This is a printer friendly version of an article from www.thedailytimes.com
To print this article open the file menu and choose Print.
Article published May 16, 2008 Army Guard: 278th to be fully supplied before next activation
By Robert Norris of The Daily Times Staff
The 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment will be completely supplied before reactivation despite $252 million in equipment shortages following Iraq duty in 2004-2005, according to a Tennessee National Guard spokesman.
The Knoxville-headquartered unit that was put on alert this week includes the Howitzer Battery, 1st Squadron, stationed at the Maryville Armory on West Lamar Alexander Parkway.
"They're going to be equipped, there's no question," Sgt. 1st Class Randy Harris, director of the Tennessee National Guard Joint Public Affairs Office, said Thursday.
The 278th left $252 million worth of equipment in Iraq after its last deployment, but that is being replaced with equipment that is either new or reconditioned, said Harris, who indicated the resupply is largely complete.
"The DA (Department of the Army) has a plan to replace that equipment and has done an excellent job."
The regiment is still waiting on a couple of items, according to Harris.
"They're still short some night-vision glasses and Humvees."
Lee Pitts, press secretary for U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, said additional funding has been approved to equip the Tennessee National Guard.
"Sen. Alexander wants Congress to do everything possible to be sure these men and women in uniform, like Tennessee's 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, are given what they need to complete their mission quickly and safely.
"Last year he secured almost $35 million for the Tennessee National Guard above and beyond the standard Defense Department funding, and he wants to build on that progress with even more support and better equipment for our Guard.
"The senator appreciates the tremendous sacrifice our troops are making and is working to put us on a path toward an honorable and successful conclusion to our military engagements in the Middle East," Lee said.
The 278th, the largest military unit in the state with about 4,000 personnel, could return to Iraq by 2010, according to military officials.
Harris said procedures have changed since the last activation to allow more time to prepare between an alert and a deployment.
"It gives us a chance to take care of administrative and operational issues," Harris said. "It just gives them time to prepare."
The alert mandates heightened preparation requirements, including more paperwork for documentation, to help ensure the unit is ready for active duty, according to Harris.
"These folks (the National Guard), do this two days a month. The rest of the time they're civilians. The regular Army does this 30-31 days a month, but the (Guard) trains to the same standards."
The earlier the alert, the more time for training.
"I think we owe them that -- as much time as we can give them," Harris said.
When asked if the alert also served to get citizen soldiers into a mind-set for active duty, Harris replied, "I'm sure."