Commander In Chief of the National Guard
By ParaTed2k
@ParaTed2k (22940)
Sheboygan, Wisconsin
September 9, 2008 2:47pm CST
There is a soft spot in my heart for the National Guards off all 50 states. Could that be because I've been in the Guard of 3 states (Utah, Idaho and Wisconsin)? I've also trained with units in the National Guards of Ohio and Georgia. Could it be that most of the humanitarian missions I've been on were while I was a National Guardsmen?
Or is it more because I'm a Wisconsin Army National Guard Retiree?
Clinton and Palin both cited "Commander in Chief of the National Guard" as part of their experience
I have to wonder how much time a governor usually spends even thinking about National Guard issues. In other words... how much leadership experience does that amount to?
3 responses
@Taskr36 (13963)
• United States
10 Sep 08
I know Sarah Palin took the time to visit national guardsmen that were serving in Iraq as well as those in Kuwait and Germany. She wasn't running for office at the time and it wasn't heavily covered by the media. Now I know she's not planning or directing attacks over there, but at the very least I think was a great morale boost for troops and shows that she really does care about troops from her national guard. I wonder how many other governors show that much respect to their national guardsmen.
What have your own experiences been regarding governors and the national guardsmen?
1 person likes this
@flowerchilde (12529)
• United States
10 Sep 08
..say, that was very interesting.. By the response above this one, it makes sense that governors of hurricane, etc states would be more involved and visible.. It's also rather cool Governor Palin was visible when the cameras weren't rolling.. (Not that that is the aim of other governors!)
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
10 Sep 08
True, she did, and it obviously wasn't just a photo op or publicity stunt, since there weren't many of either. It does show care and concern for the Guardsmen of her state.
I was just a lowly NCO in company and battalian level units. To tell you the truth, I never once saw a Governor at any function, deployment call out or disaster area.
I'm sure governors do a lot as the commander in chief of the National Guard for their states, but you would probably have to either work for the governor or at the state National Guard headquarters to really know how much it translates to in terms of experience.
1 person likes this
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
9 Sep 08
He was on McCain's list of possible VPs for awhile and he has quite a bit of experience as Commander in Chief of our National Guard. I'm talking about Florida's Governor Charlie Christ. Since he regularly calls out the Guard in response to hurricanes and tropical storms he often speaks of their readiness, training and resources in glowing terms. As a resident of the state I can attest to our governor's judgement when it comes to calling out the Guard and placing them in strategic locations around the state so that aid can be delivered as quickly as possible. When Hurricane Wilma passed over my area a few years ago, National Guard units were in place in our tiny town within 30 minutes of the winds dieing down, handing out tarps, ice, bottled water and MRIs. They stayed for several days, until power was restored and businesses reopened and never lacked for supplies.
When I think about this position in political terms, I'm at a loss to recall any emergencies where Clinton or Palin actually activated the National Guard and directed them in any way.
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
10 Sep 08
True, the Gov. of Florida probabaly does have a lot more "commander in chief" experience than most states.
@Taskr36 (13963)
• United States
10 Sep 08
Charlie Christ has been a good governor. I was honestly amazed he got elected after what Jeb Bush did to this state, but he's done pretty well. I'm glad McCain didn't pick him because he'll likely win Florida anyway and I'd rather keep our governor for now.
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
10 Sep 08
Taskr, I have admired Gov. Christ since moving down here but right now I'm very concerned about his deal to purchase US Sugar and all of it's subsidiaries for the Everglades Restoration Project. Removing the largest employer in the Lake Okeechobee area will have a direct impact on the lives of over 2,000 residents of three counties and numerous other businesses that depend on the sugar industry for their livlihoods. I'm sure there's some kind of plan...they can't flood the cane fields all the way up to Glades County...and the citrus plant and railroad won't sit idle, but not knowing has been keeping folks in a state of semi-panic since July. I sure hope he doesn't let the inland folks down in favor of the coastal residents.
@flowerchilde (12529)
• United States
10 Sep 08
..say, that's a good question, thought I'd stop in and peruse any answers.. (Cuz tho I hate to admit it, I haven't a clue.)
