Alaska National Guard Hit "Crisis Level"

[RamboLiberal]

Source: CBS News/AP

CBS/AP) The Alaska National Guard, which Republicans are pointing to as an important national-security credential for vice presidential choice Sarah Palin, has personnel shortages that make its aviation units the most poorly staffed in the nation.

Just six months ago, Air Force Maj. Gen. Craig Campbell, the Alaska Guard's top officer, warned in an internal memo that "missions are at risk." The lack of qualified airmen, Campbell said, "has reached a crisis level."

The situation has improved since the March 1 memo was written, Campbell said Wednesday in a telephone interview with The Associated Press - but not enough to eliminate his concern that shortages will result in the "burnout" of troops the Guard already has. That could result in missions and equipment being moved out of Alaska.

Campbell installed a new policy that could stop officers from advancing unless they show success at bringing in new members and retaining existing troops.

Campbell is due to receive a third star on Sunday - a promotion approved by Palin, who has authority over the Alaska National Guard. He described Palin as very supportive of the Guard, but said she gives him latitude to manage the force. Governors typically do not have a direct role in day-to-day operations.


Read more: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/09/04/national/main4414482.shtml

[SpiralHawk]

1. Typical republicon 'leadership'

FAIL.

Why do republicons HATE our National Guard?

[roguevalley]

12. the prison system up here is in the same mess.

[kestrel91316]

2. Monkeywrenching the military so it can be privatized?

Well, if that's what she's doing, it figures. That's all Republicans seem capable of doing.

[Ian David]

3. This is why 400 Germans were able to land undetected in Barrow, Alaska.

Sarah Palin allowed 400 Germans to land undetected in Barrow, Alaska
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=6901754&mesg_id=6901754

[GoddessOfGuinness]

4. It's because of the damn wolves and the polar bears!

We need more aereal hunting! We need more global warming!

[Winterblues]

5. WOW.. Had to put into place a policy to stop officers advancement

if they didn't bring in more troops, because of the huge troop shortfall under his command and yet he is getting a third star. I guess hypocrisy is just a basic staple in Republican leadership..

[sutz12]

10. Heckuva Job, Craig--boy!

:)

[Doremus]

6. She "gives him latitude to manage the force"

My my, what a magnanimous governor. Just goes and gives the general command of the troops.

:rofl:
:rofl:
:rofl:

[Doctor_J]

7. Just like what Smirk has done to the US military

more of the same

[jmowreader]

8. She turned the Alaska National Guard into Amway?

According to what I read, officers in the Alaska National Guard can't get promoted unless they recruit and retain. How, exactly, does this differ from the "downline building" activity Amway requires of its leadership?

[Alexander]

9. K&R. Sarah Palin is a joke.

[Vinca]

11. Wonder how fast that third star will be withdrawn. nt