Does Sarah Palin Control the Alaskan National Guard?

Question

McCain said, "She's the commander of the Alaska National Guard... She has been in charge, and she has had national security as one of her primary responsibilities."

But as far as government goes, governors are only chief in regard to state units; and this only applies when the units are *not* involved in service. When units are deployed, they fall under the power of the federal government; thus they get their orders from the Department of Defense, not their governor. Also, "Alaska's national guard units have a total of about 4,200 personell, among the smallest of state guard organizations."

Did McCain mix up his facts or was he going somewhere else with that statement, and if so, what did he mean?

Answer 1

Yes Palin is the Commander of the Alaskan NG. Just because some of those soldiers are deployed doesn't mean she is not still the Commander of the Alaskan NG>

Love the thumbs down because I answer with fact. lol. Have to love liberals...

Answer 2

Did McCain 'mis up his facts'?? No, he lied. Period. She has NO control or decision making ability over the guard once they are in service. Further, the Guard Commander issued a statement saying that she hasn't made any decisions in regards to them.

McCain's also been saying for 3 days that Palin sold the governors jet on Ebay..."and made a profit'. This too is a lie. She TRIED to sell it on ebay, but there were no offers. So she sold it through a broker at a loss of 2.5 million.

Answer 3

Has the national guard, in Alaska ever been deployed? if not then I would say she is still in charge of them as a unit!!

What has obama been in charge of, besides being friends with the radical william ayers!!!!!, rev. wright. louis farrahkan!!!!

I do not think McCain mixed anything up!!

Answer 4

According to the Constitution of Alaska she is the Commander in Chief of the National Guard; like all the other 49 states Governor.  Your point?

This is angering this retired Veteran.  Regardless if it was 4200 or 42000 she has held the frigging job like all other frigging MALE Governors that held it.  Lay off the sexism!

Answer 5

Kind of.  The National Guard can be activated by the Governor in case of emergency, but the primary control is by the US Army who chooses when to activate them for active duty.

Answer 6

Yes she did control all those big, manly men!!!! They even had posters of her in their lockers, posing in a bikini riding a moose.

Answer 7

Governors are commanders in chief of their state and state forces, unless those forces are on a federal deployment (like you stated).  McCain is right, but his point is moot; it's not like states get invaded or governors routinely need military experience to command their state's forces.