The National Guard and Challenges of 21st Century Defense.
Abstract
America's National Guard has been an integral part of her defense for over 360 years. Coming into its own by law and extensive use during the 20th century, it now stands on the threshold of the 21st struggling again for its survival and the right to be a full partner with the Regular Army. Questioning its relevance in the modern concept of short, high-tech wars envisioned by the Army, the large combat formations remaining in the Guard, particularly its 8 divisions, are seen as too big, too hard to train, and too long to deploy to be of any use in projected war plans. This assertion, despite the huge increase in commitments of a drawn-down Army and the warnings of responsible authorities within and outside the military, is the crux of the debate now raging over the Guard's future. The premise of this paper is that America cannot afford to cut the National Guard combat capability. A sufficiently large and well-equipped combat reserve is necessary to counter threats to our national security and interests. While a smaller, high-tech Regular Army is postulated as the force of the future and able to handle any eventuality; what if it's not?
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 24, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA346393
Entities
People
- Shelby K. Little
Organizations
- United States Army War College