Defense chief backs national use of Minnesota Guard program

Updated: August 7, 2007 - 11:33 PM

WASHINGTON - Defense Secretary Robert Gates is throwing his support behind a National Guard reintegration program pioneered by Minnesota's units, paving the way for its nationalization.

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WASHINGTON - Defense Secretary Robert Gates is throwing his support behind a National Guard reintegration program pioneered by Minnesota's units, paving the way for its nationalization.

In a memo sent to Rep. John Kline, R-Minn., obtained by the Star Tribune, Gates said the Pentagon would fund the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program for the Minnesota National Guard and will use it as a pilot program for national implementation. In doing so, Gates is also lifting a "hands-off" policy in place for returning troops so the organization can require that "reserve forces receive adequate reintegration support," according to the memo.

Kline, a helicopter pilot in the Vietnam War, sent a letter asking Gates to review the hands-off policy earlier this month so Guardsmen could get adequate support when returning from war. Guard units nationwide have shown interest in the program, Kline said Tuesday.

Kline said he is confident that the program will move toward national implementation once congressional action is taken to allocate $123 million.

"Moving this program nationwide is something I've been pushing," Kline said. Gates' approval means the Minnesota Guard can move forward, he said.

Last month, Minnesota Sens. Norm Coleman and Amy Klobuchar also sent separate letters to Gates asking him to repeal the hands-off policy so an intense reintegration program would be possible.

JAKE SHERMAN