Part of the negative reaction to the nomination of Governor Palin stems from the fact that most people don’t put “governor” and “national security” in the same sentence. Even border-state governors have a hard time showing national security bona fides.
However, as any map will show, Alaska is not the normal state. It’s the only state that borders Russia (at least until the Russian Far East is fully Sinicized, but that’s for another post), and as such, Governor Palin’s day-to-day responsibilities incllude some things that would make Mark Warner blanche and Tim Kaine go running to hide in his parallel universe.
Blackfive has the details (courtesy “Tom W.” – emphasis added):
Alaska is the first line of defense in our missile interceptor defense system. The 49th Missile Defense Battalion of the Alaska National Guard is the unit that protects the entire nation from ballistic missile attacks. It’s on permanent active duty, unlike other Guard units.
As governor of Alaska, Palin is briefed on highly classified military issues, homeland security, and counterterrorism. Her exposure to classified material may rival even Biden’s.
She’s also the commander in chief of the Alaska State Defense Force (ASDF), a federally recognized militia incorporated into Homeland Security’s counterterrorism plans.
Palin is privy to military and intelligence secrets that are vital to the entire country’s defense. Given Alaska’s proximity to Russia, she may have security clearances we don’t even know about.
FWIW, Blackfive himself is skeptical about Palin’s clearances vis a vis Biden. I beg to differ, though; Palin probably has clearances Biden doesn’t have, especially as he is neither on the Armed Services nor Homeland Security Committees.
The point is, Governor Palin is quite aware of the dangers our country faces - it comes with the job.
August 31, 2008 at 4:26 pm |
I would be extremely interested in more information and confirmation of this. I’d never thought of Alaska’s unique position in reference to defense.
If you get an more info please let me know…you know where to find me.
Mountain Sage
August 31, 2008 at 8:21 pm |
I’ll keep an eye out.
September 1, 2008 at 10:56 pm |
Ok, thanks….I’m still looking around for more info.
Mountain Sage
September 4, 2008 at 6:28 pm |
According to a 12/10/06 article in the Herald Tribune:
“While the 49th is an Alaska National Guard unit, Hildreth reports to Colonel Michael Yowell, commander of the 100th Missile Defense Brigade, based in Colorado.”
Apparently Palin is NOT Commander in Chief when it comes to this “special” unit. Funny how the author of the original blog post failed to mention that. Notice that he or she never explicitly stated that Palin was commander of the 49th. Rather, he or she only stated that the 49th was in Alaska. Hmmm…
October 6, 2008 at 9:41 am |
U.S. Northern Command only brought the 100th Missile Defense Brigade (Ground-Based Midcourse Defense, official location title) to operational level for the first time in response to the July 2006 North Korean missile crisis. The 100th was previously only maintained in test mode. If you are going to put out information, ensure it is accurate.