Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/national-guard-underfunded-not-prepared-for-crises Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Transcript The stress of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars has hindered the National Guard's ability to respond to another attack, major natural disaster or other domestic crisis, a congressionally appointed commission said Thursday. Retired Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Arnold Punaro explains the problem. Read the Full Transcript Notice: Transcripts are machine and human generated and lightly edited for accuracy. They may contain errors. JUDY WOODRUFF: Since the attacks of 9/11, members of the U.S. National Guard have served in higher numbers, in more dangerous missions abroad and at home since any time after World War II.When soldiers enlist in the Guard, they commit themselves to one weekend of service a month, plus one month of training a year, while holding down civilian jobs. They also commit to be mobilized and to serve for extended periods of time when needed.The Guard's mission is twofold. They respond to domestic emergencies at the order of a governor or the president and fulfill both peacekeeping and war fighting abroad.Since 9/11, nearly 430,000 national guardsmen have been mobilized; almost half of those have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. In fact, in 2005, guardsmen made up more than 40 percent of U.S. troops in Iraq. And a guardsman was one of every six troops killed.Last month, the Defense Department announced plans to call up some National Guard members more frequently, even those who have already served two years, but, with a pledge, new service would last no more than one additional year.Some Guard members who already served in Iraq and Afghanistan have and will see duty there again. According to one report, 14,000 more guardsmen will be sent to Iraq next year.The frequent missions overseas have created tension at home, where the Guard traditionally responds to natural disasters and, after 9/11, helped provide security at airports and police the U.S. borders.In 2005, 50,000 National Guard members were mobilized after Hurricane Katrina. Some of Louisiana's National Guard couldn't help because they were already deployed in Iraq.Governors, including Oregon's Ted Kulongoski, says the wars have taken a toll on the Guard and on national security at home.GOV. TED KULONGOSKI (D), Oregon: It's a manpower issue. And I think, if we continue to use this what I would call sort of like a postage-stamp approach to it, by sticking this up and trying to plug all the holes, this is not good for the country. JUDY WOODRUFF: The problems created by heavy use of the National Guard are being studied by an independent panel created by Congress. The commission presented its interim report today. Retired Rear Admiral J. Stanton Thompson is a member.REAR ADM. J. STANTON THOMPSON (Ret.), Commission on the National Guard and Reserves: The National Guard will be, at least historically and we believe in the future, will be the first responders in uniform in these state events. JUDY WOODRUFF: Key among the critical findings: "The Department of Defense does not explicitly budget and program for civil or domestic support missions," for the National Guard; "the equipment readiness of the Army National Guard is unacceptable."And the report concluded the "'operational reserve,' meaning the Guard and Reserves, is not sustainable over time." The final report of the commission will be presented to Congress and the secretary of defense early next year.