WASHINGTON - Congressman Zach Wamp today sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, questioning the equipment provided for the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment of the Tennessee Army National Guard.
"The brave men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan deserve the best we can provide," he said.
Rep. Wamp asked if National Guard units were less well equipped than regular Army units.
Here is his letter:
December 9, 2004
The Honorable Donald H. Rumsfeld
Secretary of Defense
1000 Defense Pentagon
Washington, DC 20301-1000
Dear Mr. Secretary:
Your visit to Camp Buehring demonstrated your pride in our men and women in uniform and your dedication to your job. Soldiers from the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment of the Tennessee Army National Guard, many of whom live in my district, raised some serious questions during a question and answer session. I appreciate your willingness to listen to their questions.
A soldier from the 278th raised a question about the availability of armored HMMWVs for his unit. The administration has added $1.2 billion for armored vehicles to the defense budget since the first supplemental appropriations bill in the fall of 2003. In light of this, it was puzzling for me to learn that some members of the 278th were digging through a local landfill for pieces of scrap metal for vehicle armor.
I am also troubled that some members of the 278th perceive the National Guard to be taking "a back seat" to the regular Army units when it comes to receiving the equipment needed to perform its duties. Please provide any policy paper or explanation as to how these priorities are established.
The brave men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan deserve the best we can provide. We have a solemn obligation to deliver these soldiers the tools they need to protect our nation and defeat the terrorist and insurgents abroad. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I am committed to helping you secure the funding and resources needed to provide our fighting forces with the most sophisticated equipment in the world.
Your commitment to these soldiers has been exceptional. Thank you for your outstanding service to our nation. I look forward to your response.
Warmest regards,
Zach Wamp
Member of Congress