WASHINGTON – Amid alerts that sequestration could severely impact U.S. troops overseas, former national defense experts said the corresponding massive budget cuts will also hurt the National Guard – the oldest military force in the U.S. history.
At a discussion Tuesday at the conservative Heritage Foundation, former Assistant Defense Secretary for Homeland Defense Paul McHale, along with retired Lt. Gen. Steven Blum, former deputy commander of the U.S. Northern Command, said the across-the-board budget cuts would jeopardize the National Guard’s domestic readiness, and is an “irresponsible approach” to U.S. national security.
As mandated by the Budget Control Act Congress passed last year, federal spending is set to be reduced by more than $1.2-trillion starting in January if Congress does not act to stop the reductions before the November lame duck session. Among those cuts, more than $500 billion will hit the Department of Defense’s budget.
McHale warned that while sequestration will have the most direct impact on the military as more than 200,000 troops will be reduced, the National Guard, which serves beyond back-up combat duties, cannot avoid cuts to its “operational capabilities.”
McHale said the National Guard is the most frequently deployed force in domestic emergencies. Though governed by each state, it is funded by the Defense Department. He said the cuts in funding could result in less trained and equipped personnel, and longer response periods.
Lt. Gen. Blum, who served as former National Guard Bureau chief, said with a shrinking budget, the “inter-dependable” relationships with the military will also suffer as the Army may need to transfer its funding to the National Guard, and may have to cover some of the domestic duties.
“It’s very likely that 20,000 National Guard troops will be cut,” McHale warned.
Blum argued that even if personnel reductions can be avoided, the National Guard’s capability is under risk because the Pentagon will cut funding to other things such as equipment and facilities.
Both McHale and Blum agreed that while drawdown in the personnel is “inevitable and necessary,” the leadership needs to find smart ways to cut other than simply slashing troops with little distinction.
McHale said it is crucial for the National Guard to keep 70 percent of its personnel in the active component and 30 percent as reserved, adding that it is extremely important to retain the reserve force to avoid a “pure muscle and bone” situation.
Blum added that with little time remaining before the election, Congress has to make the tough decision as soon as possible.
“If you have to lose 18 pounds, you can change your diet and exercise, or simply cut off your head.” Blum said.