As a former member of the Kansas Army National Guard and the United States Army Reserve in the 1970s, I know that the Guard units are often equipped based upon their last mobilization and subsequent to active duty units.
For example, while the end of the Vietnam War was winding down, my unit (overall) had been activated to Fort Carson to replace a deployed unit. They returned with some upgraded equipment to replace equipment that was WWII vintage. The portion that was attached to the 5th Mech. unit and sent to southeast Asia, could bring little back in the way of major equipment.
Units not facing activation were not equipped with new equipment until all needs for ready reserve units were met.
The role of the Guard in stopping looters is not critically effected by what vintage of rifle they carry. Tents, though warn and old, still work for shelter.
The Governor got lazy in the spoken word and set people to thinking that somehow newer equipment might be a mollifier to a large scale disaster and it really is not.
When a tornado hits, so much is completely wiped out of reach for every person effected that no Guard activation, no FEMA team, no help from neighboring fire and police or charity can begin to fill the void without the element of time impacting the distress.
While a news and opinion forum sensitive to politicians' every statement and always ready to lambast them for it, it sometimes seems we are not focused on the true, underlying, human cost. That is unfortunate for our hearts are with you as well as our donations.
I was in Indiana yesterday and hear a Greensburg here is collecting resources to help their fellow Greensburg, Kansas countrymen.
Our prayers are with you.
THANK YOU SO MUCH.
You have done an excellent job of explaining the process by which National Guard units are supplied and equipped. Believe me, this was new information as far as I am concerned. I appreciate your overall tone so much because after I got back from a funeral in Bucklin, Kansas, I came home, sat down, and then heard a very upsetting noise. My kitchen window fell out and onto the ground. Why? I don’t know but it really raised my blood pressure for a few minutes.
I have now been to National Review’s online place and read an article by David Broyles. It appears that Gov. Kathleen S. used the word ‘hampered’ when referring to the National Guard’s readiness. I would not have used that word, myself. I think the arrival of the Guardsmen was timely; I probably expected better equipment because so many of us have tractors, pickups, chains, chainsaws, front loaders, rear loaders, etc. of our own. I will admit that my expectations may have been too high because I’ve now read your helpful and informative comments. Thanks, again, for those comments.
I still can’t get the Hutchinson News delivered. The carrier says there are too many nails and small bits of metal in the road. I’ll be better informed in a few days, I believe.