Branstad to Obama: Don’t cut National Guard

Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad (R) hopes to deliver a message to President Obama on Monday on behalf of all governors: Don’t cut the size of the National Guard. 

“The message from all the governors of both parties is, don’t cut the National Guard,” Branstad said on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.” 

The Republican said he understands the Obama administration plans to scale back the size of the U.S. Army after building it up post-9/11.

{mosads}“Now, the Army is recommending major reductions in the National Guard instead of the regular Army, and we think that’s a big mistake,” he said. “That’s the message I’m going to bring to the president if I get an opportunity to ask a question.”

Branstad’s request comes as Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel prepares to unveil the Pentagon’s 2015 budget.

The New York Times reported on Monday the proposal will call for a reduction in the size of the Army to pre-World War II levels. 

Obama held a dinner for governors on Sunday night at the White House and will deliver remarks to the National Governors Association on Monday. He will also meet with governors of Western states to discuss the droughts and wildfires plaguing their states.