The Guard has 4,233 approved positions, but 1,024 were vacant according to a headcount last week, said Lt. Col. John Whitford, a Guard spokesman.

The problems are more serious in other categories. The Guard has only 190 junior officers this month out of 270 authorized positions.

The Guard was hoping to recruit 117 new members in the October-to-December period, but is less than halfway to that goal. Whitford said there is no way the Guard is going to reach the recruiting target by the end of the month.

http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/ny-bc-ct--guardshortage1221dec20,0,4070334.story?coll=ny-ap-regional-wire

[Bandit]

1. What a shocker!!!!!

I can't believe people aren't flocking to join the Guard. What with only having to serve weekends and two weeks a year in camp.What possibly could be the matter?

[Megahurtz]

2. Uh oh,

do I feel a little draft in the air?

[AwakeAtLast]

3. I'm cold, I think I just felt a "draft"! n/t

[TlalocW]

4. Why aren't republicans stepping up to fill the slots?

Hello? Republicans? Your country needs you!

<crickets chirping>

TlalocW

[BurgherHoldtheLies]

5. Correction: W-supporting Republicans 'come on down' to Iraq.

Also paging the W-supporting Democrats and Dixiecrats too...your table is ready.

[lastliberalintexas]

11. Bush Voters

You are correct- we must be more accurate with our language. Not red staters, not republicans, and "democrats" aren't automatically exempted. If you voted for Bush, sign up. No further questions need to be asked.


DRAFT BUSH VOTERS FIRST

[Candide]

6. But my repug boss says

CT is surpassing recruiting numbers. Not including his son, of course

[eardoc]

7. maybe Clear Channel will run free Guard recruiting commercials

c'mon. Everyone who cast a vote or who frigged a voting machine to help W. Get on down there and sign up.

[neverforget]

8. It's time for the fucking war mongers to put their ass where their mouth

is. But, they're just cowards like their beloved Chimp.

[Anakin Skywalker]

9. Duh! I Wonder F***ing Why?!

[FreeCajun]

10. Free tuiton and an amputation? Sign me up!