We can. Several challenges, however: first, they’re virtually all part-timers who can’t stay indefinitely; second, it takes a lot of money to maintain and pay them, and if the President doesn’t put them on Title 10 orders (feds pay), it all comes out of the state’s pocket; third, there just aren’t enough NG troops to property patrol and monitor an exclusion zone that’s (in Texas’ case) over 700 miles long.
Colonel, USAFR
I have to assume that if these state Govs were really that worried, they would take radical measures to protect their citizens. (and catch the attention of the Feds)
Does this mean their complaints to the Feds are just a political issue? Or are the dangers to their citizens imminent and real?
I have been reading and posting articles about Hezbollah fighters training the cartels (in the recent car bomb), how can this be ignored?
Obviously these governors know the feds will not help, so why not go radical, if this is as serious as it sounds, why not take volunteers, retired law enforcement, retired military, anyone who is qualified....and deputize them?
Would this be considered a provocation and cause more harm than good?
I am really interested in hearing what you (all) would do if you were a governor.
Good answer. I agree the Arizona National Guard would not be able to support an effort indefinately due to inherent operational expenses.
But as I’ve posted before, Govenor Brewer does have the option (according to AZ law) to call up volunteers from the unorganized militia (at no taxpayer expense), and use the Arizona National Guard to train, equip, and supervise them (minimal expense by using the same training funds already in the budget).
From there, the National Guard basically would serve as the engine to feed volunteers into brigades having national guardsmen as the cadre; thus, reviving a militia culture that has long been absent since the close of the Civil War: and that impact alone would be huge for national morale.
The AZ militia law is the best I’ve seen because it allows the govenor a lot of flexibility. In the end, the people of AZ have to do this, at least until a new administration recognizes their constitutional responsibilities, and provides the relief needed.
Us old retired guys would be happy to pick up and carry arms on a border stakeout. Heck, I know a lot of guys who’d do a stint for 3 hots and a cot.