Announcement that the president is ordering 1,200 National Guard troops “to boost security along the U.S.-Mexico border” received heavy front-page treatment yesterday with headlines such as “Obama Reinforces Border,” observes Grumpy Editor.
Some readers undoubtedly envisioned rifle-toting, steel-helmeted troops soon patrolling 24 hours a day in efforts to plug the porous border and nail drug carriers and illegal entrants.
Not so, however.
Most editors, not seeking solid details, went along with the basic White House announcement.
But it caught the attention of Sen. John McCain (R., Ariz.). From the Senate floor he declared the presidential order was “clearly a PR stunt,” pointing out the troops will have desk jobs.
Sure enough. The troops will not act in a law-enforcement capacity.
Their tasks will be to work on intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support, analysis and training.
The National Guard will --- for an undetermined period --- supplement the Border Patrol and Customs until additional agents are recruited and trained for the vast border that extends from California through Arizona and New Mexico to Texas.
“A military official said details were still being worked out on the troops’ orders and destinations, adding that the timing of their deployment was not yet clear,” according to Associated Press.
Also there was no indication on types of National Guard units to be called up and their home states.
In other words, no official input on who, when or where.
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