The National Guard's director is telling Delaware National Guard leaders they must maintain a ready posture despite federal budget cuts over the next decade.
Gen. Frank Grass told state Guard leaders Saturday that a federal budget deal in December provides some relief from automatic spending cuts approved by Congress. But the National Guard still expects to see its share of spending cuts.
A debate is ongoing over how to achieve spending reductions in the military while still maintaining a strong defense. One option could be to increase the side of the Guard and Reserve forces because they are less costly than full-time troops. But others foresee the National Guard shrinking significantly.
Grass said guardsmen need to focus on readiness, not budget debates.
![](https://media.nbcphiladelphia.com/2019/09/OTT-Philadelphia.png?fit=1920%2C1080&quality=85&strip=all&w=400&h=44&crop=1)