Guard Leaders Say Policies Must Change

[DoYouEverWonder]

The D word was also mentioned.


July 19, 2006, 8:03 PM EDT

SAN ANTONIO -- The nation's laws and policies aren't changing fast enough to reflect the increasing demands on citizen soldiers, top commanders of the National Guard and reserves told an independent commission Wednesday.

"I think we're not changing and shaping our forces for the threats that are out there today," said Vice Admiral John Cotton, chief of the Navy Reserve.

The 13-member Commission on the National Guard and Reserves was formed by Congress to investigate how well the units are equipped and organized. It began a yearlong review in March to address needs for future roles and missions.

Lt. Gen. Craig McKinley, director of the Air National Guard, raised the possibility of a draft if needs are not met.

"What is the cost if we don't support our Guard and Reserve?" McKinley said during discussions about funding. "I believe it would be a debate over conscription."

http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/nation/wire/sns-ap-national-guard-hearing,0,6305692.story?coll=sns-ap-nation-headlines