Questions about how well equipped National Guard units across the country are to respond to domestic security issues or natural disasters have gotten increased attention since a huge tornado struck Greensburg on May 4.

The tornado offered a vivid example of why it’s important to keep National Guard units in strong operating condition, but it wasn’t the first time this issue had been raised by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius. Although some observers might have thought the Kansas governor was taking advantage of the tragedy to make political hay, it’s important to note that Sebelius has been discussing this issue since at least December 2005.

When she returned from a Thanksgiving trip to visit Kansas troops in Iraq, Sebelius brought with her a detailed list of the equipment that the 891st Engineer Battalion of the Kansas Army National Guard expected to leave behind when it returned home in December. Guard officials estimated at that time it would cost $21 million to get the Kansas unit back up to speed.

Little had been done to re-equip the unit before the Greensburg tornado hit. Although various emergency agencies responded wonderfully to the disaster, the Kansas National Guard was hampered by the fact that it has only about 40 percent of its normal equipment allocation because of items it left in Iraq. More heavy vehicles, such as Humvees, dump trucks and loaders, could have been put to good use if they had been available.

This matter is of concern not only to Sebelius but to governors across the nation, who also joined in a call to action. The May 4 tornado was devastating to Greensburg, but it could pale by comparison to other potential disasters in more-populated areas. It’s common practice for National Guard units to travel to other states to lend a hand, but current resources may be stretched dangerously thin. For instance, last week saw a foiled terrorist attack at Fort Dix, N.J., wildfires near Los Angeles and the season’s first tropical storm off the Georgia coast.

One of the common justifications given for sending U.S. troops to the Mideast is to fight terrorism there so we won’t have to fight it at home. That’s a great goal, but the United States still must be prepared for whatever natural or manmade crises arise on American soil. The National Guard is a key part of that response team and providing the units with adequate manpower and equipment must remain a national priority.