The Marine Corps' top general says Trump's deployments to US-Mexico border are hurting combat readiness
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U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Cutler Brice
Marines fortify the Arizona-Mexico border with concertina wire near the San Luis II Port of Entry, November 21, 2018.
President Donald Trump's decision to send troops to the southern border and funding transfers following the declaration of a national emergency pose an "unacceptable risk to Marine Corps combat readiness and solvency," the Marine Corps commandant warned this week.
An internal memo sent this week by Marine Corps Gen. Robert Neller to Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer and Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan listed "unplanned/unbudgeted southwest border operations" and "border security funding transfers" alongside Hurricanes Florence and Michael as "negative factors" putting readiness at risk, the Los Angeles Times first reported.REUTERS/Mike Blake
US Marines deploy concertina wire at the US-Mexico border in preparation for the arrival of a caravan of migrants at the San Ysidro border crossing in San Diego, California, November 15, 2018.
Neller further argued that cancellations or reduced participation would hurt the Corps' ties to US allies and partners at a critical time.
Border security is listed among several factors, such as new housing allowances and civilian pay raises, that could trigger a budget shortfall for the Marine Corps, but it is noteworthy that the commandant identified a presidential priority as a detriment to the service.In a separate memo, Neller explained that the Marines are currently short $1.3 billion for hurricane recovery operations."The hurricane season is only three months away, and we have Marines, Sailors, and civilians working in compromised structures," he wrote.
U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Isaiah Gomez Marines help push a car out of a flooded area during Hurricane Florence, at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Sept. 15, 2018.
Congress voted last week to cancel Trump's national emergency, but the president quickly vetoed the legislation.
Critics have argued that the president's deployment of active-duty troops to the border, as well as plans to cut funding for military projects, are unnecessary and will harm military readiness.
In October, more than 5,000 active-duty troops joined the more than 2,000 National Guard troops already at the southern border.Copyright © 2021. Times Internet Limited. All rights reserved.For reprint rights. Times Syndication Service.
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