Illinois National Guard Wary of Fiscal Cliff

The Illinois National Guard has a watchful eye on Congress as they work to stop automatic budget cuts.

If they happen as scheduled March 1, big changes are coming.  Bases across the state could be forced to require furlough days, even layoffs.  It's a situation the National Guard says could affect their ability to do their job.  "We have to be ready for any kind of emergency" says Major Brad Leighton.  "Whether it be for war or even a natural disaster or whatever may happen.  What you don't want to do is hollow out the force and create a paper tiger because when we're needed, we're needed."

If the cuts do kick in it means the Defense Department must cut $46 billion over the next seven months.