Guam Guardsmen prepare for deployment

by Ken Quintanilla

Guam - Close to 600 soldiers from the Guam National Guard prepare for deployment late next month. And with it being the biggest contingent ever deployed from Guam, it does have this affects the workforce on island.

Adjutant General Benny Paulino says close to 600 soldiers from the 1-294th Infantry Regiment will be deployed late next month.  "It's the most ever number of soldiers that a guard or reserve contingent deployed from Guam," he said.

He says the soldiers will be on active duty starting February 27 and leave Guam to Camp Shelby in Mississippi shortly thereafter where they will spend two months before heading to Afghanistan for about a nine-month tour of duty. "it says a lot of things about our guard reserve units here on Guam," he added. "It says we've come a long way, we've matured, our organizations recognized when called upon to do our mission, they're qualified and fit and can be counted upon."

And while the Guam National Guard enjoys a wide representation of the community from the private and public sector to the federal government and those right out of high school, this deployment, as others, is bound to affect the workforce on island. "For this particular unit that is deploying the largest employment sector is from the private sector," said the general. "Approximately 32 percent of our members a are coming from the private sector."

He adds about 20 percent of those being deployed are from the federal government whereas over 19 percent are from the Government of Guam, or 108 soldiers. Of that count, the Department of Education has the most soldiers set to be deployed with 20.3 percent, however, not all of that count are teachers. Next in line is the Guam Police Department, representing 15.7 percent followed by Guam Fire Department and the Port Authority both with 7.4% and the airport and Department of Corrections representing 6.4 percent.

Meanwhile, he adds of the 600, about 24 percent are unemployed- many of whom just graduated from high school. "And for this deployment it's good news for them, they have some tremendous opportunity to earn some money and at the same time serve their country," said Paulino.

The governor's chief of staff Frank Arriola meanwhile says while there will be an impact to government operations, the directors have been preparing for this adding "What's really important is that we support our troops, pray for them, and take care of their families while they are away defending our freedom." Paulino adds the Guard has known of the deployment for 17 months now and has been preparing not only the soldiers, but family members in the past weeks.