In recent years, the United States has been involved in numerous military conflicts around the world. Many of these conflicts have been controversial, with some people arguing that they were unnecessary and costly. As a result, there has been a growing movement to pass “Defend the Guard” legislation, which would prohibit National Guard units from being deployed overseas for combat without a formal declaration of war as outlined in the US Constitution.
First and foremost, passing Defend the Guard legislation would help to restore the balance of power between Congress and the President when it comes to decisions regarding the use of military force. The US Constitution clearly states that only Congress has the power to declare war, yet in recent years, Presidents have frequently used military force without congressional approval. This has led to a situation where the executive branch has far too much power when it comes to military decisions. By requiring a formal declaration of war before National Guard units can be deployed, Defend the Guard legislation would help to restore Congress’s rightful authority and duty in this area.
Passing Defend the Guard legislation would also help to ensure that military conflicts are only entered into when they are truly necessary. In recent years, the United States has been involved in a number of conflicts that many people believe were not necessary or were based on false pretenses. By requiring a formal declaration of war before National Guard units can be deployed, Defend the Guard legislation would help to ensure that the decision to go to war is not made lightly.
Defend the Guard legislation would help to protect the lives of National Guard members. When National Guard units are deployed overseas for combat, they are often put in harm’s way and can face serious injury or even death. These guardsmen and women are also unavailable to their state in the event of a natural disaster. By requiring a formal declaration of war before deployment, Defend the Guard would ensure that National Guard members are only put in harm’s way and taken from their state when it is absolutely necessary.
Finally, passing Defend the Guard legislation would help to reduce the financial cost of military conflicts. The United States has spent trillions of dollars on military conflicts in recent years, with much of that money going towards deployments of National Guard units. Defend the Guard would help to ensure that the United States is not engaging in unnecessary military conflicts that drain the country’s resources without Congress doing its duty to pass a declaration of war.