National Guard and the U.S. Border

Now that it's a political football and has become clear that any use of the Guard will be in a support role... how effective will it be? Any teeth that the ARNG would bring have been knocked out.

It would be an outstanding training opportunity. Combat support elements would get pushed to the front and flex their muscle. Just a few ideas

• GSR (ground survelliance radar)
• UAV coverage
• MP units could process personnel in mass numbers.
• Medics tend to injured or dehydrated.
• MI units get thier interrogators to develop information. Overlays and markers?
• Signal elements to ensure comms are up and running, between units and civ/fed LE.
• BlueForce trackers - because it's a great asset even outside of a combat zone
• Mechanics for wheeled vehicles
• Infantry and Cav Scouts - LP/OP's

It's about two Brigade Combat Teams worth of bodies. Roll it up into a task force and move out.

But, sadly, what will more likely be the case is that units and personnel will be handed out piece meal and any real punch will be lost. I'll tell you why: It's the politics of the issue. It's appeasing those who don't have the stomach for direct action. It's making nice with Mexico. It's about an election year.

But, then again, what do I know? I'm just an infantry sergeant, in the Guard. I'll still volunteer for it.