Topeka — The Kansas National Guard will have about 800 soldiers in Iraq for the foreseeable future and equipment worn out in the war still isn't being replaced quickly enough, the Guard's commanding general says.
"More than anything, people need to understand that the current level of activity will be sustained for a long time," said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, state adjutant general. "Iraq is not the last conflict. There may be other spots.
"We have 800 going to Iraq. We'll have 800 going next year and will have 800 go forever. But we believe what we're doing is making a difference."
About 1,000 Kansas National Guard soldiers and airmen are deployed to Afghanistan, Iraq and the U.S.-Mexico border supporting federal efforts to stop illegal immigrants, weapons and drugs.
Last week, Bunting announced that a unit of the 35th Infantry Division based at Fort Leavenworth would deploy in the coming months for another round of peacekeeping in Kosovo.
That division was in Kosovo four years ago and spent some time in New Orleans in 2005 helping coordinate National Guard relief efforts following Hurricane Katrina.
"People think Kosovo is resolved, but it's not, and it's still a year away from home for people," Bunting said.
Another unit, the 35th Military Police, is heading to Iraq later this year, while two other units could be deployed late this year or in 2008.
Bunting said for many soldiers from Kansas who will be going to Iraq, it will be their second tour, and for some it will be their fourth.
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WilburM (anonymous) says…
Tod Bunting is a good guy, and a first-class leader of the KS National Guard, but when he says that "We'll have 800 troops [per year] going forever," he betrays exactly the problem with this foolish war -- no exit strategy, nothing beyond not not winning. This is simply inexcusable. How would it feel to have one of your children sent over there as part of a "forever" strategy, such as it is?
blue73harley (anonymous) says…
Seems to me that he is calling it like he sees it. The leader of the Ks. National Guard has no control over whether there is an exit strategy or not. And there needs to be one. I'm sick of seeing dead soldiers coming home while the Iraqis march in the streets protesting our presence. There can be no victory for a third party in the midst of a civil war.
oldgoof (anonymous) says…
Mission Accomplished.
75x55 (anonymous) says…
"and equipment worn out in the war still isn't being replaced quickly enough,"
OK - then I guess the BEST possible plan that visionary Democratic House majority can come up with is to.....
Cut military budget.
???