CASE NOT MADE TO TRIM GUARD, RESERVE UNITS

America's National Guard and reserve units played a courageous role in Operation Desert Storm. Now, as the troops begin their return to the United States, soldiers will be greeted by some disturbing news: about 25 percent of the armed forces will be deactivated under Defense Secretary Dick Cheney's plans to reduce military spending.

He's talking of cutting the force back from 28 divisions (10 guard and reserve and 18 active) to just 18 total divisions (12 active and six reserve divisions).

The plan doesn't make a lot of sense - especially in the wake of Desert Storm.

With a shrinking "regular" military, the United States places a greater reliance on the National Guard and reserve troops. In turn, these units proved their battle readiness. Without the current caliber or numbers of guard and reserves, most experts agree that Desert Storm would have been impossible to pull off.

Nationally, about 200,000 guardsmen and reservists were activated to serve in the gulf. About 1,300 Missouri National Guardsmen were activated, of which 800 to 900 are still in the Middle East.

So why should the administration tinker with a successful formula? The administration is trying to get a handle on the skyrocketing deficit. But if America assumes the role of world watchdog, a strong defense will remain imperative. Certainly, the guard and reserves are more cost effective than regular troops.

Cheney's plan would result in the deactivation of about 2,300 Missouri Guardsmen, and more than 150 full-time personnel jobs. Twenty-one units in 19 communities would be affected, including a number in Southeast Missouri.

The loss of the units would deal a blow to the state's economy and the local economies of cities, such as Cape Girardeau, where guard units are now based. It's estimated annual losses in Missouri communities would exceed $20 million.

Wars are few and far between. But National Guardsmen have much to keep them busy. Missourians count on the guard in times of natural disaster such as floods, tornadoes, earthquakes and even blizzards. Over the past 58 years, the Missouri Guard has been called out 118 times to assist in emergencies.

Operation Desert Storm proved the effectiveness of the National Guard and reserves in time of war. It's ironic Secretary Cheney wants to cut these troops even as he talks of a strong defense. Up to now, the administration has simply not made its case for eliminating guard units. This strategy needs to be reworked.