Florida National Guard Will "Push Back" if the U.S. Army Demands More Equipment for Wars Overseas

May 29, 2007 (LPAC)--In a letter drafted in April, but never sent, Florida National Guard Maj. Gen. Doug Burnett wrote to his commanders that the U.S. Army was "adamant" that the Guard provide more gear and equipment to be sent to training stations and perhaps overseas. "WE WILL NOT do that and I ask each of you to keep me informed when requests for our equipment arise," wrote Burnett, according to the St. Petersburg Times of May 25.

The paper received a copy of the letter through a public records request. In interviews with the Guard, the Times reports that the Guard knows that it cannot legally refuse an Army demand, but that it will resort to political pressure through the state's Governor, Charlie Crist, or the state's congressional delegation. Burnett's letter continues, "It remains evident that Congress does not have the complete picture from the Army concerning... equipment needed for the National Guard."

LPAC has reported how diversion of National Guard equipment into Iraq, has left state units unprepared for disasters and other emergencies ().