I'm not clear how "militarization" is being defined by the Pres. or anyone else. Does anyone know?
By militarization, I understand that he meant the Guard will not be patroling with guns apprehending people. Their duty will be to do the support work to free up the border patrol who has the authority to do the policing. They will do the construction, engineering, surveillance management, technological equipment installation and handling and training. I expect they also will set up procedures for mounting offensives coordinating the use of the intelligence and technology.
They will be effective as the military in America is very effective.
Bush does not want to "scare" Vincente Fox and make him mad. If the Guard is not doing police work, it is none of the business of Fox what is done with our Guard. Not his business if the Guard was doing the policing but that is a more major effort and runs into official duties of border patrol and military.