I don't doubt that the ARNG is involved with border security, but I'll bet its to provide recon and intel for the BP and they have extremely strict rules of engagement.
Basically, we're the Minuteman Project writ large. I was involved with the heartland missions ISO Noble Eagle for two years, before coming over here. And remember what I said: It's nowhere near the tempo it needs to be...
You further said:
What about the purported connections between the smugglers and MS13 as well as AQ? What about the possibility (probability?) of WMD smuggling? The combination of drugs, illegals and terrorists is more than enough to undertake to build a militarized border, IMHO.
And I would agree.
Let's examine the border scenario. USBP can't handle the mission now. They have to have ARNG backup, or the Minutemen. That means a borderwall must be manned by more troops. Where are they going to come from? Many people have said, "use the units in Germany", but the units in Germany are going somewhere else.
My own opinion? There were three nations named as the Axis of Evil. We've checked one. The next one is in the gunsight. I suspect NCA would like to hit all three targets before 2009.
Just the 1st AD. But there are many more units available in FRG. Or heck, use the 1st of the 509th (airborne) and bring them home from Italy. There's mech INF and armor in ROK that is restricted in the event of combat by terrain considerations, anyway. Korea is light infantry territory. OR use units already stationed at Fort Hood or Fort Carson with Hood as the maintenance site. Probably won't need arty assets but the air slice would be critical.