A major deployment of the Wisconsin National Guard next year is not expected to hurt the state's disaster readiness.
Wisconsin National Guard Adjutant General Don Dunbar says the state is prepared for a major deployment next year, which will see the entire 32nd Infantry Brigade deployed as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The unit represents about 3,500 guard members. Along with that deployment, Dunbar anticipates nearly 40-percent of Wisconsin's National Guard troops will be overseas next year.
However, Dunbar is confident the state will remain ready to act if disaster strikes at home. He says the forces left behind are more than sufficient to provide the support the state needs in an emergency situation.
The Wisconsin National Guard frequently helps during emergencies, such as the flooding that hit the state in June. Despite the planned deployment, Dunbar says we have the resources needed to carry on any mission here at home.
Wisconsin has about 10,000 National Guard troops.