[Bernard]

When a Guard unit is activated, how much time do the personnel get to report?

When Guard personnel report to base or some other control point, how long does it take to secure and mobilize equipment, supplies and plans?

Who is in charge of the National Guard, and why?

If you don't know the answers, perhaps you should investigate and then reconsider your post.

[alancarp]

IMHO, the Governors should have had their Guard troops on standby as of Saturday, particularly once N.O. became the definitive storm target and the magnitude of the storm was clear.

I'll also opine a little further: on Monday morning, people starting reporting an unbelieveable statement over and over again: "New Orleans has dodged a bullet." That when the storm was still raging in the area! My belief is that these reports allowed the authorities to rock back on their heels and breathe a sigh of relief -- which lasted another 1-2 days before the magnitude of the disaster fully hit them.