Gates Addresses Guard Association

Hailing their recent contributions in the war on terror overseas and disaster relief at home, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates assured National Guard members he would continue to do all he can to ensure that they are "fully manned, fully trained and fully equipped." 
Speaking in Baltimore at the 130th conference of the National Guard Association of the United States, noted that the nominee to command the branch, Air Force Lt. Gen. Craig McKinley, would be the first four-star general to serve in that capacity. He also promised to address issues relating to the strain placed upon Guard members and their families by frequent deployments and the high operations tempo.