Texas National Guard soldier drowns trying to rescue migrants: sources

I agree with you 100%. Once I experienced my first ARTEP, and figured out the "game", I was a real PITA. My attitude was, "if you're saying my neck is on the line, then stay out of my way and let me do my job."

No one, and I mean NO ONE, should have been allowed in the water without flotation devices. I was never a lifeguard, but I know the havoc created by unskilled swimmers trying to cross a river. And this soldier's Platoon Leader, Company CO, Battalion CO, etc. should have known that, too.

This is not a proper function for National Guard soldiers, unless they have received the requisite training. What's that saying? "Poor planning = poor performance."

I agree, Abbott should be held accountable, with the rest of the chain of command.

I had the "opportunity" to participate in a half dozen Nuclear Surety Inspections when I was an ADA platoon leader in Germany. One of my "extra duties" was Augmentation Reserve Force Cdr, a high falutin' title for an Infantry Platoon Leader.

We had 4 hours to assemble, equip, and train 40 soldiers to act as a reserve force should our nearby Nike/Hercules battery be attacked. I always took the time to train my soldiers in infantry tactics, something they hadn't encountered since basic training.

I never saw it, but I heard what happened if a battery failed their NSI: the entire chain of command, up to Group Commander, was relieved on the spot. That's why the Deputy CG of 32nd AADCOM always attended the outbriefings.

One of the few highlights of my otherwise undistinguished military career occurred on my last ARF. I really got into it with the Evaluation Team Chief, who thought we should have arrived much earlier than we did. I told him I needed to train my soldiers in infantry small unit tactics due to their unfamiliarity.

He mentioned that in the outbriefing, which meant that was the worst he could come up with...lol, but I was pi$$ed. After the team left, the Deputy CG strode to the podium, pointed his finger at me and said, "LT NHN, I'll take that hit for you. Anytime you want to give your soldiers extra training, you have MY express permission."

Why not? He's been slow on the draw on most of his actions.

IMO, he could have vaulted himself into the top slot for the 2024 nomination by taking Biden on, early and often.

I'm not a Constitutional scholar, but what's happening now on the Border is perfect for application of the Tenth Amendment. The federal government has clearly abdicated its responsibility to protect our borders, and its citizens.

It's only right, and Constitutional, for Governors to step in the breach to fight off this invasion.

Irish Bob will never get my vote, while Abbott has been disappointing with a lack of sense of urgency on the issue.

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