Washington Gov. Jay Inslee is seeking more modern equipment for a National Guard brigade in the state.
Gov. Jay Inslee asked national officials Thursday to convert the 81st Armored Brigade Combat Team to a Stryker brigade. That shift would give the National Guard updated equipment that may have previously been used in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Inslee says the old tanks being used by the 81st are too heavy to use on roads during emergencies, such as earthquakes and floods.
The governor's office says there is currently only one National Guard Stryker brigade in the country.