As much as I relish pointing out when rightwing bloggers slip their moorings when it comes to things military, I can’t ignore it when the leftwing does the same:
Do you remember when, in the first couple of weeks after the WTC attacks, the airports were filled with National Guard bearing automatic rifles?
They weren’t issued ammunition.
It would have been dangerous and pointless to do so.
This is an example of “security theater,” the use of an apparent, but ineffective security measure. It’s an example of good security theater, because it reassured people without endangering or inconveniencing them.
As many of you know I am a member of the New York State Army National Guard who, for approximately three years, has served on State Active Duty (meaning that beyond the advertised one weekend a month and two weeks annual training, I show up for work everyday in uniform, although not under Title 10*). The Title 32 task force I work with was formed in response to September 11th and many of the people I work with have been here since those early days. I can tell you unequivocally that our State’s National Guard had ammunition right from the start at the Airports as well as other locations.
Jay Ackroyd, latest addition to the continually watered down Atrio’s Eschaton**, provides no link to clarify which State’s National Guard he’s referring to, but that’s besides the point. I’m taken aback that it would be anymore “dangerous and pointless” for National Guard troops carry ammunition in the weeks after 9/11 than it would be on any day in the nearly seven years since that time–as we have. Oh, but that’s right, we’re just security theater.
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*More about Title Ten & Thirty two:
The primary statutes governing the activation of the National Guard fall under Title 10 and Title 32 of the U.S. Code. Guardsmen are called up to active duty under Title 10 for national service in missions funded by the federal government. They serve under the command of the National Command Authority (the President and Secretary of Defense) and receive all of the rights and benefits of active national service. Guard units activated for Title 32 missions, on the other hand, come under the command of the state governor. Additionally, Section 502(f) of Title 32 allows the National Guard to be called up for federal service while remaining under the control of the governor. These missions are funded by the federal government but, depending on the type of activation, may or may not receive many of the benefits of national service.
**Duncan Black happens to be one of my favorite bloggers. I understand the man needs a break ever once in a while But Atrio’s Eschaton has become a bit crowded for my taste as of late.
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