The Defense Department is taking a look at the roles of the National Guard and reserve components. Defense Secretary Robert Gates says he’s been concerned about the Guard and reserves since he took office in 2006. He says the National Guard has always been a strategic reserve – designed to help out during natural disasters or national crises. Instead, he says they found themselves being trained for 15 months in the field. Now, DOD is reconsidering the appropriate roles for the Guard and reserve. Gates made his comments during his final trip to Afghanistan as Defense Secretary.

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