West Questions Abbott's Leadership as Soldiers Endure Challenges Along Border

While the nation faces shortages as a result of President Biden’s inflation-heavy economy, it appears that U.S. Soldiers deployed along the southern border with Mexico are being rationed with protective equipment and ammunition.

According to a press release by Lt. Colonel Allen West, a Republican candidate for governor of Texas, these soldiers deployed to deal with the border crisis brought upon by waves of illegal immigrants, are at risk of bodily harm as criminal drug cartels are actively targeting the military personnel.

West alleges that a “variety of shortcomings” have plagued military readiness along the border, stating that soldiers are enduring “force protection issues, equipment shortages, ammo shortages, housing shortages, task saturation issues, and Joint Task Force (JTF) attribution problems.”

“People on BOLO lists have entered the hotels of soldiers and stolen receipts and notebooks in an attempt to gain intel, most likely for cartels. Additionally, sicarios — cartel mercenaries — actively operate in many southern counties in Texas and troop security is not being effectively provided. These actions by cartel agents have resulted in no action by those high up in the chain of command,” added West.

West, who saw combat during Desert Shield, continued, saying that the U.S. Texas National Guard soldiers are “missing helmets, rifles, pistols, body armor, and rain gear,” as well as having to ration their ammunition.

This is not-so-subtle, yet veiled criticism of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott over his sole authority to deploy National Guard soldiers and to assure Texans that they well have the necessary equipment needed to protect themselves and execute their mission.

“As a combat veteran and commander, I find it unconscionable that we are inadequately placing our Texas Army National Guard troops in harm’s way. These Texans need a Commander-in-Chief that understands mission-oriented operations, not political optics, along with approving effective rules of engagement,” stated West.  Leadership is not about riding in boats and helicopters in the middle of the day. It means being on the ground, in the middle of the night on patrol with your troops. I did that before. I will do it again. Leaders should lead from the front.”

West recently welcomed Progressive Robert 'Beto' O'Rourke to the gubernatorial race.