So far, the death of the Quds Force commander of the Guardians of the Iranian Revolution, Qassem Soleimani, does not imply the activation or deployment of the Puerto Rico National Guard to the Middle East just yet.
The General Assistant of the National Guard, José J. Reyes, said that the military attack by the United States government does not pose any risk to the country. However, Reyes assured that this military body is ready and prepared for any mission assigned to it.
“It is too early to express an opinion on the course of these events and how, if anything, it would affect us… The National Guard of Puerto Rico has not been activated or notified about a possible mobilization to this region, outside of what is already in schedule”
In any case, it would be the United States Department of Defense who activates the National Guard as support for the army. This would only happen if the military conflict extends over long periods. In addition, and as detailed by Reyes, the State would first mobilize its Military Forces, such as the US Army, Air Force, Marines and the Parachute Division of Fort Bragg in North Carolina.
“After the 9-11 attacks, we have sent more than 17,000 soldiers and airmen around the world: Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Kosovo, Bosnia and Cuba. If any other activation occurs, a military, engineering, logistics or infantry police battalion could be mobilized. We are talking about 500 to 700 for each battalion ”.
