Oklahoma Governor Sees Too Much Reliance On National Guard In War Effort

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Governor Brad Henry says he's concerned the Defense Department is relying too much on National Guard troops for military operations such as the war in Iraq.<br/><br/>Henry spoke

Thursday, February 1st 2007, 3:41 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Governor Brad Henry says he's concerned the Defense Department is relying too much on National Guard troops for military operations such as the war in Iraq.

Henry spoke at The Associated Press' legislative preview luncheon for reporters, editors and broadcasters a day after it was announced the 35-hundred member 45th Infantry Brigade could be sent to Iraq next year.

Henry says he's not second-guessing the president's decision that more troops are needed in Iraq and he says Oklahoma is doing its part in the war on terror.

But he says he and other governors are concerned the Defense Department is -- in effect -- reinstating the draft on the backs of National Guard Units across the country.

He says Guard members are citizen soldiers who usually sign up to respond to emergencies and not for extended tours in war zones.