PRESIDENT Barrack Obama’s recent announcement that troops will begin pulling out from Afghanistan this summer won’t affect the Guam National Guard’s preparations to deploy about 600 soldiers to Afghanistan.
The Variety spoke to Guam National Guard Adjutant Gen. Benny Paulino about the troop removal.
Paulino said he didn’t have a chance to hear the president’s speech nor has he received any word from headquarters about the withdrawal of troops. With that in mind, Paulino said he will continue with training preparations.
Paulino noted the full exodus of U.S. troops will continue through 2014 and won’t affect the GUANG’s deployment timetable.
“We are scheduled to deploy early next year. It could be January, February or even March and we’re going to be there a year. So by the time we get there and get back, there’s still going to be another 10 months before all the troops are out,” he said.
Meanwhile, there are currently 130 airmen deployed in Afghanistan and they are expected to return later this year. The airmen are only deployed for up to six months.
GUNG spokesman Capt. Ken Ola said the security force advisory team comprised of about 10 who will deploy this summer for training will be in Afghanistan before the fall.
“The big group, which is the first 294th Infantry along with Foxtrot Company, is anticipated to deploy sometime early next year,” Ola said, referring to some 600 soldiers who will be deployed for at least one year.
