The war with Iraq and the ongoing fight against terrorism has hit
some states, including North Dakota, Utah and Alabama, hard. Those
states have seen 29 percent, 26 percent and 25 percent of their total
reservists and Guard members called up. Gannett News Service analysis
shows that 17 states and Puerto Rico have had 20 percent or more of
their Guard troops and reservists mobilized as of the end of February.
That's forcing state officials to scramble to fill their jobs. Many
local police and fire departments have large numbers of military
reservists. Beyond the effect on local communities, though, the call-ups
also could reduce the number of troops available to state authorities if
they need them to help with homeland security or natural disasters, such
as wildfires and floods.
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