Troops Told Maintain Ready Posture

The National Guard's director is telling Delaware National Guard leaders they must maintain a ready posture despite federal budget cuts over the next decade.

Gen. Frank Grass told state Guard leaders Saturday that a federal budget deal in December provides some relief from automatic spending cuts approved by Congress. But the National Guard still expects to see its share of spending cuts.

A debate is ongoing over how to achieve spending reductions in the military while still maintaining a strong defense. One option could be to increase the side of the Guard and Reserve forces because they are less costly than full-time troops. But others foresee the National Guard shrinking significantly.

Grass said guardsmen need to focus on readiness, not budget debates.