Guard: 278th recoups lost equipment

May 20, 2008 08:55 am

— MARYVILLE, TN (AP) — The state's largest National Guard unit will be ready for a possible deployment despite a $252 million deficit in equipment shortages after their last tour in Iraq, officials said.
Tennessee National Guard spokesman Randy Harris says the Knoxville-based 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment was put on alert this week and will be equipped with supplies before reactivation.
"They're going to be equipped, there's no question," Harris said last week.
The unit left millions in Humvees, trucks, tanks, bulldozers and other equipment in Iraq after their tour in 2004-05. Harris said the state has been reimbursed for much of the lost equipment and the unit has been receiving new and reconditioned vehicles.
"The (Department of the Army) has a plan to replace that equipment and has done an excellent job," Harris said, but added the unit is still short of some night-vision glasses and Humvees.
The shortfall was so severe that Guard commander Maj. Gen. Gus Hargett said in 2006 that if there was an earthquake in West Tennessee, his troops would have to hitchhike. Gov. Phil Bredesen also expressed concern that the Guard was not adequately equipped for an emergency or natural disaster.
U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander helped secure an additional $35 million for the Tennessee National Guard, said his spokesman, Lee Pitts.
The 278th, the largest military unit in the state with about 4,000 personnel, could return to Iraq by 2010, according to military officials. The alert this week gives units a chance to train, check equipment and prepare in case they're called up.